From 1 Team Member to 50: Mike McHenry's Journey of Scaling Seamless SMSF, Building a Culture of Care, and Auditing 30,000 Funds While Supporting 360 Firms with a People-First Approach on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Episode 611 - Mike McHenry)

Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Michael Denehey interviews Mike McHenry, founder of Seamless SMSF, shares his inspiring journey of scaling from a solo venture with one team member to a thriving business with 50 staff. Based in Gold Coast, Australia, Seamless SMSF audits over 30,000 funds for 360 firms, emphasizing a people-first culture. Mike reveals key lessons on building processes, maintaining strong relationships, and fostering team development. His insights offer valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs navigating growth. 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. Michael 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:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? Mike McHenry believes the hardest part of growing a small business is managing people. He emphasizes that while people are the greatest asset, they can also be the biggest challenge. Success comes from hiring for cultural fit over skill alone, fostering trust, and building a supportive and aligned team culture. He stresses that having the right people who follow effective processes is essential for delivering outcomes and sustaining growth.

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most? Mike McHenry's favorite business book is "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber. He appreciates its focus on the importance of systems and processes in creating scalable and successful businesses. Mike considers it a foundational read for anyone starting or running a business, highlighting how it teaches entrepreneurs to understand their customers deeply and build businesses that feel personal and supportive.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? Mike McHenry recommends exploring sales-focused podcasts and resources like Simon Sinek's insightful YouTube content, which emphasizes people and leadership challenges in the modern era. While he doesn’t follow specific podcasts regularly, he values recommendations from trusted contacts and seeks out learning opportunities that align with his interests.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Mike McHenry highlights culture as the most critical "tool" for growing a small business. He emphasizes creating a people-first environment where empathy, respect, and collaboration are central. Building strong relationships with employees and customers fosters trust and engagement. Additionally, he recommends developing clear systems and processes to deliver consistent outcomes. McHenry advises asking, "What do I want people to say about my business when I’m not in the room?" and aligning your actions to achieve that reputation.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Mike McHenry's advice to himself on day one of starting out in business is: "Don’t panic. It’s going to be okay." He stresses the importance of staying calm, focusing on the bigger picture, and forgiving yourself for mistakes, as they are part of the journey. He encourages new entrepreneurs to approach business as a game, focus on their intent, and trust that things will work out with perseverance and a people-first mindset.

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Success in business starts with giving a genuine care about people and their needs — Mike McHenry

Outstanding culture drives outstanding results; never compromise on it — Mike McHenry True business growth happens when you leave your ego at the door — Mike McHenry