Engineering Success

What does it take to move to a new city with zero connections, build a thriving engineering consultancy, and eventually become a company director? In this compelling episode, Derya Horasan shares how he transformed Scientific Fire Services' Sydney office from a two-person operation to a respected team of nine professionals. Rather than pursuing traditional networking, Derya built relationships with peers at his level who grew alongside him in their careers. His philosophy that "you're only as good as your last report" created a reputation that attracted clients without aggressive marketing. When you listen, you will appreciate Derya's candid insights about learning to separate emotions from business decisions and the power of declining projects that don't align with company values. His creation of an engineering management structure demonstrates how leadership must evolve as companies grow. From succession planning challenges to adapting relationship-building for younger generations, this episode offers practical insights for anyone building a sustainable industrial business based on quality, culture, and strategic relationships.

What happens when a successful utility engineer trades job security for entrepreneurial freedom? In this compelling episode of Long Term Thinking for Business Success, Jonathan De Carlo reveals how his dream of a relaxed lifestyle business transformed into a thriving engineering consultancy. After two decades in the utilities sector, Jonathan launched Grid Power Design with visions of three-day weekends. Instead, he discovered the challenging reality of building a specialised engineering firm. His candid insights about maintaining quality while scaling, innovative approaches to competitor collaboration, and the ongoing struggle to step back from technical work offer valuable lessons for technical professionals considering entrepreneurship. Learn how Jonathan: Built a respected engineering consultancy from scratch Developed a unique "mum test" for technical documentation Created collaborative relationships with competitors Plans to transition from technician to true business leader This episode is for engineering professionals ready to build their own success stories.

In this episode, Larry Narunsky shares his 28-year history as the technical director and founder of Convergent Water Controls (CWC) and how his company has become a cornerstone of Australia's water treatment industry over the past 28 years. Larry's story is a testament to the power of technical expertise and strategic business acumen. After migrating from South Africa with an engineering background, he transformed a small electronic services business into a thriving enterprise that now employs 15 people and serves as a crucial solutions provider in the water treatment sector. What makes Larry's journey particularly fascinating is how he navigated significant industry changes, including a pivotal moment following a tragic incident at Melbourne Aquarium that reshaped safety standards in cooling tower maintenance. Throughout our conversation, Larry shares invaluable insights into building a sustainable business alongside his brother, emphasising the importance of clear role division and systematic documentation. His approach to hiring - prioritising engineering expertise over pure sales experience - has proven instrumental in building lasting client relationships based on technical competence rather than traditional sales tactics. One of Larry's most compelling aspects of his leadership philosophy is his commitment to systematic processes and quality assurance. Under his guidance, CWC has developed robust internal systems that allow the business to operate efficiently while maintaining high service standards. The candid discussion about the challenges of stepping back from day-to-day operations and the importance of building a sustainable organisation offers practical wisdom for business owners contemplating their succession planning. Whether you're an engineering business owner, an industrial sector entrepreneur, or simply interested in building a sustainable business, this episode offers rich insights into the delicate balance of technical excellence, systematic growth, and exceptional customer service. Join us as Larry shares his journey from a one-man operation to leading a respected player in Australia's water treatment industry.

In this Long Term Thinking for Business Success episode, I sit down with Paul Wehbe, Managing Director of Infrastructure Engineering Group (IEG). With over 20 years of experience in the electrical infrastructure industry, Paul walks us through his transition from a corporate role at Ausgrid to starting IEG, which focuses on delivering innovative, client-centered utility solutions. What began as a side business offering 3D design and modelling services evolved into a fully-fledged consulting company specialising in high-risk utility infrastructure projects. Paul shares the early challenges of managing a small business and learning how to deal with demanding clients, quoting uncertainties, and avoiding scope creep. He reveals that becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t originally planned, but his passion for pushing boundaries and trying new things made it a natural transition. One of the early lessons Paul highlights is understanding how to manage risk and uncertainty while ensuring clear communication with clients. He believes success comes from delivering great work and building lasting relationships through trust and transparency. As we delve deeper into the discussion, Paul discusses the importance of company culture and personal branding for himself and his team. He emphasises the idea of being selective with clients, focusing on alignment with their values and leadership, which has been critical to IEG’s growth. Paul also discusses building trust and accountability within a team, sharing stories from his leadership experiences to set the right example. He believes that employees should reflect the company’s values and build strong personal brands so that clients remember them for their excellent service. Paul is proud of the team culture at IEG, particularly the feedback they receive from clients who request specific team members by name, even if they weren’t initially assigned to a project. He notes that this kind of client loyalty comes from consistently providing a "red carpet experience," which has helped IEG establish a reputation as a trusted advisor in the utility infrastructure space. One of Paul's top insights is the importance of strategic hires in scaling a business. He realised early on that to achieve stability and growth, he needed to hire a team he could trust unconditionally. He also highlights the need for flexibility and a "flex strategy" when scaling to handle surges in demand. This approach has helped IEG manage periods of rapid growth without compromising on quality.

In this insightful episode, Pete Sackett, the Founder and Director of CDE Design Solutions, shares his wealth of experience and knowledge on building a sustainable engineering business. He started CDE in 2001 after spending several years working in various engineering roles. His initial vision was to provide drafting and factory-related mechanical engineering services to local food manufacturers. Pete shares the challenges and pivotal moments that have shaped the company's trajectory. He emphasises the pivotal role of having deep expertise in his team to build specialisation and create a unique market position We explore Pete’s approach to fostering open dialogue within the company and with clients, emphasising the value of regular discussions to gauge progress, address challenges, and ensure smooth operations. Over the course of 20 years leading CDE, Pete has accumulated a collection of captivating anecdotes and real-world examples that he generously shares with us. He takes the opportunity to explore key moments in CDE Design Solutions' history, including fundamental decisions that have greatly influenced the company's trajectory. Pete's candid storytelling and practical wisdom make this episode a great listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of sustainable business practices and long-term success.

Embarking on a journey from South Africa to Australia, Wayne Shub, the founder and managing director of BHF Technologies, epitomises the essence of courage, determination, and the power of unwavering principles. In this captivating episode, we delve into the remarkable story of a visionary entrepreneur who transformed 23 years of perseverance into what many now perceive as an "overnight success." Shub's story began amidst the tumultuous mid-nineties in South Africa, a time when concerns about safety and the future loomed large. Fuelled by a desire for a secure environment for his family, Shub's decision to migrate to Australia. This marked the inception of a journey defined by unwavering determination and the courage to pursue a vision. It was during this period that Shub's entrepreneurial spirit took root, leading to the establishment of BHF Technologies, formerly known as Blue H2O Filtration, nearly 24 years ago At the heart of Shub's narrative lies the profound impact of principles and the courage to back oneself. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge, experience, and a steadfast philosophy that underpins the very fabric of BHF Technologies. Shub's unwavering commitment to providing leading-edge, cost-effective products combined with exceptional service and support has been the cornerstone of the company's success The episode delves into the pivotal moments that shaped Shub's trajectory, including a compelling account of a meeting with 20 executives, where his courage and insight left an indelible mark on the company's decision-making process. Through this episode, we gain invaluable insights into the philosophy that propelled BHF Technologies to the forefront of the industry, and the enduring impact of Shub's unwavering dedication to his vision and the enduring power of long-term thinking, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.

Join me for a fascinating conversation with Jayne Good, the chief operating officer of Good Constructions. With almost 30 years of experience, Jayne shares some really valuable insights into how she and her husband started and grew their company, which focuses on building high end custom homes and big commercial projects before specialising in retirement housing. They began in 1995 and have expanded from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne and beyond. It's a great example of how they've always aimed for top quality and cared about the environment when building things. During our talk, Jayne looks back on the important moments that shaped their company's path, like when they shifted from building luxury homes to working on retirement living projects. She tells us about the challenges they faced as a small family business and how they built a culture of open communication and support, which turned out to be really important for their success. She also talks about how they make sure to regularly check in with their employees, give and receive feedback, and help new employees get settled in, showing us how important it is to keep the team happy and growing. We'll explore the lessons from Jayne's journey, from making the most of opportunities and managing resources well to the power of making connections and getting advice from experienced people in the industry. This episode is sure to inspire and teach us about persistence, growth, and always aiming for the best in the construction and business world.