Saturday 22^nd March 2014 will be a date forever engraved into JBS Financial Strategist’s history books as a day of TRIUMPH, a day of TEAMWORK, and a day of AWESOMENESS.

5 brave (some would call fools) teammates recently accomplished an amazing feat of strength, endurance and camaraderie; otherwise known as Tough Mudder; a twenty kilometre assault course created by the British Special Forces.

Pictured (from the left) – Glenn, Andy, Brodie, myself (Mat) and Dave.

Tough Mudder Phillip Island:  Most say they’ll do it, few register to do it, and fewer actually complete it.  They say around 75% of those who do attempt this 20km island of horrors actually cross the finish line and unfortunately for 2 of our teammates, this statistic was accurate, forcing them out of the mud-race at the halfway mark.

The last 3 of us gritted our teeth, dug our feet into the mud, gave each other an affirmative nod and pushed on; carrying the metaphorical weight of our fallen comrades through the remainder of the course.  Little did we know what lay ahead, well we kind of did…we had looked at a map of the course prior so had an idea of what was coming up.

So we forged on through the remaining 10km of craziness helping one another, helping strangers, pushing through to the elusive finish line.  I can’t quite explain how I felt at that moment, but I’m sure the others would agree that elated would about cover it.

We endured over 5 hours of blistering cold winds, pelting rains, waist deep swamp waters, countless trenches of muddy pools and miles upon miles of uneven hill-ridden trails of mud torn terrain that at times, seemed endless.  Did I mention there are over 20 manmade obstacles strewn throughout this hell on earth?  Purpose built to test our fears of claustrophobia, heights, our mental and physical wills, our ability to absorb electricity and our team unity.

As exhausting as it was, it was definitely an experience to remember and as crazy as it seems we’re already talking about doing it again next year.

JBS Team – We created an experience to remember, protected one another throughout it and enjoyed the experience!

I am one of the newest recruits at JBS – lucky enough to join the team at the end of 2013. Although new to JBS, I have been working in the Financial Services industry for over 8 years and have known the team for a little over 2 years.

I am the Office Manager at JBS, looking after the day to day running of the office, helping Jenny and Brodie wherever I can. You can generally count on speaking to me if you call our office or visit us in South Melbourne.

I am a Queenslander through and through, loving all things SUN, SURF, and SAND. 2012 was the year for change and out of the blue I decided to swap the laid back beach life for the fast paced city life. I have always loved visiting Melbourne for city getaways with friends, usually visiting multiple times a year – fantastic shopping, all the footy you could ask for and of course the nightlife.

Since becoming a Melbournite, I have tried to visit as much of Victoria as I can (without owning a car), so far I have crossed off the popular towns:

• Falls Creek
• Torquay
• Lorne
• Cape Schanck
• Barwon Heads
• Altona
• Williamstown
• Daylesford
• Ballarat
• Cobram
• Hepburn Springs
• Healesville

Being a Queenslander at heart, I am loving the warm weather and sunny days Victoria has been putting on so far this summer, next on my list is Wilsons Prom and Phillip Island.

Below are some happy snaps of my adventures round Victoria.