In this episode, Nick and Steven sit down with Wullie Thomson — entrepreneur, former dairy business owner, and now full-time property investor. Willie shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Shotts to building one of Scotland’s largest independent milk delivery businesses before moving into the property world.
🎙️ Episode Highlights
From Milk Rounds to Millionaire Mindset
Grew up in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, and left school without qualifications
Worked multiple jobs from a young age — including food delivery, labouring on sites, and driving taxis
Bought a small local milk delivery round at age 23 with around 350 customers
Scaled the business into a Scotland-wide operation with five depots, 85 staff, and 60 delivery vehicles
Focused on reusable glass bottles and local service to stand out from supermarket competition
Introduced innovations such as direct debit payments and door-to-door canvassing, dramatically boosting efficiency and revenue
Building and Exiting the Dairy Empire
Grown organically over more than a decade through acquisitions and community-focused marketing
Expanded across the Central Belt, Perth, and Aberdeen
Operated 24/7 with a full management structure including operations, HR, and sales teams
Introduced a delivery charge model that significantly increased profits
Successfully exited the business through multiple sales to other dairies
Transitioned from daily operations to pursuing new ventures and a better work–life balance
Starting Over in Property
Entered property investment after selling the dairy business, looking for a new challenge
Faced early setbacks:
Lost £40–£50k on a piece of land due to flood risk oversight
Lost £35k on a hotel deal with offshore ownership complications
Joined Steven’s property training to build knowledge, structure, and network with other investors
Determined to grow his property business using the same grit and determination that built his previous success
First Major Project – Arbroath Townhouse
Purchased a six-bedroom townhouse for £71,000
Initially budgeted £70,000 for the refurb, but final spend reached £150,000
Fully renovated and upgraded with quality finishes and modern interiors
Configured for use as both a Serviced Accommodation (SA) and HMO
Located near Arbroath Harbour — ideal for contractors, large families, and holidaymakers
Expected nightly rate: £150–£200, with projected annual income of £40k–£50k
From driving taxis and delivering Chinese food as a teenager to managing 85 staff and five depots across Scotland, Willie’s story is one of relentless work ethic, resilience, and reinvention. Now, after exiting the dairy industry, he’s applying the same principles of growth and efficiency to property development and investing.
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