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Daren Henderson TradeCoach
If there’s one thing I like doing it’s talking so telling you a little about me should be a breeze!
In business coaching because my job is very social (media) I receive a LOT of abuse and a I've been called a crook, a cowboy and bullshitter and even dishonest because I wore sunglasses during a life webinar outdoors in Spain. I’m a big boy and I can take it so this page give me the opportunity to speak freely about who I am and what I do...
Lets jump in...
My journey into business coaching began long before I officially started. Unbeknownst to me, I had been coaching businesses for years. This realisation struck during a business mentoring retreat in Italy, where the I had been invited. As I attended, I found myself inadvertently coaching fellow attendees. Encouraged by group members, I was convinced to make business coaching my full-time career.
Though I had been informally coaching for 4-5 years prior, without any formal structure, this marked the start of a more systematic approach, with one-on-one discussions with business owners who had observed my work over the years and spoken with my clients.
Please don't confuse me as/or some form of coaching guru, I am not, I'm just like you, I left school with nothing and started my first business with a bunch off leaflets and a finger to ring doorbells.
Everything from this point on I had to learn and work for and THIS is what I teach my clients.
Coming from a fairly poor upbringing in Edinburgh's Muirhouse, The area in which the movie "Trainspotting," was filmed where challenges like drugs and violence were prevalent, I had a resilient plan to become a millionaire by 40. it underscores my journey's resilience and ambition to shape my destiny. I set out to do just that with a clear plan of action and one I encourage all my clients to adhere to - it's imperative in business to know where you're going.
Over the years, I embarked on various business ventures, some with friends, but none proved successful or aligned. Recognising their interests stemmed from my other successful business, I left those partnerships swiftly.
Prior to Tradecoach, my primary venture was The Edinburgh Driveway Company Ltd now renamed Tedco by the new owners and my property company.
I founded TEDco with minimal landscaping experience, having briefly assisted my friend's father after school. In 2013, I spotted an opportunity in the landscaping industry. I named it The Edinburgh Driveway Company Ltd. With £57, I printed 1000 leaflets and canvassed Edinburgh, swiftly landing my inaugural deal. Realising the need for skilled labour, I enlisted help, rapidly propelling the business to a turnover exceeding £1.5 million with 35%+ nett profits. it really wasn't as difficult as I thought to reach the £1m mark however when I think back to buying them £57 leaflets it seemed a world away but with a discipline to pay myself first, generate assets and residual income from profits (property) it came much easier than I could ever have imagined. Through shrewd property investments, savings and a goal (£1m) I knew where I was heading and got there in December 2020 - And felt nothing!
I thought all I ever wanted was £1m pounds in my bank, it turned out it was nothing to no with money,It turned out it wasn't becoming a millionaire that I longed for all along - it was Freedom!
Freedom to decide if I am going to work today, taking my daughter to school, jumping on a plane or going for a game of golf. Once I systemised the business i had this, once my business was running (and growing) without my input I could effectively do what I wanted when I wanted. That was the real goal I just didn't see it and was distracted by that £1m number. Money (for me) isn't that important but I recognise now that I needed that to get what was important - Freedom
I meticulously streamlined every facet of the company, enabling it to operate autonomously and profitably. I was prepared to sell if the opportunity arose.
Within just seven years, I was presented with an offer from a major investment group—90% acquisition with my 10% retention. Seizing the chance, my wife Claire and I, contemplating our life in Spain, decided it was the right time for a new chapter.
Post-exit, I collaborated with numerous businesses, primarily small enterprises. I provided consultancy and training for larger operations, the remarkable success of which pleasantly surprised me. While achieving success wasn't unexpected, the profound joy from witnessing clients' victories evoked the same exuberance as scoring for my beloved Hearts FC at Tynecastle Stadium.
In addition to coaching, property investments emerged as a significant focus. Notably, many clients, now at higher echelons, are exploring property development, enriching our conversations and relationships.
My commitment to coaching extends beyond monetary gains. The genuine pleasure and laughter derived from interactions with clients, who are not just clients but friends, underscore the heart of my coaching ethos.
My mission is straightforward: empower clients to earn more while working less, thereby crafting their dream lives. This pursuit aligns with my own journey, where I aim to be the foremost business coach for trades, perpetuating my passion for helping others while fulfilling my dream life.
That's a glimpse of who I am and what I do. As a business coach for trades, I thrive on sharing this journey. Thanks for joining me on this venture.
Why Authentic Experience Matters in Business Coaching
As a business coach for tradesmen and women, I’ve encountered my fair share of skepticism. Some suggest that I’m a liar or a fake, questioning the authenticity of my experience and the value I bring to the table.
I understand why people might be cautious—after all, in an industry flooded with self-proclaimed "experts," it’s important to know who you can trust. But here’s the truth: my experience isn’t just theoretical; it’s rooted in the real world, with real success to back it up.
I’m proud to say that I’ve successfully built and sold my own construction company right here in the UK. I’ve been in the trenches, dealing with the same challenges, uncertainties, and pressures that you face every day.
From navigating complex projects and managing tight budgets to leading teams and satisfying clients, I’ve walked the path you’re on. I know what it takes to turn a vision into a thriving business because I’ve done it myself.
Unlike many coaches who rely solely on textbook knowledge or second-hand experience, my insights come from hands-on experience in the trades industry. I’ve been where you are, and I’ve faced the same hurdles. I’ve also experienced the satisfaction of overcoming those obstacles and achieving the kind of success that allows you to not just survive, but thrive. This is the difference I bring to my coaching.
There are no other coaches who can claim to have built and sold a construction company in the UK. That’s not just a statement—it’s a reality that sets me apart. I know the unique challenges of the industry, and I’ve proven that it’s possible to rise above them and succeed.
My journey wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t without setbacks, but it’s those very experiences that fuel my passion for helping other tradesmen and women achieve their own success.
I understand that it’s easy to doubt, especially when you’ve been let down before. But I’m here to tell you that my commitment to your growth is as real as the success I’ve achieved. My mission is to help you unlock your potential, grow your business, and achieve the kind of success that transforms your life.
Building a successful business in the trades isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, resilience, and hard work. It’s about having the right guidance, the right mindset, and the right support. That’s what I offer as a coach who has not only talked the talk but walked the walk. I’m here to show you what’s possible and to work with you every step of the way to make your business aspirations a reality.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I’m here to help you get there. Let’s work together to create the success story that you deserve.
Please reach us at info@tradecoach.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Great question, There we’re many challenges but for me because I couldn’t physically do the job I had to constantly rely on my team which was difficult because tradesmen are a law upon themselves at times and often I had to bite my tongue and I’m not very good at that. Because of this I went through a LOT of fitters before I eventually figured it/them out and put strategies in place to essentially coax them into towing the line somewhat. An important part of business IS being the boss but also being a leader. People follow leaders not bosses.
I started TEDco on 28th March 2013 aged 32. I was a pretty poor employee for the companies I worked for prior to this and always knew I needed a degree of freedom i was never going to get from having a job, Business gave me that.
Without dodging this question I need you to believe me when I say there ARE good people out there. There is a process to recruitment and 90%+ of the business I first meet with are doing it wrong. They’re advertising wrong, interviewing wrong and hiring wrong and don’t even get me started on appraisals which are pretty much non existent in the construction industry…every single one of the actions I just mentioned matter greatly and none can be missed. Recruitment is or can be a job within itself but like most things it’s a job that can be delegated and taken off your hands.
That's easy, show me one business coach who has took a business from start up (with zero money and zero experience) and took it all the way through to sale of business. I don’t know other business coaches processes nor their results and I don't really care to be honest, I know my results and they’re excellent and I encourage you to speak with any of my clients past or present for proof. But If I had to answer this question with one answer I guess it would be I’ve started a construction company at the very very bottom with no experience and a bunch of leaflets and built it to well over £1million turnover with approx 35% nett profits then sold it. I’ve had to learn every single step myself certainly in the early years before I discovered a thing called a business coach. I don't know of any other business mentor who has achieved this.
Good question and it pains me too when I hear so many ‘coaches’ promise the earth and I can assure you I get the same messages and emails you do with people promising me 100 new clients per month and so on. All I can say is speak with my clients, they will all be more than happy to recommend me As long as your not in their area, if you are they will tell you I’m sh** ?
A lot of people would dodge this question with a broad statement like “it depends” but I’ll not do that. I reckon on average my clients see tangible results within 3 months, I reckon With 1 month they know where this is going and by month 3-4 there wondering why on earth they didn’t do this on day one of starting out.
How long you work with me is really up to you, I have clients Who have been with me over 2 years and in all honesty I think they just like having me around, business coaching is more than just business coaching, it’s the soundboard and that person to bounce the ideas off, that person to moan to, celebrate with and just have on your side. By the time you get to 1-2 years my fees are a drop in the ocean.
None of my clients don’t succeed. I have had one client who lasted one month and when month 2 invoice arrived he disappeared. I’ve no idea how he ended up or even if he’s still in business. I often think about that guy. I do however have clients who are challenging but 90% of the time it’s ego and mindset. I have to work on that first which merely means the process takes longer but we always get there.
I’m glad you asked! For anyone else hearing this I promise this isn’t my mate asking haha! No seriously I’m chuffed you asked this as I think it’s important. As I mentioned earlier in the call I know it’s cliche but I love what I do and my psssion is helping people not making money, I’ve made my money and Im very fortunate and ever so thankful for the life I live. I want to help people, it’s absolutely not about money. I’ve done this for free for years and whilst it worked it didn’t work as good as it would have if these guys were paying for it. You generally work harder when your paying good money for it and I think my fee is very very fair, I literally make my clients full years fee back and some within 1-3 months i would say.
Haha again cliche I know but My Wife, no question, she’s the only one who has always had my back, always believed in me and one of the few people I knew until I got a coach who would pull me up for sh** when I was dropping the ball. There’s a lot to be said for having a strong wife in business and somehow they always see through the bullshit and know when you’re faking it. All my business coaches have played a huge part too and My brother Dennis has always been a good sounding board despite his corporate background. Famous people I admire are Brad Sugars and the late Steve jobs and Jim Rohn but there’s way too many to mention here.
haha ok The jam tarts! The real love of my life! Hearts Fc. I’d never hide my love for the greatest team on earth and yes I work with one Hibs supporter!
Yes and no, yes I can advise and show you how I done it but no it’s not professional and it’s not necessarily proper advice, there’s coaches out there for that who are much more experienced than me (I’m considering hiring one myself) however I do talk and advise to my clients regularly on property and how I done it and where I’m going with it. I find property investing pretty easy and pretty bullet proof. Property development can be a bit more Complex and risky.
mainly it involves implement system after system into your business, systems essentially mean you work less, One press of a button once the system is implemented can save you 1-2 hours per task, imagine having 30-40 of these systems in place. With having great systems you are essentially providing the client with a far better service which is very noticeable and therefore you charge more which makes you more money. Of course there is a whole lot more to it that this but in a nutshell this is what we would do and this is exactly what I done in my business and near the end worked 1-2 hours a week in my business.
I get asked this question a lot. The main reason was me, I struggled to let go and I recall moaning to my office manager who bought ink for printer and paid 30-40% over the odds for this. Here's me owning a million pound company moaning about an office manager spending an extra £20 on ink, I know that day I was never going to let go and that I should look to sell. When the investment group came in it gave me the opportunity to focus solely on helping people and taking Tradecoach further and knowing this was my real passion I jumped at the opportunity. I wouldn't say I miss it, I enjoy life too much now to miss it and Tradecoach and Property keep me busy.
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