team members

Edward (Ted) Turnour commenced his professional journey as an Army Officer, dedicating 21 years of service to the Australian Defence Force. Transitioning into the realm of entrepreneurship, he thrived as a small business owner for over 25 years, consistently demonstrating his acumen for innovation and keeping abreast of emerging technologies. Notably, Ted's passion for design and commitment to continuous education fueled the development of patented modular and screening systems, exemplifying his dedication to pushing boundaries.

Motivated by the potential of disruptive technologies to effect positive change, Ted's primary focus lies in enhancing everyday business practices with sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions. He is particularly enthusiastic about revolutionizing current practices by integrating circular economies, and leveraging recycled plastics and vehicle tires. To bring these concepts to fruition, Ted assembled a proficient design team to create intellectual property-protected product designs that utilize recycled waste and reintroduce it into the economy through innovative new products.

Through insightful discussions with Brendan (Ras) regarding Community Housing and breaking the mold of high housing costs, Ted forged several fruitful collaborations that ultimately culminated in the establishment of Syngensis. Recognizing the transformative power of networking in commercializing new technologies, Ted is dedicated to aligning business models with the desired outcomes of each venture.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ted nurtures diverse interests, including AFL football, electric scooters, and designing a cost-effective VAWT wind turbine. He remains steadfast in his commitment to positively impacting the world. Ted holds a BA from UTAS, underscoring his dedication to continuous personal and professional development.

Happily married and residing in Brisbane, Australia, Ted embraces both the challenges and rewards of his multifaceted life journey.

Skip grew up in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where the TV series I Dream of Jeannie took place. He enlisted in the Navy, graduating from advanced Russian language and cryptology training just as the Cold War ended and the Berlin Wall came down. Skip left the Navy enlisted ranks to attend and graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996, after which he received a commission as a Surface Warfare Officer and plank owner aboard the brand-new guided missile destroyer USS Decatur and a nuclear aircraft carrier the USS John C Stennis. After achieving top ratings as a junior officer, Skip left the Navy to enter the Silicon Valley tech industry. 

Skip lived the life of a road-warrior technology project/program manager, traveling around North America, Europe and South America leading large international IT projects for Fortune 500 companies - and later for the US Navy, which managed to lure him back as a consultant. He then started a cyber security consulting and technology development firm with some highly accomplished tech colleagues. They achieved success by advising senior government and commercial tech leaders in the US and Europe on technology purchases and strategic security management methodologies, and over time Skip found himself working primarily in Europe. When COVID made it impossible to travel, Skip decided it was time to do move on to a new challenge. He returned to consulting for the US government in 2021 as an advisor to a senior political appointee overseeing a $12B+ USD portfolio of critically important social and community economic development programs. 

Skip left his consulting role in June 2024 to go full time into his international business development efforts with Syngensis to bring vitally needed and disruptive innovations to market. Skip married a Laotian immigrant and has been an active supporter of non-profits focused on mine/unexploded ordnance efforts in Laos and worldwide, such as Mines Advisory Groupand Legacies of War. Skip is on the board of the Lao Heritage Foundation. He also supports veteran and wounded warrior support organizations such as TAPS and No Greater Sacrifice. 

Vat has established herself as a highly accomplished entrepreneur throughout her career. Her entrepreneurial journey began with the organic formation of a business that flourished into a multimillion-dollar enterprise under her guidance. Recognized for her skills at increasing profit margins, Vat was sought after as a consultant by her industry peers.

This pivotal transition led her to her current role as a distinguished small business and start-up consultant. She has effectively collaborated with clients spanning diverse sectors, including the green industry, construction, and IT. Leveraging her exceptional problem-solving abilities and innovative mindset, Vat has successfully resolved critical business challenges related to Human Resources, marketing, management, and the establishment of robust standard operating procedures.

In addition to her consultancy expertise, Ms. Ross has made remarkable strides as a real estate investor and consultant specializing in both short-term and long-term residential properties. Her multifaceted involvement encompasses project management, interior decoration, and general contracting, where she fearlessly wields hammers to ensure project completion.

While Vat dedicates her time to resolving complex business issues and orchestrating organizational structures, she also expresses her creative talents as an author and artist. She recently authored and illustrated an inspirational series of children's books, empowering young minds to embrace and pursue their dreams.

With vast experiences and diverse perspectives, Vat brings invaluable organizational acumen to her professional endeavors. Furthermore, her deep understanding of technological innovations enables her to drive sustainable growth within her ventures.

Ric brings a diverse experience to the team. His initial career was as an officer in the New Zealand Army, where he undertook various command, training, and headquarters roles, specializing in problem-solving, strategic and tactical planning, military intelligence, and fostering leadership and communication skills. His military tenure brought him to different regions, including Papua New Guinea and the Former Yugoslavia.

Transitioning from military service, Ric entered the not-for-profit sector, assuming senior management and Chief Executive roles. In these capacities, he honed his expertise in governance, strategic and operational business planning, leadership, marketing, project management, contract negotiation, financial literacy, performance improvement, and communication skills. These roles also equipped him with a profound understanding of government operations at all levels, involving negotiations with public servants, business leaders, and engagement with regional politicians, central government ministers, and members of parliament.

Committed to community development, Ric actively participates in various local and national community organizations. Over the years, he has chaired several Boards and presently serves on the Boards of numerous local and national entities.

Ric is married with three children and resides just south of Auckland, New Zealand. He holds a Masters Degree in Defence Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, and is a graduate of the Australian Army Command and Staff College.