In this episode, Tom Haigh sits down with Jesse Mulligan from Mulligan Property to talk about the real shift from employee to business owner — and how that journey changes the way you think about freedom, risk, wealth, and long-term security. Jesse shares what pushed him to step out on his own in his early 20s, why personal brand and long-term thinking matter in business, and what it’s taken to build a multi-service property business across commercial, industrial, residential and property management over the last decade. The conversation then shifts into commercial property and the levers that actually drive value. Tom and Jesse unpack why market rent, rent reviews, outgoings, tenant quality, lease structure, and highest-and-best-use can make a massive difference to an asset’s value — often without the capital-intensive renovations common in residential investing. They also explore the risks of self-managing commercial assets, the costly mistakes that happen when rents are under market or outgoings are not properly reconciled, and why experienced commercial property management can have an outsized impact on future sale value and investor returns. Finally, the episode broadens into wealth strategy for business owners: why relying on the business alone can be risky, why bricks-and-mortar assets provide a valuable fallback position, and how diversification can create more flexibility when industries, economies, or personal circumstances change. The identity shift from employee to self-employed business owner Why Jesse started Mulligan Property and what drove that decision The challenges of building a business in the early years Why commercial property attracts experienced investors over time How value is really created in commercial property The impact of market rent reviews, CPI increases, and outgoings reconciliation Why self-managed commercial properties often leave money on the table How lease terms can either enhance or restrict future value Jesse’s personal investing approach and the importance of acting on opportunity Why business owners should build assets outside the business This episode is for: self-employed professionals small business owners commercial property investors residential investors looking to move into commercial anyone interested in building long-term wealth and financial freedom through business and property If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s building a business, investing in property, or thinking about how to create long-term wealth outside their day-to-day income. Take Action Today: Book a complimentary discovery call We'll help analyse your current position, identify your biggest untapped opportunities, and get you moving towards the life you want. Connect with Jesse Mulligan Connect with the Host General Advice Warning! The information (including taxation) contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not consider your individual financial circumstances or needs. You should not act on the information provided without first obtaining professional advice specific to your circumstances. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the individual; they are not reflective or indicative of My Money Sorted position and are not to be attributed to Online Financial Planning Australia Pty Ltd. The host is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. This podcast cannot be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of My Money Sorted.
