Client Stories
What Our Clients Say
Real results. Real relationships. Over two decades of trust.
They identified the potential to combine businesses into a large electrical group, providing the strategic framework to build it into a $30M turnover enterprise with 200 employees. I joined Oakshield as a partner after the sale, and in all our years of business together, we never had any issues — and never had a formal agreement between us except for a handshake
What Clients Remember Most
In 6–9 months of regular consultation, we cleaned up premises, improved profitability, and went through a rigorous preparation. The results, when the contract was signed, were worth it
He can see through the fog of accounting methods and numbers more clearly than anyone else I’ve ever met. His steady influence and hard-earned wisdom would benefit any owner.
We never had any negative issues between us and never had a formal agreement, except for a handshake. It would be very hard to find someone better than Norman for this job.
In Their Own Words
In the seven years since I first engaged Oakshield to act on my behalf, I have found them to be particularly helpful. Norman Emanouel and Oakshield together form a highly professional operation with an intrinsic feel for the best way to build, acquire or divest a business. Norman has helped me to go from strength to strength in my chosen field and is currently assisting with the consolidation of more businesses in the same sector, as I develop my operations towards turnover and profitability targets we have set for the business.
His steady influence and hard-earned wisdom would be of benefit to any business owner looking to grow their business larger or to develop its value prior to sale. He can see through the fog of accounting methods and numbers more clearly than anyone else I've ever met. I have considerable faith in Norman as a business advisor and count him among my most valuable associates. I am only too happy to recommend Norman and Oakshield to any prospective business buyer or seller, or to any business owner.
The flooring business is one of the most competitive in Australia, with a wide range of competitors and a growing DIY sector taking its toll on many smaller operators. Our floorcovering business, Modern Floorcovering Service Pty Ltd, was a medium-sized player in the market with a strong client base and large, fully-owned premises. When we decided to sell it was a difficult decision.
Norman, with his vast experience in both marketing and operation of all types of businesses both large and small, assessed the real value of our business. We sat down with him and learned what the business was really worth. Over the next 6–9 months, in regular consultation with Oakshield, we cleaned up the premises, maximised the value of existing stock by selling down the "hangers-on", improved profitability and went through a rigorous process of preparation for sale. The results, when the contract was signed, were worth it.
If there's one thing I would recommend you do when you decide to sell your business, it would be to make a call to Oakshield. Norm's frankness, and real understanding of current economics, is a very refreshing approach to the business environment of today.
My initial contact with Oakshield was through an existing Business Associate who wanted me to jointly purchase Abbey Aluminium with him. Abbey Aluminium was listed with Oakshield, who had prepared the initial sales materials and information package. When my associate declined to proceed, Norman Emanouel was able to give me the confidence to proceed with the purchase on my own.
The business was fundamentally sound despite running everything on manual paper-based systems, so I bought it and set about modernising it, with advice from Norman. First step was to computerise the accounting and stock management systems, along with sales, ordering and just about everything else the business was doing. I am now in my second year of operating the business, and although there has been a significant downturn in the building industry, I feel we are well placed to enjoy rising returns as confidence in all sectors returns.
My interactions with Oakshield were always handled with integrity and honesty. I am also aware that Norman and Oakshield are available to consult at any time should I feel the need for an unbiased assessment or for mentoring from an impartial advocate. I would have no hesitation in recommending Oakshield's services.
Having just sold my manufacturing business, I was looking for an opportunity that allowed corporate skills to be employed on the Gold Coast — a difficult task. My previous background before the manufacturing business was tax structuring and corporate structuring predominantly in Sydney. It was at that time I found myself a role with National Business Sales as a Business Broker in 2002. Norman had also joined that company.
In a rare occurrence in that industry, Norman and I came together to work as a team. We were successful in assisting many clients find the right business, completing over $50M in transactions over a several year period. The work is both complex and a transaction has many nuances that can affect a successful outcome. Our skills complimented each other and added a layer of value for the client they would otherwise not have experienced if we operated alone.
Through that time, Norman was both a mentor and over time became a second father to me, and to this day I treasure his friendship and guidance. His philosophy in both life and business transactions was aligned to my thinking. Throughout my time with Norman I have only ever experienced a man of patience, a natural mentor for clients, a strong communicator, and the intuitive ability to read the people part of a transaction. I could not recommend a person more highly.
“Norman worked tirelessly to build up the business to make it viable for sale.”
Norman’s consultation, knowledge and advice was greatly appreciated and sought after. Thanks to Norman, two years later — after building the business into a $30M turnover enterprise with 200 employees — in 2007 I sold the business and joined Norman as a 50% partner in all future business we would consider together.
Wayne Land — Partner, Oakshield
W“Advice, direction and support to sell our business within 3 weeks of listing.”
I highly recommend Oakshield. They helped us sell our business and were fantastic throughout the whole process. With great advice and direction, and with the support of the Oakshield team, our business was sold within 3 weeks of listing.
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