Founders Friday Mullingar: Learn from John Mee and Denise Buckley
If you’re a business owner in the Midlands, you know how hard it can be to grow a business and make the right decisions without a clear roadmap. That’s why Founders Friday matters. Hosted by Allpro Recruitment in collaboration with Midlandjobs.ie and Local Enterprise Office Westmeath, the event brings local founders and business owners together for an evening of insight, growth, and connection.
Event details:
- Date: Friday 17th April
- Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
- Location: Canton Casey’s Bar (Upstairs), Mullingar
- MC: Ronan Berry
- Cost: Free, with advance registration required
- Refreshments: Light refreshments provided
👉 Register now and be part of it.
Meet the Founders Sharing Their Stories
John Mee: From Startup to Global Exit
John Mee is one of the Midlands’ most recognised technology founders, and his journey is one that many business owners aspire to.
Starting out in Athlone, John built Sidero into a successful software company, navigating the challenges of scaling, hiring, and competing in a global market. His journey didn’t stop there.
Sidero was ultimately acquired by GlobalLogic, part of the Hitachi Group, a major milestone that few founders reach.
But what makes John’s story valuable isn’t just the outcome; it’s the path he took to get there.
What you’ll learn from John:
- How to move from employee to founder
- What it really takes to scale a business
- Lessons from growing and exiting a company
- The decisions that matter most at each stage of growth
This is real-world experience you won’t find in a textbook.
Denise Buckley: Building a Viral Consumer Brand
Denise Buckley has taken a completely different path, but one that’s just as powerful.
As the founder of Sugar Plum Sweetery and co-founder of Wholesome Kitchen, Denise has built a brand that stands out, not just locally, but nationally.
Her approach combines:
- A strong background in luxury retail
- A deep focus on customer experience
- Smart use of PR and product innovation
Her business gained major traction through its Willy Wonka-inspired retail experience, and more recently, by capitalising on viral trends, most notably the Dubai-style chocolate bar, which drove huge demand and visibility.
Denise was also named the Westmeath County Enterprise Award winner and will go on to represent the county at the National Enterprise Awards.
What you’ll learn from Denise:
- How to build a brand people talk about
- How to turn trends into real business growth
- The power of customer experience
Her story shows what’s possible when creativity meets strategy.
What You’ll Gain from Attending Founders Friday
This isn’t just another business event where you sit and listen. It’s designed to give you something you can actually use.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- Practical insights you can apply immediately
- No vague advice, just real strategies from people who’ve done it
- Inspiration from real success stories
- Hear what’s possible from founders who started where you are
- A chance to connect with like-minded business owners
- Meet people who understand your challenges and ambitions
- Local networking opportunities
- Build relationships within the Midlands business community
- Insights from both tech and consumer industries
- Learn from different sectors and approaches to growth
You’ll leave with new ideas, new perspectives, and new connections.
More Than Just Talks: Real Networking in Mullingar
One of the biggest advantages of Founders Friday is the environment.
This isn’t a formal, stiff conference; it’s a relaxed, welcoming space where conversations happen naturally.
Set in Canton Casey’s Bar in Mullingar, the evening is designed to encourage:
- Open discussion
- Shared experiences
- Genuine connections
And with Ronan Berry of Midlands 103 as MC, the event brings energy, structure, and a professional edge that keeps everything flowing.
The event is proudly supported by Midlandjobs.ie and Local Enterprise Office Westmeath, two organisations that play a key role in supporting business growth across the Midlands. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the local business community and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow.
This is where ideas are exchanged, collaborations begin, and relationships are built.
Event Details and How to Register
If you’re ready to learn, connect, and get inspired, here’s what you need to know:
Date: Friday, 17th April
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Canton Casey’s Bar (upstairs), Mullingar
Cost: Free (registration required)
Extras: Light refreshments provided
Spots are limited, and events like this tend to fill up quickly, so it’s worth booking early.
Don’t Miss One of the Top Entrepreneurship Events in the Midlands
Opportunities like this don’t come around often, especially at a local level.
You’re getting direct access to:
- Founders who have built and scaled successful businesses
- Honest insights you can actually apply
- A room full of people on the same journey as you
If you’re serious about growing your business, expanding your network, or simply learning from people who’ve been there before, this is an easy yes.
👉 Register now and secure your spot before it fills up.
A Must-Attend Business Event in the Midlands
Founders Friday is hosted by Allpro Recruitment, in collaboration with Midlandjobs.ie and Local Enterprise Office Westmeath.
Together, they’re creating something that the Midlands business community genuinely needs:
- A space to learn
- A space to connect
- A space to grow
Events like this play a key role in supporting local entrepreneurship and showcasing what’s possible within the region.
Why Business Owners in the Midlands Need Events Like This
The Challenge of Growing a Business Alone
Running a business can feel isolating.
You’re making decisions every day.
You’re solving problems without a clear guide.
And often, you don’t have access to people who’ve faced the same challenges.
That leads to:
- Slower growth
- Missed opportunities
- The expense of learning everything the hard way
The Power of Learning from Real Founders
There’s a big difference between theory and experience.
Experience teaches you:
- What actually works
- What to avoid
- How to make better decisions faster
And that’s exactly what Founders Friday delivers.
Real stories.
Real challenges.
Real lessons you can apply to your own business.
Final Takeaway
If you want to grow your business, you don’t have to do it alone.
You just need to be in the right room, with the right people, hearing the right conversations.
Founders Friday Mullingar is that room.
👉 Register now and be part of it.
Want to See What You Missed Last Time?
Curious what Founders Friday is really like?
Get a look at previous event, the insights shared, and the kind of connections being made across the Midlands business community.
