Dive into the remarkable journey of Andrew Downs, founder of SAGE Group, in this latest episode of the Creating Synergy Podcast. Discover how a small automation company from Adelaide soared to global heights, navigating through noise complaints and the brink of financial crisis to become a leading industry giant with over 700 employees and $200 million in revenue. Listen in as Andrew opens up about his early life's pivotal moments, the character-building challenges he faced, and his innate ability to forge lasting partnerships based on trust. With a blend of humor, wisdom, and candid revelations, this conversation is a trove of valuable lessons and a peek into the innovative future of SAGE Group.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Andrew's humble beginnings and the values instilled in him by his parents shaped his entrepreneurial journey.The importance of finding mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people.The early days of Sage Group were marked by hard work, a focus on quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.Building a high-performance culture is crucial for long-term success.The willingness to take risks and the passion for innovation are key drivers of Sage Group's success.This conversation isn't just a glimpse into a business magnate's mind—it's a blueprint of ambition, resilience, and visionary foresight.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:[1:09]- Budget and Revenue[6:21]- Entrepreneurial Spirit from Grandparents[7:15]- Decision to Leave School[8:50]- Apprenticeship Application[27:01]- Founding of Sage[31:20]- Long-term Employees[32:24]- Skunk Works Strategy[43:51]- Lack of Initial Business Strategy[58:41]- 2008 Recession Challenges[1:14:38]- Sage Group as a House of BrandsWhere to find ANDREW DOWNSLinkedInBooks Mentioned:Die With Zero Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life By: Bill PerkinsScaling Up How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't By: Verne Harnish Good to Great Why Some Companies Make the Leap... And Others Don't By: Jim Collins Zero to One Notes on Start Ups, or How to Build the Future By: Peter Thiel, Blake Masters The Tipping Point How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference By: Malcolm Gladwell Join the conversation on Synergy IQ on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@synergyiq).Access SynergyIQ Website to get to know more about us. Say hello to our host Daniel Franco on LinkedIn.