Owner To Owner Podcast

Michael Kerr
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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 
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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 
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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 
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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 
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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.
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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 
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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 
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Jul 24, 2025 • 1h

BizVal Global founder Graham Stephen on making your business more valuable and sellable.

@Michael Kerr and @Graham Stephen, founder of @BizVal Global, discuss #businessvaluation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). With "85 to 95% of small businesses not sellable" we discuss the imperative for owners and advisers to understand business value today so they can begin proactively increasing it from tomorrow. Graham explains why forward-looking valuations are the key to helping business owners make informed decisions.They explore Graham's journey into entrepreneurship and his fascinating global perspective on business valuation,TakeawaysBusiness valuation is often overlooked until a sale is imminent.Many business owners do not understand the true value of their business.Regular valuations can help business owners make informed decisions.Owner dependency is a critical factor in business valuation.Valuation should be a forward-looking process, not just historical.Understanding cash profits is more important than revenue figures.The compliance aspect of valuation can limit its effectiveness.Data accuracy is essential for credible valuations.Removing red tape can foster a better environment for SMEs.Access to funding is crucial for small business growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to BizVal Global and Its Purpose02:32 Graham's Journey to Entrepreneurship05:27 Understanding Business Valuation Importance08:43 The 85% of Unsellable Businesses12:13 Global Perspectives on Business Valuation14:25 Choosing the Right Valuation Approach18:43 The Valuation Process Explained21:40 Key Valuation Drivers for Business Owners24:39 The Role of Accountants in Valuation27:36 Valuation Multiples and Their Implications30:39 Understanding Business Valuation: Buyers and Multiples34:30 The Impact of Business Age and Owner Dependency38:33 Mitigating Risks: Insurance and Business Preparedness39:28 Data Sources and Valuation Challenges43:21 Valuation Process: A Comprehensive Approach49:23 Valuation Gaps: Realistic Expectations and Deal Structures52:10 Improving Australia's SME Landscape: Key Recommendations@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 
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Jul 9, 2025 • 55min

Amy Christopherson founder of Grounded HR, making your small business team click.

In this conversation, @Michael Kerr and @Amy Christopherson, founder of @Grounded HR, discuss her pathway into small business ownership, the importance of HR in small businesses, and the challenges faced by business owners. They explore the significance of leadership in employee engagement, navigating difficult conversations, and building a positive workplace culture. Amy shares insights on #exit planning, #employee ownership, and the impact of #remote work on business operations. The discussion emphasizes the need for a growth mindset and the importance of focusing on people within organizations.Takeaways;Amy started Grounded HR while traveling Australia.HR should be accessible to small businesses from day one.Disengaged employees can sacrifice profit.Business owners need to learn people management skills.Difficult conversations are acts of kindness.Small gestures can build a positive workplace culture.Remote work has changed employee expectations.Exit planning is crucial for business resilience.Employee ownership can be a viable transition strategy.A growth mindset is essential for business leaders.  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 
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Jul 1, 2025 • 46min

Honor Northam from Honorbread on employee ownership and fostering resilient local economies.

Host @Michael Kerr speaks with @Honor Northam about her journey in business ownership and her advocacy for employee ownership. They discuss the challenges and benefits of transitioning to employee ownership trusts (EOTs), the impact of small businesses on local communities, and the cultural barriers that hinder the adoption of employee ownership in Australia. Honor shares her experiences with her bakery, @Honorbread, and how with limited formal business qualifications she has successfully run multiple businesses.The discussion covers;the upside of employees having a real stake in the companies they work for#employeeownership as a way to reward those who contribute to a business's success.how transitioning to an employee ownership trust can be financially beneficial for business ownerswhy #communityimpact is a significant consideration for small business owners when thinking about #exitplanninghow small businesses play a crucial role in supporting local communitieswhy understanding #EOTs is essential for business transitions.why cultural perceptions of ownership can hinder the adoption of employee ownership models.why regular business valuations are important for planning transitionshow the future of employee ownership in Australia is promising but requires more advocacy and understanding.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Employee Ownership02:47 Honor's Business Journey and Employee Ownership Experience05:59 Challenges and Misconceptions in Employee Ownership09:09 Financial Benefits of Employee Ownership11:56 Transitioning Businesses to Employee Ownership15:01 Community Impact and Responsibility18:01 Supporting Local Youth and Employment20:52 The Complexity of Business Succession24:09 Opportunities in Employee Ownership26:09 Exploring Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)29:20 Challenges of Employee Buy-In32:30 Cultural Perceptions of Employee Ownership37:43 Valuing Business Equity and Its Implications  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 

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