How Colin Evans Built a Finance Business From Nothing: Cashflow, Grit & Scaling SMEs | Ep.170

Guest: Colin Evans, EO Sydney Member since 2025, Founder & Director of The Asset Finance Shop Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney Member since 2022 and Owner of Outsourcing Angel In this episode, we sit down with Colin Evans, Founder of The Asset Finance Shop, to unpack a raw, no-fluff journey of building a finance business from the ground up, without capital, safety nets, or shortcuts. From growing up with humble beginnings to working night shifts in harsh environments, Colin shares how those early lessons shaped his discipline, resilience, and operator mindset. He walks us through his transition into finance, why most SMEs struggle to secure funding, and how asset finance, when structured properly, can fuel growth instead of killing cashflow. Colin opens up about: - Starting a business from a bedroom with zero capital - Why banks say no (and how brokers solve that gap) - Structuring finance to support cashflow, not just low rates - Scaling a service-based business through systems and relationships - Leadership lessons learned the hard way - Bringing marketing and content in-house - Building a personal brand in a “non-sexy” industry - Why community and long-term thinking matter as a founder This episode is a grounded, honest look at entrepreneurship, the wins, the mistakes, and the thinking required to build something that lasts. If you’re an SME owner, tradie, operator, or founder navigating growth, finance, and leadership, this conversation will hit home. ABOUT COLIN: Colin Evans is the Founder and Director of The Asset Finance Shop, one of Australia’s leading specialist brokers for truck, machinery and equipment finance. After beginning his career in the agricultural sector and later moving into finance with ANZ/Esanda, Colin launched The Asset Finance Shop in 2016 with a simple mission: to make asset finance easier, faster, and more accessible for small and medium business owners. Today, his team supports businesses across transport, construction, trades, and professional services, helping them secure funding for vehicles, equipment, and heavy machinery while structuring deals that actually support cashflow and long-term growth. An accredited MFAA broker and EO member, Colin is also an active voice in conversations around strategic lending, leadership, and the future of SME finance in Australia. CONNECT WITH COLIN: Website: https://www.assetfinanceshop.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colin-evans-25827476 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cologne____/ -------------------- ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings. Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits. If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form. For further information, please contact: Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/ EO Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneursOrganization -------------------- ABOUT THE HOST Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Outsourcing Angel provides Systemise & Scale Up Services as well as Recruitment of Virtual Assistants to help business owners grow a business that doesn't rely on them. Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs. Business Website: www.outsourcingangel.com Personal Website: https://www.linhpodetti.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@360degreesuccesslife Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linhpodetti/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linh.podetti/