Is it possible to start from $0 and make $160K in your first year in business?
And by year two have a 7-figure asset all while raising a family?
That’s exactly what this professional couple has achieved.
Courtney and Derek have not only replaced their salaries but they’ve built a million-dollar asset in just two years, starting with no online business or digital marketing experience.
Want to hear how they did it so you can too?
Click below to hear their remarkable journey from corporate burnouts to how they’ve built a family-first million dollar asset in two years.
From Corporate Burnout to Building a 7 Figure Agency
After a decade in corporate sales, Derek found himself spending more time on planes than with his young family. The travel, the burnout, the endless corporate grind – it was taking its toll. Meanwhile, Courtney was returning from maternity leave to her government role in mental health, facing another decade of CPI increases and limited growth potential.
The Breaking Point that Sparked Change
“I was on a plane a lot,” Derek reflects. “Having two young kids definitely made me think about wanting to start our own business.” The couple had reached senior positions in their respective fields, but success in the corporate world wasn’t translating to the lifestyle they wanted for their family.
The tipping point came when Derek realised he could click over 10 years of service and access his long service leave. It was a calculated risk with a safety net – he knew he could always return to corporate if needed. But both Derek and Courtney were determined not to let that happen.
Going All In With Strategic Focus
While many new entrepreneurs dabble in multiple strategies, Derek and Courtney made a crucial decision early on. They identified that building a digital agency would be their fastest path to replacing their corporate income. Despite seeing other success stories in different areas, they remained laser-focused on their chosen strategy.
“We went all in from day one,” Derek explains. “It was hard because you see all the success stories of other strategies, but that was ours. So we dialed in really quickly to that.”
Their division of labour was clear from the start. Derek handled content creation, SEO, and sales while Courtney became the website building powerhouse. When Courtney returned to work full-time to support Derek’s transition, she would come home, care for the kids, and then work on client websites until the early hours of the morning.
The First Year Grind That Paid Off
The first year wasn’t glamorous. Courtney worked her government job from 9 to 5, then came home to parent their two young children. Once the kids were in bed, she’d switch into business mode, building websites late into the night. Derek, meanwhile, threw himself into networking and business development, joining BNI (Business Network International) to build connections and generate leads.
Their breakthrough came from an unexpected source. Courtney posted about their new business in a mum’s Facebook group, despite Derek’s initial hesitation. “I jumped the gun really early,” Courtney laughs. “Derek said, ‘I can’t believe you just did that.’ And I was like, why not?” That bold move landed them their biggest client, who remains with them to this day.
By month six, the results were undeniable. Courtney dropped to part-time at her government job. By the end of year one, she’d quit entirely. Their combined efforts had generated $160,000 in their first year – a Champions Program record that still stands.
Year Two Evolution and Explosive Growth
Where many businesses plateau after initial success, Derek and Courtney accelerated. Year two became about building a real business, not just generating revenue. They invested heavily in systems, processes, and understanding their own strengths through personality testing to optimise their roles.
“We’re really trying to dial in our business,” Derek explains. “Everything from defining our own roles, to hiring better, to getting systems in place for our team. Year one, you’re desperate to grow and saying yes to everything. In year two, we’re being more intentional with the types of clients and businesses we want to work with.”
The disciplined approach to planning made all the difference. Monthly business reviews, quarterly goal setting, and even mapping out their five and ten-year vision became non-negotiable practices. This strategic planning led to their first $50,000 month – a milestone they’d originally thought would take years to achieve.
The Power of Referrals and Compound Growth
One of the most significant shifts in year two was the arrival of referrals. While year one required constant hustle and networking, year two brought the compound effect of delivering quality work. Clients began referring other clients, creating a snowball effect on their revenue.
Derek’s involvement in BNI also deepened. He joined the leadership team and became an ambassador, expanding his network beyond their local chapter. Combined with their growing reputation for quality work, the business began attracting clients organically through social media and word-of-mouth.
“In year one, because we’re so new, referrals didn’t really happen,” Derek notes. “But in year two, you start getting that happening. Sometimes you think you’ve plateaued, and then referrals come in.” This shift from hunting for clients to attracting them marked a fundamental change in their business dynamics.
Balancing Family Life With Business Growth
Despite the intense work schedule, Derek and Courtney discovered something surprising. They were actually spending more quality time with their children than when they worked corporate jobs. The flexibility of working from home meant no commutes, no missing school events, and the ability to structure their days around family priorities.
“I’ve probably spent more time with the kids now than I did working my nine-to-five job,” Courtney reveals. “I’m very disciplined with my time. Derek does drop-off, I do pick-up. I work from 7:30 till 2, then spend the afternoon and evening with the kids.”
This intentional approach to time management became crucial. While they acknowledge working harder than ever, the work happens on their terms. School holidays, special events, and family time are non-negotiable. They’ve even taken working holidays, bringing laptops along but maintaining the flexibility to be present for their children.
The Million-Dollar Realisation
Perhaps the most profound moment came when they realised what they’d actually built. Consistently hitting $30,000+ monthly revenue means their digital agency is valued at seven figures by industry standards. In just two years, starting with zero capital investment beyond their time and effort, they’d created a million-dollar asset.
“Where else could you do that?” Matt Raad, their mentor at eBusiness Institute, points out. “Could you even build a house in two years? You’ve created enough value to pay off your house, and you started with zero dollars, no debt.”
The comparison to their corporate careers is stark. A decade of corporate work might yield a few 10% pay rises. Two years of focused entrepreneurship created a seven-figure asset that continues to grow.
Year Three Vision and Growth Through Acquisition
Not content to rest on their success, Derek and Courtney are already executing their year three strategy: growth through acquisition. They’re actively exploring opportunities to acquire other digital agencies, leveraging their systems and experience to scale even faster.
“We’ve got some capital now put aside,” Derek explains. “If the right opportunity comes along to acquire a business to fast-track our growth, we’ll take it with both hands.” This shift from organic growth to strategic acquisition represents the next evolution of their business maturity.
The due diligence process itself has become a learning opportunity. By analysing other agencies for potential purchase, they’re gaining insights that improve their own operations. Some agencies generating impressive top-line revenue are actually operating at a loss – a sobering reminder about the importance of profitability over vanity metrics.
Key Lessons From Their Journey
Derek and Courtney’s success didn’t come from any secret formula or special advantage. They started with zero business connections, no existing client base, and no experience running an agency. What made the difference was their approach:
Complete commitment: They went all-in rather than treating it as a side hustle. Derek took the risk of leaving his job, while Courtney worked double shifts to support the family during transition.
Strategic focus: Despite temptations to pursue multiple strategies, they chose digital agency work and stuck with it, becoming excellent at one thing rather than mediocre at many.
Systematic planning: Monthly reviews, quarterly goals, and long-term vision planning kept them on track even during challenging periods.
Continuous improvement: Year two focused on building systems and processes rather than just chasing revenue, setting the foundation for sustainable growth.
Leveraging support: They credit much of their success to the eBusiness Institute community and coaches, recognising that “no one is self-made.”
The Future Looks Bright
As Derek and Courtney enter their third year, their goals have evolved from survival to empire building. Courtney’s vision of reaching $100,000 months no longer seems like a distant dream but an achievable milestone on their journey. They’ve proven that with focus, hard work, and strategic thinking, it’s possible to completely transform your family’s financial future in just two years.
Their story serves as inspiration for anyone feeling trapped in corporate life, wondering if there’s a better way. Derek and Courtney found their better way, and they built it themselves, one website at a time. Now, as official coaches with the eBusiness Institute, they’re helping others follow a similar path to freedom.
For those considering a similar journey, their message is clear: it’s not about having special skills or advantages. It’s about making the decision, committing fully, and being willing to work harder than you’ve ever worked before. The payoff – both financial and lifestyle – makes every late night worthwhile.
