⭐ 1,000+ NZ SMEs guided
⭐ Results seen in 90–180 days
⭐ Owners regain up to 10–20 hours/week
⭐ Businesses prepare for scalable growth or succession
From Burnout to a Well-Planned Exit: The Paton STEP OUT Story
The Patons’ journey shows why clarity and preparation matter more than timing.
When people search for business mentors Hamilton or business advisors Hamilton, they’re usually looking for clarity. Clarity about growth, leadership, business value, and how to exit without stress.
Keith and Toni Paton thought their business was ready for sale.
After 30 years of running a successful joinery operation, the signs were clear: burnout, the desire to slow down, and a growing pull toward family and retirement.
But as many owners discover, a good business isn’t automatically a sale-ready business.
After meeting with BSP Advisor Phil Wicks, they quickly saw what needed strengthening: clearer systems, tighter operations, reduced owner dependency, and preparing the business in a way a buyer could confidently step into.
That preparation opened the door to a succession opportunity they hadn’t even considered:
Jamie, one of their joiners, was ready to buy the business.
With Phil guiding the entire pathway, the result was a smooth, fair, and deeply satisfying exit one where everyone won.
Today, Keith and Toni are retired, travelling, and enjoying the life they worked so hard for.
Their story is a reminder:
The best time to prepare your business for sale was yesterday.
👉 Read their full STEP OUT journey here.
The biggest cost in business isn’t what you spend.
It’s the profit unearned, the time unrecovered, and the value left on the table.
Here’s how BSP advisors helped owners step out of overwhelm, create stronger businesses, and get their lives back.
Powdercoating NZ
Chris Morris
20 Years of Stress Resolved with One Clear Plan
A busy Cambridge operation running at full capacity, often overwhelmed by delivery deadlines, staff pressure, and the challenge of scaling sustainably.
After STEP:
Crystal-clear business plan
Strong leadership culture
Turnover increaed significantly
"One of the best decisions we've made in 20 years. Our advisor helped us build the systems and clarity we needed."
— Chris Morris, Powdercoating NZ
Pope Electrical
Frank Pope
From No Business Plan to a Scalable Future
A third-generation family business that had never used a business plan or metrics to measure performance. Facing uncertainty around structure, growth, and financial planning.
After STEP:
Metrics + reporting implemented
Clear business plan created
Direction and growth regained
"The fees are proving to be a great investment."
— Frank Pope, Pope Electrical
Laser Plumbing, Matamata
Tony & Miriam
Breaking through Plateaud Growth
Sales had levelled off and profit was leaking due to stock control and process issues.
After STEP:
Plugged profit leaks
Leadership structure strengthened
Meaningful, measurable growth
"Our advisor helped us produce very real results in both business growth and profit margins."
— Tony & Miriam, Laser Plumbing Matamata
Keith Paton
Keith Paton Joinery, Cambridge
"Going through the STEP Up Programme completely changed the direction of our business. When we first met BSP, we were thinking about selling, but the business wasn't really ready, we would've accepted a lower price just to move on. Our advisor encouraged us to stay on, improve our systems, and lift profitability. Within a a year the business was in much better shape, and we were able to sell to one of our long-time employees for a far better price. It was a great outcome all round."
Alanna Aarts
Thoroughbred Horse Floats & Thoroughbred Engineering, Auckland
"Before working with BSP Advisory, we knew we had potential — but we weren't operating at our best. We needed stronger systems and clearer direction for the future. Our advisor helped us focus on building a great team, developing strong leadership, and creating a culture where everyone could thrive. Step by step, we implemented changes that transformed how the business runs. Now, we're in a better, stronger position than we've ever been before. We have the freedom to step back, knowing we can delegate with complete trust. We're especially proud that our son has joined the business — succession planning has become a reality, not just a distant goal. The journey with BSP has been about more than growth — it's been about building something sustainable for the next generation"
Daniel te Kaat
Slaughterhaus, Christchurch
"Since working with BSP, the systems we have put into place have let me take control of the business, rather than it take control of me. We've been able to increase revenue and increase profit. BSP was able to establish the gaps in my knowledge and the problems in my business very quickly and explain those to me in a way that was very easy for me to pick up and gave me the ability to be confident in the admin/management side of the business."
Great businesses don’t happen by accident. They are built with clarity.
See how STEP can help your business grow, scale, or prepare for transition — just like the owners above.
