In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Hayden Crack, founder of HC Electrical, shares his inspiring business journey. Starting as a one-man operation, he scaled his electrical contracting business from a £300k turnover to over £4M in just six years, growing his team to 13 full-time equivalents. Based in Hobart, Australia, HC Electrical specializes in residential, insurance, and commercial electrical work, as well as air conditioning and solar installations. Hayden emphasizes the value of delegation, cultivating a robust network, and nurturing team culture as key strategies for managing rapid growth.
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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, 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 Hayden Crack, the hardest thing in growing a small business is: "Wearing all the hats — knowing when to let go, when to hire, and balancing reactive versus proactive decisions. It’s tough to get the timing right, especially when transitioning roles and responsibilities."
2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?
Hayden Crack mentioned he's not a massive reader, but he does regularly read the Australian Financial Review and finds value in that. He hasn’t read many business books but was recommended The E-Myth during the episode.
3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
Hayden Crack recommends a few valuable podcasts and learning resources for small business growth. He regularly listens to the Grow A Small Business Podcast for insights from fellow entrepreneurs, and enjoys 15 Minutes with the Boss by the Australian Financial Review for quick, impactful business tips. He also found the Lifestyle Tradie Podcast particularly inspiring, especially a story about a plumbing business that scaled to 17 team members and was eventually sold, highlighting the power of strong systems and minimal owner involvement.
4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
Hayden Crack recommends that the most important tool for growing a small business is yourself—specifically, your mindset and willingness to learn. He highlights the value of investing in personal development, building a strong network, and surrounding yourself with experts like a great accountant or digital strategist. For Hayden, continuous learning, listening to podcasts, and having a trusted support network are key resources that drive sustainable growth. As he puts it, “You are the biggest tool—that’s why it’s your business.”
5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
Hayden Crack’s advice to his day-one self would be: “Just keep going.” He emphasizes the power of visualizing where you want to be, setting clear goals, and believing in your own capability. Early in his journey, he didn’t think he could achieve what he has today, so he’d remind himself that everything is achievable with determination and the right mindset. Believing in himself sooner would have made a big difference.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
You are the biggest tool—that’s why it’s your business. Invest in yourself and your network – Hayden Crack
Delegating isn’t just about trust—it’s about growth. Let go and empower others to step up – Hayden Crack
Success is not one big moment—it’s made of small wins, proud teams, and time with the people you love – Hayden Crack
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