Grow A Small Business Podcast
Troy Trewin
Our weekly 30 minute podcast helps you, a small business owner with 5 to 30 team members, take your company to the next level. The Grow A Small Business community, weekly cast, blog and leadership email supports leaders get through the pain of growth.
With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.
With insights, lessons learned, books and tools as well as habits these experienced small business owners suggest you develop, our interviews unearth tremendous value for anyone wanting to grow their business with less stress.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 20, 2025 • 23min
QFF: Curiosity Sparks Success: Scott Ko Reinvents Business Growth with the Curiosity Mindset, Innovative Systems & Leadership Strategies – Discover how curiosity fosters sustainable success in today's dynamic business landscape. (Episode 646 - Scott Ko)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Scott Ko of The Curiosity Mindset and explores how radical curiosity fuels innovation and business success. He shares strategies to balance creativity with operational efficiency and adapt systems for modern challenges. Scott emphasises questioning norms to stay relevant in a fast-changing market. His insights on leadership, innovation, and growth offer actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Discover how a mindset of curiosity can transform your approach to business. Dive into thought-provoking content and subscribe for fresh perspectives via Scott's Substack newsletter, a hub of powerful insights on business, leadership, education, systems-thinking, and personal growth. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Question Your Status Quo: Regularly ask why you do things the way you do. Put your business under the microscope with the classic 5 Whys. This practice can uncover outdated methods, inefficiencies, and create opportunities for innovation. Shorten Business Planning Cycles: Business lifecycles are drastically shortening. Trends can come and go within a quarter. Keep an eye on your destination, but hold your operational business planning lightly so you can adapt to change nimbly. This isn't about constantly redesigning your business; it's about a mindset that keeps you open to change. Before You Scale Your Business, Know Your Business: Scaling your business isn't just about 10x-ing your clients. If you don't understand how your business is put together and how it can adapt to growth, adding more clients can be a recipe for disaster; like adding jet fuel to a car engine. Understand your business and how it fits together, then you'll be ready to tackle growth in a genuine, sustainable way. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Curiosity Will Be Your Competitive Edge: Curiosity isn't about asking more questions or just taking an interest in new things; it's an ongoing practice of thinking differently, of thinking better. Curiosity is about deeply understanding what you know, why, and how you integrate new information into your business. Businesses don't transform until leaders transform their thinking first. Reassess Regularly And Holistically: Look at both your business and your people. Your business is nothing without your people, and your people work together because your business. So take time to check-in on both, to see if your efforts are aligned with your goals, ensuring they are both meaningful and sustainable for long-term success. One action small business owners can take: According to Scott Ko, one action small business owners should take is simply to question a key process in their business. Ask, "Why do we do it this way? Is it still effective or relevant?" Whenever you feel stuck, unclear, or frustrated, this simple act of curiosity can empower you to uncover opportunities for improvement and drive meaningful change. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Curiosity is the key to unlocking new possibilities in business and leadership – Scott Ko The pace of change demands new thinking. Your competitive advantage will be a mindset of curiosity. – Scott Ko To thrive, hold your assumptions lightly and your vision firmly – Scott Ko

Mar 18, 2025 • 26min
From Zero to Visionary: Amanda Lemmage's Journey Building Skinevity Med Spa with 4 Team Members, 300% Revenue Growth, and Top Industry Awards – Balancing Leadership, Innovation, and Community Impact for Wellness Success. (Episode 645 - Amanda Lemmage)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Amanda Lemmage, the visionary behind Skinevity Med Spa, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a traditional spa into a thriving wellness clinic. Starting solo in 2013, she achieved 300% revenue growth and built a team of four. Amanda discusses her passion for community involvement, leveraging patient satisfaction, and innovative treatments to create a wellness destination. She also reveals how she self-funded her business and earned accolades like Vanity Fair and Vogue features. Tune in for insights on leadership, resilience, and balancing professional growth with personal well-being. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Amanda Lemmage, the hardest thing in growing a small business is having patience and persevering through struggles. She emphasizes that success doesn't happen overnight and requires years of experience, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive mindset to overcome challenges. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Amanda Lemmage mentioned "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey as her favorite business book that has helped her the most. She also expressed appreciation for "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill as another impactful read. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Amanda Lemmage recommends two great podcasts for small business growth: The Office Hours Podcast by David Meltzer, offering valuable business insights and discussions on gratitude, and The Ray C Show from Singapore, featuring diverse and inspiring business topics. These resources help expand horizons through impactful interviews and discussions. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Amanda Lemmage highly recommends finding a mentor as a key tool for growing a small business. She emphasizes that mentors provide invaluable guidance by sharing their experiences, successes, and lessons learned, helping business owners avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Amanda Lemmage's advice to her day-one self in business would be to stay open-minded and aware of everything around her. She stresses the importance of not limiting oneself to preconceived ideas, being receptive to new opportunities, learning from people encountered along the journey, and recognizing the value they bring. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Being a great leader starts with setting the example you want others to follow – Amanda Lemmage Staying true to your goals while embracing change is essential for lasting success – Amanda Lemmage Your energy as a leader impacts not just your team but everyone who walks through your door – Amanda Lemmage

Mar 16, 2025 • 32min
Terence Tam of Radical Marketing: Scaling to 10 Team Members, Growing Revenue 10x to $700K AUD, and Helping Educators Worldwide Succeed by Filling Webinars with Strategic Funnels and Retainer-Based Marketing Expertise. (Episode 644 - Terence Tam)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Terence Tam, founder of Radical Marketing, a leading agency specializing in helping educators and coaches fill webinars through strategic funnels. Terence shares his journey of scaling his business to 10 team members and achieving 10x revenue growth to $700K AUD annually. He highlights the importance of embracing failure, building strong team values, and maintaining work-life balance. Terence also discusses his favorite business books and strategies for success in the competitive marketing space. Tune in for insights into growing a global agency and thriving as an entrepreneur. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Terence Tam, the hardest thing in growing a small business is the feeling of being alone and misunderstood. He explained that even close loved ones and friends often don't fully understand the challenges entrepreneurs face, which can make the journey isolating. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Terence Tam's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy. He shared that the book emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to others to free up time and focus on growing the business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Terence Tam recommends several resources to help small business owners grow. Key podcasts include Digital Marketer (for digital marketing insights), Ad Leaks (focused on ad management), and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind Group (for strategic advice and networking). For courses, he suggests Digital Marketer and Dan Sullivan's Mastermind. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Terence Tam highly recommends Go High Level, a powerful all-in-one marketing tool for small businesses. It includes features like landing pages, email and SMS marketing, AI integration, and CRM capabilities—all for an affordable price of around $99/month. He highlights its value for businesses looking to automate and scale their marketing efforts efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Terence Tam's advice to his younger self on day one of starting a business is: "Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and just fail forward fast." He believes the key is to embrace failure as a learning process, take risks, and focus on living a fulfilling life without regrets, rather than settling for comfort. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Don't be afraid to fail—fail forward fast and grow stronger — Terence Tam A great offer and the right message can scale your business to limitless heights — Terence Tam Success isn't about avoiding mistakes, it's about learning from them — Terence Tam

Mar 13, 2025 • 26min
QFF: Joe Burrill, Founder of Just Website Brokerage, shares how he built a leading online business brokerage, navigated Flippa, AI, and SEO challenges, and drove client success with tailored strategies and expert deal-making. (Episode 643 - Joe Burrill)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Troy Trewin interviews Joe Burrill, founder of Just Website Brokerage, shares how he built a leading online business brokerage specializing in buying and selling digital businesses. Joe discusses navigating Flippa, AI, and SEO challenges, highlighting the impact of Google's Helpful Content Update. He also explains valuation strategies, deal structuring, and his passion for helping clients achieve success through expert deal-making. This episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to sell or acquire an online business. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Prepare Your Business for Sale: Ensure accurate financial records, a clear profit-and-loss statement, and transparency about your business's operations to attract serious buyers. Timing Matters: Sell your business when it's performing well, as a growing trend in revenue and traffic is more appealing to buyers than a declining one. Understand Valuation: Businesses are often valued using a multiple of Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). High-quality businesses with stable revenue streams and minimal owner involvement command higher multiples. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Highlight Opportunities: Showcase untapped potential areas like new markets, unactivated revenue streams, or growth strategies to appeal to buyers and maximize your business's value. Be Flexible with Deal Structures: Consider vendor financing or installment plans to make your business more accessible to buyers, especially for higher-value transactions. Leverage Professional Help: Engaging an experienced broker like Just Website Brokerage can streamline the selling process, ensure better deal-making, and provide access to a larger network of potential buyers. One action small business owners can take: According to Joe Burrill, the one action small business owners should take is to organize their financial records and create a clear profit-and-loss statement. This foundational step is crucial for understanding business value and attracting serious buyers. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Transparency is key when selling your business; honesty builds trust and attracts the right buyers – Joe Burrill Know your numbers; understanding your profit and loss is the foundation of a successful sale – Joe Burrill The best deals happen when both buyer and seller feel they've won — balance is the art of deal-making – Joe Burrill

Mar 11, 2025 • 18min
Janelle Jarman Success: Wells Home Maintenance's Growth from $50K to $2.8M Revenue with 39 Team Members, Excelling in Communication, Customer Satisfaction, and Building a Sustainable Business in Home and Aged Care Services. (Episode 642 - Janelle Jarman
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Janelle Jarman, founder of Wells Home Maintenance, shares her inspiring journey from starting with $50K to achieving $2.8M revenue and leading a team of 39. Specializing in home and aged care services, Janelle highlights the power of communication and customer satisfaction in driving growth. She discusses her challenges in managing staff and scaling operations sustainably. Tune in to learn about her innovative marketing strategies and how she created a business that empowers employees and delights clients. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Janelle Jarman, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing people. She emphasizes that dealing with staff-related challenges, such as hiring the right individuals and meeting client expectations as the business scales, has been one of the most demanding aspects of her journey. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Janelle Jarman's favorite business book is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. She appreciates its lessons on accountability, leadership, and taking full responsibility, which have greatly influenced her approach to managing and growing her business. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Janelle Jarman recommends using Audible for professional development, as it allows her to listen to books and learn on the go. She values utilizing downtime, such as driving or walking, to invest in continuous learning and growth. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Janelle Jarman advises focusing on foundational elements like proper HR systems and safety setups. She emphasizes the importance of starting with the right insurance and resources to create a strong and reliable business structure. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Janelle Jarman's advice to herself on day one of starting out in business would be: "Don't worry about what people think of you. Just do it and follow your gut, because your gut is right." She also wishes she had started her journey 10 years earlier. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Communication is the key to any relationship, whether with clients or team members – Janelle Jarman Strong foundations in HR and safety are the backbone of a growing business – Janelle Jarman Success is watching your team grow in confidence and self-worth – Janelle Jarman

Mar 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
From Spare Bedroom to Success: Mark LaScola's Inspiring Journey of Building On The Mark, Transforming Organization Design, Growing to 40 Team Members Over 35 Years, and Achieving a Landmark Acquisition in 2024. (Episode 641 - Mark LaScola)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Mark LaScola, founder of On The Mark, a professional services firm specializing in organization design. Mark shares his 35-year journey, growing from a spare bedroom startup to a team of 40, culminating in a 2024 acquisition. He reveals insights on balancing leadership, resilience, and team collaboration. Mark also discusses the importance of documenting processes for scaling success. Don't miss his advice on creating sustainable change and staying agile in business. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Mark LaScola believes the hardest thing in growing a small business is perseverance. He highlights the challenges of getting up every day, coping with ambiguity, and consistently putting one foot in front of the other despite setbacks. Mark emphasizes the importance of resilience, maintaining health, and finding ways to handle the psychological and physical demands of running a business over time. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Mark LaScola's favorite business books include "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, "The Learning Organization" by Peter Senge, and Edgar Schein's works on process consultation. He also admires early communication works by Virginia Satir, which have profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and organizational design. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mark LaScola recommends exploring a variety of podcasts and online learning resources to grow a small business. While he doesn't focus on any single resource, he values content on economics, behavioral science, and creative industries for diverse perspectives. Mark avoids overly popularized shows and prefers podcasts with substance and actionable insights, such as those focusing on behavioral economics, leadership, and business strategy. He believes branching out beyond one's industry can spark valuable ideas and foster innovation. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mark LaScola emphasizes the importance of listening to your customers and adapting your products or services based on market trends and feedback. While he doesn't highlight a specific tool, he recommends mastering strategic planning and understanding how to anticipate and respond to changes in the marketplace. He believes these skills are essential for staying competitive and fostering sustainable business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mark LaScola's advice for starting out in business revolves around resilience, passion, and adaptability. He emphasizes following your instincts and staying focused on your vision, even amidst uncertainties. Challenges are inevitable, but they teach resilience and the importance of solving problems early to create options. Building a strong support system is essential for navigating tough times, while celebrating small wins helps maintain momentum. Above all, he encourages staying grounded, planning for the unexpected, and embracing the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Follow your passion, but stay grounded and ready for the unexpected – Mark LaScola Success begins with listening to your customers and adapting to their needs – Mark LaScola Resilience is the key to navigating the inevitable challenges of business – Mark LaScola

Mar 6, 2025 • 20min
QFF: Unpacking Cryptocurrency: Ben Simpson, CEO of Collective Shift, on crypto investing, blockchain trends, and how small businesses use Bitcoin as digital gold, navigate DeFi, and tap tokenization for smarter finances. (Episode 640 - Ben Simpson)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Michael Denehey interviews Ben Simpson, CEO of Collective Shift, who shares his expertise in crypto investing and blockchain technology. He explains how small businesses can leverage Bitcoin as digital gold to hedge against inflation. Ben discusses the risks of crypto scams and emphasizes the importance of education in navigating the space. He introduces decentralized finance as a tool for loans without banks and highlights future trends like tokenization of real assets. Tune in for actionable insights into harnessing cryptocurrency's potential for business growth. Ben can be reached via his Instagram, Twitter, or through his website. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Bitcoin for Wealth Preservation: Use Bitcoin as digital gold to hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, safeguarding your financial assets. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Leverage DeFi platforms to access loans, earn interest on crypto holdings, and reduce reliance on traditional banks. Tokenization Opportunities: Tokenize real assets like property or goods to simplify ownership, reduce paperwork, and streamline transactions. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Crypto Education is Essential: Stay informed to navigate the volatile crypto market and avoid scams by utilizing trusted research platforms like Collective Shift. Long-Term Crypto Potential: View Bitcoin as a high-performing long-term investment, with significant growth potential over time. Blockchain Integration: Explore blockchain applications, including tokenization and decentralized systems, to drive innovation and efficiency in your business. One Action Small Business Owners Can Take: According to Ben Simpson, small business owners should allocate a small portion of their cash reserves to Bitcoin as a long-term investment. This strategy helps hedge against inflation and currency devaluation while unlocking the potential of digital gold. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Bitcoin is the digital gold of our era, offering a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation — Ben Simpson Decentralized finance is revolutionizing access to loans, eliminating the need for traditional banks — Ben Simpson Investing in Bitcoin offers an unparalleled opportunity with infinite upside and limited downside — Ben Simpson

Mar 4, 2025 • 43min
Bianca Best on Growing the Bespoke Gift Company to $2M Turnover, Scaling to 5 Team Members, and Launching 'The Burnout Business' to Empower Entrepreneurs with Strategies for Achieving Big Impact Without Burnout. (Episode 639 - Bianca Best)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Bianca Best, founder of The Burnout Business and former owner of The Bespoke Gift Company. Bianca shares her journey of scaling her first business to a $2M turnover with a small team, balancing family life, and transitioning into corporate consultancy. She discusses strategies to prevent burnout, insights from her new book "Big Impact Without Burnout," and her plans to help entrepreneurs achieve sustainable success. Learn how Bianca combines passion, resilience, and innovation to create lasting impact. A must-listen for business owners seeking growth with balance! Other Resources: Bianca Best's book "BIG IMPACT WITHOUT BURNOUT" is now available for pre-sale! Order now to receive your copy when it launches on March 11, 2025, plus an exclusive bundle of goodies delivered straight to your inbox immediately. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Bianca Best, one of the hardest things in growing a small business is managing the "sheer abundance" of options and deciding which direction to prioritize. She emphasizes the importance of focus and avoiding the distraction of pursuing too many opportunities, which can dilute the core proposition and hinder growth. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Bianca Best's favorite business book is The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins. She found it particularly helpful in navigating the corporate world and understanding how to play the "corporate game." Another book she mentioned is The Politics of Promotion by Bonnie Marcus, which she found useful for her professional development in the corporate realm. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Bianca Best recommends Audible for deep dives into subjects that align with professional development and personal interests. While she prefers books for in-depth learning, she emphasizes the importance of selecting resources that are clearly relevant and goal-focused. Additionally, she mentioned Opus AI, a tool for generating impactful marketing content like reels, which can be valuable for growing a small business. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Bianca Best recommends Opus AI, a tool that automates the creation of engaging video clips and reels from longer content. This resource is particularly useful for businesses looking to enhance their marketing and reach broader audiences efficiently. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Bianca Best's advice to her day-one self is to "follow your heart and stay in integrity." She emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with personal values, as being out of alignment can hinder fulfillment and effectiveness. Staying true to her passions and maintaining integrity are key principles she believes lead to both personal and professional success. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Follow your heart and stay in integrity to create meaningful success — Bianca Best True success is going to bed with peace, knowing you made a positive impact — Bianca Best Never shy away from your triggers—lean in, resolve, and grow stronger — Bianca Best

Mar 2, 2025 • 40min
John St. Pierre of Rhombus Group on Scaling 6 Businesses to $120M, Leading 150 Team Members, Overcoming Failures in Sports Management, and Embracing Patient Ambition to Build Success in the Competitive Construction Industry. (Episode 638 - John St.Pierre)
In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews John St. Pierre, Chairperson of Rhombus Group, a holding company overseeing six businesses with 150 team members and $120M in revenue. John shares insights on scaling sustainably, learning from failures in sports management, and the importance of patient ambition. He discusses building a culture of intrapreneurship, managing cash flow, and aligning business growth with personal life goals. Tune in for actionable advice on overcoming challenges and creating a resilient business. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to John St. Pierre, the hardest thing in growing a small business is managing cash flow. He emphasizes that cash flow challenges persist at every stage of business growth, regardless of size, and developing strong cash management habits is critical for success. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? John St. Pierre's favorite business book that has helped him the most is "Scaling Up" by Verne Harnish. He values its insights on strategic growth and implementing systems for scaling businesses effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? John St. Pierre recommends the "All-In Podcast" as a thought-provoking resource. While not strictly professional development, it features valuable insights from venture capitalists and business leaders. He also highlights the importance of leveraging podcasts and online tools to sharpen business acumen. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? John St. Pierre recommends Alan Miltz's Cash Flow Story as a crucial tool for growing a small business. It helps entrepreneurs understand and optimize cash flow, enabling better financial decisions and sustainable growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? John St. Pierre would advise himself on day one of starting out to "have patient ambition". He emphasizes growing the business at a sustainable pace and not rushing for immediate success, as building a solid foundation takes time and careful planning. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Sustainable growth comes from mastering patient ambition, not chasing instant results. – John St. Pierre True leadership is creating opportunities for others to grow beyond your expectations. – John St. Pierre A business without a clear life plan is destined to run you, not the other way around – John St. Pierre

Feb 27, 2025 • 20min
QFF: Transforming Small Businesses with George Elkhair: 30+ Years of Success, 10 Turnarounds, and Social Impact. Learn Key Lessons on Governance, Employee Respect, Customer Intimacy, and Strategies for Small Business Growth. (Episode 637 - George Elkhair)
QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse! Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week. Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends! In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews George Elkhair, a seasoned entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience and 10 successful business turnarounds. George shares insights on fostering employee respect, driving social impact, and mastering governance. He highlights the importance of customer intimacy and aligning vision with strategy for sustainable growth. With a proven track record in transforming struggling businesses, George's expertise offers valuable lessons for small business owners. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about redefining success in business! Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Employee Respect Drives Culture: Prioritize valuing employees and fostering a culture of respect and development to enhance productivity and retention. Align Vision with Strategy: Success stems from ensuring your vision and strategy are in sync. Misalignment can derail growth and management efficiency. Embrace Governance: Effective governance isn't just for large organizations—it provides structure and clarity that drives small business success. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Know Your Customers Intimately: Building deep relationships with your customers helps you understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions. Seek External Expertise: Don't hesitate to reach out for help, advice, or mentorship. Collaboration with experts can provide a competitive edge. Balance Social Impact and Business Growth: Giving back to the community and focusing on social impact can enhance your brand's reputation and long-term sustainability. One action small business owners can take: According to George Elkhair, one actionable step small business owners can take is to align their business values with daily operations. This ensures consistency, strengthens the company culture, and builds trust with both employees and customers. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇 Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Small businesses thrive when values guide every decision – George Elkhair A strong culture is the foundation of every successful business – George Elkhair Building trust with your customers starts with understanding their needs – George Elkhair


