Structuring Our Business Boosted Our Profits.

What were the drivers for you wanting to work with a business coach?

Well, to be honest, I’d never considered coaching. I’d never even heard of it. One of our customers bought a hot tub from us and we became quite friendly. He’s got his own business and he recognised the challenges we were faced with. He knew Jas would bring structure to our business. He’d been coached by Jas and knew the possibilities.

We were a successful small business that had become too difficult to manage. We needed more structure to help us grow. We were peddling hard and there we no more hours to give. We were at burnout. The impact on our family life was tough and testing. And yet… I still didn’t pursue coaching. In the end, Angela called me and said why don’t you come along to one of our events and find out more – so we did, and I’ve never looked back.

Why did you choose REACH Business Coaching?

I got a feeling straight away that Jas knew how to help us. It’s big investment but something told me he would be able to help put things right. So, we went with it.

What were some of your specific challenges and outcomes?

Financially, we were pretty good. But some of the frustrations building up within me, were the mistakes we were making with recruitment. There’s only so far you can go on your own. I was working seven days a week, and these were long days. I’ve got a young family too and something had to give. So, time, energy and expertise were my real challenges. When you’re growing your business, it can become addictive, so you throw more of yourself at it. I was midlife crisis material, for sure!

Jas has a brilliant recruitment process. When we employ new staff, we have a process for recruiting them, a process for integrating them into the business and a process for managing them. And it works. The difference this has made to the business is staggering.

In the three years we’ve been working with Jas, our turnover has gone from £600,000 to £1.5 million and our profit has more than tripled. My coaching with Jas has paid for itself. As a business, our employees are happier because there’s a good structure in place and the business is being managed properly. We’ve been able to systemise the business too. I didn’t think it was possible to do this with a small business, but it works. It’s a much better working environment. 

I’ve grown in confidence and so has Laura, my wife – our skill set is stronger. Jas has pushed us out of our comfort zone – and we love the results.

There’s an added bonus for us as well – the REACH community. Jas organises some great events, like their Planning Days. This gives us an opportunity to get together with lots of other like-minded people who are approaching their businesses with the same set of values as us. The spectrum of professions is wide. You’ve got all these people in one room who are willing to share their best practice with you – what works for them and what doesn’t. The value this adds to us, is huge.

What is it about Jas you’re buying into?

His skill base. His knowledge. And his extensive expertise. He’s worked with all sorts of businesses. He genuinely cares. Sometimes, our one-to-one sessions feel more like counselling sessions and getting my head straight. They are such lovely people to work with. Jas is so disciplined with everything he does – it’s both impressive and infectious.