How these buyers became their own boss

Taking the plunge and buying a business is a big decision. It can be a long road, and there’s a lot of change to negotiate. But it can also be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

We spoke to three different business buyers about how purchasing their business had given them the lifestyle they wanted. Learn how their ownership journey is going, and hear their advice for how you can make your own business dreams a reality.

Baking their way to better

Owning a bakery is a dream for many, and one that Bikram and his wife Prabh have worked hard to make come true. In search of more flexibility and with a passion for food, they purchased a Fergusson Plarre Bakehouse. They haven’t looked back since.

Watch their small business success story

• What did you do before you bought your business?
  Bikram: “I’m a chef by trade – I was working at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.”
• Why did you want to become your own boss?
  Bikram: “The long hours in the kitchen were difficult. I mean, when you’re doing night shift from 10pm to 6am…it really throws your life out of balance.”
• How did you end up owning your franchise?
  Bikram: “Starting our own business felt a bit risky with the family. A franchise sort of guarantees you more support. There’s help involved, and you get to learn a fair few things.”
  Prabh: “It gives you lots of flexibility and plus, you’re working for yourself…so you feel energised, you feel so motivated to come to work every day and inspired all the time.”
• How have you found the experience of owning your own business?
  Brikram: “It’s definitely been good for our relationship, we’ve gotten a much better understanding of each other.”
  Prabh: “It’s fun. You get really close to each other. It’s a journey, you learn every single day and you grow every single day. You feel such a responsibility for the customers. They expect so much from you, in terms of products and love. I’m loving it.”

Gardening to greener pastures

After years in the corporate world, Paul was looking for something more – and he found it in a small business. Now with a few business purchases under his belt, he enjoys the autonomy small business ownership brings, and is loving being outside each day as the owner of R & S Rogers Landscaping, Lawns and Gardening.

Watch Paul’s small business success story

• What were you doing before you bought this business?
  “I finished Uni in the 80s and worked for a large, multinational company for about 15 years. After that point in time I decided to buy a small business. I’ve bought two or three since.”
• What are the benefits of owning a small business?
  “I think owning a small business gives you more control of your destiny financially. And it gives you the ability to control what you want to do.”
• How did you find your current business?
  “I enjoy gardening, and I just thought that something I actually enjoyed would be nice for a change…something that was profitable and enjoyable. This particular business, I had briefed a broker to find something in the area of garden maintenance for me. I dealt with this particular gentleman for about three years and he knew what I was after.”
• How has owning this business impacted your lifestyle?
  “I think that it’s been a great change for me. It’s nice to be in the outdoors, there’s a great bunch of guys I work with. I’ve lost five kilos!”
• What advice would you give someone who’s considering buying a business?
  “I think you’ve really got to consider the previous owner…how well it’s been run, how good the brand is in the market. And is it going to give you what you’re after financially and lifestyle-wise? It’s not always as easy as it might seem, but if you find something enjoyable that’s a plus. But the bottom line is if you’re going to get into something, make sure it makes a dollar, and don’t just do it on a whim.”

Investing in the future

Getting to spend more time with family is something many potential buyers aspire to – and it’s what drove Ash to look at small business. Craving a lifestyle change he decided to purchase a Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers franchise and take control of his work/life balance.

Watch Ash’s small business story now

• What were you doing before you bought this business?
  “I was working in media for seventeen years or thereabouts.”
• Why did you choose to buy your own business?
  “There was something missing, so I thought okay, maybe it’s time to look a bit broader. My father had worked in a small business all his life, so I started to explore that path.”
• How has owning a business changed your life?
  “It’s given me more freedom – more time to spend with the kids. They’re at an age where I want to spend a lot of time with them as they’re developing.
  Previously, you know, you go to work quite early…probably before they head off to school. Yes, you do see them, but not for long. And you see them when you get home and they’ve probably already had dinner.Now I get to walk them to school, work during the day, pick them up on the way home. And then I can get back online and do some work after they’ve gone to bed. The work is still there, but I get to choose a time. It’s been a very refreshing change. A challenge…but a positive one.”

Feeling inspired to get started on your own business ownership journey? Create a SEEK Business profile now, and we’ll let you know when an opportunity matches your criteria so you find the business that’s right for you.