From Fast Growth to Strategic Growth
With Simon Doleman – SJD Engineering
When success brings complexity
SJD Engineering was growing rapidly. In just a few years, Simon Doleman had built the business from the ground up, taking on more work and bringing in new customers. But with that success came increasing complexity.
The company’s traditional accountant handled end-of-year tax returns, but couldn’t provide the forward-looking advice Simon needed as the business scaled. When he had questions about planning or managing the cashflow challenges that came with growth, the support wasn’t there.
Cashflow became increasingly complex. Tax payments weren’t being forecasted in advance, and there was no one Simon could turn to for strategic planning or guidance on navigating the financial side of rapid expansion.
“We were still relatively new, so it was guns blazing, run as fast as we can,” Simon says. “Working seven days a week just to keep up with the growth.”
Without strategic support, it was difficult to see what was coming around the corner. Simon knew he needed a different approach. After hearing good feedback from other Brentnalls WA clients, Simon decided to explore whether a different approach might help. The first meeting with Brentnalls WA opened his eyes to new possibilities.
“Everything they brought up, I was kind of shocked at,” Simon recalls. “The financials, the tax coming up – they knew exactly what was coming. They showed me what strategic planning could actually look like.”
That meeting revealed opportunities Simon hadn’t fully considered. “We had the blinkers on, just focused on execution,” he admits. “Taking a step back and actually looking at all the numbers with someone who could help me plan ahead – yeah, it was eye-opening for sure.”
Visibility, confidence, and accelerated growth
Two years on, SJD Engineering has transformed how it operates. The company’s revenue has grown nearly 30% year on year since engaging Brentnalls WA. The business now has twice as many employees, significantly more equipment, and a steady stream of new customers.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. The real transformation has been in how Simon leads and manages the business.
Brentnalls WA implemented their Quarterly Business Review (QBR) process with Simon and his management team. Every three months, they step back from day-to-day operations to review performance, discuss strategy, and plan ahead. The process has become the foundation for the company’s decision-making.
“Each time we sit down and do a QBR, it gets better,” Simon explains. “We’ve still got to hit our targets, but now we have greater clarity and much more visibility into what’s ahead.”
The business now has clarity on tax payments and 12-month cashflow forecasts – tools that allow Simon to make decisions with confidence rather than uncertainty. The QBRs have also introduced Simon to tracking business metrics he’d never monitored before, such as revenue per wages – a key driver of profitability.
Beyond the structure and the metrics, what Simon values most is having an external strategic partner to test his thinking.
When Simon wanted to rent the building next door for extra space, the Brentnalls WA team asked a simple but powerful question: “How is that extra space going to make you more money?”
“We went through the ideas and then I bought another machine a week later,” Simon says. “Because that extra space has to generate more revenue. Just that simple question helped clarify the thinking.”
On another occasion, when Simon was considering adding a side business, the Brentnalls WA team offered their perspective, drawing on their experience with other clients – the new venture might pull his attention away from the core business at a critical growth phase.
“That second voice – someone who can help you think through decisions from a different angle – that’s really valuable,” Simon explains.
Strategic partnership, not just compliance
For Simon, the value of working with Brentnalls WA goes well beyond traditional accounting services.
“The team at Brentnalls are easy to talk to – you can always contact them for advice. Tax planning is there every year, so we know exactly what’s coming. QBRs every three months bring clarity. The future-driven approach – that’s what is so valuable about working with Brentnalls.”
Looking back at the decision to engage Brentnalls WA, Simon is clear about the impact it’s had.
“It’s been a game-changer. The best decision I’ve made for the business. The value that’s been added from the Brentnalls team – no money can equate to it.”
