From Swiss Army Knife to Kitchen Specialist - Ep 27 Daniel Sealey

In this episode Ildiko interviews her husband, Daniel Sealey, who launched his latest venture, Cornflower Kitchens and Bathrooms, at the age of 50. Daniel tells us about his journey from a diverse career—including sailing tour ships and running a bird empire—to specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embracing Reinvention in Later Life: Starting a new business in later life can be a continuation of previous experiences, allowing individuals to specialise and reduce physical demands, as seen with the transition to a kitchen and bathroom business. Importance of Specialisation: Focusing on a specific area, such as kitchens and bathrooms, enables better mastery and efficiency, allowing for improved service delivery and customer satisfaction. Value of Routine and Planning: Establishing a structured routine, including dedicated focus sessions and a weekly planning process, helps in maintaining productivity and ensuring that business goals are met. Networking and Mentorship: Engaging with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and participating in mentorship programs can provide valuable insights, support, and motivation, making the entrepreneurial journey less isolating. Personal Values in Business: Upholding personal values such as quality, honesty, and customer service is crucial for building a successful business. This includes understanding customer needs and providing tailored solutions that enhance their experience. BEST MOMENTS Daniel: "It was a continuation of my old business, really. So from that point of view, it was just specializing and it's almost just making life a little bit easier for me and less physically demanding." Ildiko: "How do you see yourself in 20 years' time? Do you think you will have given up work?" Daniel: "One person working on their own is not scalable. If I've got a contracting team that can install five kitchens a month, then we can work on multiple projects at the same time." Ildiko: "What I would like to ask on the back of that though... Did you review how you were doing during the year and at the end of the year?" Daniel: "If you miss the thing twice, that becomes the new routine. People need to be double careful because it's like one day you might not feel it." HOST BIO Ildikó Sealey is a Property Professional, Networking Host and Podcast Host serving her local and wider community. In the property business with her husband since 2019, their core values are revitalising neglected properties so they can provide modern, future-proofed, comfortable homes for people. Recognising a gap in the local networking scene, Ildikó started co-hosting Property and Business Network in March 2024, bringing together the best in business in Plymouth and surrounding areas in Devon and Cornwall. With a rich background in administration, social housing, arts and crafts, education, business and mindset, she is passionate about empowering her fellow 50+ Encorepreneurs on their journey. Through her business, podcast shows and networking events, she makes an impact, proving that age is no barrier to success in the business world. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/