Owner To Owner Podcast

@gabe enslin from @the adapt way and @michael kerr discuss the importance of building resilience in small and medium businesses. They explore Gabe's diverse background, the Adapt mission, and the critical role of business owners in shaping their companies' futures.  The conversation covers; the need for owners to clarify what they want from their business and then align their business strategies a...

In this episode of Small Business Banter, @Michael Kerr and @Mark Fletcher discuss the evolution and future of independent retailers, particularly news agencies. Mark shares insights from his experience with News Express and Tower Systems, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change, leveraging technology, and understanding market dynamics. The conversation highlights the critical role of ind...

@Geo George from @Mayfly Ventures discusses the innovative approach of his venture studio, focusing on investing in both new and existing businesses. He emphasizes the importance of navigating uncertainty in the startup world and how AI can serve as a transformative tool for businesses.  The conversation also highlights the value of 'boring businesses' and how they can be revitalized through techn...

@tamara simon discusses the challenges owners face, the value of financial awareness, and the necessity of breaking the cycle of overwork to achieve a more profitable and enjoyable business. Tamara shares insights from her book, 'The Five Little Business Pigs', which outlines strategies for building a successful business.  The discussion highlights the importance of reflection and understanding on...

Host @Michael Kerr and @Ronan Leonard  a certified innovation professional and business mentor discuss Ronan's journey from an accidental entrepreneur to mentor in the small business space. The conversation delves into the;  how to overcome the daily challenges faced by small business owners need for innovation and adaptation in a rapidly changing market navigating stagnation in business significa...

@Claude Trimboli from @charlesandco talks about the complexities of business liquidation and restructuring. The discussion covers the critical importance of understanding cash flow, the role of early intervention in financial distress, and the emotional toll on business owners facing insolvency.  Claudio emphasizes the need for proactive measures, mental health awareness, and the collaborative app...

Olga Koskie from Tax Assure updates us on the ATO 's plan to recover outstanding tax  debts owed by Australian businesses. Post covid19 the ATO is now actively chasing $52B in outstanding business tax debt.  "The ATO has had a huge public shift and an internal shift that they're back to an active collection mode." If you're carrying ATO debt (that's been around longer than the last few months) and...

@James Meldrum , co-founder of @Whole Kids , shares the journey of starting and growing a purpose-driven business in the organic food industry.  He talks about how he and his co-founder wife Monica tackled the many challenges they faced over 18 years and up until entering Voluntary Administration late in 2023.  "We lost about a third of our revenue overnight because we were servicing the airlines...

@Natasha Hawker  founder of @Employee Matters discusses the importance of employees in small businesses, and the impact they have on business performance. Natasha emphasizes the need for exceptional HR practices and the role they play in driving business growth and sustainability.  She also discusses the current employment relations landscape and the importance of compliance. Natasha provides insi...

@Ken Matthews , founder of @Matthew Steer , shares the long but successful journey from growing to selling a mid-tier financial services firm. He talks about the importance of scaling, the three stages of growth and the challenges of transitioning from a sales-driven mode to an operational mode.  "Stepping back and becoming a CEO is a significant step and not an easy one for any entrepreneur." Ken...

@Darren Clark is the founder at @Dazlab where he and the team work with  founders, business owners, creatives, technology people, and investors to get digital products off the ground and to market.  Darren started because he knew there was a better way to build digital products for people with great business ideas who needed help to build their vision. And he brought significant personal business...

Host @Michael Kerr and @Martin Cattach , founder of Finance for Business, discuss the stranglehold the big four banks on small business lending, and explore alternative options for financing.  Martin outlines alternative #financing options, especially the diverse and fast growing range of #fintechlenders for #smallbusinesses We cover; The role of #workingcapital in business growth The entanglement...

@MarkRubbo from @readingsbooks shares his personal take on buying and building this iconic business. We cover a lot of ground including; How the opportunity to buy Readings came about Laving the music industry (Professor Longhair) for book retailing The linkage of Marks business ambitions with the impact on; the Australian book industry the broader literary community (writers, publishers) the loca...

@Earl Eddings  has started, sold and acquired multiple businesses. Along the way he's had high profile roles including as Chair of Cricket Australia, and served as Non Executive Director, Advisory Board member, Adviser and Mentor to other business owners and businesses. He's had wins. He's also learned a lot from experiences where things didn't go to plan. These experiences were however formative...

@Pete Seligman talks about and #eta (Entrepreneur through Acquisition) and #searchfunds and their impact on small business owners. He's an investor and co-owner of multiple businesses.  Pete explains the concept of search funds and how they provide a vehicle for investors to back #acquisitionentrepreneurs .  We talk about; the importance of finding the right fit between the entrepreneur and the bu...

@Sandy Chong brings 39 years experience as a salon owner to her current role as CEO at @The Australian Hairdressing Council . She's the current @cosboa #smallbusinesschampion and has multiple other board and advisory roles that involve advocacy and improving effectiveness for industry bodies. Sandy sold her own salon during 2023 to focus on her CEO role. In that role she is actively involved in ad...

@JonathanRoberts  co-founded @OneRabbit with 2 partners 10 years ago.  He'd worked with those same partners for 17 years prior in a marketing and design business, which ultimately morphed into One Rabbit.   Along the way he's founded, owned and exited multiple other businesses. In this episode and based on that deep experience as an entrepreneur Jonathan shares high value insights on the challenge...

@ShaneCheek is the CEO of @ContinuaSoftware which is a private company that specialises in acquiring, operating and growing B2B software companies. Shane is an experienced founder, builder, business seller and investor. His  expertise and practical insights make this episode a must-listen for #businessowners who are potential sellers looking to understand the best strategies to sell their business...

@Ben Tuszynsk i from @Judo Bank , shares his insights on the importance of banking relationships for small business owners.  Ben is currently the Managing Director of Judo Bank in Victoria and Tasmania. He has over a decade of experience in the banking and finance sector. Joining Judo in 2017 as one of the pioneering employees, Ben has played a pivotal role in the bank's substantial growth over th...

@Stu Gregor Stu and his @fourpillarsgin co-founders recently sold the last 50% of their business to Vanguard Luxury Brands, the Lion-owned distribution business. Four Pillars is an Australian success story.  Stu's has a lengthy background in food, wine, hospitality and travel. His other business and personal experiences include; Founding   @LiquidIdeas in 2013 - Australia's leading communications...

@Garik Tate   has more than a decade of experience as a successful entrepreneur. He grew up in small business family and founded companies spanning Software Development, Outsourcing, and Publishing with up to 75 employees. Garik is a sought-after speaker on AI’s future, and its practical application in business. His expertise and passion for the subject have earned him a reputation as a respected...

The hum of a steam train, the rhythm of blues and roots music and the energy of a live audience. These are the ingredients @Hugo T Armstrong mixed over 30 years to create and grow the legendary @The Blues Train in Queenscliff, Victoria. Now it's time for Hugo to move it on and he's currently in the market to find a new owner for this iconic business . We cover a lot of ground in this episode and H...

In this episode of the Small Business Banter podcast I'm joined by Louise Broekman, CEO and founder of Advisory Board Center. We cover the importance of strategic decision-making in business, but specifically the role of advisory boards in exit planning.   Key messages for #businessowners #founders #familybusinesses from Louise include the importance for shifting from on-the-run decision-making to...

@Ed Scott is the founder of @Resolve which is a small medium enterprise marketplace. In other words it's a website where people can search for and browse businesses to buy.  The goal of Resolve is to create a single place for supply and demand, and democratizing access to hidden gems that are often overlooked due to lack of available knowledge or resources. Resolve caters for; Businesses with an E...

@bronwynreid  is a Business Owner, Author and Mentor who specialises in helping small businesses connect with bigger players. The benefits for owners are enormous and opportunities plentiful in the current post-covid environment. Her book is titled @SmallCompanyBigBusiness and it focuses on how small businesses can find, win, and retain big customers. In our discussion we talk about the why and ho...