SURFER ANDY FINDS A PERFECT BALANCE

Surf fan Andy McCreadie has settled in Cornwall after a series of high flying jobs around the world in sales and management.  

But a laidback lifestyle is the last thing on his mind.

Instead, he has chosen the west country to launch a thriving new business…one that gives him time to pursue his passion for the waves.

He has opened a Sandler Sales Institute franchise, in Pentire, near Newquay, where, after just four months, business is booming.

In his new role, Andy provides ongoing sales training to small and medium size companies.

And he has been delighted by the response – landing five big contracts in under six months.

But his new base means he can stroll from his office to the beach in just five minutes.

Said Andy, 33:  “I used to travel all over the world and work 70 hour weeks, but I’m getting a bigger buzz working here.

“The economy is buoyant and there is a young, vibrant and growing business community.

“I love my job but the big difference with my life now is I can find time to indulge my other love – for surfing.”

Enterprising Andy worked as a management consultant for household name clients, before moving to Australia where he discovered the sport.

Back in London -- where he ran a sales team for a leading estate agents -- he realised how much he missed the waves.

 “I used to drive down to Cornwall from London at weekends and sleep in the back of my car.  

“I’d always had aspirations about running my own business and when I saw what the area here had to offer I finally took the plunge.”
MF

Andy points out that although his work-life balance has improved, he still faces the same hurdles as anyone launching a new business.

His day begins at dawn when he goes for an early morning surf but he aims to be at his desk by 7.30am.

He will break at 6pm for more surfing or rowing, but returns to work at 8pm often not finishing until 11pm.

His hard work, though, is paying off.

He says: “I’m well ahead of all my business projections but the best part is being in charge of my destiny.

“Our ideal client is a small business owner with big ambitions, so it’s very stimulating work.

“It obviously helps that I’ve got 100 per cent faith in the training system we use.

“I’ve worked in sales and management at senior levels all over the world for most of my working life but the Sandler system is by far the best I have come across.

“And at the end of the day I can unwind by leaving the office -- to catch a big wave!”

SARAH SAYS ANDY’S ACE
 
LESS than a month after appointing Andy to work with her, graphic designer Sarah Talbot claims she has seen a dramatic improvement in the performance of her business.

Sarah, who launched her company, Design Studio of Praze-an-Beeble (corr) near Helston in Cornwall 18 months ago, explained:  “The impact he’s had on my business has been dramatic and tangible.

“In less than a month I have landed one new client I wouldn’t otherwise have done and doubled the order from another.

“Thanks to his techniques, the information I get from clients and potential clients means I go away knowing exactly what they want.

“I’m far more focused and organised and now most of the jobs I go for I get.  My self confidence and esteem has soared.”

Sarah, 33, added: “It’s great to have Andy there as a sounding board.  He’s always available if I need to run any idea past him – just like a member of the team.

“I’d recommend his services to any business that wants to improve its overall performance.”