Business Changing

Profit and Growth Specialist

Client Q&A: Andrew Turner, MD of Archgola

by Leave a Comment

We have some incredible business coaching clients on our books, doing all kinds of great things – we swear we learn more from them than they do from us at times! We work with clients at all levels in all industries, clients who are rocking their field, clients who are making their mark on NZ and some making their mark on the world. To inspire you we have decided to share some of their stories in a regular Q&A.

 

This time we spoke to managing director of Archgola, Andrew Turner. Read his Q&A below…

 

Q. Tell us about your business in ten words.
A. Archgola provide outdoor shade solutions primarily in the residential market.

 

Q. Why did you start it and what was your aim with it?
A. We purchased it in 2008. Our first aim was to have the confidence to “sell to family” – hence we would only sell a great product (at that stage it needed to be improved). Secondly, we wanted to be number 1 in New ealand, known for our excellent product and excellent service.

 

Q. Who is a leader that you learnt something incredibly valuable from and what were the lessons you learnt from them?
A. I really enjoyed working with Buck Shelford while I was the trainer for North Harbour. He was absolutely consistent with all players whether they were a young rookie or an established All Black. Secondly, he was an excellent listener but as the leader he made his own final decisions and took responsibility for these decisions.

 

Q. Think about the worst boss you’ve ever had – what did you learn from their style of leadership?
A. I had a coach that thought he knew it all, and players don’t stand fools. Better to admit your weaknesses, understand the areas you need to improve and be respected for knowing so and doing so.

 

Q.  What lesson in business do you try to pass on to others and why is that?
A. I think the key thing is that it’s not rocket science. Back your skills, seek advice from people you trust, and remember that you have only one shot at integrity with both your clients and your suppliers. Everyone can make fair living.

 

Q. What is a mantra you live by and why?
A. Feed the “fair good wolf” not the “greedy angry wolf”! Most people in New Zealand are good and fair – be one of them and you will enjoy running a business. Leave the greedy, untrustworthy people out of the picture.

 

Q. What has been your biggest learning in business to date and why?
A. Learn from your mistakes, but keep trying new things. And look after staff and they will look after you.

 

Q. If you were 21 years old again and could do any career you wanted, what would you be and why?
A. I’d be a plumber. I reckon if you had a business offering excellent plumbing skills with EXCELLENT service, you would make millions!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • "Zac’s business workshop totally exceeded my expectations. The two days are well planned out to ensure your thought process takes you through the various stages needed to question why you are in business, where your business currently is at and where you want your business to be. Provoking questions, explanations, stories, presentations from successful entrepreneurs and of course Zac’s personal attention ensure you walk away with a clear and dynamic business plan. The venue was perfect, the lunch and refreshments sublime."
    Rachel Kann, IQ Property Management
  • "Zac has also become a key enabler and contributor to us working towards the development of both our employee engagement and customer experience roadmaps. Kotahi is a new and fast-paced environment and it has been great to have Zac as a trusted advisor to both myself and the CEO. He has a no-nonsense and solid experience-based approach to his consulting style. I have enjoyed working with Zac and look forward to continuing on our engagement journey with the support of Business Changing”
    Jay Padden, HR General Manager, Kotahi
  • "The business planning workshop run by Zac is a great opportunity to challenge existing thinking in your business and take results to the next level. The workshop was well thought out and provided a structured environment to channel ideas and ambitions. Zac has the perfect presenting style allowing for plenty of interaction amongst your team and networking with other business from a variety of backgrounds. Highly recommended"
    Gray Borell, Novii
  • "Zac has given myself and the business a real sense of clarity, and a better sense of day-to-day achievement for myself and the team. Zac’s ability to ask questions that are relative and beneficial have helped me grow the business and my self-awareness and create a more enjoyable workplace. Give Zac an inch and he’ll take you a mile!”
    Mathew Phelan, New World Churton Park
  • "Transformational… Revolutionary… Awesome… Take your pick! Our business looks nothing like it did just three months ago – our brand is visible in the market, there’s a buzz about what we are doing, doors are opening and our heads are in the game. Business Changing changes business for the better… I’m very very thankful we met – my only regret is that we didn’t seek you out sooner!"
    Nick Brown, Huffman Sauces
  • "Zac is incredibly insightful, inspiring and has been absolutely vital in contributing to the growth of my business. He's made me think beyond my goals and really given me the push my business has strived for."
    Bex Riley, Tosca Salome
  • "Great two-day workshop that gives you a chance to reflect on your business, and focus on key points that need to be addressed to maximize your effectiveness and outcomes. The workshop was both entertaining and informative and really helped us to think about how we might navigate Covid / post-Covid, and plan out our next few years to guide the direction of the business. Food and hospitality was also great. Highly recommended!"
    Nelson Raynor, Isle of Eden