Immediately prior to starting his First Class Accounts journey, Neil Hodgson helped out a mate driving his scrap metal truck. While this may not have contributed to his accounting skills, it surely helped him understand the value of autonomy and freedom. These were to become key values in his bookkeeping business.

David Gillies started his business just as COVID 19 hit and the surprises didn't stop there. Basking in new found freedoms and flexibility, David decided to take a slow-and-steady approach to business development. As it turns out, his 'organic growth strategy' has been working rather well and in this podcast he shares his thoughts about adding structure and discipline.

Robyn Graham and daughter Nikki Dempster run a successful and growing family business on the Fraser Coast. In this episode Robyn discusses her work-style and future plans.

When Karen Norman came to bookkeeping, her background may not have seemed ideal. It turns out the opposite was true and 17 years on she's constantly reminded.

In this episode we hear from Simon Boler who supports new and existing franchisees.  Working from head office, but frequently out in the field, Simon shares some of the common challenges and how to address them. 

Clayton Oates helps implement simple and effective business systems that allow us to spend more time working on the business. He's currently running a program with First Class and in this podcast shares some tips to create a growth mindset. 

Michelle Timperley jumped the fence from being a First Class bookkeeper, to working with the team at Ignition. As she says, 'leaving one family to join another'. Together we delve into how Ignition supports a franchisee and the ways they help establish an ideal client relationship.

In this podcast, Damien Gooden of HR Central shares his tips on how to confront challenging conversations head-on. He's knows all about 'Radical Candour' and he tells us who created the concept and how to embrace it.

When Gae Paino started with First Class Accounts the community was in its infancy. Not only did she help build it, she continues to support others every day. In this podcast she looks back on her early days and the lessons learned.

Tracey Leak knows more than most when it comes to understanding the benefits of a franchise. In this podcast, she shares what she's learned in over a decade working alongside startups.

Since starting her business, Trish Jones has evolved and fine-tuned the way she works. In this podcast she shares her many tips and strategies.

Matt Jeavons loves on-site interaction with his clients. So much so it governs how he works. For nearly a dozen years, this structure has proved ideal and is unlikely to change anytime soon. Riding a Harley-Davidson probably helps!

When Darren Law started his business, he hated the idea of networking. Now, two years in and having endured the disruptions of COVID, he looks forward to meeting his group and marketing his business. What's more, his work his giving him freedoms he's never experienced before.

As soon as David Jennings opened his doors, the questions began. After a hectic first few months, things are under control and this new business is growing nicely. 

During 2020 Sabina Romana realised that working from home could really work and took the leap into her own business. In her first year she's faced challenges and uncertainty and is fully embracing her new role as an entrepreneur.

When Marina Walker exited her retail business she intended to retire. Alas, travelling and reading soon became boring and so began the search for a new challenge. Less than 4 months in, her new First Class Accounts franchise nicely fits the bill.

With young children and pressured clients, Sally Poulton has honed her multitasking skills alongside coping with heightened frustration. And she's done well, perhaps better than she realises.

Like the rest of us, Anthony Furniss has had his challenges over the past year, but has managed to strengthen his connection with his clients. As you'll hear, he's approaching the coming months with enthusiasm and optimism.

Kay Godfrey has a broad range of primarily, small business clients. In recent months she's been faced with some who are bruised and battered and others who are going gangbusters. It's caused her to innovate strongly in her work.

As COVID-19 hit, Gita Hettiaratchi was in Canada on the holiday of a lifetime. Having hurriedly got back home to Brisbane, she quickly set about helping her clients and trying new things.

When it was clear that job applications were not bringing results, Krystal Brown decided it was time to start her own business. And then the world changed. She can't believe how well she's doing. 

A strong sense of community is essential to Sumi Suvalingam, so how is she managing in the midst of this pandemic? In this podcast we learn about the actions she's taken with her clients and how she maintains connection with her all-important line dancing friends.

Anyone who has met Kelly Marshall knows her as being upbeat, outgoing and social. So has is she coping in Melbourne's second lockdown and how is she serving her clients? Let's find out.

When Trevor Taylor left his role as a Bank Manager, he knew he wanted to change the balance between life and work. It took a while to get things running as he wanted, but these days he's often relaxing by the pool by mid morning. 

From her base in Rockhampton, Nerida Pokarier enjoys figuring out how her customers can best set up and run their businesses. It's this curiosity that's driven her throughout her working life and it suits her well in her bookkeeping practice.