In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Mark Hubbard, the successful founder of Blizzard Brewery. Hubbard shares his journey of growing the brewery from its inception to a successful exit, discussing the challenges he overcame and the strategies that drove his success. He emphasises the importance of strategic planning, effective communication, and achieving work-life balance. Hubbard’s insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs aiming for long-term business success.

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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, being a learner again when moving into a new industry, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice.

And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:

1. What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
   
   According to Mark Hubbard, the hardest thing in growing a small business is sustaining growth. He points out that while growth is rewarding and necessary for business success, it requires continuous innovation and idea generation. Keeping up with growth can feel like a relentless treadmill, where you must consistently find ways to achieve and sustain progress.
   
   

2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
   
   Mark Hubbard's favorite business book that has helped him the most is The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter by Michael Watkins. He found it particularly useful for establishing discipline and meeting deadlines when opening his business.
   
   

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
   
   Mark Hubbard suggests listening to industry-specific podcasts such as Brews News and those from Crafty Point Media. These podcasts help him stay plugged into the brewing community and feel part of the industry. For broader learning, he also finds value in online learning tools that keep business owners informed and engaged.
   
   

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
   
   Mark Hubbard recommends using planning and forecasting as a key tool for growing a small business. He emphasizes the importance of creating realistic forecasts and plans that genuinely reflect what you can achieve. Accurate forecasting serves as a practical roadmap for business growth and helps avoid unrealistic expectations.
   
   

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
   
   Mark Hubbard advises that on day one of starting a business, you should focus on the concept of "how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." This means breaking down your grand vision into manageable steps and making steady progress toward your goals. Having a clear plan and taking it step by step will help you navigate the overwhelming aspects of starting and growing a business.

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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:

Growth can be a master, rewarding yet demanding continuous innovation and ideas – Mark Hubbard

Balance is key; without it, you may find yourself held hostage by your own business – Mark Hubbard

Success in business starts with a clear vision and tackling it one step at a time – Mark Hubbard