About me

I am a proud Scottish-Kiwi with more than 30+ years’ sales and marketing experience across a range of technically-focused organisations and products. I have worked for start-up’s to multinational organisations, from a distributors and vendor perspective and hardware as well as software as a service. 

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I’ve been a sales person through to sales Director, coach and mentor and grown brands across the globe, including India, USA, Australia, Brazil and South East Asia, as well as New Zealand and the UK.  

I’ve sold factory automation solutions to end users and OEM’s, electronics to the aerospace industry and education software to schools.

I have been involved in the growth of three businesses through to acquisition, including listing on the Australian Stock Exchange.   

What draws these diverse experiences together?  

I am known for my ability to build long-term relationships, founded on trust, honesty and integrity. I have an entrepreneurial mindset, driven by a focus on results.

The name ‘Etive’ Business Advice comes from Buachaille Etive Mòr - a stunning location in the Highlands of Scotland.  I enjoyed many adventures there as I grew up - tramping, kayaking and camping.  This is where I first really connected with the outdoors and I feel a ‘spiritual’ connection with the land there. The spirit of adventure brought me here to beautiful Aotearoa where I have embraced the opportunities living here presents to continue adventuring. 

The Etive mountain is formed from granite stone and I like to think this reflects what you get with Etive Business Advice - a solid, grounded, pragmatic approach with a focus on results.

 
 
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Testimonials

In Colin's role as Family Zone's GM for New Zealand he held full accountability for delivering on the company's Business Plan. Through his vision, humility, business acumen, sales aptitude and ability to motivate a geographically distributed team he was able to consistently succeed in this role. Colin brings a very pragmatic and results driven focus to everything that he does. An entrepreneur at heart he's constantly coming up with innovative ideas and new ways to be different, better. He's 'old school' in a number of ways - believes in the need to work hard to succeed, to lead by example, do right by people and listen more than talk. I genuinely value these traits, characteristics that cause people that have worked with Colin to hold him in extremely high regard. I would certainly strongly recommend Colin to anybody seeking to take advantage of his vast experience and relationships.”

- Crispin Swan, Executive Director, Family Zone

I have been working with Colin on a sales and marketing strategy for my business. He has a wealth of experience and is very good at identifying areas that can be improved and assisting you to develop a plan to achieve this. He is enthusiastic, patient and inspiring - everything you need in a consultant.
I would 100% recommend his services to any other business owner.”

-Sasha McGregor, Follow My Lead

I have worked with Colin across varied roles and have found him to be consistently practical and positive. Colin thinks through situations, calls on his diverse experiences and finds practical outcomes which he then implements in a timely manner or he then supports the people implementing. Colin's approach is very collegial which I have always appreciated - he takes people with him on the journey which is highly effective. Because of these points I have previously invited Colin to join me on an Advisory Board for a manufacturing company.”

- John Barr, Independent Director

 
 

I’ve experienced the highs and lows of growing companies and love working with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders to help you achieve the sales growth you deserve.