What does it take to start a business at 20, in the middle of a pandemic, and turn it into one of Australia’s leading fire compliance companies? Aleks Culic is the founder of Projects Fire, a passive fire compliance company he launched in 2020 while most of his peers were still at university. By spotting a gap in the market and backing himself, Aleks built a business that now employs over 20 people and delivers complex fire safety solutions across the country. Known for his strong technical capability and commitment to doing things right, he has earned a reputation for integrity and innovation in one of construction’s most safety-critical fields. In this conversation, Aleks shares how an early focus on emotional intelligence helped shape his leadership and decision-making from day one. He discusses what it means to build credibility at a young age, the lessons learned from rapid growth, and how he transitioned from working solo to leading a joint-venture team of 23. Aleks also opens up about the challenges of scaling systems, managing older teams, and maintaining quality as Projex Fire continues to grow. If you have ever wondered whether you are too young or too uncertain to start your own business, Aleks’s story is proof that belief, integrity, and a relentless work ethic can overcome any doubt. This episode is for every entrepreneur determined to do things the right way, even when no one is watching. Episode Highlights (00:00) Meet Aleks Culic: Founder of Projects Fire (10:00) Lessons from Mentorship and Emotional Coaching (12:00) Scaling Through Partnership and Trust (15:00) Managing Rapid Growth and Systems Under Pressure (25:00) Developing Processes for Quality and Compliance (28:00) Leading Older Teams with Confidence and Respect (33:00) Advice for Young Entrepreneurs   Connect with Aleks Culic https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleks-culic-bb0756138/ Connect with Rick Merten https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmerten Subscribe to the Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-out-with-rick-6956089421838307328/