I have worked with and been coached by David for the past 15 months.
David imparts extensive business knowledge and in particular, online marketing knowledge, to his coaching clients. The standout for me is just how generous David is with his knowledge and experience, and the lengths he goes to, ensuring his students gain good value from their sessions.
Intelligent, driven and a real gentleman. Hugh Verdoom – Independant Business Consultant and Coach
David has reported directly to me. I have found David to be an honest and hard working manager with a straight forward and direct manner, and I believe a high level of personal integrity. Gerry Harvey- Executive Chairman of Harvey Norman Group.
In our Greenfields Caesarstone business David’s commercial astuteness, coupled with his corporate experience, were the major contributing factors to our immediate growth. David offers a very transparent style of management and is an excellent mentor. I benefited from studying his style and his mentoring, and have adjusted my style of management accordingly.
David is very grounded for someone who has had so much experience not just here in Australia but Internationally, and can relay this experience, and guidance at any level be it the board room or in a Stonemason’s workshop. I have leveraged my experience gained from David to become a very successful State and National Manager of some of the construction industries leading companies Chris Curtis – Former State Sales Manager – Caesarstone Queensland
I was a fellow Board member at AKI with David from 1998 to 2004, a period during which he as CEO led the creation of a national kitchen retailer. During this period of significant growth, I always found David to be a man of high integrity with a drive to succeed and strong work ethic. Steve Baldwin – former Head of Private Equity, Colonial First State
David’s advice and leadership proved crucial in the transition of our business from a family owned enterprise into a professionally run corporate entity. This was achieved through David’s ability to develop a compelling business case which enabled us to bring in a private equity joint venture partner.
David has an excellent grasp of strategy and a clear understanding of the principles of financial management and was able to build and coach a strong team that was able to take the business forward in the next leg of its expansion.
David’s advice would be of great assistance for any small to medium business that is looking at a growth or transitional strategy. Handling these changes is not easy and planning, a key strength of David’s, is necessary for a successful outcome. I continue to work in the corporate sector and have maintained a continuous run of Board appointments since my time with David. I would certainly recommend David to any prospective business owner looking for growth or change. Michael Hall-Former Managing Director-Nobby Kitchens and Sales Director-Australian Kitchen Industries
David worked with My Business partner and I for 7 years after Australian Kitchen Industries, of which David was C.E.O acquired our company, Wallspan as part of their National growth strategy David’s 20 plus years in senior executive management positions in a number of industries enabled him to coach us and help to broaden our business knowledge so we could comfortably continue developing new profitable and exciting business opportunities. Steven Bosley-Managing Director Amorini Australia, Former Director AKI and Managing Director Wallspan
I worked with David for 5 years as a member of the executive team for Australian Kitchen Industries (AKI), where David was CEO. During that time the new executive team, of which I was a part, grew the business from a turnover of $10m to become a profitable company with an annual turnover of $65m. David put together a strong team with a mix of corporate and family business experience.
During the 5 years that I worked with David he significantly enhanced the skills of the team and provided strong leadership & guidance in terms of business decisions and personal development of each team member. David has the ability to relate to people at all levels of an organization and to quickly hone in on opportunities for improvement; he is also the type of person that will lead change and involve himself in the implementation of the changes wherever necessary.
David’s experience in the corporate sector enables him to take a high level strategic view of businesses and seek out opportunities for growth and improvement. Having had David as a mentor greatly assisted me to reach the level of CEO and I would most highly recommend him to any business owner or executive seeking to improve their business and grow their business skills Steve Atherton-CEO Airchange Australia-Former Operations Director- AKI
Early in my career David employed me as a financial analyst at ACP Magazines and then at Murdoch Magazines. David was an exceptional manager and a strong mentor; equipping me with strong financial discipline, an analytical approach and a commercial appreciation which have been at the foundations of my career. David’s corporate resume speaks for itself in the value he can bring to a business in his new consulting venture. David Burkett – Former Financial Analyst ACP – Australia’s largest magazine company. More recently General Manager/COO (Australia/NZ) Time Inc.
David, I had high expectations of you when you joined us (as Chief Financial Officer of QANTAS). To be honest, you have far exceeded my expectations. John Ward-Former CEO QANTAS
I have known David for some 6 years. I have no hesitation in commending him to you both as a very competent finance man and as a member of any team striving to meet demanding targets.
His integrity is beyond question and equally importantly he is able to lead and develop people. Dr Bill Willetts-Former CEO Dubai Aluminium Company
