Old Fashioned Values

It is almost 50 years since I sold my first business – a Four Square Store in Otahuhu – and I have been involved in nearly 7,000 business sales since.

Some things don’t change:

• Our Code of Ethics is still the same: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
• Be honest with business appraisals – tell owners what they need to know, not what they want to hear. We don’t “buy” listings.
• People answer our phones – not press #1 or “your call is important”. To us your call really is important.
• Still believe “a man’s word is his bond” (or a woman’s) – but it is prudent to get a signature today.
• Stick to our knitting – we sell and value businesses – not commercial buildings, farms or houses.
• Our fees will be low and be fair – up to 50% lower than some firms – yet providing outstanding marketing and personal service.
• We welcome immigrants – they enrich our country, financially and culturally.
• Integrity is non-negotiable – we will not tolerate any unethical conduct in our team.
• Technology is great (crunching numbers, handling databases, fast communication) but it hasn’t increased productivity and profitability despite our large investment in computers, programmes, etc. People sell businesses.
• We say “NO!” to listing and selling businesses we think are “dodgy”.

Call me “old-fashioned”, but my name is on the company and we plan to be in business for many more years.