Nick Ellsmore of Hivint: From Uni Startup to $47M in Exits – Winning National Awards, Scaling Fast in Cybersecurity, Building ‘No BS’ Culture & Creating SecurityColony to Help Small Biz Access Big-League Consulting Tools. (Episode 707 - Nick Ellsmore)

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Nick Ellsmore, ex-founder of Hivint, a cybersecurity consulting firm he co-founded in 2015 and sold in just three years for $23M. Nick shares how he went from starting his first business during university to exiting two companies for a combined $47M. He talks about building Security Colony to give small businesses access to enterprise-grade tools, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and creating a strong, values-driven culture. A few years on from leaving the business, Nick reflects on his journey, the mindset shifts that helped him grow, and the lessons learned from scaling fast in a demanding industry.

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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress points 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 Nick Ellsmore, the hardest thing is maintaining focus, momentum, and the “will to keep your business alive” through the rollercoaster of small business growth. Staying consistent when things get tough is often what defines long-term success.

2. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most?

Nick Ellsmore has shared that his favorite business book is Early Exits by Basil Peters. It helped him understand how to structure businesses for strategic acquisition, especially when building with an exit in mind.

3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?

Nick Ellsmore recommends the 90 Day Year by Todd Herman, a goal-setting and execution system that breaks the year into manageable 90-day sprints. It helped him stay focused on what truly moves the needle in business.

4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?

According to Nick Ellsmore, the One Page Strategic Plan from Verne Harnish’s Scaling Up is a game-changing tool. It helps align teams, clarify strategy, and focus everyone on priorities—all in one concise page.

5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?

Nick Ellsmore has shared that if he could go back, he’d simply tell himself, “It’s going to be okay.” Despite the challenges and stress, everything will work out. Trust the process, keep pushing, and don’t forget to breathe.

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

Success in business isn’t about brilliance, it’s about consistency and the will to keep going – Nick Ellsmore

For your team, for your clients, for potential acquirers, story-telling is key: Why you? Why now? – Nick Ellsmore