Smart50 rank: 8
Revenue: $26,084,240
Growth: 139.06%
Founders: Jo Burston, 38, Philip Weinman, 57
Head Office: New South Wales
Employees: 13
Industry: Property and business services
Website: www.jobcapital.com.au
Job Capital chief executive Jo Burston says the last 12 months have been the “most intense” in the four-year history of the company.
In that time, revenue has surged from $9.1 million to an impressive $26 million, with average annual growth over the past three years running at 139%.
“We have grown into a very serious business where strategy plays a critical role in the direction and success ahead.”
The company, which helps the growing army of contractors around Australia and the world manage their income and tax affairs, has added four staff members (taking its workforce to 13) and is now working on a labour agreement with the Federal Government that will allow it to sponsor and on-hire skilled contractors from overseas.
A big investment in technology is also on the cards.
“We are currently automating the business and expect this to be completed this year,” Burston says.
“I believe the world is mobile and just like the banks, Job Capital will be accessible anywhere, anytime from any mobile device.”
Burston say the keys to managing growth are keeping on top of sales and cashflow.
“Managing the business money is critical to managing a high volume business where people pay us to be paid on time and correctly,” she says.
But the biggest factor is people management. Burston says she has been particularly focused on allowing staff – particularly those dealing with customers – to have the freedom to make commercial decisions and, occasionally, mistakes.
“Empower your team with a culture of success and let them make decisions, let them be adults and let them grow as fast as their potential allows them,” Burston says.
It’s also crucial to ensure the goals and visions of the company are properly articulated.
“I have a rule of bad news immediately in person - good news in person and in writing to everybody.”
Buston’s final tip for managing a fast-growing company is to celebrate every win – even when the growing pains become tough.
“I have unbelievably high expectations of myself and of my team as well. This can cause some frustration until I realise how far we have come, our growth spurts and what we have actually achieved.”
