the f'd up entrepreneur

Affectionately known as the “The F’d Up Entrepreneur” this is a snapshot of Miles' journey over the last 30 years - from “Regular to Responsible Guy” from “Broke to Business Owner”. The “F” is not what you think - it’s about the feelings Miles experienced as he navigated through the many stages of his entrepreneurial journey - and it's by no means over! 

foolish.

Miles left school early and took a job as an apprentice cabinetmaker.  After completing his tenure he began traveling the world with no plan, no vision, no money. Eventually he found himself in the USA - and in what seemed like a whirlwind he was married, had a young family and started a joinery business. The pressure was high and the challenges overwhelming.  Miles chose to close up shop and head back to Australia with his family in tow. 

failure.

At the age of 29, Miles moved back in with his parents. He divorced, and his kids went back to California. Miles stayed in Australia and took up a regular job. With debts to pay - it wasn’t a pleasant time. He was footloose but floundering - far from being fancy free  with no idea where to go or what to do. No coach, no advisor, no mentor - no vision. But the burning entrepreneurial desire deep inside hadn't been extinguished.

fire.

Within every entrepreneur is a flickering flame  that carries ideas and dreams, and when the time is right - flashpoint occurs and a raging fire ensues!  And this was Miles' moment.  He went back to his roots as a joiner and found a niche in the market. As the Melbourne apartment boom began to take hold, his idea was to create an installation service for the many manufacturers swamped by a buoyant market. Miles had a solid foundation but had to work within his means. 

focus.

And so it began; just Miles & a van, then 2 men & a van, then 4 men and 2 vans - and before long he had a crew of 40+ joinery installers working in & around Melbourne doing fitouts. The business continued its success in the commercial sector and expanded into the residential market, and then the exhibition & event market too. He moved his staff out of his home office & into a more suitable facility, he hired more staff, purchased more vehicles - his idea was working!

FRUSTRATION.

Within a few short years the business was growing, successful, profitable - but unknowingly vulnerable. Miles trusted the wrong person and suffered a significant financial loss. This situation highlighted a lack of process, system and structure. Miles was working in the business - not on the business - and was suffering the consequences. 

FEAR.

It was a monumental set back and Miles began to question his own ability. Having enjoyed the climb & the success of the journey to date he was at the bottom of the mountain again - looking up and thinking - could he climb this again, and did he even want to climb this again? 

fortitude.

Surrounded by an amazing team, an equally amazing customer set, and some awesome history, slowly but surely the flame reignited and burned brightly. The lessons learned were life changing. Vision, Mission, Values, team & coaching -  the life blood of business. And as a result his businesses have never been stronger.