Today Crowe sits down with Josh Ford aka “The Ford Lord” who is no doubt a deity / demigod in the electrical world. 

A hero and friend to many, Fordy runs a couple of businesses atm (New Age Electrical, Lock Out + Live, New Age Media, Spark Your Interest) whilst balancing a young family. 

He is a total legend (one of my fave humans tbh), dedicated family man, runs some good honest businesses, and I always know what to expect when we hang out (100% of the time he is a good time). 

In this pod we discuss business start ups, rebuilding your job management system, time management, current happenings + much more. 

Also side note Ford and I were discussing a camping trip to Crescent Head sometime soon let me know who is keen and we can start to organise? 

Much love + enjoy the pod xx 

Summary

In this episode, Ford Lord shares insights on business growth, project management, and personal development in the electrical industry. Discover practical strategies for scaling your business, optimizing systems, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Keywords

business growth, electrical industry, project management, systems, scaling, work-life balance, entrepreneurship

Key Topics

Business scaling and growth strategies

Project management and system optimization

Personal development and work-life balance

Guest  Name

Ford Lord

Titles

Mastering Business Growth in the Electrical Industry: Ford Lord's Insights

Scaling Your Electrical Business: Practical Strategies from Ford Lord

Sound Bites

"Pricing jobs as if we're already doing them."

"Work hours are the most underrated asset."

"Diversify your services to stay resilient."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Coffee Spill

00:50 Navigating Business Responsibilities

03:08 Quoting and Estimation Challenges

05:54 Utilizing Technology for Efficiency

09:54 The Importance of Proper Setup

13:59 Emotional Aspects of Transitioning Roles

17:58 Balancing Tools and Office Work

21:57 Future Aspirations and Business Development

26:21 Managing Growth and Delegation

28:19 Authenticity in Content Creation

31:12 The Importance of Continuous Learning

33:42 Building a Positive Company Culture

37:32 Finding Purpose and Happiness at Work

40:22 Navigating Different Personalities in the Workplace

44:27 Embracing Opportunities for Growth

48:19 Diversification and Resilience in Business

Resources

Simpro Software - https://www.simprogroup.com/

Darren from Platinum Consultants - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-platinum-consultants

Residual Electrical UK - Mike Page - https://www.youtube.com/c/MikePageResidualElectrical

RJ Air - David Long - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-long/

Sparky Coach Podcast - https://sparkycoach.com/podcast

Business is no joke. You can win big, or you can lose big. 

Today Greg Crowe takes us through 5 huge red flags to look out for in your business. 

Are there other red flags? Yeh of course!! 

No doubt every day your business is screaming some form of information to you and we always have to ensure that we are slowing down, listening, and not ignoring something minor (or major) that could threaten everything we have sacrificed to build. 

The red flags we go through in this pod are: 

-you are not making money and it’s been like this for a while 

-you can’t pay your bills on time 

-you are consistently putting your own money in OR you have taken out an additional loan 

-you are working 60-80 hours per week + there is no end in sight 

-you are working with the wrong people 

So what’s the morale of the story? 

Look after yourselves out there. Make sure you have someone you can talk to about the hard stuff. Look after your mental health. Slow down and ask yourself if what you are doing is working. Stop and check to see if the key metrics are good.
They say everything happens for a reason, and while this may be true, sometimes it’s can be a bit of a cop out. 

If you can avoid going through something awful, you really should try your best to avoid going through something awful. 

Make money. Build wealth. BE KIND. Be kind to yourselves. You are a person too. 

Much love xx 

Summary

In this episode, Sparky Coach discusses the five major red flags in business that can lead to failure if not addressed. From not making money to working with the wrong people, learn how to identify and turn around your business before it's too late.

Keywords

business red flags, business growth, financial management, business success, Sparky Coach

Key Topics

Red flags in business

Financial management and profitability

Workforce and client relationships

Titles

5 Red Flags That Could Destroy Your Business

How to Recognize and Fix Business Failures

Sound Bites

"You're not paying your bills on time, red flag"

"You're working with the wrong people"

"Make money, build wealth, be kind"

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating 300 Episodes and Business Realities

02:49 Identifying Red Flags in Business

06:11 Financial Awareness and Profitability

08:58 Managing Cash Flow and Liabilities

11:53 Work-Life Balance and Burnout

14:44 The Importance of Team and Relationships

18:03 Taking Responsibility and Making Changes

Today Cam shows us a bit more depth look how to use, create + optimise purchase orders within your business. 

This is part 2 so be sure to check part 1 (pod #291) if you haven’t already. 

In this session we dive into: 

-what the main types of purchases are relating to business

-what purchase orders are and how they are generated

-how to integrate purchase orders with your job management system

-the importance of purchase orders to save time, allocate material correctly, create accountability + increase profitability

Much love and enjoy the podcast x 

Summary

This session explores the importance of purchase orders (POs) in business operations, highlighting how they enhance accountability, organization, and profitability. Learn practical tips on implementing POs across various purchasing scenarios to streamline your business processes.

Keywords

purchase orders, business efficiency, procurement, accounting, job management software, operational expenses, contractor management, business organization, profitability, admin efficiency

Key Topics

Benefits of purchase orders in business

How to generate and use POs for different purchases

Integrating POs with job management software

Common mistakes in PO management and how to avoid them

The role of POs in financial accuracy and accountability

Titles

Mastering Purchase Orders: The Key to Business Profitability

How Purchase Orders Can Transform Your Business Operations

Sound Bites

"Without POs, costs can easily be missed"

"POs reduce admin and protect profitability"

"Control who can raise and approve POs"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Purchase Orders

04:37 Understanding Purchase Orders and Their Importance

12:34 Practical Applications of Purchase Orders

19:11 Integrating Purchase Orders with Job Management Software

24:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources

Xero Accounting Software - https://www.xero.com/

Simpro Job Management Software - https://www.simprogroup.com/

Fergus Job Management System - https://fergus.com/

Today Greg Crowe gets Heath Knight from Hspark Electrical on the lounge in the most PG way possible. 

We discuss workload, being quiet, the seasons of business, losing staff, gaining staff, the trade gods having a master plan, the importance of networking, plus much more. 

Always a good time having Heath on the pod so sit back, relax and get propelled into your tirade god ordained destiny of making money, building wealth + being kind. 

Much love xx.

Insights from Heath Knight and Sparky Coach Group 

Dive into an engaging conversation between Heath Knight and Sparky Coach Group about navigating fluctuating business seasons, the importance of mental health, and building strong industry networks. Whether you're transitioning from site work to office management or looking to scale your electrical business, this episode offers practical insights and reflective wisdom.

Main Topics Covered:

• How to manage business lows and learn from quiet periods
• The impact of social media on networking and hiring
• Balancing work, mental health, and personal growth in trades
• Importance of structured workflows and back-end organization
• Long-term mindset: embracing mistakes and holistic success

In this episode:

• Heath shares his recent experience with industry product development and the importance of consistent branding
• The crew discusses transitioning from tools to office roles and the emotional challenges involved
• Strategies for maintaining productivity and mental health during slow seasons
• The role of social media in attracting industry contacts and future employees
• Practical tips for planning your workday and setting boundaries for work-life balance
• Heath reflects on personal growth, the importance of trust in the process, and future business visions

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Heath Knight and Sparky Coach Group chat about business evolution

02:07 - Industry insights: clip series and product development trends

03:52 - Managing slower business periods and staying motivated

04:44 - Lessons learned from transition periods in staffing

05:49 - Recognizing pricing and market positioning changes

07:06 - Building and replacing trades personnel efficiently

09:04 - Handling unexpected business challenges like project cancellations

10:43 - The importance of social media for networking and recruitment

13:17 - Impact of social posts on business contacts

14:37 - Finding new clients through everyday interactions

16:49 - Transitioning from site work to office management: challenges and solutions

18:44 - The power of repetition and skill mastery in management roles

19:36 - Balancing mental health and productivity in a new role

22:23 - Structuring your workday for success and boundary setting

24:41 - The importance of time management and prioritization

27:11 - Maintaining fitness and mental health amidst busy schedules

30:43 - Heath's future business vision and personal growth focus

36:49 - Final reflections: trusting the process and backing yourself

37:34 - The holistic view: mistakes as stepping stones for long-term success

Note: The episode emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, disciplined organization, and long-term strategic thinking in building a sustainable trade business.

In this episode of “The Crowe Show” Greg Crowe takes us through the mid year reset. 

And while technically it’s May (ie not mid year), it’s amazing how much you need to check in with yourself (and your business) to make sure that you are still on track and that the wheels haven’t completely fallen off the wagon. 

As the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery says “a dream without a plan is just a wish”. 

So what do we dream about? That do you dream about? What are our goals? What are your goals? What should your goals be? 

I always like to start at the high level, which is “make money, build wealth, be kind”.

The next stage is to “generate revenue, drive profits + control your time”. 

The granular stage is to work out where your focus points are. What season are you in? Are you needing to generate revenue? Drive profits? Or set some time boundaries on tasks, business events + your work hours?  

This is why every week at Sparky Coach we close the week, and every month we close the month. 

It is in mastering the mundane where we work out where our focus and focus points should be. 

Sometimes you need to slow down to speed up. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Summary

In this episode, Greg Crowe discusses the importance of mid-year reset, goal setting, and strategic planning for business and personal growth. He emphasizes slowing down to speed up, recognizing seasons of life, and aligning actions with true desires to build wealth and maintain relationships.

Keywords

business reset, goal setting, wealth building, personal development, time management, business strategy, season of life, financial goals, personal growth, productivity

Key Topics

Mid-year reset importance

Goal setting and revisiting goals

Recognizing seasons of life and business

The importance of slowing down to speed up

Aligning actions with true desires for wealth and relationships

Titles

The Mid-Year Reset: How to Reclaim Your Business and Life

Slow Down to Speed Up: The Power of Strategic Reset

Sound Bites

"A dream without a plan is just a wish."

"Seed, time and harvest."

"Slow down to speed up."

Chapters

00:00 Mid-Year Reset: A Time for Reflection

05:02 Setting Goals and Building Wealth

09:51 Understanding Seasons of Business

14:52 The Importance of Slowing Down

20:07 Closing the Week: A Key to Success

24:57 Taking Action: From Dreams to Reality

On todays Sunday Skool Cam takes us through how to ensure all your wholesalers, suppliers + catalogues are integrated so maximum office productivity. 

We all know the money is made or lost in the office so let’s get that back end dialled! 

The session includes, but is not limited to: 

-exporting supplier list from Xero

-building out a simple spreadsheet to track (type of supplier, the account type, how often used, is it credit or cash account, does a credit account need to be setup, does the credit limit need to be increased, online portal username and password etc) 

-assess and be clear on who you are using and why 

Get after it + enjoy the pod x 

Summary

This episode focuses on how to organize and optimize your supplier management to save time, reduce costs, and improve relationships. Learn practical steps to analyze your supplier list, streamline accounts, and enhance your business operations.

Keywords

supplier management, business organization, cost savings, account management, business efficiency

Key Topics

Supplier organization and management

Analyzing and consolidating supplier accounts

Improving supplier relationships and communication

Titles

Mastering Supplier Management: 10 Steps to Save Time and Money

The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Business Suppliers

 Sound bites

"Assess your supplier credit limits and usage"

"Archive or delete unused suppliers"

"Organize your supplier portals for efficiency"

Chapters

00:00 Getting Organized with Suppliers

09:12 Analyzing Supplier Relationships

19:06 Streamlining Administration Tasks

In this lounge episode Cam sits down with Adam Bushell from AB Electrical + Communications via online sorcery aka zoom for a good chat in and around what it takes to run an electrical business. 

So much gold to take away in this one so sit back, relax + enjoy the pod. 

May the trade gods bless you in all your endeavours! 

Much love x 

Summary

In this in-depth interview, Adam Bushall shares his journey from apprentice to successful electrical business owner. Discover key insights on building a team, managing growth, marketing strategies, and diversifying into new sectors like solar and batteries.

Keywords

Electrical Business, Entrepreneurship, Team Building, Marketing, Solar, Batteries, Business Growth, Customer Service, Business Management

Key Topics

Business growth and scaling

Team culture and hiring strategies

Marketing and client acquisition

Diversification into solar and batteries

Managing cash flow and operational challenges

Titles

From Apprentice to Entrepreneur: The AB Electrical Journey

Building a Successful Electrical Business: Insights from Adam Bushall

Sound Bites

"No one likes a dickhead."

"Build a team you’re proud of."

"Stay curious and keep learning."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam Bushall and AB Electrical

01:26 Adam's Journey into the Electrical Industry

04:33 The Importance of One-on-One Apprenticeship Experience

06:49 Transitioning from Apprentice to Independent Electrician

08:39 The Decision to Start His Own Business

10:52 Challenges Faced in Early Business Days

12:53 Finding Clients and Building a Brand

15:13 Lessons Learned from Early Mistakes

17:45 Building a Team and Managing Growth

20:48 Navigating Challenges in Business Expansion

22:34 Navigating Business Challenges

24:18 Finding Balance Between Work and Life

27:32 Building a Strong Team Culture

29:53 Emphasizing Customer Experience

31:55 Adapting to Industry Changes

35:51 Diversifying Business Opportunities

39:41 Leveraging Technology for Growth

44:39 Hiring the Right Talent

45:56 Pride in Team and Reputation

47:04 Future Aspirations and Growth

In this Sunday Skool episode Joey takes us through how to work out OT rates for profitability. 

A common question we get here is “how much do I charge for after hours work?” and there are a couple of key parameters in which to hinge off to ensure that you are getting the $$ you need to in order to not just survive, but thrive. 

Side note to people who are still on the tools, make sure you are on costing an amount that is applicable to business growth (ie that you could afford to do if you were paying someone else to do it). As business owners it can sometimes be very easy to volunteer yourself as tribute (ie sacrifice) to the company, so this is why it’s always good to pay yourself a market wage and ensure that the wage you are earning is what you could earn for a rival company down the road (plus of course a business net profit of 20-35%). 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Summary

Joey breaks down the complexities of overtime rates, how to calculate them, and how to charge clients fairly for after-hours work, call outs, and night shifts. Learn practical tips on managing overtime costs and maximizing profit while maintaining fairness.

Keywords

overtime rates, charge out rates, call outs, night work, profit management, electrical award, overtime calculation, business tips

Key Topics

Overtime definitions and legal considerations

Calculating charge out rates including overhead and profit

Different rates for weekdays, weekends, and public holidays

Minimum engagement and rest period rules

Strategies for charging clients fairly for after-hours work

Managing call outs and emergency jobs efficiently

Titles

Mastering Overtime Rates: How to Charge Fairly and Profitably

The Ultimate Guide to Overtime and Call Out Charges

Sound Bites

"Overtime is anything over the 38 hours per week"

"Double time and a half is 75 dollars an hour"

"Charging yourself out at 195 an hour gives you 63% profit"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Overtime Concepts

02:49 Understanding Overtime Rates and Awards

10:21 Calculating Charge-Out Rates for Overtime

13:51 Call-Outs and Their Implications

26:02 Night Work and Its Financial Considerations

28:16 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

It's time to look at admin differently. How can i get my admin organised? How can I make my admin simple? How do I embrace it?

You don't need to move heaven and earth, work with what you already have and just make it better! Spend some time, make some small changes and embrace the forgotten part of your business!

keywords

business administration, organization, logistics, email management, accounting, job management, purchasing, scheduling, payroll, efficiency

summary

In this episode of the Sparky Coach podcast, Cam discusses the importance of embracing business administration as a crucial part of success. He emphasizes the need for organization in various aspects of business, including logistics, email management, accounting practices, job management software, purchasing processes, scheduling, and payroll. By streamlining these areas, business owners can reduce chaos and improve efficiency, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and productive work environment.

takeaways

Business administration is essential for success.

Streamlining admin can make it enjoyable.

Organize passwords and access information efficiently.

Email management is crucial for communication.

Utilize accounting software effectively for better insights.

Job management software is vital for operations.

Implement purchase orders for tracking purchases.

Job cards help maintain a history of work done.

Scheduling reduces the need for constant communication.

Fostering accountability in payroll is important.

Titles

Streamlining Your Business Administration

The Importance of Organization in Business

sound bites

"How can we streamline things?"

"Use purchase orders to track your purchases."

"How can I make life easier for me?"

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Business Administration

06:10 Streamlining Email Management

17:48 Enhancing Job Management Software

28:23 Utilizing Job Cards Effectively

36:08 Continuous Improvement in Administration

Ok so if you saw a job in a very simple format it would be as follows: 

-front costing (ie the quote / proposal) where you put forward a dollar amount of what you think you can do the job for

-handling (ie the on site stage) where you deliver the on site work (ie labour + materials) 

-back costing where you check the job for gross + net profit 

-reflection where you decide “yes let’s do that again” or you decide to stop or change something 

-making sure the billable hours across the day made sense 

Between all these stages there is a baton change where items can go wrong. 

If the job lost money there are many questions to ask like was it quoted properly? Was it handled properly? Did the labour blow out? Did I miss variations? Did the materials cost more than I thought? There are 100 more to ask for sure, but you get the gist.  

It’s so important that in our “busy” lives we stop and measure the one thing that actually matters: profit. 

Don’t settle for anything less. 

Enjoy the pod xx 

Summary

This episode offers practical insights on how to increase profitability in your business by focusing on the critical stages of job costing, handling, and back costing. Learn how to identify where money is lost, improve quoting accuracy, and build stronger client relationships for sustained success.

Keywords

business profitability, job costing, quoting, client relationships, profit margins, business growth, construction business, project management, financial metrics

Key Topics

Job quoting and front costing

Handling and on-site performance

Back costing and post-job analysis

Takeaways

Focus on the three stages of a job: front costing, handling, and back costing.

Build relationships over visuals; trust and reputation matter more.

Back costing reveals the true profitability of each job.

Regularly review and analyze job performance to identify profit leaks.

Pricing should reflect true costs, including variations and transition risks.

Titles

Mastering Job Costing for Maximum Profit

The 4 Key Stages to Boost Business Profitability

Sound Bites

"Relationship trumps quote visuals."

"Every baton change in a job is a risk."

"You know what works, so why veer from it?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Japan Trip

00:58 Understanding Money Management in Business

04:49 The Importance of Relationships in Business

08:39 The Three Stages of Job Management

12:27 The Significance of Back Costing

18:42 Measuring Profitability and Performance

24:51 Building Long-Term Client Relationships

30:58 The Need for Change and Adaptation