Success Stories
Rod is a great inspiration to his clients – he is a passionate and knowledgeable trainer and presenter, and a supportive and encouraging mentor who is happy to share his expertise and knowledge in small business management. I am pleased to have him join me in delivering the Y.E.P. – Getting Down to Business program for the young entrepreneurs of the Sunshine Coast.
Leigh Rachow
Sunshine Coast Business Academy and
Business Training Consultants Pty Ltd.
In 2007 I started establishing Fertility Solutions. Whilst I had many years of experience as a fertility nurse to draw upon, I was limited in my experience in business management.
I saw an advertisement in the local paper promoting a government subsidized course “Getting Down to Business 2”. I immediately applied for the course and it was here that I met Rod Richards.
In regards to business management I wasn't sure what I needed to know however, having attended this course and another coordinated by Rod – Succession Planning, I could not have been happier!
I have since engaged Rod Richards to be my business consultant and improvement specialist which he has been since November 2009. Rod has been patient when working with me ensuring that I understand everything in detail from managing cash flows, forecasting and constructing business plans. He has a way of explaining things so there are no questions left unanswered.
Rod has a thorough understanding of what my and the business needs are. He has always been very patient and professional with all my requests doing all he can to make sure the business was the best it could be.
Rod is very reliable, keeping in contact with me regularly and also quick to make any changes if needed. I am extremely delighted to have Rod as my business mentor and would definitely recommend him to others. He has mentored me and the business to a point where Fertility Solutions was nominated and subsequently won Sunshine Coast Small Business Awards – Professional Service 2009 with a further nomination for the 2010 awards.
To those of you who are still a little uncertain but want to grow their business to have a competitive advantage, receive sound business and practical business advice – choose Rod, you won't regret it."
Denise Donati
Managing Director
Fertility Solutions Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg
I met Rod 18months ago. Being a bloke and someone who had run their own successful business in London for over 10 years I was doubtful and perhaps guarded about letting someone in to my business.
My business in London was very successful, but looking back the reason for this was, I am good at what I do, I had a great client base, I had a great income and surrounded myself with people who ran my business.
Moving to the Australia and specifically coastal Queensland, I soon realised that the number of clients weren’t there, my rates were going to considerable less than London, which meant that I couldn’t afford to surround myself with people to run my business, then came the sobering fact that actually I knew very little about business.
From the top of my game in London to rapidly lowering the ladder in Australia; Rod has picked us up and turned us around. My business acumen has gone through the roof, my profit and sales have gone through the roof, I work less and earn more which funnily enough was my brief to Rod when we first met.
Phill Jackson
Phill Jackson Photography
If you own a business then Rod Richards is your man! He is a treasure chest of information for your business to develop sound systems, plan ahead and grow dynamically. Rod is brilliant with figures so set him free on your business!
Rochelle Masson
Owner, Master Directions
I cannot speak too highly of Rod Richards. As my mentor and trainer when I began the NEIS program in June 2005, he conducted an excellent training program and ensured that all participants Ire provided with a solid foundation from which to conduct their business. It is a very intense process, at the end of which each participant is required to produce a business plan and a financial plan specific to their business idea. Rod skilfully guided each member of the group through to completion. To put it simply, Rod cares – about people and about the role he plays to best assist them, whether in a business or a personal sense. He has integrity and strength of character, all topped off with a sense of humour! I have no hesitation in recommending Rod to anyone who requires business coaching or training and wish him the very best of luck and good fortune for any future endeavour.
Moira Mac
Owner, Personal Mastery
I first met Rod Richards in his capacity as chairman of the Sunshine Coast Business Breakfast Group. He struck me as one of those rare breed of true gentleman – big on manners and excellent communications skills. It turns out he also really knows his stuff - training and working with new business startups finding their feet as well as established businesses that just need a kick in the pants. I’ve been fortunate enough to have Rod share his practical knowledge with me as I go about re-engineering my business.
Randy Lagerway
Managing Director, Force 8
Before I met Rod, his reputation had already preceded him. During my employment at Centrelink, Rod was very well regarded by my colleagues as someone who would be able to give the best advice to customers, with regard to their new business ideas under the NEIS scheme. Years later I was again referred to Rod, by one of his Mentees, under the Young Entrepreneurs Program – this time, for advice on my own new business idea! Rod’s coaching has been invaluable to me during the past year, thanks to his flexible approach, depth of knowledge and broad experience. With much trepidation, I have been able to progress an idea through to a reality and hopefully beyond. There is no doubt that I would not have been able to achieve these results without him. Thanks, Rod – you are a legend.
Barbara Haddon
Registered Psychologist
Buderim
I have recently completed a 6 month training package with Rod Richards and am still receiving some online mentoring from him. I have used other business coach / development companies in the past but got sick of them thinking they knew my business better that me. Rod is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about my business succeeding and he has given me the skills to run my business, my way. I would personally recommend Rod to anyone in business or thinking about it who want the skills to succeed.
Chris Shortland
Director, Proactive Fitness
When starting a new venture strategic advantage plays a vital role. Rod Richard’s indepth business coaching allowed my new consulting venture to prosper. His sound advise backed by research and unique marketing stratagies gave me an instant foothold in a very competitive market. As my business developed Rod professionalism allowed me to adapt to the market needs quickly with optimum effect. I take this opportunity to thank you Rod and look forward to enjoying our ongoing relationship.
Richard Horan
Splice Consulting
I didn’t realize how valuable a business mentor was until I met Rod Richards. Rod’s wealth of knowledge coupled with his sincere and genuine desire for my business to succeed has been invaluable in taking my business from an ideas stage to a reality.
He has guided me to set firm business goals and to prioritize the steps needed to achieve those goals. Rods cheerful and approachable manner always makes it easy to discuss the business things I feel I should know and don’t.
His attention to detail and the integrity with which Rod operates his own business is a perfect example of a man whose actions follow his words. It’s a pleasure working with you, Rod.
Heather Westwood
Dream Tree Designs
