Owner To Owner Podcast

In this episode of Owner to Owner, Michael sits down with Warwick Levy, founder of the legendary 15-year-old independent and ethical streetwear label, Lonely Kids Club. Warwick shares his incredible journey from dropping out of a university construction degree and printing shirts in his bedroom to building a thriving Sydney-based creative studio that prints thousands of unique, custom-designed garments on demand.

Discover what it truly takes to stay independent in a fast-fashion world, how national media attention from prominent public figures wearing their collaborative designs catapulted the brand into the spotlight, and the brutal realities of fighting global marketplace intellectual property theft on  fast fashion platforms . This conversation is packed with raw insights on ethics, mental health, creative community building, and standing up to corporate greed.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

• The Accidental Launch: How an honest critique from a university classmate prompted Warwick to walk out of his construction degree and launch an indie t-shirt label with zero business experience.
• Overcoming Social Anxiety: Exploring how unique, conversation-starting apparel acted as a personal shield and creative outlet during Warwick's early years.
• Sustainable Print-on-Demand: A behind-the-scenes look at how Lonely Kids Club avoids fast-fashion waste by printing thousands of completely unique designs one at a time right here in Sydney.
• National Spotlight Moments: The explosive aftermath of high-profile political figures and public icons wearing independent local apparel on the national stage.

• Fighting Global IP Theft: A frank discussion on the vulnerabilities small creators face against cross-border budget marketplaces and the urgent need for platform accountability.

   

Connect with Lonely Kids Club

• Website: lonelykidsclub.com
• Email: [email protected]

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Master M&A, Earnouts, and Small Business Growth with Tony Simmons | Owner to Owner Podcast Ep #184

In Episode 184 of the Owner to Owner podcast, host Michael Kerr sits down with entrepreneur, builder, and former M&A lawyer Tony Simmons to explore the hidden realities of business exits, negotiation traps, and structural deal risks.

• From Corporate Law to Entrepreneurship: Tony shares his pivotal career shift from working on massive telecommunications deals at British Telecom in London during the dot-com boom to chasing his entrepreneurial ambitions.
• Building and Exiting Tech Ventures: A look back at Tony’s ventures—including Full Circle Group, Lithodomus, and Sonant—and why solving real customer problems naturally leads to acquisition opportunities.
• Navigating M&A Traps and Exclusivity: Expert advice on avoiding predatory buyer tactics, managing living data rooms from day one, and navigating high-stakes exclusivity periods without losing leverage.
• Demystifying Earnouts: Understanding how earnouts function as an insurance policy for acquirers, the importance of securing cash upfront, and how poorly structured deals strip founders of control.
• The Post-Exit Reality: Candid insights into the psychological toll, identity loss, and emotional challenges founders face the day after walking away from their businesses.
• Fixing Small Business Policy: Tony's take on cutting bureaucratic red tape and why policymakers need real-world private sector experience to support small business growth.

Listen to the full episode to master the mechanics of business exits and protect your enterprise value. 

Connect with Tony Simmons at tonysimmons.com.au or via LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

People First, Technology Second: Building Uptake Digital with Brenton Johnson

Episode Description:

What is the secret to scaling a tech company while ensuring it stays human-centric, unique, and intentional? In this episode, we sit down with Brenton Johnson, founder of Uptake Digital, to explore how he built a thriving Managed Service Provider (MSP) by putting people and purpose before "gazillion-dollar" scale.

Brenton shares his entrepreneurial journey—from fixing computers for slabs of beer to guiding SMEs through complex digital transformations. We dive deep into why your IT partner is now your most critical infrastructure, the "missing middle" of AI adoption for small businesses, and why culture belongs on your balance sheet.

Whether you are an MSP owner, an SME founder navigating tech changes, or an entrepreneur thinking about how to build a highly sellable and resilient business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work.

Key Takeaways:

• The New IT Mandate: Why your IT provider is now more critical to your business infrastructure than your accountant or lawyer.
• The "Balance Sheet" of Culture: How investing in psychological safety and organisational development creates long-term business assets.
• Navigating AI in Small Business: Understanding the "missing middle" of AI adoption and how standardizing processes can future-proof your company.
• Building a Sellable Business: Why creating a business to sell is actually about building a resilient, owner-independent system (even if you never plan to leave).
• Rethinking Entrepreneurial Risk: Brenton’s take on how Australia can better support small business owners and encourage innovation.

Chapters & Timestamps:

• 01:21 - Building a Unique Culture at Uptake Digital
  03:29 - The MSP Business Model: Purpose-Driven Work Over Gazillion-Dollar Scale
  06:07 - Measuring Success: Team Structure and The Balance Sheet of Culture
  08:47 - The Entrepreneurial Journey and the NEIS Program
  14:23 - Risk-Taking and Digital Transformation
  21:03 - AI in the MSP Space and Future-Proofing
  33:35 - Why The Future of IT is Human
  37:41 - Industry Consolidation, M&A, and Building a Sellable Business
  59:33 - Fixing the Small Business Environment in Australia
   

Connect with Brenton Johnson:

• LinkedIn: Brenton Johnson
• Company: Uptake Digital

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Overcoming Small Business Burnout: Why You Need Simpler Systems, Not More Tech

Welcome to another episode of the Owner to Owner Podcast. If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce small business burnout, the answer often starts with simplifying your small business tech stack. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless apps, subscriptions, and communication channels required to run your business today? You aren't alone.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv ANZ, to unpack why modern technology often adds complexity instead of freedom for small business owners. They explore the best systems for service based businesses and dive deep into the burnout epidemic. You'll learn exactly how to build a business that runs without you, which is the ultimate key to reducing owner dependency for business sale and preserving your day-to-day sanity.

Whether you want to learn about using AI for small business marketing, improving local visibility for contractors, or leveraging Thryv for small business growth, this conversation covers the practical steps to get your time back.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Burnout Reality: Why Thryv’s recent research shows 45% of Australian small business owners have considered stepping away due to workload pressure.
• The "Mishmash" Tech Stack: Why stringing together too many isolated tools creates process gaps rather than fixing your core problems.
• The 3 a.m. Rule: How to stop trying to fix everything at once and focus strictly on the one issue keeping you awake at night.
• Real-World Success: How Booth Contracting saved 10 hours a week and scaled from a single van to a national operation using better local SEO and lead generation.
• Building for the Future: Actionable ways to reduce owner dependency to boost both your current profit and your eventual exit valuation.
• Practical AI Adoption: How to take practical, baby steps into AI to save time on everyday tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – The modern small business trap: Why tech promises freedom but delivers pressure

05:22 – The "mishmash" tech stack and how to solve your 3 a.m. problem

09:06 – How Thryv helps service businesses grow (featuring the Booth Contracting case study)

18:37 – Surprising data from the Thryv Business Index: Burnout, rising costs, and wearing too many hats

25:29 – Reducing owner dependency to improve saleability and transition out of the day-to-day

30:22 – Building AI-powered marketing systems that outlast the owner

38:24 – The future of online discovery and how AI is changing local search

43:30 – Elise’s final advice for overwhelmed owners and how to take the first step

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

In this episode of the Owner to Owner Podcast, Michael sits down with Bill Lang—Chair of Small Business Australia, Co-chair of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs for Oceania, and a seasoned business founder and advisor.

They dive deep into the rising trend of "entrepreneurship through acquisition," exploring why buying an established business is becoming an increasingly popular and less risky alternative to the traditional startup model. Bill shares fascinating insights from his recent Harvard Business School reunion, highlighting the explosive impact of AI on the "solopreneur" movement and how technology is fundamentally lowering the barriers to entry for new business owners.

Beyond trends, Bill delivers practical, hard-earned wisdom for current SME owners. From the critical importance of documenting your business processes and preparing for unexpected succession, to managing cash flow and learning from Other People's Mistakes (OPM), this episode is packed with actionable advice for building and sustaining a successful business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Chapters:

01:20 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship

#SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #Solopreneur #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessAdvice #AIforBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessStrategy #PodcastSEO

Small Business Australia: Connect with Bill Lang and find resources to support your business journey at smallbusinessaustralia.org.

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Why every business owner needs to build authority.

Michael sits down with Trevor Young—PR and communications advisor, coach, mentor, writer, author, and podcast host—to unpack why building authority is a strategic business asset for SME owners.

They discuss how founders can build credibility, visibility, and trust without falling into noisy self-promotion. The conversation also gets practical about content, earned media, owned media, and how all of this affects growth, reputation, and even business saleability.

In this episode:

The real job of PR: Trevor reframes PR as building a deeper connection, trust, and reputation with the people who matter most to a business, rather than just chasing press hits.

Why good owners stay invisible: A look at tall poppy syndrome, analogue mindsets, the fear of bragging, and the discomfort many owners feel about putting themselves out there.

Content-led communications: Trevor breaks content down into four distinct buckets:

Why owned media matters: The case for email newsletters, websites, podcasts, and other channels you control, rather than relying solely on platforms that can change their rules overnight.

Pick fewer channels and do them well: Why you shouldn't try to be everywhere, and how to build a strong base on just one or two channels (usually LinkedIn plus an owned channel).

Matching format to founder: How video, writing, and audio all have a role, and why the best format depends on the founder’s strengths, the audience, and the business model.

Thought leadership > generic utility: While answering common questions is useful, the stronger opportunity is to express a point of view and challenge the status quo.

Trust takes repetition: Why people often need to see you 7 to 12 times before they factor you into their thinking.

Authority helps sales and exits: How personal brand, business brand, and strategic communications affect acquisition, talent attraction, and the ability to build a business that can run without the founder.

Timestamps

00:00 - Why business owners need to build authority

00:58 - Trevor’s background in journalism and PR  

02:12 - Why he works with credible founders and experts  

05:31 - Tall poppy syndrome and the fear of visibility  

07:25 - Why content paralysis happens in a noisy media landscape  

09:24 - Why owners already know they need to act  

11:45 - Content-led communications across owned, earned, and paid media  

13:27 - PR versus marketing and why the distinction matters  

16:22 - Choosing the right content format: writing, video, audio, visual  

17:42 - A property company’s 350 video and live stream playbook  

19:10 - Why owned media beats platform dependence  

21:14 - Personal brand websites, books, and digital ownership  

22:52 - The reality of omnipresence and big creator teams  

24:42 - Why most business owners should focus on fewer channels  

27:05 - Utility content versus thought leadership  

28:30 - Why a contrarian point of view can matter more than FAQs  

31:27 - How repeated exposure and personal stories build trust  

34:19 - The four content buckets, including brand content  

35:22 - The 80/20 rule for promotion versus value  

39:42 - Why newsletters still matter, even if they are simple or curated  

41:20 - Why YouTube is a major opportunity for business owners  

42:42 - Building a show instead of random videos  

45:57 - Beehiiv and newsletters as business assets  

49:49 - Why human stories beat AI and how earned media helps discovery  

51:34 - How AI tools use earned media and websites to verify people  

55:38 - Why companies should make internal people into stars  

57:06 - Michael Hyatt’s move from personal brand to business brand  

62:49 - Using back channels and case studies to support sale readiness  

64:42 - Creating heat around a brand through visibility and speaking  

67:19 - Talent attraction, retention, and employer brand  

68:42 - Adam Robinson’s LinkedIn growth and startup content strategy  

71:41 - What Trevor would do if asked to lead small business policy  

74:09 - Where to find Trevor’s website and newsletter  

Notable quotes

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

What does it take to build a thriving independent brewery in the shadow of multinational giants? 

In this episode, Peta Fielding, co-founder of Burleigh Brewing, takes us behind the scenes of her nearly 20-year journey crafting one of Australia's most beloved indie beer brands.

From buying a brewery out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy to mastering long-term strategy and fostering deep brand loyalty, Peta shares the highs, lows, and crucial decisions that fueled their growth.

 Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights on passion, resilience, and scaling up while staying true to your community values.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

Chapters:

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

As thousands of Australian small business owners approach retirement in the coming decade, the question of succession looms large. 

Selling to a competitor or on the open market are familiar paths, but what about selling to the people who know the business best—the employees?

@Andrew Clements from @employeeownershipaustralia talks about;

Whether you are looking to retire in five years or simply want to build a more engaged workforce today, this episode provides a clear roadmap for exploring employee ownership.

In This Episode, We Cover:

The looming SME succession crisis and why traditional exits aren't working for everyone.

The fundamental differences between allocated employee share schemes and unallocated EOTs.

How overseas markets like the UK and Canada have successfully mainstreamed employee ownership.

Why EOTs are a perfect fit for professional service businesses, and how to structure them for asset-heavy businesses like farming.

The "tax dodge" stigma and the urgent need for clear ATO guidance and legislative recognition in Australia.

How employee ownership drives remarkable productivity and builds stronger local communities.

Andrew’s top three actionable tips for founders looking to transition out of their business in the next five years.

TIMELINE:

00:00 Introduction: The Looming SME Succession Challenge

 01:12 What's Changed in Employee Ownership in the Last 5 Years? 

07:40 Understanding Employee Share Schemes: Allocated vs. Unallocated Plans 

14:55 Are EOTs a Genuine Asset Class for Small Business? 

21:19 The Push for Legislative Recognition and ATO Guidance 

27:39 Building Community and Retaining Local Businesses 

31:33 Why Professional Service Businesses are Perfect for EOTs 

38:13 Financing the Exit: Staged Sell-Downs and Managing Risk 

45:22 Boosting SME Productivity Through Employee Engagement 

49:23 Structuring EOTs for Asset-Heavy vs. Low-Capital Businesses 

55:46 The Gap in Professional Advisor Awareness 

59:28 Top 3 Tips for Founders Retiring in 5 Years 

01:01:20 Andrew’s Vision for Simplifying Small Business Regulation

About Our Guest:

Andrew Clements is the Co-Chair of Employee Ownership Australia (EOA), an advocacy group dedicated to facilitating and promoting employee ownership across the country. Andrew is a passionate advocate for reducing regulatory complexity and creating simple, robust succession models for Australian SMEs.

Read the full, searchable transcript of this episode here:  https://ownertoownerpodcast.com.au/episodes

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Important Note for Listeners: This episode contains a discussion regarding mental health and the professional challenges—including suicidal ideation—faced by dental practitioners. We believe these conversations are vital for industry transparency and support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, please reach out to one of the following confidential, professional services:

Dental Practitioner Support: A 24/7, independent, and free national support service specifically for dental practitioners, students, and their families. Phone: 1800 377 700.

Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue: 24/7 mental health support and resources for all Australians. Phone: 1300 224 636.

The Essential Network (TEN): Specialized mental health support for health professionals, developed by the Black Dog Institute.

Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore the structural and cultural shift of moving a small business toward an employee-owned model. Our guest, Monica O’Malley, shares her journey in restructuring her dental practice, focusing on how this model fosters professional agency, eliminates traditional hierarchical friction, and builds long-term organizational resilience. We discuss the tangible impact of ownership on team motivation and the intentional steps required for leaders to build a lasting, purpose-driven professional legacy.

Key Topics Covered:

The Case for Shared Agency: Moving beyond top-down management to increase team engagement and problem-solving capabilities.

Building Institutional Resilience: How employee ownership acts as a buffer against industry turbulence and "perma-crisis."

Cultural Transformation: Practical steps for shifting the internal value system of a firm toward transparency and shared vision.

Legacy Planning: Strategies for leaders looking to transition power and ensure the long-term health of their practice.

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au

Building a Purpose-Driven Business as a Mumpreneur with Marie Carillon

In this episode, Marie Carillon, founder and podcast host of the Business Mum Compass, shares her insights into how mothers can create impactful, flexible businesses that align with their lifestyle and values. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, personal branding, and clear definitions of success, especially in the evolving online economy.

Key insights include:

Chapters:

Resources & Links:

Connect with Marie:

Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show.

Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes.

Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business.

[email protected]

www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au