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The Real Biz Life Chronicles
Unedited stories of Business, Branding and Life.
Banish boring as Tracy Fryer and her guests take a ride on the rollercoaster of being a business owner - or of simply being human! Get ready to learn exactly what it takes to grow with distinction and show mediocrity the middle finger. In this podcast Tracy interview’s authentic business owners, who share their story of building a successful business, their strategies behind their success and leading the way.
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The Real Biz Life Chronicles
#135 Think Cheap Branded Pens Save Money? Matthew Cody Reveals the Truth
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Why Cheap Branded Pens Cost You More Than You Think
Most businesses treat branded merchandise as an afterthought. Matthew Cody has spent nearly 30 years making the case that this is exactly where brands get remembered, or forgotten.
Matthew is the owner of Cody Group, a premium branded merchandise company serving businesses across Australia. He grew up in his family's business, Olympia Publishing, founded in 1987, spent his teenage years in the warehouse, and in 2016 made the decision to purchase it himself. A moment he calls both the bravest and the craziest thing he's ever done.
In this conversation, Matthew shares why cheap products send a message your business doesn't intend, what it actually takes to create merchandise people keep and use, and how a single quality item can hold your brand in front of someone for years. We also talk about the real cost of building a business, the loneliness of going it alone, and the health shift that changed his clarity in ways he never expected.
About Matthew Cody
Matthew Cody is the owner of Cody Group, and his journey into business began at Olympia Publishing, the family business founded in 1987, where he learned how products were made, how clients were served, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.
In 2016, he made the defining decision to purchase the business himself and reimagined it completely, growing it into Cody Group, a leading force in premium branded merchandise for businesses across Australia. His philosophy is simple: when a product is thoughtful, useful and beautifully made, it becomes more than merchandise. It becomes part of someone's daily life, and that's when a brand is truly remembered.
Connect with Matthew Cody:
Cody Group — codygroup.com.au
Matthew Cody on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/matthew-cody-aus
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About Tracy:
Tracy Fryer is a branding powerhouse, speaker, and founder of Design Studio Perth and Trace Designs Bespoke. She’s dedicated to helping business owners and creatives build brands that truly reflect their values, passions, and long-term vision. As the host of The Real Biz Life Chronicles, Tracy brings raw, insightful conversations that push entrepreneurs to embrace bold growth, develop strategic branding, and lead with unapologetic confidence. Her approach is refreshingly real—blending deep expertise with a passion for authenticity, creative excellence, and business success.
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