About Us
About Us
Our company started in 2010, with the aim of helping people save on their everyday living expenses. Over the last 10 years, we have continuously evolved, gone forward (and, more often than not, backwards) to create We Make A Difference.
Today, we’re proud of how far we’ve come to build a business that makes a real difference in our community. Our concept started as a cash back model, where our customers received cash back by shopping through our site.
We formed Global Online Shopping in 2013 and built a customised version of this model to better meet the needs of Australian shops, consumers and businesses.
This included securing a 5% discount on pre-purchased eCards at both Woolworths and Coles, which helped families save between $50 and $100 per month on groceries, petrol, beer and wine.
While the cash back model made sense in theory, we discovered that it didn’t really interest customers. It took at least 3 months to receive the cash back and, in the modern world of instant gratification, customers were not prepared to wait
Following this, our vision and direction changed; we removed the cash back model, re-named and re-branded to We Make A Difference.
We created a model that raised funds for not-for-profit organisations, with 2% of a customer’s purchase going to support their nominated charity, school or sporting club. In doing so, we created something our customers could get excited about on top of the special offers and coupons giving them an instant discount at the online checkout.
Today, We Make A Difference does exactly that, helping your members and customers save money while supporting charities and organisations in their community.
Meet the team
Rick Warren
CEO & founder
Kieran McHatton
National Manager of Small Business Development & Growth
Amit Sharma
CTO (GLOBAL)
Gary Olsen
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Greg Gibbins
Shareholder and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) with We Make a Difference.
Philippa Taylor
GLOBAL HEAD, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Dimple Sharma
BE In Computer Engenering
Rick Warren
Rick has operated his own business in the building industry for over 30 years, where he developed a range of diverse skills. Having won HIA awards, both on a National and a State level, Rick has a flair for creativity and innovation.
It was Rick’s vision to reduce the everyday living expenses for families and revolutionise the customer loyalty and fundraising industry that led to the development of We Make A Difference Pty Ltd. He has a true entrepreneurial spirit with a never give up attitude.
Kieran McHatton
Kieran has produced great success in his roles as General Manager of one of Australia’s leading Fire Protection Companies and leading the team as Bid Manager, at what is now called TPG (Formally SOUL Telecommunications).
His experience provides the background to understand the market, technology and social benefits that We Make A Difference can provide to sporting clubs, corporate and communities.
Amit Sharma
Amit Sharma is CEO of We Make A Difference India. BE In Information Technology
He has 17 years of experience as CEO and founder at Citadel InfoTech (India) in handling company operations and management in the Information and Technology sector, including planning and performance management for his company.
Amit Sharma is responsible for day-to-day operations, as well as leading the company’s product development and technology strategy.
Gary Olsen
Gary joined the We Make A Difference team in 2019 as the CFO. Gary has over 26 years’ experience in the accounting and advisory industry, working as a Managing Director and Partner in some of South Australia’s largest and well-known practices.
He has worked with an array of clients including; small to medium enterprises, private companies, start-up businesses and high net wealth individuals. Gary specialises in advisory services such as; designing business and accelerated growth plans, business coaching and mentoring as well assisting with compliance obligations.
In developing a high level understanding of his craft, Gary has come on board to share his expertise with the We Make A Difference team.
He brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and passion to the business and will provide We Make A Difference with personable and actionable advice to help continue and grow its success.
Greg Gibbins
Greg Gibbins is a Shareholder and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) with We Make a Difference. In this role, Greg is intimately involved in all aspects of the company’s operations, including administration, sales, finance, marketing, data analytics and reporting, client implementations and account management.
Before joining We Make a Difference in early 2019, Greg worked for 25 years for a diverse range of organisations, including small business start-ups in the IT sector and large corporations in the transport and logistics industry. Greg has also been involved throughout his career working with several philanthropic and non for profit organisations.
Philippa Taylor
Philippa brings strong corporate experience to our team, having built and led a highly successful advisory company for the past 8 years working with corporate, government and for-purpose Boards and CEOs in governance and people management matters. She is also an experienced non-executive director and Chair of Remuneration & Nominations Committees, and currently sits on two Boards: Western Leisure Services Ltd and the International Women’s Development Agency.
Dimple Sharma
A team player expert at developing, Marketing & managing relationships at all levels of the business and as an influencer to senior management.
Skilled at managing vendor and strategic partnership relationships. I am a determined and focused individual with the ability to apply my education and experience in a imaginative approach to problem solving and getting job done in timely manner.
