In this episode of Task Me Anything, host Adam Duffus sits down with Jim Hilston, Director of Hilston Wood Floors, one of Brisbane’s most respected names in custom timber flooring. Jim shares his fascinating journey from working with horses and playing polo in the UK to building a premium flooring business back home in Australia. More importantly, he opens up about the critical role virtual assistants now play in keeping his business running smoothly. Jim highlights how partnering with VA For You helped him overcome the staffing challenges typical of small trades businesses, enabling him to focus on growth and client satisfaction. This episode is packed with valuable insights for any tradie or small business owner looking to scale without burning out.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 — Introduction
Adam Duffus introduces the episode, his guest Jim Hilston, and sets the stage for the discussion about craftsmanship and scaling businesses with virtual support.

01:30 — Getting to Know Jim
A fun Q&A session with Jim, covering his go-to comfort food, hobbies, first job working with horses, and love for polo.

05:00 — Jim’s Journey into Flooring
Jim recounts how his experiences in the UK led him into the flooring industry and the choice that shaped his career.

07:00 — Polo and Commentating
A lively conversation about Jim's polo playing and commentating career, including memorable interactions with the British Royal Family.

09:00 — Challenges in Managing a Small Trades Business
Jim discusses the unique challenges of finding and retaining reliable administrative staff in a small business setting.

10:30 — How Virtual Support Transformed His Business
Jim explains how partnering with VA For You and his virtual assistant, Dilshan, has dramatically improved scheduling, client communication, and overall operational efficiency.

13:00 — Advice for Young Tradespeople
Jim shares advice for tradies struggling to balance hands-on work with business administration and how virtual assistance can be a game-changer.

14:30 — Closing Thoughts
Adam and Jim wrap up, discussing future plans for scaling virtual support within trades and celebrating the strong working relationship between Hilston Wood Floors and VA For You.