Client Experiences

Supporting First-Time International Investment – Acquisition of Seabreeze Resort Samoa

Client: Roonie Weeks & Chris Hocking
Industry: Hospitality & Tourism
Location: Samoa
Adviser: Scott Young, Director, Accounting & Business Advisory, Hood Sweeney

Overview

When Roonie Weeks and Chris Hocking set out to acquire the award-winning Seabreeze Resort Samoa, they were embarking on their first international business venture.

With a vision for growth and a passion for tourism and unique experiences, they turned to Hood Sweeney for expert guidance through the complexities of cross-border acquisition.

Scott Young, Director in Hood Sweeney’s Accounting & Business Advisory, provided strategic advice and technical support to ensure the purchase was structured for long-term success, compliant with international regulations, and aligned with the clients’ broader financial goals.

Hood Sweeney delivered a tailored suite of services to support the acquisition, including:

Due Diligence

• Conducted financial and tax due diligence on the resort’s operations.

• Identified risks and opportunities to inform the purchase decision.

Tax Structuring & Planning

• Advised on the optimal ownership structure to support asset protection and tax efficiency.

• Navigated international tax implications, including double taxation agreements and profit repatriation.

Cross-Border Compliance

• Assisted with regulatory requirements for foreign investment in Samoa.

• Coordinated with legal and our wealth protection advisers to ensure a smooth transaction.

Financial Modelling & Forecasting

• Developed financial models to assess the resort’s performance and future cash flow.

• Supported funding strategies and liaised with financial institutions.

Payroll & Operational Setup

• Implemented a review of payroll systems, point of sale, staff rostering and integration across all systems.

• Provided guidance on local employment tax obligations.

Post-Acquisition Support

• Established accounting systems and reporting frameworks.

• Provided ongoing tax and compliance advice to support operational success.

Outcome

The successful acquisition of Seabreeze Resort Samoa marks a significant milestone for Roonie and Chris as they expand into the international market.

Hood Sweeney is proud to have supported their first global venture with strategic insight and practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges of cross-border investment.

“This project reflects our commitment to helping clients grow with confidence - no matter where opportunity takes them.” - Scott Young, Director, Hood Sweeney

The $1.5 Million Phone Call – Income Protection Advocacy

Client: Confidential
Industry: Undisclosed
Location: South Australia
Adviser: Mark Mullins, Director & Senior Financial Planner | Life Insurance, Hood Sweeney Securities Pty Ltd AFSL 220897

Overview

Sometimes, a single phone call can change everything.

When an insurer notified us that a client had contacted them directly to cancel their income protection policy, we immediately re-engaged the insurer to halt the cancellation and reached out to the client to ensure they understood their options.

That call turned out to be a critical intervention.

The client, facing mental health challenges and unable to work, had cancelled the policy due to financial strain unaware that their cover included mental illness and that they were eligible to make a claim.

Income Protection Strategy

• Originally recommended and implemented an income protection policy tailored to the client’s occupation and personal circumstances.
• Maintained regular reviews to ensure the policy remained appropriate over time.

Claims Advocacy

• Initiated the claims process on the client’s behalf, ensuring all necessary documentation and medical evidence were submitted.
• Provided guidance and support throughout the process to reduce stress and confusion during a difficult time.

Ongoing Representation

• Continued to liaise with the insurer to manage the claim and ensure timely benefit payments.
• Offered the client ongoing clarity and reassurance as their situation evolved.

Outcome

To date, the client has received $157,000 in benefits. With 10 years remaining on their benefit period and indexed cover, they may be entitled to a further $1.38 million if they remain on claim.

This case is not just about the policy, it’s about the value of advice, oversight, and advocacy when it matters most.

“Insurance is complex. Clients don’t always know what they have or what they’re giving up. It’s our job to inform them, so they can make educated decisions. We don’t compete with advisers - we complement them.” - Mark Mullins*, Director & Senior Financial Planner | Life Insurance, Hood Sweeney Securities Pty Ltd

* Mark Mullins is a Representative of Hood Sweeney Securities Pty Ltd AFSL 220897

Supporting Tailormade Tours on the Journey to Financial Resilience

Client: Leeann Scholz & Danny Brennan
Industry: Tourism, Events & Hospitality
Location: Alice Springs, NT
Adviser: Marisa Riccio, Managing Director, Accounting & Business Advisory, Hood Sweeney

Overview

Tailormade Tours, a family-owned tourism, catering and venue hire business based in Alice Springs, has been operating since 1965.

When Leeann Scholz and Danny Brennan set out to purchase the business from Danny’s parents in the early 2000s, they were first-time proprietors with a clear vision but limited experience in business ownership.

Introduced to Hood Sweeney by a fellow business owner in Alice Springs, Leeann and Danny began working with Marisa Riccio, Managing Director in Hood Sweeney’s Accounting & Business Advisory team, to navigate the complexities of succession planning and business acquisition.

Since then, Hood Sweeney has become a trusted partner in Tailormade’s growth and resilience journey.

Hood Sweeney’s Support

Over the years, Hood Sweeney has provided a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the evolving needs of Tailormade Tours, including:

Business Acquisition & Structuring

• Guided the purchase of the family business and subsequent sale of a business division.

• Advised on ownership structures to support long-term sustainability.

Financial Management & Advisory

• Delivered ongoing accounting and compliance services.

• Supported finance applications for property acquisitions and business expansion.

Grants & Funding

• Assisted with applications for government grants and COVID-19 support funding.

Superannuation

• Established and advised on a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF).

Crisis Navigation & Resilience

• Helped the business remain financially stable through the challenges of the global pandemic.

• Positioned Tailormade for recovery and future growth as travel restrictions eased.

Outcome

With Hood Sweeney’s support, Tailormade Tours has not only weathered significant industry disruption but emerged with renewed confidence and a clear path forward. As international travel resumes and event bookings return, Leeann and Danny are optimistic about the future.

“Hood Sweeney really is an extension of our business – a part of our team. We’ve always felt valued, and the advice is tailored, relevant and personal to our needs.” – Leeann Scholz, Co-owner, Tailormade Tours

Supporting Clients Through Life’s Unexpected Turns – Income Protection Advocacy

Client: Dr Kara Johns
Industry: Medical
Location: South Australia
Adviser: Mark Mullins, Director & Senior Financial Planner | Life Insurance, Hood Sweeney Securities Pty Ltd AFSL 220897

Overview

Dr Kara Johns, a General Practice Registrar, has been a Hood Sweeney client since 2015, working with both our Accounting & Business Advisory and Financial Planning* teams.

Over the years, Kara received what she described as “sound advice” from her advisers. But when her circumstances changed unexpectedly, that advice proved to be more than sound - it was life changing.

Years earlier, Kara had been encouraged by Mark Mullins, Director and Senior Financial Planner | Life Insurance, to take out an income protection policy - a safeguard designed to provide financial support in the event of illness or injury.

When Kara faced a health challenge that prevented her from working, Mark and the Hood Sweeney Securities team stepped in to help her navigate the claims process and advocate on her behalf.

Income Protection Strategy

• Recommended and implemented an income protection policy tailored to Kara’s profession and risk profile.

• Guided her through the underwriting process and conducted regular policy reviews to ensure continued suitability.

Claims Advocacy

• Provided hands-on support when Kara’s initial claim was declined by the insurer.

• Acted as her advocate throughout the internal dispute resolution process and escalated the matter to AFCA, the independent complaints authority.

Ongoing Representation

• Coordinated and submitted documentation for the AFCA hearing.

• Attended proceedings and continued to manage correspondence with the insurer to ensure accountability.

Outcome

After more than a year of persistence and advocacy, Kara’s claim was approved - a result that provided financial stability during a difficult time.

Hood Sweeney is proud to have stood by Kara, not only in planning for the future but in protecting it when it mattered most.

“We are our client’s advocate through the claims process. When life changes unexpectedly, we’re there to ensure the support they planned for is delivered.”
- Mark Mullins, Director, Hood Sweeney

*Hood Sweeney Securities Pty Ltd. AFSL No. 220897. ABN 40 081 455 165

Business Kept Running Amid Restructuring

Hood Sweeney Technology Services (now trading as Orlo One) assisted in a move to a serverless environment for Hender Consulting following a major ICT restructuring of the Hender businesses.

After a period of business growth and the development of different technology needs, our Technology team worked with the organisation’s Finance and IT teams to find the optimal way for the businesses to stay connected to vital systems and information during an ICT restructuring.

The decision was made to move, or migrate, part of the business - Hender Consulting, Hender Careers, and Entrée Recruitment - to a 100% cloud or serverless environment utilising Microsoft 365 / Azure services.

The Hood Sweeney team moved about 40 staff to the cloud, with no interruption to business.

Hender Consulting is now set up for flexible workplace arrangements including staff working from home, as there is no reliance on the office space. Security and automation and process streamlining was also a key part of the migration.

Having a more consistent and centrally managed environment also has reduced the need for first level IT support, freeing up resources to work on other projects.

Says Brad Weight, ICT Leader at Hender: “Hood Sweeney’s expertise not only made this entire restructure possible but also a very smooth transition."

"I don’t believe it would have been as successful, or even possible, without the support from Hood Sweeney Technology.”

Empowering Adelaide Festival's Technology Needs Since 2016

Hood Sweeney Technology Services (now trading as Orlo One) has supported Adelaide Festival’s technology needs since 2016, getting to know the behind-the-scenes, business side of the state’s standout arts and cultural festival, which runs annually in so-called Mad March.

Our services include helping set up more than a dozen temporary sites with computers and connectivity, given festival events are presented at multiple locations across the city; upgrading the phone system to 3CX to facilitate mobility; and upgrading systems’ security to mitigate risks to festival data.

We also upgraded infrastructure to a mix of Hybrid and Cloud Technology to improve the user experience when working remotely and in the office.

Adelaide Festival said the Hood Sweeney Technology team is “skillful and dependable”.

“We find Hood Sweeney’s team to be reliable in handling issues that arise and able to react on their feet during our busy period. The team listens to our needs closely and is super responsive.”

‘They Always Have a Solution’

TMK Consulting Engineers has provided design and documentation services to many commercial and residential developers, government departments, councils, and builders on construction projects for more than 35 years.

When it comes to internal office hardware and software support. TMK have chosen Hood Sweeney Technology Services (now trading as Orlo One) as their trusted supplier since 2009. This has included filling in for the IT Manager when on leave, procuring software & hardware and support.

Hood Sweeney Technology has also assisted with the major office relocation project providing both planning and hands on support to make this as smooth a transition as possible with minimal downtime for their large busy team.

Stuart Anson, TMK Information & Communication Technology Manager says: “The Hood Sweeney team have provided excellent service to TMK over many years. Quick to respond, they always have a solution no matter the size or complexity of the task. An ongoing fruitful partnership, keep up the great work.”