Most business owners think more sales will fix everything. But what I’ve seen over and over is that chasing new customers too soon can actually make things worse.

In this episode, I break down my proven profit formula — five simple drivers that grow your business sustainably and profitably. I’ll share real stories from clients who turned things around by working on the right driver first, and I’ll show you exactly how to measure what matters.

Here’s what we cover:

• The real first step to building lasting profit

• Why more leads can drain your bank account faster if you skip this

• How to lift your profit margin without pushing prices up

• Practical ways to get customers spending more and coming back

• How to track progress so you know what’s working and what’s not

  
  

Grab a notepad and let’s get to work!

New episodes every Wednesday

Get in touch via http://marcuskroek.com

or email [email protected]

Mick Goodwin from Loyal IT Solutions has spent more than two decades proving you can build a respected business without losing sight of what really matters. In this chat, he shares how he and his wife Julie turned a long commute into a local company built on trust, honesty, and family time.

Mick explains how clear values guide who joins the team, how giving back became part of Loyal IT’s identity, and why looking after people is the best strategy for long term success. If you want a business that supports your life, not runs it, this is worth your time.

New episodes of Business Unlocked every Wednesday.
More from me at http://marcuskroek.com

This is a Podvan Media production.

I’m joined by Kyla Daniels, a cake artist and local councillor who knows how to put people first. From her start making fancy birthday cakes to now being a voice in the council chambers, Kyla shares how focusing on the little things and listening to customers has shaped every part of her journey.

We talk about slowing down when things go wrong, building a strong social media presence, and why you have to do the scary things to keep moving forward.

This is a conversation full of practical wisdom and real talk about what it takes to build a business that truly matters.

New episodes of Business Unlocked every Wednesday.

More from me at http://marcuskroek.com

This is a Podvan Media production.

Julie Goodwin - the first ever MasterChef Australia winner, a proud business owner, and a passionate mental health advocate, is back for another chat with Marcus.

Julie opens up about what it’s really like to build a business with her husband Mick – 30 years married, 22 years running Loyal IT Solutions – and how their success has never been about ruling the world, but about crafting a life that’s happy and meaningful.

She shares how she’s always set goals that reflect the life she wants – time with family, travel, a calm mind – and how Loyal IT has become an award-winning, values-driven company because of it. From red flag moments in your day to the power of just getting one thing done, this chat is packed with insights that’ll stay with you.

New episodes every Wednesday

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 http://marcuskroek.com

You don’t need a fancy funnel to win in business. You need to show up, follow through and treat people well!

Mark Izzard has run multimillion dollar security companies, been a franchising partner in several businesses and now operates a garage door company on the Central Coast. He’s semi retired but still winning work and still doing things with more care and integrity than most.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Why he ditched the “top” garage door brand

• How showing up early can win you the job

• The real reasons customers choose one tradie over another

• Why branding, clean utes and uniforms still matter

• And how to close jobs without chasing competitor quotes

It’s the kind of conversation that reminds you — the simple stuff works.

New episodes of Business Unlocked every Wednesday.

More from me at marcuskroek.com

What if the best marketing strategy is just… consistency?

Mitch Beattie has spent more than a decade in marketing — first running his own agency, and now co-owning Funky Monkey Cookies with his sister Renee. From Facebook ads to gift boxes with custom socks and handwritten notes, Mitch has always been about standing out without overcomplicating things.

In this episode, we look at:

• Why you should only change one thing at a time in your ads

• How Facebook’s learning phase actually works (and how to use it)

• What makes a memorable unboxing experience

• The small packaging details that build trust and loyalty

• What repeat customers really want

Simple principles. Thoughtful execution. And a bloody good cookie.

Grab one here!

New episodes every Wednesday

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 http://marcuskroek.com

Ignatius Mendonca has owned multiple businesses, worked as a franchise consultant, and coached some of Australia’s biggest brands. In this episode, we talk through the stuff that actually matters in business – relationships, discipline, knowing your numbers, and why great service still sets you apart.

To learn more or book a chat with Marcus, head to marcuskroek.com

New episodes of Business Unlocked every Wednesday.

Most people know Julie from MasterChef – but behind the scenes, she’s also been running Loyal I.T. Solutions with her husband Mick for over 20 years.

In this episode, she chats about:

• Taking business skills into the MasterChef kitchen

• Learning what your “target market” actually wants

• The power of trusting your gut

• How tech helps… but human connection still matters

• Why good service isn’t about being the cheapest

Real stories, helpful stuff, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Business Unlocked with Marcus Kroek is your go-to guide for running a smarter, more profitable business.

Hosted by business coach, Profit First Professional, author and entrepreneur Marcus Kroek, this podcast dives into the mindset shifts and practical strategies that help business owners unlock better performance, stronger teams and consistent profit.

With over 40 years of experience running businesses across multiple industries, Marcus brings real-world insight to the table. Since 2005, he’s helped hundreds of businesses increase their revenue, improve their systems and move from losses to six-figure profits. He’s also the author of The Tradie’s Guide to Instant Cashflow — a no-nonsense roadmap for getting your money under control fast.

You’ll hear practical conversations with business owners and straight-talking advice you can put into action.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and build a business that truly works for your life, this is the place to start.

Learn more at marcuskroek.com