The Yeo family business Awards and More is well-known in the Hills as designers of awards for industry and sports groups but the man at the helm is also revered for his strong business ethic and work in the community.
Two of his latest commendations would make any business person proud but Mike just takes it in his stride.
On Australia Day, Mike received the inaugural Mayoral Commendation Award and at a recent Sydney Hills Business Chamber, he was named as honorary chamber ambassador. for his 20-plus years with the chamber.
Those awards are not given out willy-nilly and are in recognition of a man who gives so much back to the community.
Self-effacing, Mike says: “Community work is part of what I do, of who I am. I believe in giving back to the community.”
And give back he does, as long-term president of Castle Hill RSL sub-branch, helping with the annual Relay for Life fund-raiser and working with Foster Care Angels.
Through the sub-branch, Mike has helped with the Centenary of Anzac commemoration and has been an active Reservist.
Another cause close to his heart is getting young people into the workforce, through 2Realise, part of the Hills Schools Industry Partnership.
But Mike prefers to make awards than receive them. Since 2000, the former AMP sales executive has run his business Awards and More with wife Sandra, starting in their double garage.
“We were there until six years ago when the space got too small and we moved to Castle Hill, in the industrial area,” Mike said.
“Our business premises have gone from 66 sq ms to 184sq ms.”
With the range of awards for companies, sporting organisations and not-for-profits as well as customised promotional material that Awards and More has on offer, it is no wonder Mike had to move from his garage.
The awards are in the form of trophies, plaques, plastic and acrylic engraved awards as well as name badges, signs, pens and personalised clothing - whatever the client wants, within reason.
“Mostly people want something off the shelf but we can custom-make awards as well.”
One of his biggest clients is the WSABEs, the Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence, which he has helped drive.
At 69-years of age, Mike Yeo shows no sign of slowing down. He attributes his success to “going with the flow” - as long as the cash-flow is comfortable.
“My father used to say that you have to accept what you cannot change,” Mike said.
Fair enough. But when you have become a success through hard work and a soft heart, there is not much that you would want to change.
Awards and More is located at Unit 32/7 Anella Ave, Castle Hill. E: sales@awardsandmore.com.au P: 1300 377 736
