Testimonials
What our clients have said about working with us...
Testimonials
What our clients have said about working with us...
"Attending the "Success to Succession" seminar resonated well with me and provided valuable insights as a retired business owner reflecting on my career.
One key takeaway was the critical importance of timing in the succession planning process. Carl's emphasis on early planning struck a chord with me. I completely agree with him, there's a finite window of opportunity to secure the best outcome financially when moving on from your business.
His insights into optimizing the importance of strategic planning and negotiating an outcome that worked for the Buyer and Seller to avoid needless post-sale disputes between both parties proved invaluable.
As someone well-versed in business matters, I appreciated the additional clarity with which Carl explained the implications of different sales structures given on such occasions as the Seller you can get lost in all the various aspects at play.
Regardless of whether you’re contemplating selling your business or not, planning for succession is not just about preparing to exit; it's about setting up for the long-term success for BOTH the Buyer & Seller – especially given the Buyer’s motivation is usually based on emulating the Seller’s (your) profit history.
“Beyond Business - Success to Succession” was very good. I’d urge anyone in business to attend future seminars."
Malcolm Anngow
"Before starting with iKULUTU.com, there was a lot of uncertainty around the new business I purchased. On top of that, merging three or four businesses wasn't quite in tune. But Carl's approach to us was very well mannered. It wasn't like, "I think your business has got some holes." It was more like, "Here's what I do. Do you think I can be of any help?" His approach was gentle and calm.
From working with iKULUTU.com, there's a clear outline of our business structure now. We're looking at where our money is being spent, particularly around marketing. We've increased accountability in the workplace, made people's jobs clearer, and created policies and procedures that take the surprises out of business.
The workplace is less stressed. We're starting to see a slight increase in revenue. And Steve, my sales manager, has had a new lease on life from it. He's realizing that our industry has always done things the old way, and any idea is a good idea in some regards, which is refreshing.
What stood out with iKULUTU.com was the communication process. You guys took care of everything. By coming in, you opened our eyes in a non-invasive way. You analytically pointed out opportunities for growth. With Carl, who's a banker, I felt comfortable sharing financial details. He didn't make me feel like I made a bad decision but rather offered ways to take the pressure off, and that was a really big thing for me.
Most people who are involved in this business at a financial level are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, rather than the barrier at the top. I appreciated this about Carl.
If I were to advise someone about iKULUTU.com, I'd say: Just have a chat with Carl and Bryan. They'll tell you if they can add value to your business. If they say they can help, my advice would be, "just let them."
Looking forward, we've got a few things to do first, once we have we'll be ready to take our collaboration with iKULUTU.com to the next level. They've given us a foundation to aim for, and there's a lot of growth to go on from here."
Andrew Caithness - Valley Motor Court
"Before we chose to take on iKULUTU we were a business that was ticking over, but always on the back seat when it came to our bills.
We were wanting to expand into a separate area to offer our customers another service and unfortunately this has a large cost. We lacked the financial know how to make the critical decisions that this expansion needs.
Since we have had iKULUTU on board we have gained a better understanding of our financial position, found our correct pricing level and generally found our day to day business operating getting easier and easier.
We feel we are at the point it’s fun to own a business again.
Probably one of the hardest things as a small business owner is accepting you deserve to make money and you should make money. We have been helped to have the mindset change to know we should make money and we earn every cent we make.
iKULUTU are more than financial advisers, they help you develop as a business owner in mindset as well.
We were recommended to look at using iKULUTU by a fellow business owner. Initially we were a bit resistant to the concept of paying for advice! But I can honestly assure you it was absolutely the number one best choice we have made as business owners!
I would whole heartedly recommend this service to other small business owners and have. Right from our first meeting the staff have been great. They are positive and focused. They make it easy and I have been surprised about the way they make you want to be accountable and prove you can implement the concepts, without ever saying as such.
They make you want to make them proud of you and your business. Which is great, as it’s win, win for you too!
From the first meeting iKULUTU click onto ways to help you. You can see immediately that they can help. After the first meeting it was disclosed what the fees were and while there is always resentment to paying out money (especially when its tight) we decided it was worth the expense.
Since then we have found the investment pales in comparison to what we have gained financially and in development.
It is a fantastic feeling after struggling along for the last few years.
Don’t struggle along anymore or doubt you can expand. Talk to iKULUTU. I am sure you will see the benefit. And the first meeting is free. What’s to lose?"
Grant & Ange Enright - All Fencing Solutions
"We were promised to find an extra $10k in our business that we didn't know we had but it worked way better than promised!
Originally we wanted to build a house but couldn't get finance at the time due to cashflow issues, and our business was growing fast but didn’t seem to have good cash flow.
Working with iKULUTU.com helped us get our bottom line sorted and allowed us to have better cash flow, paying our bills on time. By getting our Gross Profit right we were able to make more money, became more focused as Managers to be confident to hire more staff and delegate work, and ultimately have more time for family, and now about to move into our new house!!!
In 3 years we’ve doubled our team to over 20 FTE, Revenue has increased over 100% and profitability is now where it should be and still improving.
We would recommend this program to anyone who wants to grow their business the right way, who wants to make more money, be able work less and be less stressed."
Kimberly Thom - Otago Petfoods
"Whenever we encounter a problem or challenge that we are not sure how to handle we call Carl and we know the problem will be solved by us with his help and guidance. Carl’s experience and knowledge in those area’s where we lack helps us most - even the fact that “he is there” gives me personal confidence and security - It is so good to know that we are not alone if something goes wrong or the going gets tough.
Carl’s coaching from behind the scenes, his lateral thinking and broad business knowledge (especially with banking and finances) steer us along in the right direction with a nudge here and there, giving us the feeling and satisfaction as though we’ve done it all on our own. I always joke with Carl that he is handy to have there to blame or prove wrong, but jokes aside, as a proud chef it is a very valuable thing to have someone there to challenge us. It’s very good for motivation.
We were never promised any magical solution for lead generation that would bring instant leads for catering :) So while nothing "instant" happened, what we did get was a very consistent strategic help in that area for bbcatering and bbquick-meals which we implemented and the leads have come in for both just like that!
I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Carl for your very professional services over the last 10 years… I very much appreciate your support, guidance and friendship. Looking forward to the next 10 years relationship."
Gordon McKenzie - BB Catering & BB Quick
"When I first began working with iKULUTU.com I was a sole practitioner and new in business. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, but after some input from Carl it was really good to be able to get professional guidance.
For me the biggest thing is it’s given me a lot of confidence. Having someone that looks at things from a completely independent view and has expert opinions. Ultimately this gives me the confidence to go ahead and make decisions.
iKULUTU.com has helped me to understand the true value we bring to our clients. And then be able to back ourselves to deliver that value in our industry.
I do find too, that as I walk out of our meetings there are topics we discuss in a way I’d never have thought of typically. More importantly, we get right to the source of the problem and create a plan to fix it. I like to get things done, so it works.
Working with Carl has definitely been a good thing."
Darryl Sutton - DK Architecture
"Wayne and I were introduced to Carl and iKULUTU.com after discussions with our accountant.
We asked Dave ‘how do we leverage our business up a notch?’ Dave’s response was ‘You need to talk to Carl’ and we haven’t looked back since!
That was several years ago now, and we have a very close working relationship with Carl and the team at iKULUTU.com.
Working with iKULUTU.com has given us the confidence to take leaps of faith in our business, knowing they are only a phone call or visit away from seeking advice and guidance.Carl and the team have helped us grow from a back-room home office with two employees, moving to a high-profile site now employing nine passionate landscape personnel."
Wayne and Ella Buston
"We were referred to Carl Spruyt and iKULUTU.com by friends who also use his services, and it’s been one of the best business decisions we’ve ever made.
Since starting with Carl, we are now regularly hitting business goals we set ourselves and are now looking at expanding our business just three years after opening!
When we first started, Carl helped us a lot with our budgeting and learning about maximizing our margin and profit.
I feel as though the biggest benefit he provides a small business owner is motivating you and teaching you where your margins and growth opportunities are. Thank you, Carl!"
Ricky Proctor - Beds 'R' Us Dunedin & Queenstown / Queenstown Furniture Gallery
https://www.bedsrus.co.nz/pages/copy-of-bedsrus-dunedin-your-local-bed-mattress-store & https://www.qfg.co.nz/
"Carl and his team are knowledgeable, friendly and very approachable.
Nothing is ever a problem; time frames set are efficient and adhered to, and follow-ups and accountability are excellent and very motivating.We have learnt so much by working with them and our business has grown considerably due to our work with Carl and his team."
Karen Hamilton
"The main things we love about working with Carl and his team are that they are always available to talk – even if it’s urgent or last minute.
Plus, they are so professional yet personal too.
iKULUTU.com makes things happen – if we weren’t part of iKULUTU.com, we wouldn’t be as far ahead as we are. It’s good to meet people with exactly the same issues as us in Coaching Club.
The group brainstorming is invaluable. The forum provides lots of strategies for sorting out problems and identifying opportunities. Tracking our accounts has helped us already, focusing us on our goals and making sure we achieve them.
Being held accountable at iKULUTU.com meetings means we have to deliver!
We would highly recommend to people in business whether they are new to the game or have been in business for years."
Karlos Barltrop - Entire IT
"Before starting with iKULUTU.com we were keen to have some independent thinking. We are a family business and I work with my brother and father, so this has been a great addition to the team.
Carl is a phone call away, and I think the most valuable part of our professional relationship has been our ability to talk strategy. We’ve competed multiple milestones including two restructures, expansions and acquisitions which have helped us set up for future growth.
iKULUTU.com has got a significant amount of resources available to them with their networks and alliances.
And iKULUTU.com have been a great sounding board for ideas. So if you want a fresh perspective on how you go about doing business, have some external accountability to stay focused on what you want to achieve, or you want to upskill yourself and your team to get some work life balance then we recommend
Rick Wellington - Preens Apparelmaster
https://www.apparelmaster.co.nz/branch/preens-apparelmaster-south-dunedin
"We always had good content but didn’t have the ability to get the information out to the target market nor the personnel with the skills and/or time to make it happen.
The workshop really confirmed how much value we could add by having a better presence in the market and building a database of people with whom we could share our information.
The workshop was great, and it helped us understand the likely benefits of having someone fully invested in growing this area of our business.
We’ve realised there is a lot more to marketing than just content. iKULUTU.com have given us a clearer understanding of how intricate good marketing can be and that you do need skilled people involved to do it well. We’ve increased our motivation to get our content to our target market."
Aimee Cockburn - Mainland Minerals
"After over 30 years of ownership, I had come to a point where I knew I had to develop an exit strategy that wouldn’t rock the boat and cause disruptions in my busy workplace.
The company was in good health, but I was showing all the classic signs of burn out.
Carl Spruyt had been a trusted business adviser to me for many years and knew my business well. Having explored the prospect of succession previously, it was evident that it was not an option for me.
Carl encouraged me to take stock of my situation, evaluate what was important to me and my family and then guided me through the steps towards exiting the business in a way that was best for everybody.
As much as it was a tough decision to make, Carl’s support and advice helped me put a plan in place, and, in fact, made a relatively quick sale at a price and on terms that I was very satisfied with.
Giving up your baby of 30+ years is never easy, especially when the baby is thriving, but sometimes we have to do what is best for the long-term and for those around us.
I would have found this entire process incredibly difficult and overwhelming had I not had the support and backing of Carl."
Bruce Carvell - Williams Signs + Graphix
(Sold the business)
"The biggest value I have received from Carl in particular has been the ongoing support and mentorship.
Running a small business can be a lonely place for a sole trader/owner so having a professional colleague who understands the business challenges and can provide practical advise and objective commentary has been of enormous value.
Not withstanding the professional value I have come to enjoy Carl’s robustness and sense of humor as well.
Selling Duncroft Dental to Lumino was a big transition for me and positioning the business for sale clarified a lot of issues around profitability and value. More recently returning to private practice with a clear set of goals and expectations around finance, profit and business structure has also been of great value.
The biggest value iKULUTU.com provides a small business is a deep understanding of basic business systems and how to solve common roadblocks to profitability. Most small businesses get busy being marginally profitable and think that they somehow have unique challenges.The good news is these challenges are not unique they simply need a clear process to identify and find the correct structures and solutions to generate profitability and value; iKULUTU.com are very good at finding those answers."
John Hamilton - Synergy Dental
"My start-up business had, over time, become quite busy with over 15 employees. My only succession plan was to hopefully sell the business, but the problem was the business had become barely profitable and cash flow was always an issue.
Carl convinced me that he and his team could make a difference. After engaging a suitable business manager, we entered into a mentoring program with him. Plans were made, decisions taken, directions and targets set and various issues addressed.
It all required some commitment and effort on our part. Then the graph lines started going up and the new manager and program costs became incidental. Then the business attracted interest from prospective buyers who could see the structure and systems were achieving value and prospects.
A very satisfactory sale of the business resulted, for which I am grateful to Carl and his team.I have no doubt that they can make positive difference to any type of business or enterprise."
Russell Brown
(Sold the business)
"I hit a roadblock. I couldn’t get going with the writing I wanted to do, and I couldn’t figure out why. I really didn’t think the problem was laziness. Taking a leap of faith, I signed up for Bryan’s coaching programme. Each session, as we worked together, he seemed to take me to a deeper layer, drilling down into my beliefs about myself and the habitual emotional states that went along with them. There was goal-setting too, involving imaginative work and visualisation that went beyond the simply intellectual into the meditative and emotional.
So now I’m writing. Regularly. I still deal with remnants of the roadblock on occasion, but awareness has been key. And, of course, it really helps to know where I’m headed! I’m grateful to Bryan for the journey we went on together, and for his openness and generosity in the way he worked with me. Apart from the fact that he has a well-organised coaching method, I think it’s his personal qualities that make him so effective."
Anthony Revill - Counsellor
"Bryan is passionate about mindset and knows this topic very well! I thought I knew a bit about it given previous work I had done, however this X-Factor course had fresh content that challenged me in new ways.
As a result of doing this course, I feel I now have more confidence around public speaking and having a mindset around improving each time by reflecting what went well and what I could do better.If you have a goal in mind, Bryan will refocus on you on how to achieve it!"
Rick Wellington - Preens Apparelmaster
https://www.apparelmaster.co.nz/branch/preens-apparelmaster-south-dunedin
"I’ve spent a few weeks thinking about what I wanted to write about Bryan’s coaching, which has seemed apt as it took place over seven weeks and the results keep becoming clearer to me from day to day.
Firstly, seven weeks of two-hour sessions sounds like a commitment, but if there are changes you really want to make in your life, it truly isn’t. Not only that, but Bryan makes the process fun – deep and meaningful, yes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun.
The time commitment that Bryan is happy to put into helping others is just one of many things that made this whole process worthwhile. Another is that the coaching gets you to examine why you really do things – not just because something may now be a habit, but why you began it in the first place, what need was it filling for you. The skills he teaches to do that are skills that, once learned, can be applied to anything. I’m finding myself applying it to other things in my life that we may have only touched upon briefly, if at all.
The time Bryan spent working with me and the skills he showed me are gifts that will stand me in good stead in all aspects of my life, for the rest of my life. They will also make the rest of my life a better, happier experience, as I continue to assess what it is I do and don’t want in my future, and how easy it can be to stop sabotaging myself.
It just requires the willingness to recognise the patterns that no longer serve me, and the willingness to let them go.
Bryan has been an amazing guide in how to do that."
Tracie Barrett - Journalist
"When I started with Bryan I was trying to have a direction on what I liked to do, I had an idea but really it was a case of not having the courage to try. I felt like I was procrastinating because of a fear of failure and not being good enough.
Bryan helped me become aware of my values in ways I’ve never thought about them before. This helped me identify some of the weaknesses I had to overcome and give me more clarity to take action! I now understand how the brain works better which has helped me with my thoughts in relation to my goals and values. This has given me a clear picture and now I can feel what it would be like to have this goal. I’ve been able to create positive feelings I can call on whenever I need a boost.
Other benefits I didn’t expect were that I’m eating healthier now, my relationship to food and exercise has improved a lot. I’m experiencing less anxiety at work, before I’d often experience anxiety around challenges I’d go through at work, but now I’m excited about those challenges because of what I can learn from them to help me grow. I always used to worry about what others thought of me, I don’t worry so much about that now because of the values work we did.
I’m excited about where I am now. I feel I have a lot more value to give to clients and I’m excited about where I’ll be this time next year. Things have shifted for me. I’m seeing reasons to do coaching now, rather than reasons I can’t, it’s freed me up to move into this space. There’s a calm and peace I’ve got now. I’m not afraid any more.
Working with Bryan has given me a much better desire to step into a coaching space where before I was hesitant to even try! I’m more confident as a person knowing the deep values that drive me.
If you’re someone who has a hard time finding direction and clarity, or momentum towards your goals, then look no further than working with Bryan. I’ve had hundreds of hours being coached and Bryan is easily one of the top coaches I’ve been coached by. If you’re looking for someone who is clear, confident and can create results, I highly recommend him."
Jarrad Sands
"Beyond Business: Success to Succession" had very good content. It was more valuable to me than I thought it would be. I liked how informative the seminar was, Carl also presented some good generalisations. It's helped me to know what I have to work on."
Chaise - Rising Chaos Studios
"Beyond Business: Success to Succession" was great, a really good snapshot and it was honest! Carl was very informed and well presented."
Ian - Knox Podiatry
"Learning about the process but with context has been incredibly insightful. Carl is great, he is able to offer an understandable solution to complex situations. I would recommend Carl and "Beyond Business: Success to Succession"
Emilia St Baker - Ministry of Social Development
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | What Does iKULUTU Mean?