In this episode, Mike Mortlock, Creative Director of MCG and the man behind "Geared for Growth" podcast, shares his incredible journey from a $7K startup to building one of Australia's biggest quantity surveying companies that made the AFR Fast 100 list. What makes Mike's story so compelling is how competitors literally tried to destroy his business early on - one even paid for advertising space with a clause that banned Mike from contributing articles. Instead of giving up, this became the fuel that ignited his empire. Mike opens up about starting as a country kid from Yarrawonga Creek whose fighter pilot dreams were crushed by health issues, leading him to accidentally stumble into quantity surveying. He reveals how he and partner Marty bootstrapped their business with just $7K each, initially just hoping to get their money back, then kept raising the bar as they consistently hit every goal. The key? Focusing on controllables rather than trying to outspend industry giants on marketing. If you're building a service business, looking to compete against industry giants, or want to learn about authentic relationship-building in business, this episode is packed with practical strategies. 00:00 - Introduction & Mike's Rap Sheet 02:20 - The "Magic Mike" Story & Building a Profile 05:10 - How Media/Podcasting Built His Business 12:30 - Country Background & Failed Fighter Pilot Dreams 16:30 - Getting Started: Real Estate to Quantity Surveying 20:40 - The $7K Startup Story with Partner Marty 23:00 - Competitors Tried to DESTROY Him (Property Observer Ban) 26:00 - AFR Fast 100: Focusing on Controllables 32:15 - Key Growth Lessons & People Management 35:20 - Acquisition Strategy & Future Plans 39:20 - Top 1% Character Trait: Drive Over Everything Want to learn my exact strategy for building a successful property portfolio? Check out School of Property for a step-by-step investing blueprint that's helped thousands of Aussies start and scale their investments: https://schoolofproperty.com.au Follow me for more investing & business insights: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samgordonproperty Business: https://www.instagram.com/australianpropertyscout Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thetoponepercentpodcast Follow Mike: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mortlockmike The content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, business, or legal advice. The hosts and guests of the podcast are sharing their personal opinions and experiences, which may not be applicable to your unique situation. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor, business consultant, or legal professional before making any financial or business decisions. Reliance on any information provided in this podcast is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided. All information is provided "as is" without any guarantees of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or results obtained from the use of this information. Any references to specific financial products, companies, or services are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the podcast or its hosts. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the podcast and its affiliates are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices