In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the challenges faced over the past year, including significant drops in turnover due to severe weather conditions in Australia. He discusses the strategies he implemented to adapt to these challenges, such as increasing prices, diversifying services, and focusing on quality over speed. Simon emphasizes the importance of resilience and the cyclical nature of business, sharing insights on how to navigate tough times and prepare for future opportunities.takeaways

• The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for many businesses.
• Weather patterns have drastically affected productivity and turnover.
• Increasing prices can be a viable strategy during tough times.
• Diversifying services can help sustain a business.
• Maintaining quality is crucial for customer satisfaction.
• Taking a wage cut can be necessary to protect staff.
• Investing in equipment can improve operational efficiency.
• Chasing tenders and following up on quotes can generate more work.
• Resilience is key in navigating economic cycles.
• Understanding your numbers is essential for business sustainability.

Chapters

00:00Back From The Brink: A Year of Challenges

03:28Weathering the Storm: Impact of Severe Weather

06:50Adapting Strategies: Increasing Prices and Tendering

10:22Emerging Opportunities: New Jobs and Future Outlook

13:20Resilience and Diversification: Lessons Learned

In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the challenges of overcoming burnout and rebuilding momentum in both personal and professional life. He shares his experiences with managing stress, financial pressures, and the importance of creating effective systems and routines to alleviate the burden of leadership. Simon emphasizes the need for self-care, resetting priorities, and the value of a supportive team in navigating these challenges.

Takeaways

• Burnout is a common issue that many face.
• Taking a break and resetting is essential for mental health.
• Managing finances can add to stress and burnout.
• Creating systems can help alleviate pressure.
• Letting go of control can lead to better outcomes.
• Rebuilding routines is crucial for productivity.
• It's important to prioritize self-care and downtime.
• A supportive team can make a significant difference.
• Leadership requires a shift in mindset.
• Profitability is a key focus in business.

Chapters

00:00Relaunching After Burnout

04:25Managing Pressure and Finances

07:13Building Effective Systems and Routines

08:49New Chapter

The importance of benchmarks in trades like fencing – and how to use them to measure, manage, and grow your business.In this episode, Simon Davis breaks down why benchmarking is one of the most underutilized but powerful tools for trade businesses. From spotting red flags in your numbers to improving your quoting accuracy, benchmarks offer clarity, consistency, and confidence in decision-making.Whether you’re running a small crew or scaling up, if you’re not using benchmarks – you’re flying blind.Key TakeawaysSpot Strengths & WeaknessesBenchmarks show you where you’re excelling and where you need improvement (e.g., your gross profit margin vs. industry standard).Set Realistic GoalsUse industry data, not gut feelings, to set achievable and informed business goals.Make Better DecisionsWhether it’s labour costs or material use, benchmarks take out the guesswork.Track Progress Over TimeRevisit benchmarks annually to see if you’re improving or just staying busy.Build CredibilityFacts and figures give you confidence with lenders, clients, and new hires.Improve Job Costing & QuotingUse benchmarks to dial in your man-hours, waste rates, and job profitability.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Why benchmarks matter00:31 – #1: Identifying strengths & weaknesses01:00 – #2: Setting realistic, industry-aligned goals01:27 – #3: Making informed business decisions01:57 – #4: Tracking long-term progress and Kaizen02:24 – #5: Backing up your business with facts02:51 – #6: More accurate quoting & job costing03:10 – Final thoughts: Benchmarking is your dashboard🎧 Subscribe & Learn More at: www.theprofitablefencer.com📲 Follow The Profitable Fencer Podcast for more insights on growing a profitable fencing business.

In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the importance of benchmarking for businesses, particularly in the fencing industry. He explains how industry benchmarks can help business owners assess their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Simon shares insights on financial ratios, labor costs, and operating expenses, emphasizing the need to understand where a business stands in comparison to industry standards. He also highlights the role of the ATO in using benchmarks to identify discrepancies in business reporting.

The conversation encourages business owners to take a proactive approach to analyzing their financial health and making necessary adjustments.

Takeaways

• Benchmarking is crucial for business success.
• Understanding industry benchmarks helps assess business performance.
• Comparing financial ratios reveals areas for improvement.
• Labor costs should be monitored closely to avoid overspending.
• The ATO uses benchmarks to identify potential tax issues.
• Business owners should regularly analyze their financial health.
• Using benchmarks can prevent costly mistakes in business decisions.
• It's important to stay updated with industry standards.
• Benchmarking can provide insights into pricing strategies.
• Invest time in understanding your business numbers.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Benchmarking in Business

04:31Understanding Industry Benchmarks

07:20Importance of Benchmarking for Business Decisions

10:30Key Financial Ratios and Their Implications

13:22Analyzing Labor Costs and Operational Efficiency

16:28Navigating ATO Regulations and Compliance

19:21Conclusion and Encouragement for Business Owners

In this episode, Simon Davis reflects on the recent fencing conference and awards held in Australia, highlighting the importance of industry recognition, innovation, and the future of fencing. He discusses the achievements of his team, the significance of networking, and the need for sustainability in the industry. Simon encourages listeners to participate in future awards and emphasizes the value of community within the fencing profession.

Takeaways

• The fencing conference was a significant event for the industry.
• Networking with peers is crucial for growth and innovation.
• Recognition in the industry boosts morale and encourages excellence.
• Sustainability is becoming a key focus in fencing practices.
• Youth involvement is essential for the future of the industry.
• The awards celebrate not just winners but all participants.
• There is a growing need for training and apprenticeships in fencing.
• Collaboration among industry professionals leads to better practices.
• The gate industry is evolving with new standards and safety measures.
• Participation in industry events can lead to valuable insights and connections.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Fencing Conference

06:03 The Importance of Industry Recognition

12:02 The Future of Fencing: Youth and Sustainability

18:03 The Evolution of the Gate Industry

23:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

n this episode, Simon Davis reflects on his nearly 30-year journey in the fencing industry, emphasizing the importance of reflection for personal growth and mental health. He shares his early experiences as a subcontractor, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. Simon also discusses the significance of networking within the fencing community and the industry's growth potential, highlighting upcoming events and the importance of trade recognition. He encourages newcomers to embrace their learning curves and not to be too hard on themselves as they navigate their careers in fencing.takeaways

• Reflection is crucial for personal growth and mental health.
• Newcomers should not be too hard on themselves.
• The fencing industry is growing and evolving.
• Networking is vital for success in the fencing business.
• Quality may not be perfect in the beginning, and that's okay.
• Embrace the learning curve; it gets easier with experience.
• Trade recognition can elevate the profession.
• Sustainability and new materials are emerging in fencing.
• The importance of community and support among fencers.
• Challenges in the industry can lead to resilience and innovation.

In this episode, Simon Davis discusses the common myths surrounding the fencing business, emphasizing that fencing is a skilled trade that requires more than just physical labor. He highlights the importance of business acumen, proper pricing strategies, and the need for good workers. Simon also addresses the evolving standards in the industry and encourages listeners to share their experiences and seek help if needed.

Takeaways

• Fencing is a skilled trade, not just hammering posts.
• Running the business takes more than just good workmanship.
• Price isn't everything. Value matters.
• Good workers are out there if you build the right culture.
• The industry is evolving and pros do stand out.
• You need skills in quoting, marketing, and financial management.
• Quality, reputation, and service matter in pricing.
• Finding good workers is possible with the right processes.
• Educating clients on pricing reflects quality and value.
• The cheapest price always wins is a myth.

In this episode, Simon Davis emphasizes the critical importance of building an email list for small business owners, particularly in the fencing industry. He discusses the risks associated with neglecting list building, including missed opportunities and reliance on unstable platforms. Simon provides actionable steps for building an email list from scratch, including identifying the target audience, creating lead magnets, and engaging subscribers. He concludes with key takeaways that highlight the necessity of nurturing customer relationships through effective email marketing.takeaways

• List building is essential for small business owners.
• Ignoring list building can lead to missed opportunities.
• A customer list provides direct access to your audience.
• Relying solely on social media is risky for business.
• Your list can serve as a safety net during sales dips.
• Engaging past customers is crucial for repeat business.
• Building a list is more cost-effective than acquiring new customers.
• Your list offers valuable insights into customer preferences.
• Start small and stay consistent to grow your list.
• The success of your business relies on the relationships you build.