Matthew is the business principle and founder of Independent Commodity Management and is based in Toowoomba Qld. Matthew's interest in Agriculture dates back to his youth when he attended an Agricultural High School prior to entering a cadetship with Elders. Following 3 years working in both merchandise and stock Matthew joined Colly Farms, a vertically integrated cotton production, ginning and marketing company. Matthew's roles at Colly over the ensuing 9 years had him operating in all valleys of the cotton industry culminating in his position as Grower Services manager overseeing accumulation of bales for both the ginning and marketing components of the business.
As the cotton marketing industry matured and evolved Matthew identified an opportunity to change the way producers approached their marketing and started ICM in September 2000. Working with a group of both existing and new clients Matthew has been involved with the growth of the business from his living room in the formative days to what it is today. Matthew firmly believes that relationships and trust remain central to the marketing of agricultural commodities and is committed to ensuring that transparency and profitability are not compromised during the process.
Matthew and his wife Belinda have three children Mitchell, Laura and Sam.
Andrew Cottle
Andrew joined Independent Commodity Management in 2003 and brings to the business a detailed understanding of the grain industry and the strategies involved with the management of commodity price risk. Andrew has a strong working knowledge of the cash markets along the east coast and the major participants within this sector of the Australian grain market. His skills associated with the management of commodity price risk were gained in his involvement with Agricultural Risk Management Services (ARMS) where he worked for a period of 7 years. In this role Andrew was instrumental in the development of services that provided advice to key stake holders in the grain industry which was independent, targeted and tailored to meet the clients needs. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics from the University of New England, Armidale.
Andrew and his wife Karen are based in Toowoomba QLD and together they have three children, Ella, Phoebe and Harry.
Tom Galbraith
After growing up on a beef cattle property in the Southern Highlands Tom retained an interest in the agricultural sector. Tom studied Agricultural Economics at UNE Armidale. Upon completion of his degree he joined the NAB Agribusiness graduate program spending three years working in agricultural finance. In 2005 Tom joined the ICM team as a trainee advisor. He enjoys working on formulating marketing strategies with clients and meeting the challenges in the process. Tom has completed his advisory compliance training and is fully qualified to advise on financial products where required.
Tom is married to Jess; they have two children, Mabel and Alby, and live in Toowoomba.
Andrew Edwards
Andrew grew up on a farming operation south of Tara, with his
rural interests leading him to complete a Bachelor of Ag.Economics from UNE,
Armidale. Once Andrew completed his studies he returned home for a few years to
assist in running the family farm. From 2001 to 2005, Andrew worked for
GrainCo, MarketLink and GrainCorp as a Regional Grain Marketer servicing the
marketing requirements of growers in southern and central QLD. From 2005 to mid
2008 Andrew was employed by Elders as the Queensland Grain Accumulation
Manager. In that role he managed and skilled relevant QLD branch staff to
accumulate grain through the Elders network, as well as direct grower business.
Focused and driven, Andrew brings to ICM knowledge and experiences of local and
international grain markets that proves beneficial in the management of his
client's marketing goals.
Andrew lives in Toowoomba with his wife Chrissie and 2 daughters, Margot and
Clare.
ADMINISTRATION
Jennifer Johnston
Jennifer joined ICM in 2011 on a part time basis. Jen's background includes 14 years in the cotton industry, mostly in marketing, both at Dalby and Goondiwindi. For the 5 years prior to joining ICM she had her own bookkeeping business in the Goondiwindi district. Jen is responsible for all aspects of the administrative process ensuring ICM provide prompt and efficient service to their clients.
Jen and her husband Rob have two children, Ellen & Henry.
Sarah Phelps
Sarah joined the ICM team in August 2010. Sarah is originally from Rowena and comes from a farming background. She is employed on a full time basis and her role is to carry out the day to day administrative function for both offices. Sarah lives with her son Tommy and is the friendly voice on the phone when clients contact the ICM office.
