by Accru Harris Orchard
Owner Insights is a podcast that dives into the stories of business owners who have built great businesses. Hosted by James Orchard, Managing Director of Accru Harris Orchard, each episode is a candid conversation with a different business owner. Together they explore the business origins, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. These aren’t step-by-step guides on how to run a business but insightful discussions filled with personal stories of growth, resilience, and unique paths to success. Join us to discover what it truly takes to build a great business from those who've done it.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/5/2024
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April 10, 2025
<p>In this episode of Owner Insights, James Orchard speaks to Matthew McArthur, Executive Director of McArthur – one of Australia’s most respected recruitment and temporary staffing firms. What began in 1969 as a homegrown business founded by Matthew’s father, John, has grown into a national enterprise with six offices, over 200 internal staff, and more than 6,500 people employed each year. </p><p>This is a story about legacy, resilience, and quietly building a business that lasts. Matthew reflects on the early days of literally building the company from the ground up – assembling petition walls for interview rooms with his siblings – and on the incredible example set by his father, who only stepped down as Chairman at the age of 95. With a focus on sustainability and long-term relationships, McArthur was built to withstand change and challenge, including the global pandemic, with a cautious, steady approach that’s kept it recession resilient. </p><p>From navigating the challenges of working in a family business to the complexities of creating a truly national culture, Matthew shares valuable insights into leadership, succession, and staying relevant across decades. This episode is a masterclass in building not just a business – but a business that lasts.</p>
February 19, 2025
<p>In this episode of Owner Insights, James Orchard speaks to Stephen Evans, founder of Footsteps Dance Company, a global business teaching dance and drama in schools. From a competitive ballroom dancer with an Economics degree to running a thriving international enterprise, Stephen’s story is one of passion, timing, and entrepreneurial energy. </p><p><br /></p><p>Footsteps began over 30 years ago, rapidly expanding to work with 50 schools in South Australia within its first year. Today, it operates in every Australian state, New Zealand, and the United States, with a successful online program launched during COVID – an extremely innovative approach to going global without a physical presence. </p><p><br /></p><p>Stephen reflects on his challenges, from a failed franchise attempt and financial missteps to the importance of hiring the right people. Guided by his grandfather’s simple mantra, “Spend half and save half,” he built a debt-free business that thrives on seizing opportunities and learning from setbacks.</p><p><br /></p><p>This episode is packed with insights on turning a passion into a global success story.</p>
January 20, 2025
<p>In this episode of Owner Insights, James Orchard speaks with Angus Sobels, a business owner whose journey embodies resilience, risk-taking, and purpose-driven wealth creation. From a childhood marked by his father’s sudden departure and his family’s loss of 100 years of generational wealth in the wine industry, Angus shares how these experiences shaped his philosophy on financial security and life’s priorities.</p> <p>Angus reveals how he balances financial success with personal fulfilment, turning profits from a commercial landscaping business into building two further businesses, including a thriving property investment business, and stepping back from active work by 40. When tragedy struck in 2015, he leaned on the values instilled by his mother and the security his businesses provided. </p> <p>This episode is packed with lessons on embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and backing the right people - proving that life’s true riches go far beyond money.</p>
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