Episode 39: Focus Brings Results

In this solo update, I share some big, exciting news from my own fencing journey — and give you the full breakdown on how I took a small three-man team to a million-dollar business, with a 60% gross and 35% net profit margin. Not by grinding harder, but by working smarter, managing cash better, and focusing on systems and strategy.

If you're in the trenches of running your own fencing business — or any trade business — this episode is for you. I get honest about the challenges, the wins, and the exact steps that helped me move from being on the tools every day to sailing around Fiji... and now attracting outside investment.

Whether you’re trying to grow, systemise, or just get your time back, there’s gold in here for you.

How to grow a high-margin, investment-worthy fencing business

• Get ruthless about profit margins: turnover is vanity, profit is sanity. Aim for strong net profits.

• Invest in systems, not just tools: build out your back-end processes so the business works without you.

• Manage your cash properly: cashflow control was the biggest game-changer in my last 7 years.

• Make yourself redundant: grow your team and delegate so you can get off the tools.

• Attract partners or buyers by showing a sustainable, scalable operation — not just a job.

Timeline summary

[00:48] - Hitting $1 million in turnover with just 3 guys — and keeping a 35% net profit
[01:30] - Why profit margins matter more than revenue: “We're keeping money in our own business”
[02:27] - The goal: build a legacy that’s worth noticing (and buying into)
[03:35] - Why outside investment can supercharge growth (if you’re ready for it)
[04:20] - Announcing the merger and rebrand — going beyond fencing into full site works
[05:30] - “You won’t make money building fences forever — the business has to grow without you”
[06:45] - The power of back-costing and cash management to drive real results
[07:11] - “You can’t sell your business if it’s just a service you personally deliver”
[08:00] - Final advice: believe in the endgame, focus on systems, know your numbers

Links & resources

• Join the On the Fence Post Facebook group to ask questions and stay connected.

• Follow the podcast for more real talk and tactical advice from the fencing frontlines.

Thanks for listening! If you got value from this episode, please follow, rate and share the podcast with another fencer or trade business owner who’s ready to build smarter, not just harder.

Let’s keep pushing forward — together.