Dive into the remarkable journey of Andrew Downs, founder of SAGE Group, in this latest episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast. Discover how a small automation company from Adelaide soared to global heights, navigating through noise complaints and the brink of financial crisis to become a leading industry giant with over 700 employees and $200 million in revenue. Listen in as Andrew opens up about his early life's pivotal moments, the character-building challenges he faced, and his innate ability to forge lasting partnerships based on trust. With a blend of humor, wisdom, and candid revelations, this conversation is a trove of valuable lessons and a peek into the innovative future of SAGE Group.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Andrew's humble beginnings and the values instilled in him by his parents shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
• The importance of finding mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people.
• The early days of Sage Group were marked by hard work, a focus on quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Building a high-performance culture is crucial for long-term success.
• The willingness to take risks and the passion for innovation are key drivers of Sage Group's success.

This conversation isn't just a glimpse into a business magnate's mind—it's a blueprint of ambition, resilience, and visionary foresight.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
[1:09]- Budget and Revenue
[6:21]- Entrepreneurial Spirit from Grandparents
[7:15]- Decision to Leave School
[8:50]- Apprenticeship Application
[27:01]- Founding of Sage
[31:20]- Long-term Employees
[32:24]- Skunk Works Strategy
[43:51]- Lack of Initial Business Strategy
[58:41]- 2008 Recession Challenges
[1:14:38]- Sage Group as a House of Brands

Where to find ANDREW DOWNS

• LinkedIn

Books Mentioned:

• Die With Zero Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life By: Bill Perkins
• Scaling Up How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't By: Verne Harnish 
• Good to Great Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't By: Jim Collins 
• Zero to One Notes on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future By: Peter Thiel, Blake Masters 
• The Tipping Point How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference By: Malcolm Gladwell 

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Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. 

Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.