When we turned up to interview Josh Nicholls at Platinum Electricians HQ, it felt like we were stepping into a trendy Silicon Valley tech-startup.
It’s crammed with bright, ultra-modern décor; there’s inspirational slogans on the walls, and a buzz of motivation in the room.
It’s a long way from Josh’s days as a young apprentice electrician, facing up to workplace bullying. He now heads up around 300 employees with franchises around Australia, and having a happy and thriving workplace culture is one of his highest values.
In our interview he shares some of the keys to his success – as well as his biggest challenges, how he survived COVID-19, and what’s kept him going strong for close to 20 years. James and Jess then explore some of Platinum’s marketing strategies – like their 21-Point Customer Experience checklist – and share some tips on finding your own USP.
Key Moments in This Episode
- 04:07
Leaving school at 15, Josh’s electrical career got off to a rough start – in an apprenticeship where bullying was common. But the experience had a silver lining. - 06:15
Josh’s first day as a business owner – “I’ll never forget the new car smell”. - 08:05
Growing as a business leader – “I learnt to leverage off others”. - 12:35
The difference between Leadership and Management. - 17:17
To grow a business you need to have humility and hand responsibilities over to others. - 19:11
Josh explains his “wow” principle: wowing his customers with “Crazy Customer Service” - 21:53
Establishing your business’s Culture and Values. - 25:46
For Josh and his wife their “Why” is to be a blessing to others, through a charitable Foundation. - 28:30
“The first million is hardest” – Josh explains why. - 30:18
Josh’s toughest times in business, and how he navigated Covid-19. - 33:54
Work life balance – how Josh achieves it. - 41:46
James and Jess discuss how to develop a USP in your business.
Books Mentioned by Josh in This Interview
- The E Myth – Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
by Michael Gerber - Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
by Simon Sinek - Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose
by Tony Hsieh
Learn More
- More about Platinum Electricians
- Platinum’s 10 Core Values – https://www.platinumelectricians.com.au/
- Explore all episodes
