Ryan breaks down his journey from employee to business owner: 12 years working for others, multiple failed attempts at partnerships, and finally finding a seller in Ashburton. We cover the 8-year vendor finance deal that made it possible, why his house losing $45K in value didn't stop him, and how he's now building the practice he always dreamed of.

The reality? Most optometrists stay employees forever. Ryan refused to accept that path, even when deals fell through and relationships ended. He kept pushing until he found the right opportunity.

From Specsavers pathway programs to independent practice owner, sometimes the long way around is the only way that works.

We cover cash flow challenges, paying loans with after-tax income, building community connections, and why small town optometry beats city employment. Plus his next vision: owning a deer farm while running his practice.

Twenty years from childhood dream to business reality. Persistence pays off.

Find Ryan:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-o-connor-827a9562/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanoconnornz/

Website: https://www.asheye.co.nz/

Amy from http://Levridge.co.nz has come on as a sponsor of Keep The Change to help people with their financial planning.

Stuck? Find Amy : amy@levridge.co.nz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.levridge

Website: https://www.levridge.co.nz

Get tickets to the 2nd annual in person 'keep the change unplugged' event: https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/keep-the-change-tickets/artist/3925924

Generate are supporting my vision to improve the financial literacy of 100,000 kiwis by sponsoring Keep The Change. Cheers Generate. Head to https://www.generatewealth.co.nz/change/ to find out more.

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