Tell Us Your F'ing Story

BDC Partners

Tell Us Your F’ing Story is a frank conversation with the CEOs, Founders and franchise industry specialists behind some of the best-loved franchises in Australia. Host Bruce McFarlane uncovers the people behind the brands, their backgrounds, what drives them to succeed, and the gritty truth behind leading a successful franchise business. No veneer, no BS – just franchising pros, telling us how it really is.

  1. Oct 20

    What Franchisees Need to Know Before Borrowing: Steven Whiteside

    Bruce McFarlane sits down with Steve Whiteside, Founder of Little Giant Finance, to explore franchise finance, what banks look for when lending, funding greenfield sites and business acquisitions, and how franchisees and franchisors can navigate their finance options to support business growth.

  2. Sep 22

    What High-Performing Businesses Do Differently: Michael Sutherland

    Bruce McFarlane sits down with Michael Sutherland, Director of Sixpoint Advisory, to explore data, margins, pricing, benchmarking, technology and AI and what high-performing businesses do differently.

  3. Aug 27

    Why PRP Chose Franchising to Scale the Business: Greg Sugars OAM

    In this episode of the BDC Partners podcast, Bruce McFarlane and Dave Lindsay sit down with Greg Sugars OAM, CEO of Preston Rowe Paterson (PRP), to explore his journey from growing up in a small-business family to building successful property valuation businesses and leading one of Australia’s largest property valuation networks.Greg shares his experiences in business, leadership and franchising, including PRP’s transition to a franchise model, the importance of strong systems and data protection, and how technology and AI are transforming the property valuation industry.He also shares valuable advice for emerging franchisors on building a strong brand, developing robust systems, and finding the right franchise partners.More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn -   / bdc-partners  Facebook -   / bdcpartners

  4. Jul 21

    Luke Woods: The Real Benefits of Offshore Bookkeeping & Accounting

    Luke Woods, founder of Books 365, explains how offshoring accounting and bookkeeping to the Philippines has improved efficiency, reduced costs, and provided access to qualified accountants. He emphasises that success depends on strong communication, clear processes, and treating offshore staff as part of the business, rather than simply outsourcing work. Businesses that provide timely information receive faster, more accurate financial reports and better operational insights. In franchising, consistent financial reporting enables benchmarking and helps franchisors support franchisees more effectively. While AI and automation improve reporting and routine tasks, Luke believes human expertise remains essential for handling complex transactions and analysing business performance. More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-property-specialists/Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-strategy/Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-resources-management/Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-recruitment/Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee-satisfaction-survey/Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-lead-generation/Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdc-partnersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/bdcpartners

  5. Jun 22

    Leading AMC Commercial Cleaning: Kristie Coade Success Story

    In this episode of the BDC Partners Podcast, Kristie Coade, CEO of AMC Commercial Cleaning, shares her inspiring journey from a young performer and telemarketer to leading one of Australia’s largest commercial cleaning franchise networks. She discusses her early career, the challenges of growing a family business, and her transition into executive leadership. Christie also provides valuable insights into franchising, business development, and managing large-scale operations across Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, company culture, and the importance of supporting franchisees while navigating industry challenges in an evolving business landscape.More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-property-specialists/Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-strategy/Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-resources-management/Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-recruitment/Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee-satisfaction-survey/Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-lead-generation/Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdc-partnersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/bdcpartners

  6. May 26

    66. What Happens to Your Business If You Die?

    In this episode of Tell Us Your F’ing Story, Bruce McFarlane interviews Alexia White about estate planning for business owners and franchisors. They discuss how wills alone are often not enough because business assets are commonly held through companies, trusts, and shareholder structures. Alexia explains the importance of shareholders agreements, buy-sell agreements, insurance policies, and powers of attorney in protecting both the business and the owner’s family if death or incapacity occurs. The conversation also highlights the need for lawyers, accountants, and insurance brokers to work together to avoid legal conflicts, financial gaps, and future complications for surviving family members and business partners. More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn -   / bdc-partners  Facebook -   / bdcpartners

  7. Apr 28

    65. From Tech to HR: Damien Gooden Journey to Building HR Central

    In this episode of Tell Us Your F’ing Story, Damian Gooden, CEO of HR Central, shares his journey from country Victoria to leading a growing HR business. He discusses how basketball shaped his leadership style, why leaving university became a turning point, and how an unexpected business sale led him to launch HR Central. Damian also explores building a subscription-based HR model, scaling through acquisitions, managing investors, navigating franchising workforce challenges, and why Australian businesses can’t afford to ignore AI and workplace transformation.More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-property-specialists/Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-strategy/Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-resources-management/Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-recruitment/Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee-satisfaction-survey/Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-lead-generation/Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdc-partnersFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/bdcpartners

  8. Mar 18

    64. The Real Cost of Franchise Growth: David Lindsay

    In Episode 64 of Tell Us Your F’ing Story, David Lindsay speaks with Bruce McFarland about how investment is reshaping franchise growth. Originally an advisory firm, BDC expanded into investing to help emerging franchise brands move beyond early-stage limitations by providing both capital and strategic expertise. The conversation highlights major U.S. trends, including private equity involvement, multi-brand “platform” models, and the rise of large franchisees operating across multiple brands. These trends are driving rapid growth and consolidation. In contrast, Australia is progressing more slowly due to smaller market scale and structural limitations. However, bringing in investors is not without trade-offs. While it unlocks funding, accelerates expansion, and introduces new capabilities, it also means dilution of ownership, reduced control, higher operational costs, and potential strain on franchisee relationships. More BDC Services;Retail Property - https://bdcpartners.com.au/retail-pro...Franchise strategy - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Law - https://bdcpartners.com.au/lawyers/Performance and Talent Acquisition - https://bdcpartners.com.au/human-reso...Franchise Recruitment - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Franchise Satisfaction surveys - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchisee...Franchise lead generation - https://bdcpartners.com.au/franchise-...Follow our Social Channels;LinkedIn -   / bdc-partners  Facebook -   / bdcpartners

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About

Tell Us Your F’ing Story is a frank conversation with the CEOs, Founders and franchise industry specialists behind some of the best-loved franchises in Australia. Host Bruce McFarlane uncovers the people behind the brands, their backgrounds, what drives them to succeed, and the gritty truth behind leading a successful franchise business. No veneer, no BS – just franchising pros, telling us how it really is.

Information

  • Creator
    BDC Partners
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © BDC Partners
  • Show Website
    Tell Us Your F'ing Story