Meet our team
Paul Breen, Founder
Founder/co-founder or investor in 10 companies in the past two decades and pioneer of pop-up retailing in Australia and New Zealand, Paul is a buyer and 'fixer' of distressed businesses.
Passionate about innovation and solving complex market problems Paul is relentless in his drive to think entrepreneurially and creatively. He has invested in market disrupting companies like Epay Australia which grew to 90% market leadership in prepaid payments in 3 years which sold to a US-listed company. Was the CEO of a disruptive electricity retailer, Powershop. And currently a board director / advisory board member of numerous companies including Calendar Club, Intern Match and Learning Unlocked.
Check out his book "The Entrepreneurial Way, 92 Success Secrets and Shortcuts to Unleash the Entrepreneur in You"!
Jerome Gauder, Recruiting great people
Jerome has been in and around the Calendar Club business for over 27 years. Having performed many roles over the years from Licensee in his first year at Chadstone, Victoria, through to Managing Director, Jerome has a real hands-on view of our operations. With a corporate career leading senior teams in large Multi National's, he has a wealth of knowledge in Retail and Shopping Centre Operations.
Jerome loves to Travel, play and watch sport and listen to heavy metal music as loud as possible! He also loves to sell calendars! His wife, two daughters and friends have all worked in the Calendar Club business and will be back to help him recruit the next crop of outstanding returning and new Licensees. Victorian stores will also see him out in the field and no doubt you all will as he leads our recruiting this year. You can also probably sell him a Far Side or Kiss Calendar!
Stephen Jones, Director Operations & Distribution
Steve has been with Calendar Club since 2008, and has taken on various roles including IT Manager and Recruitment Manager. Now our Director of Operations and Distribution, Stephen is highly organised and detailed orientated. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and had his own franchise in 1997 up until 2008. His specialities include Retailing, Project Management, developing Training methodologies, and motivating others.
Stephen also assists our team of State Managers and support staff to open 120+ popup locations in shopping centres throughout Australia and New Zealand. Between seasons, Steve is involved in major projects including implementing Pronto ERP into our retail, warehouse, purchasing, and accountancy operations.
“Even after 14+ years I still enjoy my job and coming to work. I love the positive energy around me and engaging with colleagues, sharing ideas and knowledge.”
James Kyritsis, Director Technology & Ecommerce
James was one of the founding members of Calendar Club ANZ back 26+ years ago when he was contracted as a programmer to develop our first Warehouse / Distribution software.
He left for the corporate world after two years completing the application and re-joined Calendar Club ANZ six years ago. Now leading our technology and ecommerce space with 20+ years of technology leadership, James brings a wealth of experience, calmness, and strategic thinking in improving our technology platforms, which includes the annual configuration and preparation of our store POS systems and improving our ecommerce offering.
Vera Chan, Director Merchandising
Vera joined Calendar Club part time in 2002 as a fresh
Industrial Engineering graduate while finishing her Master's in Business
Systems, I.T. In 2007, she got on board with us as an Internet &
Operations Project Manager, then our Recruitment Manager and is now responsible for developing our product range and kiosk layout for all our stores. She has gained experience in every aspect of the business: administration, eCommerce, marketing, operations, retail management, budgeting, process improvement & automation, recruitment and now merchandising. Her multifaceted career enables her to successfully meet our business goals year after year.
“I love how we evolve together as a team. Every year is different. I am particularly proud as I continue to see these changes help the company grow beyond expectations”
Jo Price, Financial Controller
Jo is a qualified Accountant and Finance Manager and has been an integral part of Calendar Club’s team since 2017. Coming from 20 years of finance and management experience in the manufacturing and retail sectors, Jo contributes a wealth of experience in streamlining all aspects of Calendar Club.
Lighting up the office with her witty take on life, we love how she replaced our pod coffee machine with one that uses ground coffee. We diligently practice the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Rot, and Recycle, and Jo's initiative makes the coffee get disposed of in our compost bin which nourishes our garden and
warehouse veggie patch.
“What I love most about working at Calendar Club is that we work together in a strong entrepreneurial team environment to achieve goals and continuous growth.”
Ay Giok Khoe, Administration Manager
Ay [pronounced "I"] is the backbone of Calendar Club and loved by everyone. Each year, she manages 120+ licensee contracts, ensures stock, payments, training material, and everything needed to run a Calendar Club store. She ensures everything operates and flows seamlessly between Calendar Club and licensees. She joined Calendar Club in 2006 as a Data Warehouse Administrator while completing her Masters of I.T at Monash University. Since then, she has upscaled to mastering technical programs that enable our nationwide 120+ franchises to make million-plus sales every year.
"Calendar Club gives you so much chance to grow. There is no limitation to learn other things that may interest you as long as you take responsibility for it. The inspiration we get from working here goes beyond the office to our homes and community. My time here has made me confident enough to take initiative everywhere.”
Estelle Arts, New Zealand Manager
Estelle is an integral part of the Calendar Club team. Starting with Calendar Club in 2012 as our New Zealand Manager Estelle manages the New Zealand office and warehouse.
This includes everything from the store portfolio, licensees, coordinating stock and fixtures and working in the recruitment team in both Australia and New Zealand. Estelle’s knowledge and experience in sales, management and retail contributes to the growth we have experienced year after year.
“Calendar Club has successfully blended together a great team of diversity in skills and experience. This is a great company to be part of and there certainly is some excitement and fever associated with a seasonal business which is motivating.”
Anthea Cooper, Marketing & Communications Manager
Joining Calendar Club in 2022, Anthea fits right in, bringing a positive vibe to the
team. She has extensive experience in marketing, brand management and
project management in the corporate and retail world, working and living abroad
and running her own business. Her role at Calendar Club includes all things
marketing and communications from sourcing licensees, creating content,
developing communications, branding, and store marketing.
“I can see why most employees of Calendar Club have been with the company for over 5 years! The culture, environment and ‘go getting’ attitudes are positive and encouraging and makes me enjoy coming to work every day!”
Billy Adam, Warehouse & Distribution Specialist
Billy has been with Calendar Club since 2004 and manages inward and outward stock and, preparing and building store fixtures for our 110+ stores. When the season is over it’s Billy’s job to make sure all the fixtures and displays are returned in good condition and ready for the next season. When he’s not busy in the warehouse Billy has created a veggie patch which helps us stay sustainable by using all our food scraps for the compost. Coming from a customer service background Billy is easy to get along with, hardworking and has a strong work ethic.
“I like working for such a unique company whose focus has always been on producing seasonal popup stores with high quality Calendars on offer”
Terry Cridland, Sales Manager QLD
With a background in business banking and retail Terry ran his own Calendar Club Store in 2010 after selling his Angus and Robertson franchise he’d been running for 7 years. His store was a huge success and Terry was offered the role as Operations Manager. He now continues to work for Calendar Club on a seasonal basis. He enjoys helping licensees achieve targets and get the financial rewards when running a store.
“I've been impressed by the longevity of Calendar Club. During my time I've witnessed the business continually adapt and become more efficient without ever losing its focus”