Mark Holloway is a working class guy from Birmingham in England, who is not just football crazy, but is himself a very decent centre-forward. His life changes direction when Sydney Croatia spots him and bring him to Australia to play semi-professional football. At that point, this cryogenics engineer switches to sales and becomes a very effective troubleshooter, nicknamed Mr. EBIT, for his consistent ability to make profit! He then gets to work on building a very successful eyewear company. He is currently the owner and director of Shades of Pale-sourcing antiques for over 20 years in France, Belgium, Sweden & beyond.

Mark Holloway is the owner and director of Shades of Pale- Sourcing antiques for over 20 years in France, Belgium, Sweden & beyond.

They specialise in French antiques, homewares, interiors, architectural & garden pieces. Follow them @shadesofpalestore on Instagram.

Contact Mark: [email protected]

Life journey from football to eyewear entrepreneurship. (0:10)

Upbringing, sports, and business success. (1:21)

Career progression from engineering to sales management to business ownership. (3:16)

Leadership and company issues. (7:43)

Liquidation and survival in the fashion industry. (11:50)

Overcoming business challenges in the eyewear industry. (16:35)

Selling a business to a supplier. (21:13)

Business ownership and sale. (25:37)

Selling a business and transitioning to a new role. (31:17)

Turnarounds, brands, and entrepreneurship. (36:33)