Month: December 2025

From Mum and Dad Business to a Proper Company

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As a business coach who works exclusively with tradies, I often meet owners who know they have something special, but feel stuck. Sue and Ian from Ponds of Melbourne are a great example of this.

After 25 years in business, they had reached a point where progress had stalled. Cash flow pressure, tax stress, and the feeling of going backwards had taken its toll. They knew their business had potential, but they also knew they could not unlock it on their own.

One of the biggest turning points for Sue and Ian was recognising their own capability. Through structured coaching, they gained clarity around their numbers, confidence in their pricing, and systems that supported payment on the day. Simple changes, like introducing a capability statement and standardising how the business ran, shifted how they saw themselves, and how clients saw them.

Most importantly, they moved away from the “next job, next job” mindset and started running their business with intention. Better cash flow, clearer client selection, and reduced stress followed.

This is what happens when a trade business stops operating like a sole operator setup and starts running like a proper company. The skills can be learned, and the confidence grows with the right support.

If you are a tradie who knows your business could be better, but feels overwhelmed trying to do it alone, this story will resonate.

Please reach out if you want to chat.

Thanks
Hugh

Client Testimonial: Effluent Solutions Australia

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Hugh Bowman Review

I am proud to share this testimonial from Luke and Mikayla at Effluent Solutions Australia. They have been working with me for the past two years, and in that time they have made huge progress in their business, their systems, and their roles as business owners.

When they first came to coaching, they were run off their feet. They were struggling to keep up with demand, dealing with cash flow challenges, and unsure about the next steps to take to grow their business. Like many engineers, they were working hard but did not have the structure they needed to move forward with confidence.

Since working together, Luke and Mikayla have implemented strong systems, created more structure, and developed clear roles within the business. They now set regular goals, stay accountable, and have a much smoother and more organised operation. One of their biggest wins came from a recruitment strategy I recommended, which helped them find a staff member who fits their culture and supports their growth.

What I admire most about Luke and Mikayla is their willingness to learn, take action, and apply the strategies we work through. They want a business that supports the life they are building, and they have been committed to making that happen.

If you are a tradie business owner and you want clarity, structure, and a plan that actually works, reach out. I would be glad to help you build the business you want.

Hugh

Celebrating Excellence at December GrowthCLUB: Our 2025 Award Winners

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2025 ActionCOACH Awards

At yesterday’s December GrowthCLUB, we celebrated the incredible progress, commitment, and achievements of our clients over the past year. These awards recognise the tradies and business owners who have stepped up, taken action, and created real change in their businesses and lives. Each category had multiple nominations and we can tell you some where a hard decision!

The winners were presented with their awards over lunch at The Sawyers Arms in Geelong. Congratulations to all.

Below are the five award categories, what each award represents, and the well deserving 2025 winners.


Wealthy Tradie Award
Winner: Liam Begg from L.J. Begg Electrical

This award recognises the individual who has fully embraced the Wealthy Tradie principles, put in the work, made meaningful changes, and achieved a significant increase in net wealth.
Liam has demonstrated strong discipline, smart decision making, and genuine commitment to building both business and personal wealth.

2025 Wealthy Tradie Award

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Turnaround Award
Winner: John Dallimore from Dallimore Trades

Recognises the business that has shown the greatest progress in the face of adversity or achieved the most significant pivot, whether driven by market challenges or a bold decision to change direction.
John has made bold decisions, adapted to challenges, and reshaped his business direction with impressive results.

Turnaround Award

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Education and Implementation Award
Winner: Living Space Joinery

Honours the individual who has shown outstanding commitment to learning through books, audio, podcasts, and courses, and has successfully turned that knowledge into real results within their business.
Living Space Joinery has consistently invested in their education and, more importantly, implemented what they learned to elevate their business performance.

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Business Growth Award
Winner: Luke and Makayla from Engineer IT

The Business Growth Award celebrates the business that has achieved the greatest increase in sales and profitability through focused action and consistent improvement.
Luke and Mikayla have taken decisive steps, strengthened their systems, and delivered outstanding growth across the year.

Business Growth Award

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Fast Starter Award
Winner: Ian and Sue from Ponds of Melbourne

The Fast Starter Award recognises the individuals who have leapt into coaching with energy and commitment, embraced every opportunity, and are already seeing strong results.
Ian and Sue have hit the ground running, adopted new strategies quickly, and created impressive early momentum in their business.

Fast Starter Award

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These awards reflect the hard work and determination of business owners who show up, take action, and consistently push forward. Congratulations to all our winners and to the entire ActionCOACH Geelong community for another strong year of learning and growth.

If you would like to learn more about joining GrowthCLUB or becoming part of our Wealthy Tradie community, get in touch any time.
Hugh