The Small Business Owner Podcast: Episode 2 - Choosing to Focus with Renee Joblin, Joblin Engineering
Introduction
Welcome back to The Small Business Owner Podcast. I’m Rachel Klaver, and in this episode, I’m chatting with Renee Joblin from Joblin Engineering. Renee’s story is one that many of us as small business owners can relate to—the challenge of balancing more than one business and the difficult decision to let one go so you can focus entirely on the other. We’ll dive into her journey, the reasons behind her choice, and the impact it’s had on both her business and personal life.
The Dual Business Juggle
Renee Joblin wasn’t just running one business, she was managing two. Alongside her partner Gareth, she was helping grow their family business, Joblin Engineering, while also operating her own health and safety consultancy, Atalia. But balancing both eventually took its toll, especially when Renee had a baby. She openly shared how it felt like she was stretching herself too thin, trying to grow two businesses while also managing life as a new mother.
“I was working full-time on Joblin Engineering and running Atalia at the same time. I was doing both during my pregnancy too. But it just got to the point where I couldn't sustain it all, and I had to choose,” Renee shared.
The Decision to Let Go of Atalia
For Renee, the choice to step back from her consultancy, Atalia, wasn’t an easy one. Atalia was growing well, and there was demand for her expertise. However, when she looked at both businesses, she had to think about what made sense for the long-term.
“Atalia was growing, but so was Joblin Engineering. Joblin had bigger overheads and higher demands, but it was also the business that could provide the stability we needed for our family’s future. I had to be practical about where my energy went,” Renee said.
This practical approach meant slowly letting go of her clients in Atalia and referring them to other consultants she trusted. It was a gradual process but one that ultimately gave her the space to dive fully into Joblin Engineering.
The Impact on Joblin Engineering
By focusing entirely on Joblin Engineering, Renee and her partner were able to grow the business more intentionally. Renee handles everything on the business side—strategy, marketing, quoting, invoicing—while Gareth focuses on the hands-on engineering work.
“I love that I’m part of a business in a male-dominated industry, running the strategy and making things happen behind the scenes. Gareth’s great at the work, and together, we make it work.”
Renee also shared how they’ve structured their business with an eye on the future. While they’re dedicated to growing it now, they’re also thinking ahead about ways to make the business less dependent on them, even considering the possibility of selling or stepping back at some point.
Personal and Professional Growth
Letting go of Atalia wasn’t just about focusing on Joblin Engineering; it was about creating balance in her life. Renee admitted that running two businesses was exhausting, and the shift allowed her to put her energy where it was needed most. Now, she’s able to grow Joblin Engineering with a clear head and a sense of purpose, without the constant pressure of juggling two ventures.
As we talked, it became clear that Renee’s decision wasn’t just about business—it was about making a choice that served both her family and her personal well-being. It’s a lesson many of us can learn from: sometimes, to truly grow one thing, we have to let something else go.
Key Takeaways
Balance is Key: Running multiple businesses can be rewarding, but it can also lead to burnout. Knowing when to focus on one is crucial for long-term success.
The Power of Letting Go: Sometimes, the hardest decisions—like stepping back from a growing business—are the most necessary. It’s about prioritizing what will serve you and your goals in the long run.
Teamwork in Business: Renee and Gareth have built a strong dynamic at Joblin Engineering, each focusing on their strengths. Having clear roles in the business allows them to grow together.
Long-Term Vision: Renee and Gareth aren’t just thinking about now; they’re planning for the future. Whether it’s building a business that can eventually run without them or considering an exit strategy, they’re making sure the business grows sustainably.
Get in Touch with Joblin Engineering
If you’d like to learn more about Joblin Engineering, you can check them out online or reach out directly to see how they’re making their mark in the engineering world.
Thank you for listening to The Small Business Owner Podcast. Join me again next week for another small business owner conversation (I’m loving this - I hope you are too!)
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The Small Business Owner Podcast Ep2- Renee Joblin