Today we are introducing you to Geoff who is the owner of Mobile Log Splitting in Adelaide, South Australia.
Before deciding to open his own business, Geoff worked on fishing deep sea trawlers. This work was not very consistent and meant that Geoff spent a lot of time away from home. The opportunity to get more ongoing work and to be home more was one of the reason that Geoff decided to open his own business.
“Marketing was a big thing and Sam, my Many Rivers business coach, helped me out with that and put me into contact with people that could help me make flyers.”
Continue reading to hear more about Geoff’s small business journey with Mobile Log Splitting.
Meet Geoff
My business has been operating for 7 years now. I have two registered business names. The first is Mobile Log Splitting and that is the main focus. The second is MLS Gardening Services. This helps hold up the other side of my business. I set it up because the log splitting business is seasonal even though it is my main focus.
Before opening my business I worked on and off on fishing deep sea trawlers. I worked a bit on construction sites. But this work was unreliable. I was in and out of work all of the time because I was driving boats, it was very limited work. It was tiring, not having regular work. I liked the work but couldn’t get regular work. I have been working with Sam from Many Rivers for three years now.
Working with Many Rivers
I went to them because I needed to buy machinery but needed to do a feasibility test and work out whether it was worth it or not. We are trying to get on top of my bookwork now. There is a lot of things that Sam helps me with. He’s a great mentor and always helps me stay on track.
Marketing was a big thing and Sam helped me out with that and put me into contact with people that could help me make flyers.
Biggest Challenge
Trying to get more work. When I started the business there was no one else doing it in Adelaide. Part of my problem was because there was no one doing it, no one realised the service existed. So marketing was a challenge.
I think that’s why it took me a while to get started because I had to let people know I was here. Sometimes I do have the thought – whether it is worth it to keep the business going. But then Sam’s drive just helps me stay focused and helps me on track and he tells me we’ll be alright if we just keep at it. It sounds minor but it is really helpful when building your business. The reassurance that you are doing the right thing.
Biggest Success
I pour everything I earn back into the business which is why I think that is growing. With extra machinery, I can expand into other areas now. I think I am getting to where I want to be, I have the machinery now I just need to keep up with the work. The next thing that Sam is going to work with me on is how to balance this work with managing the business. I have looked at employing people but it is overwhelming for me at the moment. I don’t think I can supply the work for someone at this stage. But I think I am getting very close.
Future Goals
My goal with my business is to employ two to three people. Then I can focus on doing all the quoting and focus on running the business. I can help with the jobs Rather than trying to run it and do the work. The work is very physically demanding. Sometimes I get home and I am so tired I can’t even turn on the computer.
Stay updated with Geoff’s business journey by following him on Facebook.
We want to encourage more and more people to take that first step towards building on their small business ideas, or their existing business.
We’re here to support you the whole way.
Please take the Small Business Self-Assessment and see if we are right for you.
If you loved this client story and would like to read another, meet Julie, the owner of All Ability Yoga, a yoga service for people of all abilities in Newcastle NSW.
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