Irish Business Builders

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #83, I interview Sean Moran, CEO of the Home Project Centre Group. Sean shares the story of his career, from growing up in Crumlin, Dublin, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business leader. He discusses the challenges of navigating the recession, dealing with NAMA, and executing a management buyout to save and grow the business. Sean also talks about his business philosophy, the importance of doing the right thing, and how he plans to step into a chairman role to focus on strategy and future growth.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH SEAN:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #82, I talk to Will Meara, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Bingo Loco. Will shares the journey of how Bingo Loco transformed from a spontaneous event in Dublin to a global phenomenon with over 200 sold-out shows weekly across multiple countries. The discussion delves into the challenges of scaling a business, creating a unique competitive advantage, and the importance of investing in talent and operations. Will also offers insights into the dynamics of working with co-founders, the lessons learned from his family, and the future growth plans for Bingo Loco.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH WILL:LinkedInInstagramBingo LocoDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #81, I speak with Harry Girvan, the founder and CEO of the Simplicity Group and MANTIS, about his journey from salesman to successful entrepreneur. Harry discusses the challenges and learnings he faced while bootstrapping his business, emphasising the importance of culture and loyalty within his team. He also introduces his new venture, MANTIS, which aims to solve the problem of high commercial fleet insurance costs through advanced smart camera systems. The episode delves into Harry's decision to seek external investment for the first time to scale MANTIS and expands on the role of the Entrepreneurs Organisation in his journey.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH HARRY:LinkedInMANTISDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #80, I talk with Brian Honan, founder and executive chair of Fortus Group. We discuss the challenges and strategies involved in growing a business, focusing on acquiring and integrating companies across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Brian shares his unique journey from an accidental entrepreneur with Osmosis Technologies to leading Fortus, highlighting critical aspects of leadership, culture, and resilience in the face of significant health issues, including a recent ADHD diagnosis. This episode provides valuable insights on scaling operations, maintaining a family-oriented culture, and navigating the complexities of a buy-and-build strategy with a mix of equity and debt financing.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH BRIAN:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #79, I introduce Rani Dabrai, an executive coach and Ireland's only certified implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Rani discusses her journey from founding MissMoneypenny, a virtual assistance business, to becoming a pivotal figure in EOS implementation. She shares key concepts of EOS including vision, traction, and healthy business practices, and emphasises the critical roles of visionaries and integrators within entrepreneurial teams. Rani also reflects on the personal challenges she faced while scaling her business and offers valuable advice for entrepreneurs seeking both financial growth and personal fulfilment.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH RANI:LinkedInEOS ProfileDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #78, I chat with Stephen Shortt, the managing director of ETC Consult. Stephen shares his extensive experience growing up in family businesses, specifically focusing on career guidance, selection services, and psychometric assessments at ETC Consult. Stephen's personal journey, including his strategic involvement in the Entrepreneurs Organisation and his life-changing diagnosis of diabetes, underscores the significance of aligning business practices with personal fulfilment. The conversation also delves into the Happy People Project, a new initiative aimed at fostering happiness and providing practical tools to improve work-life balance through measurable action plans.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH STEPHEN:LinkedInETC ConsultHappy People ProjectDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #77, I interview Paul Ryan, CEO of Temple, about his journey in building an IT distribution business that generates eight-figure annual revenues while Paul works just one hour a week. Paul shares his experiences and insights about overcoming stress, finding personal fulfilment, and the importance of focusing on both professional success and personal well-being. He discusses the significance of creating a strong company culture, the challenges of making courageous decisions, and his passion for personal development. Paul also talks about his podcast, The Inner Entrepreneur, and his approach to balancing various aspects of life, including family, personal growth, and wealth. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH PAUL:The One Hour CEOThe Inner Entrepreneur PodcastApple PodcastsYouTubeDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 9, Episode #76, I interview Barry Shevlin, Managing Director at Global Home Improvements. Barry discusses his journey from avoiding his family's business to transforming it into a customer-centric powerhouse. Key topics include the importance of respect and honesty in business and the role of vision and culture in sustained business success. Barry also shares insights on balancing work and personal life, the value of learning from industry leaders like Feargal Quinn, and strategies for fostering a positive company culture.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH BARRY:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Welcome to Series 9, Episode #075, where host Conor Kearney interviews Jerry Kennelly, founder and CEO of Tweak, a productivity platform for marketers. Jerry shares his journey from growing up in County Kerry and dropping out of school to work in the family newspaper business, to his success as a photojournalist, and eventually creating the multimillion-dollar business Stockbyte, which he sold to Getty Images for $135 million. He discusses the challenges he faced, the relentless pursuit of business innovation, and his efforts to foster entrepreneurship in Ireland, including the establishment of the Junior Entrepreneur Program. Jerry also shares insights on the balance of work and life, the importance of community, and the motivational aspects of entrepreneurship.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JERRY:LinkedInWebsiteDiscover EO Ireland—part of an international network designed specifically for entrepreneurs. EO Ireland connects business owners for networking, mentorship, and shared learning experiences. Take your business to the next level and join a community of like-minded leaders today at eoireland.org. Empower your entrepreneurial journey!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.   Today's episode is very special, because I caught up with Brian and Rachel from Nobó, an Irish food company creating delicious treats such as dairy-free ice cream and chocolate, with as little as 5 ingredients.The couple started the business in 2012 and have since grown Nobó into an international brand, with even bigger future ambitions!Rachel and Brian talk to me about what it was like to leave their secure jobs in New York to come back home to Ireland and sell ice-cream at farmers markets.We chat about the ups, the downs, and the many challenges they've encountered along their journey.Find out more about Nobó here: https://www.nobo.ie/CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.   In Episode #074 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney speaks with Dairine Kennedy, co-founder of Neurodiversity Ireland, and Emma Maye, CEO of Ardale Property Group and Core Building Providers. Both accomplished businesswomen and winners of prestigious awards, Dairine and Emma share their personal experiences with dyslexia, the challenges they faced in school, and how embracing neurodiversity has shaped their careers. They emphasise the importance of self-kindness, tailored support systems in schools, and the role of advocacy in promoting acceptance of neurodiverse conditions. The discussion also highlights Neurodiversity Ireland's mission to create a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals through community support and educational initiatives.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH DAIRINE & EMMA:WebsiteDairine LinkedInEmma LinkedInSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #073 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews Jerome O'Drisceoil, owner of the Green On Red Gallery in Dublin. Jerome shares his journey from training to be a priest to becoming an art gallerist, highlighting the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the evolving nature of the art industry, the highs and lows of running a gallery, the complexities of art interpretation, the role of private collectors, and the financial difficulties of sustaining an art business in Ireland.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JEROME:WebsiteInstagramSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #072 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney talks with Alan Merriman, founder of Elkstone, Ireland's leading alternative investment firm. The episode delves into Alan's career transitions, from being a partner at PWC to founding Elkstone, his approach to venture investment, the need for diversified portfolios, and the opportunities in the Irish economy. Alan shares personal insights on leadership, the significance of grit and resilience, building a strong team, and the role of failure and risk in achieving success. The conversation also touches upon the challenges in the Irish housing market and Elkstone's efforts to address these through strategic investments and collaborations.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH ALAN:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #071 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews Lorraine Corcoran, Co-founder and CEO of Nyrah Beauty. Lorraine shares her journey from a chartered engineer to an entrepreneur in the beauty industry, highlighting the challenges and successes she faced while launching and scaling Nyrah Beauty. The discussion covers her transition from B2B to B2C, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her business, and how she leveraged her technical background to create a skincare brand focused on plant-based, active ingredients. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH LORRAINE:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #070 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews Philip Gardiner, an investment director at Foresight Group. They discuss Philip's journey from banking into private equity, emphasising the crucial role of sustainability in business growth. Philip explains Foresight's investment strategies, highlighting their regional focus and support for SMEs in Ireland and the UK. The conversation covers the challenges of transitioning from founder-led businesses to scalable operations, the importance of hiring the right people, and the value of experience and strategic support in driving company success.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH PHILIP:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth. In Episode #069 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney interviews John Cunningham, founder and managing director of Complex Nutrition and Epicom. John shares his extensive experience in scaling successful businesses, navigating through crises, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. The discussion covers topics including cultural shifts within businesses, the importance of family, and dealing with financial challenges.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JOHN:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #068 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney talks with Dave McCormack, co-founder of the video production agency Fluent. Dave shares his journey in the media industry, from his beginnings with City Channel in Dublin, to launching local TV stations across the UK, and finally transitioning into corporate video production. Dave reflects on the challenges he faced, the valuable lessons learned in his operational roles, the evolution of his career, and the significant opportunities he sees in video storytelling for businesses.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH DAVE:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #067 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney speaks with Johnny Campbell, founder and CEO of SocialTalent. Johnny shares insights into the challenges and successes of building SocialTalent, a recruitment training platform that teaches large enterprises how to hire effectively using social media tools. He discusses the origins of the business, the accidental pivot to online training, the impact of the global financial crisis, and the continuous journey of learning to be a better CEO. He also highlights the importance of having a clear customer profile, the strategic use of AI in recruitment, and the future vision for SocialTalent.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JOHNNY:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #066 of Series 8, host Conor Kearney speaks with Tom Keogh, founder and managing director at Keogh's Farm. Tom shares insights on the evolution of his family business from a modest potato farm to Ireland's largest homegrown potato crisps brand, exporting to over 20 countries. Listeners learn about the key challenges and successes faced by Keogh's, including an in-depth discussion on their focus on quality, strategic branding, and overcoming industry difficulties. Tom also touches on the significance of sustainable practices and global philanthropic efforts, alongside his long-term vision of making Keogh's a globally recognised brand on par with icons such as Guinness and Kerrygold.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH TOM:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #065 of Series 8, Conor chats with Ross Culliton, founder and CEO of Roody, a promotional products company. Ross discusses his transition from a Big Four accounting firm to creating custom Hawaiian shirts and Christmas jumpers. He shares his entrepreneurial highs and lows, including the learnings from a failed venture and how it fuelled the creation of Roody. Ross also explains Roody's commitment to sustainability, planting a tree for every item produced, and his ambition to plant a billion trees. The conversation touches on the importance of company culture, lessons from hiring practices, and the value of networks like the Entrepreneur's Organisation.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH ROSS:LinkedInWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Episode #064 of Series 8, Conor sits down with Aine Kilkenny, founder of Riley, an eco-friendly period products company. Aine shares how a personal inconvenience during a night with friends sparked the inception of Riley in 2021. She discusses the company's rapid growth, their mission-driven approach focusing on female health and sustainability, and the challenges they've faced along the way. Highlights include insights into their successful crowdfunding campaigns, the importance of maintaining core values in business, and the benefits of having a supportive co-founder team. Aine also opens up about the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, the critical role of customer feedback, and their ambitions for global expansion. Tune in to hear the inspiring story of Riley and how they're transforming the landscape of period products.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH AINE:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Hire world-class accountants and in The Philippines. Visit Outsource Direct to scale your operations with higher flexibility, maximum efficiency and much lower costs.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.We're back with Series 8, Episode #063. Conor Kearney talks with Ted Wright, CEO of Writech, about his extensive journey in the family-owned engineering business specialising in fire safety systems. Ted shares insights from joining the company in his early years, scaling the business through financial crises, and eventually leading it to an annual turnover of €140 million with operations across eight European countries.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn CONNECT WITH TED:LinkedInSupport Neurodiversity Ireland—an organisation committed to promoting understanding and advocacy for individuals with neurodiverse conditions  like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Ireland  works to create a more inclusive society through community support and educational programs. Learn more and find out how you can get involved at neurodiversityireland.com. Together, we can make a difference!Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.

*This episode was originally aired in April 2022*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I spoke to JD Buckley, CEO at Sky Ireland.Sky, as most of you will know, is a global broadcasting and telecommunications company.Since joining Sky in 2012, JD has overseen the growth of the Irish business from just 30 people to over one-thousand today.In this very enjoyable conversation, JD talks about what he learned while working for Digicel in the Caribbean, along with an early opportunity that came from failing an exam in UCD, and he gives some really clear and honest advice for anyone who aspires to one day, becoming a CEO.Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieCONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

*This episode was originally aired in June 2020*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Junior's Deli & Cafe. Paulie's Pizza. Lotts & Co. Can you see a pattern?Barry McNerney and his brother Paul have built all of these iconic Irish businesses, and I loved hearing Barry's tales of determination and passion in this interview. Starting out as an equity trader, lured to the profession by the slick Wall Street types you'd see in films, Barry soon realised this world wasn't what he'd imagined. His brother Paul being a chef, they decided to try their luck in the restaurant business and opened Junior's. It wasn't easy, but  Junior's became a hit with the community, with its authentic, honest, affordable food. What's amazing is what Barry and Paul did next. They went on to open Paulie's Pizza and boutique grocer Lotts & Co (all with big challenges along the way which you'll hear about). Still, Barry and Paul kept innovating, and seeing the headaches that ordering produce for restaurants presented, created UnifyOrdering. Starting out as a simple app to connect restaurateurs with suppliers, Unify is now available for everyone as a free app to get fresh, local Irish produce delivered to their homes. Find out more about UnifyOrdering here: https://www.unifyordering.com/Connect with Barry on Instagram @barrymcn81Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieThanks for listening!CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

*This episode was originally aired in July 2020*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I spoke to Will Sparks, whose journey towards becoming a successful financial planner contained big hurdles. While at college in UCD, Will overcame immense challenges posed by Dyslexia. Having previously been an admittedly average student, Will knuckled down, worked hard and got into a routine. He surprised even himself when he came first in his class in final year.  The second hurdle came much later, when Will was working at a top finance firm. The GFC hit and Will was suddenly let go, and out on his own. Determination prevailed once again and he began building his own client list and eventually starting SparksWealth in 2019.Stay tuned for some inspiring stories of self-discipline and optimism, with a few practical investment gems thrown in too!Will mentions his favourite finance books:The Education of a Value Investor by Guy SpierThe Dhandho Investor by Mohnish PabraiFind out more about Will and SparksWealth at https://sparkswealth.ie/Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieThanks for listening!CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

*This episode was originally aired in November 2020*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Maurice Pratt's life in business is exactly the conversation I'd wanted for the finale of Irish Business Builders Season 2!He has been at the head of 10 companies, including Quinnsworth, Tesco Ireland and C&C. More recently, Maurice acts as Chairman of Uniphar Group, as well as holding numerous positions as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman for organisations across tourism, non-profit and healthcare sectors.Maurice also shares his views on managing ones time as a public company CEO and the best advice he ever received, from none other than Gary Weston.Find out more about Maurice Pratt here:https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/1876971Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieThanks for listening and see you all for Season 3 soon!CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

*This episode was originally aired in November 2020*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I sat down with Brian Crowley and talked about all things entrepreneurship, challenges and growth.Brian is a former international Irish boxer, who now has a played a part in the forming and managing of several companies. He founded TTM group, a specialist healthcare and recruitment company in 2002. After receiving an investment from Broadlake, Brian felt the need for a change and became a partner at Broadlake.Brian's story is one of resilience. He nearly went bust in 2008, but bounced back and is experiencing strong revenue growth with Broadlake.Connect with Brian Crowley here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crowleybrian/Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieThanks for listening!CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

*This episode was originally aired in November 2020*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.This week I caught up with Norman Crowley, a successful serial entrepreneur who is doing remarkable things in business and in environmental awareness.Norman Crowley founded and sold 3 businesses with a total worth of $750million before the age of 40. Norman actually retired at the age of 28, but as you'll hear in our conversation, that was short lived. Under the Cool Planet Group, Norman has several businesses that all share the goal of creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future. We talk about why having a mission in business is so important and Norman's drive to do good for the planet.Find out more about Norman Crowley and The Cool Planet Group here:https://www.coolplanetgroup.ie/aboutIrish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieThanks for listening!CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

*This episode was originally aired in September 2020*Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Welcome to Season 2 of Irish Business Builders!On today's episode I chat with Mick Kearney, whose life in business has taken him down many paths since he started out in the early 1980's.Mick brought Snap Printing to Ireland in 1984,  which quickly grew to be the largest Print and Design group in the country. A position it still holds today.Then in 2005, Mick and his business partner Ed Murphy, launched another Franchise inIreland – Home Instead Senior Care. Their philosophy is to provide a trusted service to older people, allowing them to stay independent and to continue to live in their homes for longer. Over the following 12 years, Mick and Ed grew Home Instead to €70 Millioneuros in revenues before selling a majority stake in 2017.Mick also managed to find time to become Manager for the Irish Rugby team,a position he held passionately and successfully for for 5 years, alongside colleagues Declan Kidney and later Joe Schmidt.Mick is open and generous with the lessons he has learnt, his business philosophies and insights. Enjoy!Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ieThanks for listening!CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedIn

Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Series 7, Episode #062 features a bonus conversation with Dr. Jack Skeen, a psychologist and executive coach. Skeen discusses his process of helping successful individuals find meaning and fulfilment beyond material success. He emphasises the importance of self-discovery, aligning with one's true self, and using personal superpowers for global benefit. Skeen shares anecdotes from his work, including helping people like Mohnish Pabrai and refers to figures like Genghis Khan, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs to illustrate alignment with one's purpose.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH JACK:WebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Support mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 7, Episode #061 host Conor Kearney talks with renowned sports broadcaster Brent Pope. Brent opens up about his battle with anxiety and depression and introduces his inspiring initiative, 'The Elephant in the Room'. This movement uses symbolic elephant sculptures to foster open discussions about mental health within organisations. Brent underlines the significance of addressing mental health issues, sharing personal stories to highlight the role of vulnerability, kindness, and support in recovery. The conversation also touches upon the global impact of the movement and encourages collective participation in promoting mental well-being.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH BRENT:LinkedinElephant in the RoomSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.Series 7, Episode #060 features in-depth insights from Tommy Breen, former CEO of DCC, as he discusses his career journey, the significance of cultural values, and overcoming challenges such as the 2008 financial crisis. Tommy also reflects on the sacrifices made by his family, particularly his wife Fiona, due to his career demands and shares his philosophy on continuous improvement and looking forward.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 7, Episode #059 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, host Conor Kearney sits down with Neil Skeffington, founder and CEO of Novelplast, a pioneering recycling company in Ireland. Neil shares his journey from studying polymer engineering to building a multimillion-euro business that tackles plastic waste by converting post-industrial and post-consumer materials into reusable pellets. He discusses the challenges of raising capital, the reality of plastic recycling, and the motivations behind his commitment to sustainable practices. This conversation delves into the complexities of the recycling industry, the importance of resilience and innovation in business, and Neil's vision for a future where waste is seen as a valuable resource. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInNOVELPLAST:LinkedInWebsiteSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth.In Series 7, Episode #058 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, host Conor Kearney interviews Lulu O'Sullivan, the founder of successful e-commerce brands GiftsDirect.com and TheIrishStore.com. Lulu shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, starting with a small budget and pioneering one of Ireland's first e-commerce websites. She discusses the importance of customer service, the impact of culture over strategy, and lessons learned from challenges faced while scaling her business. O'Sullivan recounts her experience with the Leadership for Growth program at Stanford, which led to the creation of The Irish Store and further growth strategies.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInLULU'S LINKS:Gifts DirectThe Irish StoreSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland. Subscribe to the Business Builders Newsletter for the very best ideas I've discovered on business and personal growth In Series 7, Episode #057 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, Conor Kearney interviews Charles Cosgrave, owner and CEO of Village Vets, the largest independent vet practice group in Ireland. Charles shares his journey from a practising vet to a successful entrepreneur, detailing his early inspirations from his veterinary roots, his transformative experience in the UK, and the ambitious growth of Village Vets from just two locations to a thriving network of 20 clinics. He also discusses the challenges of balancing veterinary practice with business management, the importance of professionalising operations, and his vision for the future, including technological advancements and nationwide expansion.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInVILLAGE VETS:WebsiteFacebookInstagramSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Send us a Text Message.Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.In Series 7, Episode #056 of Irish Business Builders, host Conor Kearney speaks with Laura Weldon, owner of Honey Honey Cafes, now with three locations in Dublin. Laura discusses her entrepreneurial journey, from her initial foray into business in 2018 to overcoming various challenges, including the impact of COVID-19. She elaborates on the importance of learning by doing, allowing customers to shape the brand, and the necessity of loving what you do. Additionally, Laura shares insights on scaling a business, the value of investing in technology and people, and balancing hard work with smart decision-making.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInHONEY HONEY CAFE:WebsiteInstagramFacebookSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Send us a Text Message.Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.In Series 7, Episode #055 of Irish Business Builders, Conor Kearney interviews Barry Drennan about his extraordinary journey from mechanic to entrepreneur. Barry discusses transitioning from selling and servicing golf course machinery to founding his own business and how he successfully navigated the 2008 financial crisis by pivoting to a leasing model. Barry also delves into managing staff, creating a sustainable retirement plan through pensions and property investments, and balancing his professional life and personal passions such as running ultramarathons. Highlighting the mental and physical challenges of ultra running, the camaraderie among runners, and the profound life lessons he's learned along the way, Barry's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and finding passion in every aspect of life.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Send us a Text Message.Produced by Jetbooks, Chartered Accountants Ireland.In Series 7, Episode #054 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, Conor Kearney interviews Mary McKenna, founder and CEO of Tour America and The Travel Suite. Mary shares her entrepreneurial journey, influenced by her father's passion and values, highlighting her resilience through challenges like September 11th, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a near-fatal accident in 2004. She discusses maintaining work-life balance and fostering a culture of empathy. Mary also delves into her methods for creating a customer-focused company culture, emphasizing respect, communication, and addressing customer concerns promptly, ensuring zero complaints.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInTOUR AMERICA:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Send us a Text Message.Produced by JetbooksIn Series 7, Episode #053 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, host Conor Kearney speaks with renowned entrepreneur and adventurer Enda O'Coineen. The conversation delves into Enda's early fascination with the ocean, his competitive nature, and his journey from being expelled from school to becoming the CEO of the Business Post Group. The episode covers topics such as risk management, the fundamentals of business, strategic thinking, and the importance of focusing on the customer. Listeners will learn about Enda's ventures in Central Europe, his acquisition of the Business Post, and his views on technology's role in advancing society. CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInCONNECT WITH ENDA:Business PostKilcullen KapitalSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by JetbooksIn Series 7, Episode #052 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, Conor Kearney interviews Lorraine Heskin, founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour, about her entrepreneurial journey. Lorraine discusses her early influences from American culture, the importance of a slow and steady growth strategy, and her experiences navigating the challenges of the Irish economic landscape. She shares insights into the art of building a strong brand, the value of adaptability, and the critical role of a supportive team. Lorraine also talks about balancing family life with entrepreneurial demands, the significance of good financial management, and the transformative experience of being an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInGOURMET FOOD PARLOUR:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Produced by JetbooksIn Series 7, Episode #051 of the Irish Business Builders podcast, host Conor Kearney interviews Sir Michael Smurfit. Sir Michael recounts his journey from joining his father's cardboard box company at 16 to transforming it into Ireland's first multinational corporation, Smurfit Westrock. Highlighting key moments and tough decisions, Sir Michael shares valuable insights on integrity, intuition in business, and the importance of understanding operations from the ground up.CONNECT WITH CONOR:LinkedInSupport mental health awareness with Brent Pope's “Elephant in the Room” initiative. Join the movement to de-stigmatise mental health conversations in the workplace and beyond. Adopt an elephant sculpture and show your commitment to creating a supportive environment for everyone. Visit www.elephantintheroom.ie to learn more and get involved.

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I had a chat with Barry Wallace, Managing Director of Dash Burger, a fast casual restaurant that specialises in something called a smash burger.Barry opened the first location on Kevin St just 18 months ago, and the concept has taken off like a rocket. There is already a second location on Capel St with imminent plans to expand nationwide.In this chat, we talk about Barry's creative passion for food and his eagerness to constantly improve on his ideas… through what he calls, marginal gains.We also talk about Barry's journey in business, from humble beginnings in food trucks, to franchising in Europe and finally creating Dash Burger, his proverbial secret sauce.Find out more about Dash Burger here: https://www.dashburger.ie/Join Barry for an ‘eat and meet' with the burger legend himself; George Motz, on Thursday 19th May: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dash-burger-presents-the-george-motz-pop-up-world-tour-tickets-327968401317

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I caught up with Jim Breen, Founder and Executive Chairman of Pulse Learning. Jim set up the business in 1999, with start up capital of just 10 pounds. It's now a global organisation with an enviable list of clients and revenues in the tens of the millions!In this interview, Jim talks about his early days as a civil engineer, the steps he took to start Pulse Learning, and how becoming RTE's Secret Millionaire led to Jim Founding the Cycle Against Suicide an organisation set up to raise awareness of the supports available for anyone battling depression or self-harm.Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I chatted to Phillip McGlade, CEO at Thérapie Clinic, with over 65 locations in Ireland, UK and India. Thérapie Clinic was founded in 2002 by his father and Phillip joined the clinic in his 20's and became CEO in 6 months. In this conversation Phillip talks about what he learnt growing up in the family business and how they've grown Thérapie Clinic from a single location to a multi-national business with even bigger ambitions.Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I caught up with Brian Keegan. Brian was founder and CEO of a global outsourced payroll company called 360 Group which he started from his one bed flat in London, and grew it to 6 offices in the UK and Ireland, a data-processing centre in India and a £60 million annual revenues.Brian sold 360 Group in 2018, and has started business coaching, helping entrepreneurs through the journey from the scale-up to stage, to ultimately selling their business.Brian has embraced the Scaling Up methodology, created by Verne Harnish and the Entrepreneurs Organisation, having used it so successfully in growing and selling the 360 Group.Attend the Harvard Business School and Scaling Up joint event:  https://scalingupglobal.com/scaling-up-2022/More about Scaling Up https://www.scalingupglobal.com/2 day Scaling Up Masterclass May 11th 2022 ,  Shannon Chamber event  https://www.shannonchamber.ie/events/scaling-up-the-business-2-day-interactive-workshop-with-verne-harnish/Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I spoke to JD Buckley, CEO at Sky Ireland.Sky, as most of you will know, is a global broadcasting and telecommunications company.Since joining Sky in 2012, JD has overseen the growth of the Irish business from just 30 people to over one-thousand today.In this very enjoyable conversation, JD talks about what he learned while working for Digicel in the Caribbean, along with an early opportunity that came from failing an exam in UCD, and he gives some really clear and honest advice for anyone who aspires to one day, becoming a CEO. Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I had a great talk with Conall Ó'Móráin, founder and Managing Director of Corporate PR firm, The Media Group and host of Ireland's (second best) business podcast, That Great Business Show!In this conversation we go right back to his days at UCD, where Conall started his very first media venture, a student magazine called Gob Shout.Since then, Conall has had a very successful business career across media, stock-broking, and public relations. We cover all of this, as well as drawing some interesting contrasts between Conall, and Richard Branson.Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I talked to Sarah Oullette, founder and CEO of Kindora, an online marketplace for buying, selling and renting premium children's goods. After failing to liquidate some expensive baby equipment online, Sarah realised that there was no secure online retail space for secondhand baby goods. So, Sarah launched the startup and two years later she has a co-founder, angel investment and has just finished the Techstars Accelerator program in London. Sarah talks about how she founded the business, her passion for supporting women in business and how to start and scale a global company.  Visit Kindora: https://kindora.shop/Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week we hear from James McElroy, Co-Founder of multiple businesses in the Pet Care Technology space, and along with his brother Timothy, finalists for EY's 'Entrepreneur of the Year' programme in 2019.James's most recent venture is the newly launched Oscars Farm, which delivers fresh pressed dog food to your door in a monthly subscription. James is also co-founder of Gudog, Europe's largest peer-to-peer marketplace and mobile app for dog owners in need of local vetted dog sitters and walkers. Gudog operates in over 75 cities, and has over 30,000 sitters and walkers earning a living on the platform.  Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingI'm thrilled to welcome Dan Hobbs this week, Co-Founder and CEO of Protex, a software company using artificial intelligence to track safety for industrial employees.Dan and his Co-Founder Ciarán are recent graduates of Y-Combinator, a start-up incubator based in San Francisco, boasting an enviable track record of finding the next big companies in tech.Other notable alumni include Airbnb, Dropbox, Reddit, and Stripe!In this conversation, we cover a host of topics, from Dan's experience applying to and going through the Y-Combinator programme, raising money from some of the world's most successful and best-known entrepreneurs, to Dan's first start-up, which he started at the tender age of 22, and sold a few years later in 2019!Find out more about Protex: https://www.protex.ai/Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie

Free for all listeners: The Ultimate Guide to Automatic BookkeepingThis week I caught up with Mark Flood, Director at Renatus Capital Partners, a private equity fund manager focused on investing in Irish SMEs.In this conversation, we cover a wide range of topics from the early days of the business and how they raised their first fund, to their investment process at Renatus and what they look for when buying a business.Mark also brings me through an example of an investment they made in the burrito chain Boojum – and his thoughts on why the CEO is the most important factor in determining the value of any business. Every Sunday, Renatus issue a newsletter synopsising the latest deal activity, company performance and people moves.They also include their top macroeconomic-related tweets, thought for the week and other topics of interest to our stakeholders. Sign up to the Renatus weekly newsletter here: https://renatus.ie/newsletter/Renatus also have an excellent podcast showcasing some of Ireland's best SMEs which you can listen to here: https://renatus.ie/newsletter/Irish Business Builders is brought to you by Jetbooks. Jetbooks provides online bookkeeping services for Irish Businesses. For a free 15 minute online consultation, visit www.jetbooks.ie