From humble beginnings to national expansion
Mike’s journey began in Subiaco, where he launched the flagship Bstore in 2001. Like many entrepreneurs, he faced growing pains as his business expanded, navigating the complexities of scaling systems, building culture, and managing rapid growth. Fast forward two decades and Bstore has grown into a national success story with 11 retail stores across Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne, three thriving e-commerce platforms, and a team of over 130 employees.
With bold aspirations to expand globally to “100 healthy and profitable stores,” Mike continues to innovate while staying true to his mission of creating products that “make feet smile.”
The EO Perth advantage: a journey of support and growth
In the article by Business News Australia, Mike credits much of his success to the EO Perth community, which he joined nearly 20 years ago. “When I started, my business was small, and I faced all sorts of challenges,” Mike recalls. “Joining EO transformed the way I approached business. Being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs who were committed to creating world-class businesses was humbling and inspiring.”
Through EO Perth’s forum groups – intimate peer-to-peer boards – Mike received invaluable advice and support, helping him navigate critical challenges in both his business and personal life. “It’s a trusted environment where we help each other with problems, share experiences, and learn from one another,” he says.
Lessons from the journey
In the Business News Australia article, Mike shares insights that resonate with entrepreneurs of all stages:
Embrace mentorship
“Having a mentor or coach is invaluable,” Mike says. Whether through EO forums or trusted advisors, mentorship has been a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial journey.
Invest in strategic planning
Partnering with Evolution Partners for strategic planning has been a game-changer for Bstore, helping the business execute a clear vision for sustainable growth.
Find your unique value proposition
“Compete to be unique,” Mike advises. Differentiating your product or service is key to standing out in competitive markets.
Build the right team
“The people inside the business are incredibly important. Surround yourself with a good team,” he emphasises.
Learn from mistakes
Mike encourages young entrepreneurs to start early, make small mistakes, and learn quickly. “The sooner you sharpen your teeth on a small business, the faster you grow.”
The EO Perth connection
Mike’s story is a testament to the impact of EO Perth’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the past two decades, the chapter has grown from 20 members to nearly 100, representing industries ranging from retail to mining, IT, and professional services. This growth mirrors EO’s global mission of fostering entrepreneurial success through connection, mentorship, and collaboration.
For Mike, being a part of EO Perth is more than just a professional network – it’s a journey of personal and professional growth. “EO has helped me break through barriers and become the best I can be,” he shares. “It’s an adventure and a gift.”