Today, Brad sits down with Chris Archer as he shares his journey from building and selling CA Windows Systems to founding SME Success Group. Chris discusses the importance of aligning business goals with personal values, the emotional complexities of selling a business, and the dual feelings of disappointment and elation that come with such a significant transition. He emphasises the necessity of implementing effective systems within a business to ensure consistency and reliability, allowing entrepreneurs to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Establishing effective systems within a business is crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in operations. Systems allow businesses to produce repeatable and predictable outcomes, which is essential for building customer trust and satisfaction.
Business owners should have a basic understanding of financial metrics such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about pricing, cash flow management, and overall business health.
A successful business must focus on understanding and serving its customers. This involves developing strategies for customer attraction, conversion, and retention, ensuring that the business meets the needs and expectations of its target audience.
Curiosity and a desire for progression are vital traits for entrepreneurs. Being open to new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in business practices.
Business owners should have a clear strategy for their future, whether it involves exiting the business or evolving it to better serve their lifestyle and goals. Planning for the future helps prevent stagnation and ensures that the business aligns with personal aspirations.
BEST MOMENTS
"A business should serve your life, not own it or disrupt it or ruin it."
"If you can tell someone with confidence and conviction why what you're doing matters, it's much more believable."
"Systems grow businesses, people run systems."
"If you're doing something you know you can do well, all you've done is just created yourself a job."
"What you're not changing, you're choosing."
HOST BIO
Brad Staines is a founder in the thick of it - but by design, not by default. As the face of Aquamark Cleaning, he’s built a multi-million-pound operation with 30+ team members, strong systems, and a culture that gives people space to grow.
He’s still involved in the business a couple of days a week - but only doing the parts he genuinely enjoys: building relationships, growing the brand, spending time with the team, and spotting new opportunities. The day-to-day grind? That’s been handed over to a structure that runs without constant firefighting.
Brad’s also found his rhythm outside of business - with a deep commitment to physical and mental training. Whether it’s strength work, early morning runs, or cold plunges, he’s a believer that how you show up for yourself shapes how you show up as a leader.
Working On It is where he brings it all together - growth, grit, and getting better every week
