business coaching Geelong

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

Do you know your Gross Profit?

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How to calculate your gross profits

As a business coach, I often get asked about gross profit – what it actually means, how to calculate it, and why it matters. A client asked me about it just this week, so I thought it was worth breaking it down here for other tradie business owners.

Gross profit is simply the money left over after subtracting the direct costs of a job – things like materials and site labour — from the total sales. For example, if a job is billed at $100 and the costs of materials and labour are $60, the gross profit is $40. That’s the amount that tells you how much money your business has earned from the job before overheads like rent, insurance, or admin costs are factored in.

It’s also useful to look at gross profit on a monthly profit & loss statement. Let’s say sales for the month are $100K, and costs of sales (materials and site labour) are $60K. That leaves a gross profit of $40K. Once you subtract fixed expenses (say $20K), your net profit is $20K. By tracking gross profit percentage — gross profit expressed as a percentage of sales — you can see more clearly whether jobs are truly profitable and how efficiently your business is running.

This is why I always encourage clients to measure gross profit percentage on every job. If you know your overheads run at 20%, then a job with 50% gross profit is a winner, while a job at 30% gross profit is a red flag. Comparing gross profit percentages helps you benchmark jobs, identify underperformers, and even measure your business against others in the industry.

Understanding gross profit isn’t about getting bogged down in accounting jargon — it’s about giving yourself clarity, confidence, and control. When you know your numbers, you can make smarter decisions that improve both your jobs and your business overall.

If you’d like help making sense of your numbers and building a stronger business, I’d be happy to talk.

Thanks
Hugh
0409 402 474

Reducing Stress for Business Owners

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Reducing Stress for Business Owners

As a business coach, I often see owners struggling with stress – and I’ve been there myself. What I’ve learned is that while the challenges you face may not always be as big as they feel, the impact on your wellbeing, your business, and your life is very real. 

That’s why I want to share some practical ways I manage and recommend to my clients when stress starts to take over. It starts with self-care: setting clear work hours so you don’t burn out, exercising daily to clear your head, eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting 7 to 9 hours of good sleep, and taking regular breaks or holidays to recharge. 

The other big one is seeking support. Whether it’s talking with other business owners, leaning on a mentor, or speaking with a professional, you don’t have to go through stress alone. 

These simple steps have helped me and my clients reduce stress, regain balance, and perform better in business and life.

If you’re feeling the pressure, let’s talk – I’d be happy to help.

Thanks
Hugh
0409 402 474