This month we sat down with Brian McPhail. Most of you will know Brian, you may be a client of his or, you’ve seen him in the office. He’s been there for a few years! We thought it was time you had the opportunity to learn a little more about Brian. Thank you Brian for being so candid.
- When I was little, I wanted to be a……
A VFL footballer & play cricket for Australia.
- I am currently watching…
The Golf Show. I love watching the Australians do well in the big tournaments.
- What I love about the team at McPhail and Partners is…..
The genuine interest in our clients’ affairs and working together to achieve benefits for our clients.
- What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Keep a To Do List and start with the hardest tasks. It’s amazing how often the hard things are not as bad as you first thought.
- If we came to dinner at your house, who would cook and what would it likely be?
My wife Sue is the only cook in our household and sets a very high standard may I add. We would have a roasted fillet of beef, scalloped potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, pumpkin and zucchini. Dessert would be rolled pavlova with strawberries and blueberries.
- How has business (in general) changed over the years?
The development of technology with amazing computer software, email & the Internet.
- How different are the needs of clients compared to when you started McPhail and partners?
Trusts were very new when I started and superannuation was only for public servants and executives in some public companies. Now they are both very common for many people and the legal complexity is enormous.
- What is one thing that your team doesn’t know about you?
I like simple food with red, white and green vegetables.
- What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start a small business in today’s world?
Crawl before you walk. Keep costs to a minimum. Focus on marketing & satisfying your customers.
- What challenges you?
Dealing with staff changes.