When the stack of cards falls like dominoes
Every business owner knows the feeling of the long hours, the endless juggling, the constant drive to keep
everything upright. You’re so deep in the trenches that you barely notice the cracks forming until the stack of cards
falls like dominoes. At The Engine, we’ve seen this scenario play out time and time again. A trusted staff member
quietly adds unworked hours to payroll. A manager manipulates expenses. A business leans too heavily on a single
client. Each time, the fallout can be devastating; emotionally, financially, and reputationally. But recovery is possible.
Over the years, we’ve helped business owners navigate through these moments — recovering stolen funds, re
establishing financial integrity, and rebuilding trust within their teams. What’s most important is doing it without
creating PR damage or employment disputes that can compound the pain. It takes precision, experience, and a calm,
structured response — all of which we provide at The Engine.
A Lesson from Experience
In 2007, I learned this lesson the hard way. Fifty percent of one of my businesses was stolen by an employee I
trusted. I pursued and won a restraint of trade, but the greater victory came in reflection. I had to ask myself where
my blind spots were, and how I could prevent this from ever happening again.
A year later, in 2008, I secured the international merchandise rights for Rugby World Cup 2011 – a major milestone
for a kiwi company. But even in that moment of success, I knew I needed to plan for life beyond 2011. Without that
forward planning, I would’ve been right back in the same vulnerable position as 2007.
Those years taught me that business isn’t just about managing growth; t’s about managing risk. Because when
something shifts, whether it’s a key client, a trusted employee, or even your own role as a working director, you need
to know your structure won’t collapse.
The Wake-Up Call: GrabOne
The recent GrabOne liquidation has been another wake-up call for many business owners. Dozens of businesses
have contacted The Engine in the past week alone, anxious about what could happen if they lost their biggest client
or main source of income. The reality is, you don’t need to be in trouble for trouble to find you.
Life and business can turn upside down at any moment — and having the right people beside you is as critical as
having the right structure in place.
The Business Warrant of Fitness Audit
That’s why now is the perfect time to take a closer look under the bonnet of your business. At The Engine, our
Business Warrant of Fitness Audit gives you an independent, expert view of how your business is truly performing —
beyond the surface-level numbers your accountant reviews. This audit is a practical, hands-on assessment that
identifies your business’s strengths, weaknesses, and risks. We analyse your people, processes, systems, financial
alignment, leadership capability, and future strategy. You’ll receive a clear, actionable plan outlining the steps
needed to strengthen and future-proof your business. It’s not just a document — it’s a roadmap for business
resilience. As the year draws to a close, make the last thing you do for your business this year the one that
matters most — book your Business Warrant of Fitness Audit. It could be the single most important investment
you make before the year ends. Because when the unexpected happens — and it will — you’ll want to know your
business isn’t built on a shaky foundation.Let’s make sure your house of cards stands strong
Subscribe to The Engine Business Coach.
Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.