Smart50 rank: 49
Revenue: $2,000,000
Growth: 36.16%
Founders: Scott Jones, 32
Based: Queensland
Employees: 13
Industry: Information technology
Website: www.itleaders.com.au
It was after landing an IT contract with an R&D company on the Gold Coast that Scott Jones became aware of the frustration small businesses experienced trying to access reliable IT help.
"To me, this spelled opportunity. With computers becoming the backbone of the SME marketplace, my vision was to build skilled teams of IT staff and provide excellent service at an affordable price," reveals Jones.
Thus IT Leaders was born. During its start-up phase Jones went to great lengths to ensure the company's success.
"I worked 100-hour weeks, grabbed naps when I could, and developed business systems and growth strategies in my 'spare' time."
"I sold everything I owned to fund growth. Motorbike, guitars, furniture - if it wasn't bolted down, or essential for the business, it went. At one stage I lived on rolled oats and fruit because it was cheap and nutritious, and slept in the loft of my warehouse. But I loved what I was doing, and believed in the vision."
IT Leaders grew 310% in its second year, and has maintained an annual growth of over 50% since. It reported $2 million in revenue during 2008-09.
Today IT Leaders operates from two business locations and has 1,000 business clients in South East QLD and Northern NSW; its growth appears boundless.
While it would be easy for Jones to rest on his laurels, he is committed to continually improving the business. "We are always increasing skills and resources," says Jones.
He does have a warning though for budding entrepreneurs.
"People who start businesses 'to be my own boss' are destined to be very busy and very unhappy with the outcome. Business is a science not a lifestyle. Those who have a business and a great lifestyle are the ones who have mastered the science."
"Being skilled at a profession is nothing whatsoever to do with being successful at business. The type of business you choose to be in will determine how much science you need to learn to be successful at it."
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