Interview with Malcolm Furness – Dealer Principal Tasman Honda, Motorcycles and Marine
What is Business Studio Innovators doing for you now?
Justine is engaged to provide support as we need, talk with us intermittently regarding our tax obligations, and prepare our annual financial statements. We initially engaged Justine to start from scratch and help with our financial processes, building our business from the ground up. She agreed to learn the CRM which we purchased with the business, she even liaised with the CRM company to identify efficiencies and solve issues we were having. We were ignorant of the system and Justine learned with us. We bought the business in October 2022, by February 2023 it was clear the system we purchased with the business wasn’t going to work for us, so in conjunction with BlackPurl Justine helped us change CRM systems.
When did you first start using Business Studio?
November 2022
So, with that timeline in mind, take me back to life before Business Studio Innovators, who were you using instead?
We bought the business in October 2022. The accounting system was non-existent. Our former accountant didn’t engage with us at a level that was relatable to us and our style. With Justine’s help, we tried to use the existing system but it was archaic and didn’t provide reports monthly.
What compelled you to look for something different?
We realised we needed a complete change. We went looking for a new system and found Blackpurl CRM. Blackpurl integrated with Xero but we really struggled to make it work.
Where did you look for something different? Did you try anything different?
We started to look around for an accountant who could help. Searched online and asked other dealers. Nothing really jumped out. Did not try any alternatives before talking to Justine.
Why did you decide to choose Business Studio Innovators over other options? Did anything stand out?
Justine came and met with me. She was engaging and easy to talk to. Not too standoffish. She made a daunting process easier. We couldn’t find anyone who had used the CRM system, but Justine was willing to learn with us. She did the research and got back to us quickly on how she could help us.
It's quite a daunting task to find someone you can rely on. They really get to see some very personal sides of your life. You need to trust them. We found Justine very engaging, nothing was too difficult. She is very capable and if she didn’t know she would research and get back promptly.
They offer a very customized approach.
When you started working with Business Studio Innovators what made you feel you had made the right decision?
After the first discussion, she promptly came back with answers. She had done her research and left nothing to chance.
Now that you have been working with Business Studio Innovators, what is the number 1 thing you can do now that you couldn’t do before?
We now have reliable accounting reports and info on hand at any time. We have someone who is a sounding board we can rely on.
How would you explain to a friend the job that Business Studio Innovators do for you?
Business Studio Innovators inform you as to the viability of a business.
They will walk you through the process inside and out. They will help you through the purchase process, tax, accounting, and processes.
They help with both business and personal areas.
They engage with you with respect to asset protection matters.
They help strengthen your processes and operations.
They are not just doing accounting, they help with performance, structure, mentoring, asset protection, and health.
They don’t just do one thing, but they offer multiple services. People want a one-stop shop, and we feel like that is what Justine offers.
Do you feel like you are getting value? Does this value outweigh the cost?
Everything is expensive these days and I don’t mind paying for value and we definitely got value. I feel that the value I got from Justine has outweighed the cost. Her costs are fair, and we appreciate that her invoices clearly outline what we are paying for.
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