
Our guest today, Annette Houston, describes herself as "an accidental entrepreneur."
Annette’s remarkable journey began at just 21, when she started "helping out" at her mum and dad’s cleaning business. Over the past 31 years, she's transformed that role into becoming the CEO of FM Services Group, based in Donegal, which today employs over 180 people.
Annette is also the visionary founder of Bright Academy, an innovative online training resource designed for employees and business owners alike.
In this episode of Real Business Conversations, Annette speaks candidly about her decades-long journey, the unique opportunities and challenges inherent in family businesses, and the critical importance of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and maintaining strong family relationships amidst business growth.
Beyond her personal story, Annette shares a wealth of helpful insights and practical advice that are applicable to any business manager or owner, regardless of their industry or company size.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
GUEST DETAILS
Annette Houston, CEO of FM Services Group and founder of Bright Academy.
FM Services Group offers a comprehensive range of services which include specialised commercial cleaning, green cleaning solutions and full service facilities management.
Bright Academy offers online training courses including comprehensive courses for current and future business entrepreneurs looking to build and scale a successful and sustainable cleaning business.
https://fmservicesgroup.ie/bright-academy/
MORE INFORMATION
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Real Business Conversations is produced by DustPod.io for Kinore
QUOTES
Dad volunteered my mom, and that's how the company started. - Annette Houston
When you take on something like this… the biggest transformation will be your own. -Annette Houston
You are the expert in some circumstances… go with your gut. - Annette Houston
It was not going to happen, not while I was in charge. - Annette Houston
I've probably done every job that you can think of in the company. - Annette Houston
I wouldn't have worked for me if I had to go back now and work for me when I was in the early years. -Annette Houston
KEYWORDS
#Resilience #Family-business #Problem-solving #Innovation #Leadership #Training #Growth, #Entrepreneurship