In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Esther Rupenovic, founder of Jack & Chelo, a thriving dog food company that has expanded its operations significantly. Esther shares insights on her journey, the importance of professional development, and the tools that have fueled her success. Joined by her dedicated team, she discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her business and her passion for e-commerce. Tune in for valuable lessons on growth and ambition. Other Resources:   Starting with $10k in 2004, losing it all, now $27M in sales and 55 staff selling fitness products. (Ben Crowley) Mastering team growth, hiring top talent, and building a thriving culture for success. (Lesley van Tuil) Are you based in Tasmania? We have a regular small business meet-up in Hobart and Launceston, leave your email here to get the invite. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let’s get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Esther Rupenovic says the hardest part of growing a small business is being a solo founder and having to handle everything. From marketing and customer service to managing staff and systems, the sheer number of tasks can be overwhelming. She started with a passion for cooking but now juggles many different responsibilities. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Esther Rupenovic's favorite business book that has helped her the most is Winging It by Emma Isaacs. It was the first business book she read, and it resonated with her early in her journey. She also enjoys reading The E-Myth and has Shoe Dog by Phil Knight on her reading list. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Esther Rupenovic recommends three main podcasts that she listens to on repeat for growing a small business: Grow A Small Business by Troy Trewin, Hammersley Brothers E-commerce podcast, and Add to Cart by Nathan Bush. She highlights Add to Cart for its focus on e-commerce and its valuable insights for Shopify users. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Esther Rupenovic recommends using Shopify POS (Point of Sale) linked with a Shopify store for growing a small business. She finds it extremely handy for tracking inventory, customer data, and creating loyalty systems. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of using a detailed scorecard to track numbers daily, which provides valuable insights for business growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Esther Rupenovic would advise herself on day one to "just enjoy the ride" and dream bigger than initially imagined. She believes that setting higher goals allows you to achieve success more quickly than expected. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights!   Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.   Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Embrace the journey and dream bigger than you think – Esther Rupenovic Professional developm