WWW.HCN.NEWS | HCN | Hardware Channel News, launched in late April 2015, is a digital integrated marketing communications platform created to service the Hardware Retail, Trade & Tools Specialists, and the Home Improvement industry.Call HCN a news portal, website, blog, social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn) or a digital publication – we gather news from all sources and our hybrid format is deliberately casual, straightforward and convenient.Engineered to engage, it will change the way news is consumed and how companies should communicate their products and services. Updated several times a week, this service is at no cost to you.Complimentary Advertising. Leverage our very well connected networks and news channel for free. Display Banner Ads, Products, Profiles, and Editorial come with our compliments and there are no hidden catches ever. It's Ray's way of saying thank you - with 15 years in the industry and publishing business, this is what he does best and still loving it! We pretty much have all your bases covered.WWW.HCN.NEWS is powered by RQ Consulting.___________Clarification: Although Ray was instrumental in monetising and created much needed brand activation for Hardware Network News, Ray, RQ Consulting and HCN.NEWS are not affiliated with the aforementioned service, nor do they endorse this business. Please contact Ray for more info about this business and its proprietors.

Ray is currently involved with several companies in building their brand differentiation which amalgamates traditional media with the digital domain. Planned methodologies include cost-effective and comprehensive ‘through the line’ approaches to remain on top of digital communications and brand marketing without being distracted by the ‘noise’ of unnecessary technology or ‘above the line’ advertising platforms.With over 15 years’ experience in eCommerce, media, publishing & account management, he maintains an extensive and intimate network within the hardware retail industry.In his opinion, traditional print media is still coming to terms with the impact of digital publishing; and digital advertising should be a fraction of print advertising given the current state of play. With his devout passion for the hardware industry, there will be undoubtedly new offerings to service the industry - stay tuned.

Ray brought his brand of BDM to the business which proved instrumental in monetising this online news service. He developed sales & marketing collateral with processes for Net Percent to effectively create a revenue stream offering digital services. Hardware News Network was a start up portal in 2012. After an arduous 18 months, the site owners had to collaborate with Ray to finally brand activate and monetise the site. He is no longer affiliated nor does he endorse this company's business. Contact Ray for more info about this business and its proprietors. With over 15 years’ experience in media, publishing & account management within the hardware industry, Ray was the sales, marketing & business development arm for this business.In September 2014, the portal finally achieved its intend awareness and engaged its inaugural group of advertisers such as ITW Proline, Hardware Building Traders (HBT), Spot-on Laser & Tool Company, Globel Industries and Mecca Consulting, etc.Ray's efforts have proven cost-effective with notable outcomes for both this business and clients.He has made a positive and professional impact by progressively working on branding and strategic marketing communications objectives. Net Percent benefitted as it allowed their business to achieve greater reach to a wider targeted audience – bringing increased awareness to the industry’s stakeholders and influencers. Additionally, display ads featured on the site and weekly eNewsletters were specifically created for clients by Ray. This is to enable a quick turnaround for clients who do not have their own creative agencies but wanted to engage in the digital sphere. Essentially, he facilitated advertisers’ integration with traditional and new media.Any of the hardware brands mentioned here and others within the industry will be able to attest to his level of commitment, aptitude and client service.Ray is the principal at RQ Consulting with extensive networks within the hardware industry.

The Australian Hardware Journal is the flagship of Glenvale Publications. Its suite of trade magazines include:• Australian Hardware Journal;• Hire & Rental / Events & Equipment Magazine;• Power Equipment Australasia; • Greenworld Magazine;• Auto Parts & Accessories Journal (defunct); and• Golf & Sports Turf Magazine (defunct).As general manager and publisher across all titles, Ray managed all the above industry-based publications, achieving significant growth in annual revenues and noteworthy market penetration of the mastheads. He began his tenure in 2002 as advertising manager. On the demise of the founding publisher in April 2014, he parted company with Glenvale Publications.Publisher & General Manager (2006–2014)• In 2006, implemented detailed employment contracts and company policies (none prior to his employment).• Ad sales budget forecasts and revenue generation.• In 2012, book published, “Hardware Evolution – Celebrating 125 Years of the Hardware Journal”. - Solely responsible for sales 153% above sales budget. - Created all marketing and sales collateral. - Staged VIP event at NGV.• Redesigned masthead - Hardware Journal turning 125 years.• Staff recruitment & training.• Magazines redesign 2006 and in 2010.• Prototyped smart device app.• Created marketing collateral & sales support materials.• Implemented eNewsletters & Digital Magazines.• Strategic media partnerships with global tradeshows and events. - International Hardware Fair, Cologne. - Spoga Garden Trade Fair, Cologne. - China International Hardware Show, Shanghai. - Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). - Taiwan Hardware Show.• Media partnerships with retail groups: - Hardware Building Traders. - Home Timber Hardware Group. - Mitre 10. - Construction Supplies Specialists. - Total Tools. - United Tools.• Media partnerships with associations: - Hardware Federation of Australia. - Hardware Associations of VIC / TAS; QLD; & SA.

eGuide Australia, was the Perth-based division of an international online business directory and internet solutions company headquartered in Singapore.Primary responsibilities:- Establishing new markets including creating strategic partnerships between Australian businesses with the lucrative South East Asian market.- My main focus was to negotiate and secure partnerships/joint ventures with local government entities, international online companies and SMEs.- Implementing sales and marketing methodologies and product development which were adopted by the company at a group level.- I was transferred to Melbourne to set up branch operations, and reported directly to the MD in Australia, and CEO in Singapore.- Representing Australia in a regional steering committee focusing on implementation of marketing & communication strategies for revenue growth and brand penetration.- Maintaining a strong client base achieved through sales leads, repeat business and quality client referrals – achieving sales budgets (result: 30% above target) on three core products.- Recruiting, training, mentoring and sales performance.- Providing the highest level of service ensuring that internet strategies were deployed on time and managing client’s expectations through liaison with clients, agencies and production.

Whilst completing my eCommerce post graduate studies, I was appointed by the Information Systems Head of School to tutor the following units:• Electronic Commerce 203 (Technologies).• Electronic Commerce 201 (Internet Functions & Facilities).• Information Systems 100 (Core Unit).• Academic Preparation Program (Post Graduate), which I personally developed the core curriculum.Primary Responsibilities:• Ensuring performance of the undergraduate class and maintaining the standards of Curtin University’s academic curriculum – technical and non-technical.• Integrating industry developments to facilitate implementation of new technologies, functions and facilities in the university’s course syllabus. This was achieved by consulting with the Course Unit Leaders.