About the Author: Ashley Thomson
Professional Journey
Ashley started in business improvement in 1998, working for an Australian consulting company. He honed his skills by optimising corporate giants like Coles Group, Myer, ANZ Bank, Telstra, and Zurich Insurance. This hands-on experience gave him practical insights into the workings of great businesses and the pitfalls of poor performers.
Accolades and Awards
Ashley’s exceptional coaching prowess has earned him a place in the prestigious Coaching Hall of Fame (2019). Additionally, his achievements have been acknowledged through multiple awards, solidifying his reputation as a world-class business coach. He leads a team of award-winning business coaches at Tenfold, setting the gold standard in the industry.
Expertise Across Industries
With diverse experience spanning FMCG, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, construction, trades, retail, and professional services, Ashley has successfully coached businesses across various sectors. His expertise lies in coaching mature businesses with revenues ranging from $5M to $50M, guiding them through complex financial structures, marketing strategies, operational improvements, and leadership development.
Innovative Problem Solver
Ashley’s background as a convergence task force manager and project manager at leading organisations like Show Ads and NewsCorp – PMP Print equipped him with the skills to streamline complex business functions. His ability to sift through data, identify key business drivers, and provide agile financial models enables businesses to thrive in competitive markets.
Published Author and Global Authority
Ashley’s influence extends far beyond his coaching practice. He co-authored “The Quiet Sales Genius,” a definitive guide to effective sales strategies. He has been featured in prominent publications, podcasts, and conferences, cementing his status as a thought leader in the coaching community.
Ashley’s influence reaches across the globe, with features and accolades from esteemed platforms such as:
Custom Builders: How to Tighten Your Variations Process for Better Profitability
As a custom home builder, you understand that variations are an inevitable part of the building process. Clients often change their minds, add new features, or alter design plans as the project progresses. While variations can present opportunities for additional revenue, they can also become a significant source of stress and financial strain if not managed effectively. As a builders business coach, I've seen business owners struggling with this very issue. That's why I'm here to share some practical advice on how to tighten your variations process to improve profitability and reduce headaches. I'm Ashley Thomson, a builders business ...
Custom Builders: How to Use AI for Marketing and Sales Growth
Custom Builders: How to Use AI for Marketing and Sales Growth How AI is Transforming Marketing and Sales Conversion for Custom Home Builders Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way businesses market their services, and residential construction builders are no exception. For builders specialising in custom homes – whether on vacant land or through knock-down rebuilds – AI can offer some powerful tools to attract, engage, and convert prospects into clients. In the 20+ years that I’ve been coaching custom builders to take their business to the next level, I’ve worked with myriad tools. Like any tool, whether it’s ...
When Does the Financial Year Start and End in Australia?
When Does the Financial Year Start and End in Australia? A Guide to the Australian Financial Year for Small Business Owners As a business coach working with advanced small businesses, I have seen firsthand how well-managed operations and strategic financial planning set the foundation for sustainable growth. Drawing from years of coaching business owners across various industries, this guide is built on proven strategies that help businesses not only stay compliant but also achieve long-term success. Managing business finances effectively is more than just meeting tax obligations—it’s about making informed decisions that position a business for expansion, resilience, and profitability. ...
15 Mistakes Small Businesses Make When Setting Pricing (And How to Avoid Them) [Examples]
Setting the right price isn’t just about numbers – it’s about strategy, clarity, and delivering value. Whether you’re an electrician, builder, IT managed service provider, manufacturer, distributor, or mechanic, pricing services and materials correctly is critical to a small business’s sustainability. As a small business coach specialising in growth strategies for service-based businesses in Australia, I've seen firsthand how proper pricing can make or break a company. I’ve created this guide to help small business operators understand common mistakes and avoid them. The challenge that small businesses face is that they don’t have access to the same level of expertise ...
Tradie Business 101: Guide to Getting a Factory
Outgrown your home office and shed? Securing a factory can be a game-changer for your trades service business. However, the process of getting one can often feel like a biiiig step up. As a business coach specialising in strategies for tradies and business coaching for plumbers, I'm here to break it down into bite-size bits. My name is Ashley Thomson, and I've spent years helping tradie business owners like you build successful, scalable operations. At Tenfold Coaching, our firm of coaches deliver practical advice to take businesses to the next level. Today, I'll share with you a comprehensive guide on ...
Tradie Business 101: How to Manage Subbies
Introduction: Understanding the Challenge If you're a small-to-medium business owner in the trades or service industries, managing subcontractors, or "subbies," can be a significant challenge. Whether you're a plumber, sparky, or builder, ensuring that your subbies deliver quality work on time and within budget is crucial to your success. Effective management of subbies is essential for maintaining high standards, meeting client expectations, and keeping projects on schedule. It's a juggling act that requires clear communication, strong organisational skills, and the ability to motivate and support your team. Many business owners struggle with these aspects, but with the right strategies, ...
Tradie Business 101: How to Hire Employees
Introduction: Addressing a Common Challenge Hiring employees can be one of the most daunting tasks for small-to-medium business owners in the trades or service industries. It's a common challenge that many of my clients face: how do you find the right people to join your team; people who are skilled, reliable, and fit well with your business culture? You're not alone in this struggle. Many business owners feel the pressure and uncertainty that comes with hiring new employees. But don't worry—I'm here to guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible. Who am I? With ...
![Chart of Growth in Wages Bill vs State Economy [Australia]](https://tenfoldcoaching.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Growth-in-Wages-Bill-vs-State-Economy-320x202.webp)
Small business explainer: What’s Going On in the World in 2025? Part 3 – Australian Productivity
In the final of our 3-part series for Tenfold clients and other small-medium businesses, we’re turning to the topic of Australian productivity as we address the questions: “What is going on in the world? What does it mean for Australia, and how might it impact my business?” As a refresher, part 1 I explored issues in China, what the impacts of those issues mean for Australia, what signal to watch, and what to do as a business owner. You can revisit the article here: Small business explainer: What’s Going On in the World in 2025? Part 1 – China In ...
Small business explainer: What’s Going On in the World in 2025? Part 2 – Trump’s US
This briefing is part 2 of our 3-part series for Tenfold clients: “What is going on in the world? What does it mean for Australia, and how might it impact my business?” In the first part, "Small business explainer: What's Going On in the World in 2025? Part 1 - China", I looked at 3 key issues in China, what it means for Australia, what signal to watch, and what to do as a business owner. In Part 2 we're looking at the incoming Trump presidency and the touted policies on tariffs and trade changes. And then in Part 3 ...
Small business explainer: What’s Going On in the World in 2025? Part 1 – China
In the second half of 2024, questions that frequently came up in coaching sessions were: “What is going on in the world? What does it mean for Australia, and how might it impact my business?” These questions were based on global and local factors: China: We heard about the Chinese economy faltering and the Chinese government having to provide stimulus. Trump policies: We heard Donald Trump was going to impose big tariffs on other countries and then learned he will become President again. Australian productivity: We kept hearing about Australia’s productivity problem, but no one seemed to have a clear ...
