John Shields

What I Look For in a Business

I work with small to medium businesses — usually with turnover between $500K and $5M, sometimes larger. Some are steady but need fresh energy. Others have had a tough run but still have strong bones. If there’s substance — a good team, real customers, and something worth building on — I’m interested.

I also work with newer businesses that have early traction, strong people, and need the right support to grow sustainably.

Some businesses I work with are under pressure — behind on payments, margins squeezed, or the tax man making things hard. I’m comfortable with that. If the core is still strong, I’m open to the conversation.

Others are well-run, profitable, and ready for a clean handover. The owner might be retiring, stepping back, or simply looking for the right buyer to take their work forward. I approach those situations with care and respect — and make the process as smooth and fair as possible.

My background is in sales and marketing, where I spent years helping businesses grow before moving into operational leadership. That blend still shapes how I work: practical, commercial, and focused on what really drives performance.

How I Help

I focus on making businesses run better — usually by:

✅ Lifting revenue through clearer offers and sharper marketing

✅ Simplifying what’s overcomplicated

✅ Tightening costs and reducing waste

✅ Building systems that make things easier to run

Technology plays a role too — but only when it supports people and outcomes. With experience in systems, software, and AI, I know how to introduce the right tools without turning the business into something it’s not. The goal is always a better-run business that works for everyone involved.

Some of the businesses I’ve worked with are led by great operators — people who are skilled at what they do, but don’t want to be buried in sales, marketing, or day-to-day admin. That’s where I come in — bringing structure, clarity, and commercial support so the business runs better and grows without losing its essence.

The Right Fit

I’m especially interested in businesses that reflect real commitment — whether it’s years of hands-on care, strong foundations laid with intent, or a bold idea backed by hard work. I’m not here to reinvent what’s already working. I focus on what matters, support the people in place, and help the business move forward — whether the owner stays involved or steps away. That often means introducing the right solutions, building momentum, and getting things back on track — with a clear plan and calm execution.

Every situation is different:

🤝 Sometimes I buy outright.

🤝 Sometimes there’s a staged handover.

🤝 Sometimes it starts as a partnership to steady the ship.

What doesn’t change is how I operate: fair, flexible, and respectful of what’s already been built.

Let’s Talk

If you’re thinking about stepping back, planning ahead, or just want to talk through what’s possible — I’m open to a conversation.

No pressure. No spin. Just a straightforward chat.

Talk with John