FROM A SINGLE-CAR GARAGE TO NON-STOP PRESSURE
MNR Constructions brings creative concepts to life - building custom sets, brand activations and pop-up structures for marketing campaigns, events and experiential projects.
The business began in a single-car garage, where every day started by pulling everything out just to make space to work, and ended by packing it all away again. As demand grew, space was tight, workflows were inefficient, and even basic logistics became a challenge. Deliveries had to be unloaded by hand, projects were built in pieces, and valuable time was lost simply setting up and packing down.
What started as a creative pursuit quickly became an operational grind.
WHEN PASSION ISN’T ENOUGH
Like many founders, Terry started his business because he loved the craft — not because he knew how to run a company.
We love building stuff but had no idea how to run a business.
Sales, marketing, finance, operations and people management were all unfamiliar territory. There were no systems, no clear roles, and no structure to support growth. Everything lived in Terry’s head, which meant the business couldn’t function without him.
As the workload increased, so did the personal cost. Long weeks became the norm, relationships were strained, and time away from the business felt impossible. Despite the effort, Terry couldn’t see a clear way forward - or where to even begin fixing things.
THE TURNING POINT
Terry was introduced to The Entourage through someone in his industry and decided to attend on of our one-day workshops.
It was a real reality check of you don’t know what you don’t know.
That moment highlighted just how much of the business was being held together by effort rather than structure. It led Terry to join The Entourage’s Elevate Program, seeking clarity, direction, and a way to regain control of both the business and his life.
BUILDING A BUSINESS, NOT JUST PROJECTS
Through the Elevate program, Terry began shifting his focus from doing everything himself to building systems, structure and a capable leadership team.
One of the first major changes was hiring a sales manager - a pivotal step in removing Terry from the day-to-day and allowing him to operate as a business owner, not just a technician.
Processes were documented, responsibilities clearly defined, and a management layer introduced to support the growing team. Instead of reacting to problems as they arose, the business began operating with intention and clarity.
Learning how to write systems and processes to get all of that information out of your head was such a big key in me being able to get my time back.
WHAT CHANGED
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. Time was spent fixing foundational issues before the business could grow sustainably. But it wasn't long before:- Terry had reduced his workload from 80–90 hours to around 40 hours a week
- The team grew from 5 people to 15
- Revenue doubled and profit significantly increased
- The business moved into a 1500sqm workshop, doubling its previous footprint
With defined roles and stronger leadership, the business no longer relied on Terry to hold everything together.
A CULTURE THAT HOLDS UNDER PRESSURE
Operating in an industry defined by tight timelines and high stress, culture became a critical priority.
One defining moment proved just how far the business had come. During a delayed installation late at night, Terry gave his exhausted team the option to leave and continue the job the following day.
Not one person in the team walked away.
Instead, the team chose to stay and finish the job together - a clear sign that ownership, trust and shared commitment had replaced burnout and dependency.
A BUSINESS THAT RUNS WITHOUT HIM
Today, Terry’s role looks fundamentally different. His perspective on what it takes to build a successful business has shifted.
Business is much more around building a great team - people who are even better than you at doing the tasks that they specialise in.
With systems, leadership and structure in place, Terry is now focused on the next stage of growth - expanding capacity, recruiting intentionally, and scaling with confidence rather than chaos.
ADVICE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS STUCK IN THE WEEDS
Looking back, Terry is clear on what he would change if he were starting again.
Go and seek advice and guidance and help much earlier than what I did.
For business owners who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or trapped in the day-to-day, Terry’s journey shows what’s possible when structure replaces strain — and when the business is built to run beyond the founder.
