

Owner To Owner Podcast
Michael Kerr
Owner to Owner is the boldest business podcast for Australia’s SMEs. Host Michael Kerr gets raw and real, talking to business owners like you. Exploring the everyday struggles they face and the different pathways they tread to success. Forget the slick stories of tech titans and out-of-reach solutions from people who’ve never put their hopes and livelihood on the line. Owner to Owner dives into the wins and losses, pitfalls, luck and moments that made a difference.
You’ll find grit, laughs, maybe a few tears and hard-won lessons only available from others who’ve been where you are—whatever your stage of ownership.
Every business owner has a compelling story to share. Join us to listen and learn.
You’ll find grit, laughs, maybe a few tears and hard-won lessons only available from others who’ve been where you are—whatever your stage of ownership.
Every business owner has a compelling story to share. Join us to listen and learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2025 • 49min
My small business is my superannuation: Nigel Purchase founder Chase Basketball
@Michael Kerr talks with @Nigel Purchase founder of Chase Basketball. Nigel and his team have just celebrated a 25 year business birthday. A mighty fine effort for this #familybusiness. Nigel is all in on his business. It's his passion, it's his superannuation and he still loves going to work!In the discussion Nigel reflects on the 25-year journey, talks about his still strong passion for coaching and the positive impact it has on young athletes. He discusses the challenges he faced in the early days, the importance of mentorship, and the unique dynamics of running a family business. The conversation also touches on;the significance of communityhis own business philosophythe joy of doing what you love and the importance of building a supportive team.Takeaways;Early challenges included navigating the popularity of basketball in a competitive sports market.Mentorship played a crucial role in his business development.Family involvement is key to the business's culture and success.Community and belonging are central to the mission of Chase Basketball.Growth is important, but it should not compromise the quality of the programs.A positive work culture is fostered through recognition and supportContentment with one's business and life is a significant achievement. Chapters00:00 The Journey of Chase Basketball09:19 Challenges and Growth in Business12:36 The Importance of Mentorship16:08 Family and Community in Business20:22 Future Generations and Legacy23:32 Finding Fulfillment in Business28:41 Reflecting on Purpose and Value30:02 Business as a Personal Superannuation32:33 The Balance of Growth and Contentment35:35 Finding Joy in Business and Community39:04 Future Aspirations and Growth in Basketball43:46 Philosophy of Business and Leadership49:10 Navigating Politics and Small Business Challenges@kerrcapital
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Dec 3, 2025 • 52min
From Corporate to Small Business Owner and back to Corporate: What Elise Heslop learned along the way.
Host @Michael Kerr and guest @Elise Heslop talk through how and why Elise transitioned from a 'safe and secure' corporate role to life as an entrepreneur. After taking a family sabbatical in Italy, she founded Ply Room, a values-based furniture business. After she successfully sold Ply Room she's headed back to a new role in Corporate as Head of Marketing for @earlypay. A full circle with lots of challenges overcome, lessons learned, and pivotal moments. We dig deep into her experiences of being a solo founder and owner of a #smallbusiness;The importance of trusting your instincts to the realities of running a small businessFinding resilience and adaptabilityThe highs and lows of business ownershipThe courage it takes to follow your own pathElise's family sabbatical in Italy as a pivotal moment in her careerThe realities of small business ownership - loneliness, stressTrying to find balance between business and personal lifeElise shares insights on finding a supportive networkWhat it's like to start then sell a business Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to Elise Heslop00:03:00 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship00:09:00 Founding Ply Room00:15:00 Challenges and Lessons Learned00:21:00 The Importance of Instincts00:27:00 Balancing Business and Personal Life00:33:00 Conclusion and Reflections@kerrcapital
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Nov 26, 2025 • 49min
Enhancing Business Value with Employee Ownership: Craig West Founder of Succession Plus
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Craig West, founder of Succession Plus and expert in employee ownership, explores how these programs can elevate business value and enhance succession planning. He explains the crucial role of early exit strategies for success and how employee share plans help retain top talent. Additionally, Craig reveals how shifting mindsets towards ownership can transform company culture, boost resilience, and even benefit local communities. He predicts a growing trend in employee ownership as a mainstream exit option for business owners.

Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 14min
To grow your business be brave and get comfortable taking imperfect action, Gabe Villarreal
@Gabe Villarreal founder, business buyer and business growth adviser on scaling a liquor business to a million dollars in monthly revenue. We discuss strategies for over coming the practical challenges of scaling and exiting businesses, as well as the merits of 'holding' businesses rather than selling. He stresses the importance of imperfect action, learning from failures, and having options in business. Gabe also talks about his experiences in different industries and countries, and the significance of building a business with an exit strategy in mind.TakeawaysThe importance of imperfect action over waiting for perfection.Learning from failures.Having options in business is more important than the exit itself.Building a business with an exit strategy in mind is essential.Cash flow management is critical for business survival.Acquiring an established business can be more efficient than starting from scratch.@michael kerr @kerr capital
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
Juggling Passion and Financial Sustainability in the NFP Sector: Jacquie Riddell
@Jacquie Riddell is an experienced #NFP leader and current chair of the @CBAA. The NFP or #ThirdSector is presenting huge challenges to leadership, employees and the many volunteers. Jacquie and host @Michael Kerr talk about;Financial sustainabilityMergers & Acquisitions in the NFP sectorThe impact of overcrowding in the charity sectorThe need for adopting new and better business models and #tech to improve effectivenessGovernance, collaboration, and the role of philanthropyThe future of charitiesThe phenomenon of 'accidental retirement' (read Jacquie's article on this here https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7334094500333531138/How professionals can transition from corporate roles to the not-for-profit sectorSome key takeawaysNot-for-profits need reliable cash, not just goodwill.The charity sector is overcrowded with over 60,000 charities in Australia.Passion alone is not enough; capability is essential.Successful charities adopt business models similar to for-profits.Governance is critical for the growth of not-for-profits.Mergers and collaborations can enhance sustainability in the charity sector.Philanthropy is a major opportunity for charities, especially during wealth transfer.Post-COVID challenges include reduced revenue and volunteerism.B Corps represent a growing trend in socially responsible business.Chapters:00:00 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society05:15 Challenges and Opportunities in the Charity Sector10:08 Adopting Business Models in Not-for-Profits15:06 Governance and Capability in Charities20:25 Social Enterprises and Merging Opportunities25:18 Collaborative Solutions in Community Broadcasting27:04 The Importance of Sustainable Revenue28:59 The Rise of B Corporations and Social Responsibility31:11 Governance and Effective Leadership in Nonprofits33:22 The Reality of Nonprofit Work and Organizational Capacity35:36 Funding Challenges and Opportunities for Charities37:54 Navigating Post-COVID Challenges in the Charity Sector39:33 Accidental Retirement: A New Perspective on Career Transitions41:10 Policy Recommendations for the Charity Sector@kerrcapital
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Sep 18, 2025 • 50min
Decoding AI: Strategies for Small Business Success: David Brudenell, Decidr.
@Michael Kerr welcomes @David Brudenell Executive Director from @decidr.ai discuss the challenges and opportunities for Australian SMEs in adopting AI strategies. They explore the National AI Readiness Index launched by Decidr, the importance of system design, and how AI can transform small businesses. The conversation delves into the potential of AI to provide #SMEs with the equivalent of thousands of employees, the role of agentic platforms, and the need for businesses to adapt to the fast-paced AI landscape.Takeaways:SMEs need a system built for action, not just beliefMost businesses lack a plan to integrate AI effectivelyAI can provide SMEs with the equivalent of thousands of employeesSystem design is crucial for successful AI integrationAI is a horizontal technology that thrives on contextAgentic platforms can unshackle businesses from administrative tasksAI can transform hospitality by handling bookings and customer serviceSMEs have the most to gain from AI but are at risk of being outpacedAI can help businesses scale and become more resilient@kerrcapital
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Sep 10, 2025 • 47min
How to secure a better deal leasing or buying a commercial property: Vicki Likoudis from True North Buyer's Advocate
@Michael Kerr speaks with @Vicki Likoudis from True North Buyers Advocates about the opportunities for tenants and buyers in favorable commercial property market cycle. Vicki sees the opportunity being available for another 6-9 months.They discuss how small business owners can take advantage of this cycle to negotiate a better lease or acquire a commercial property.It's a tenant's market right now, making negotiation crucial.Vicki shares her extensive background in small business and her role as a buyer's advocate, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market cycle, negotiation strategies, and the emotional aspects of property acquisition. They discuss;How buying advocacy can help clients navigate property purchases and leases.The challenges and opportunities presented by the current market conditionsThe significance of community ownershipWhy Commercial property can be emotional for business owners.Government support is needed for small business funding and mental healthNegotiation strategies can lead to significant savings for tenantsChapters 00:00 Introduction to Commercial Property Opportunities01:01 Vicki's Background in Small Business04:51 Understanding the Role of a Buyer's Advocate08:13 Current Market Cycle for Commercial Property11:10 Navigating Vacant Commercial Properties13:59 Exploring Off-Market Opportunities15:28 Consultative Approach to Property Acquisition18:29 Benefits of Buying vs. Leasing Commercial Property20:57 Landlord-Tenant Relationships and Negotiations22:21 Negotiating Commercial Leases: A Win-Win Approach25:09 Regional vs. Metro: Understanding Property Dynamics28:06 Community Ownership: A New Model for Local Businesses31:03 The Challenges of Community-Driven Business Models33:33 The Importance of Local Businesses in Regional Economies37:13 Government Support for Small Businesses: A Call to Action
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

7 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 43min
Super charging the growth of employee owned Small Businesses, Stephen Greenwood, Global CEO, Valloop
Stephen Greenwood, the Global CEO of Valloop, and Hunter Page, its Australian Director, dive into the transformative impact of employee ownership for SMEs. They discuss how Valloop's innovative platform is reshaping business transitions, empowering employees as legitimate buyers. The conversation highlights the rising interest in employee ownership as a strategic exit plan, its role in preserving local economies, and the need for enhanced education on the benefits of such transitions for communities and productivity.

Aug 20, 2025 • 55min
The future of clean. EWater's Phil Gregory on building the worlds most sustainable cleaning solution.
@Phil Gregory from @EWaterSystems joins host @Michael Kerr. They discuss Phil's journey from various jobs to creating a sustainable cleaning technology company tackling a global problem from Australia. This is valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and covers;the importance of purpose and profitraising capital and funding growthtechnology licencingnavigating big competitorsthe importance of exit planning, andthe significance of becoming a B Corp.TakeawaysHow Phil Gregory's diverse career path led him to start eWater Systems.The importance of purpose and profit in business.How Phil's personal experiences with environmental issues fueled his passion for change.Building strong client relationships is crucial for business success.Navigating competition from established chemical companies is a significant challenge.Having a clear exit strategy can guide business growth and decisions.Becoming a B Corp aligns with eWater's mission of sustainability.The future of eWater Systems involves expanding awareness and market presence.Government regulations can create unnecessary challenges for small businesses.It's a really informative listen on the what's and how's that have propelled eWater Systems to the forefront of sustainable innovation.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes!
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Aug 13, 2025 • 51min
Strategies for crafting your small business brand: Tracy Fryer from Design Studio Perth
Join @tracy fryer from @designstudioperth and @michael kerr as we explore the art of branding. Tracy shares her journey from a creative entrepreneur to a branding expert, offering valuable insights into how small businesses can craft a compelling brand identity. Learn about the essential elements of branding, the importance of understanding your target audience, and how a strong brand can drive business success.Key Highlights:Tracy's entrepreneurial journey and the birth of Design Studio PerthThe three pillars of effective branding: messaging, visual identity, and media. Real-world examples of branding success and challenges.Takeaways:Brand Identity as a North Star: A well-defined brand identity serves as a guiding compass for all marketing efforts, ensuring consistency and clarity in messaging and visuals.Understanding the Ideal Client: Identifying and focusing on your ideal client is crucial for creating a brand that resonates and attracts the right audience, leading to more effective marketing strategies.Beyond Logos: The Three Pillars of Branding: Successful branding encompasses messaging, visual identity, and media, all aligned to create a cohesive and compelling brand presence.Branding as a Growth Catalyst: A strong brand not only differentiates a business in a crowded market but also adds value, enhancing business growth and sustainability.Emotional Connection and Trust: Branding is about evoking emotions and building trust with your audience, which can lead to increased loyalty and long-term success.
Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.auwww.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au


