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Case Study - GuyRobb Electrics

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Case Study: Guyrobb Electrics

"It’s only since working with Shannon that we’ve experienced real growth and structure.
Her mindset is different. Having deep insight into my numbers, Shannon is my sounding board for all aspects of my business, not just finances. She’s a go-getter, adaptable and thinks on her feet.
With Shannon’s input I have information, visibility and understanding."

Jon Robbins
Owner, Guyrobb Electrics

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Director and owner Jon Robbins first engaged SMART Business Solutions as their accountant in 2014. Jon was looking for a proactive accountant and business advisor who would listen to him, take the time to understand his business, and work together collaboratively.

Guyrobb Electrics, then known as W & AJ Robbins was established in 1966 by Bill Robbins. For many years Bill did a range of electrical installation work including Ministry of Housing, light industrial and commercial. Jon eventually came on board as his dad's apprentice in the early 1980s where they operated for a while picking up contracts with various new home buidlers. The business grew gently over time and became well known for providing quality and trustworthy electrical services with excellent customer service. In 1995 Jon became partner alongside Bill.

Since the late 1990's Guyrobb has seen steady growth and now employs a team of over over 40 people including qualified electricians, ACRS registered cablers with endorsements for data and fibre, Clean Energy Council accredited grid connect PV installers and designers, excavator operators, apprentices and office staff.

Guyrobb are a leader in semi-commercial and domestic electrical communications working providing wiring solutions to several volume new home builders in the Melbourne area.

Here is their story, written in first person by Jon Robbins.

How long ago did you start working with SMART Business Solutions?

I started working with Shannon as my accountant back in 2014 just as she was building the Main Street office. She was operating SMART from home at that stage.
I was looking for an accountant that could make our numbers more relatable and easier to understand.

Tradies are not always the smartest at the numbers side of the business. Amongst many tradies, there can sometimes a lack of respect and understanding of office workers and number crunchers.
And it works both ways. My old accountant didn’t listen to me properly. Maybe a lack of respect for tradies.

Shannon is different. She’s an accountant with a practical mind. She took the time to listen and learn about our business, what works and what doesn’t. She makes everything relatable and easier to understand on a practical level.

Why did Guyrobb Electrics engage a business coach?

I’ve been meeting with Shannon monthly ever since we started working together in 2014. My one stipulation at the time was that I wanted monthly meetings. I needed that regular touchpoint to get a monthly snapshot of where we are at.

I don’t even think we knew we were business coaching!

Having deep insight into my numbers, Shannon is my sounding board for all aspects of my business, not just finances. She’s a go-getter, adaptable and thinks on her feet. With Shannon’s input I have information, visibility and understanding.

How often do you meet with Shannon for Business Coaching and why?

We meet monthly and we have always done so. Our monthly meetings have helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses, both in myself and in my business.

We break down the numbers each month, we look at Xero together and compare last month to this month, and so forth. I have confidence in my business and in the story the numbers are telling me when I have these regular monthly meetings and have Shannon there with me to explain it all in layman terms.

I can proactively understand our financials and make timely decisions which affect our business in a very positive way.

How has business coaching helped you understand your business?

You don’t know what you don’t know.

I used to use MYOB as our accounting software which was kind of scary and not user friendly unless you’re already an accountant. I’m good at my trade, but I’m not an accountant or bookkeeper. It was hard to find the information I needed to know.
Since working with Smart, we now use Xero which is much more user-friendly. I sit with Shannon each month and go through my Xero, and she unpacks it all for me in a practical and relatable way that we can then use to make good business decisions.
I really look forward to our meetings. It confirms what I think I know – validation I suppose. And insight to what I don’t know.

It gives me confidence and direction in my business. I can proactively understand our financials and make timely decisions.

How has business coaching improved your business?

A while ago I had a business partner. He already had a business coach in place, so we worked together for a while. At the time, his mindset was all about, “you get this, we pay this, then we don’t have to do anything.”
I guess that coaching experience gave me good foundation insights into business in general, but that approach wasn’t working for me.

It’s only since working with Shannon that we’ve experienced real growth and structure. Her mindset is different.
She walks the line of being an accountant and financial planner and she knows when to play to my strengths and when to step in. I know that I can confidently grow the business and know how to manage the growth.

Our business has doubled since working with Shannon.

Has business coaching impacted any other areas of your life?

Financially, I’m much better off on a personal level. Having a successful business means that my personal life is not all about money and what we can or can not afford.

Is business coaching worth the investment?

Yes, for sure. I’ve been doing it now for more than six years and my business has grown and strengthened as a result.
You take out the personal aspect when you have coaching. It makes you more honest with yourself. It’s basically holding a mirror up to yourself.

In your opinion, who needs business coaching?

There is no magic button to success. You need to work smarter and surround yourself with smart people.
You’ve got to be prepared to put in, but it works. For me, Shannon is that person who helps it all tick.

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Case Study - GuyRobb Electrics