Meet Bill McGowan
THE MAN BEHIND 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Bill McGowan has spent over five decades building, scaling, and selling businesses across multiple industries. From starting out in the early 70s to founding Fastway Couriers in 1983, his work has shaped one of the most recognized franchise systems in Australia and New Zealand.
What makes his perspective different is simple. He’s been through it. The risks, the setbacks, the decisions that don’t show up in theory.
Over the years, he saw the same pattern again and again. People stepping into business without a clear understanding of what it really takes. That’s what led him to write Be Your Own Boss—to put real experience into something practical and usable.
Today, Bill continues to share what he’s learned, helping others think more clearly about business, growth, and the reality behind working for yourself.
The Book
BE YOUR OWN BOSS
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO STARTING AND RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Be Your Own Boss is built on over 50 years of real business experience.
It’s a practical guide for anyone thinking about starting or buying a business, helping you organise your thinking and understand what you’re really stepping into.
Written in clear, everyday language, the book breaks down a process that often feels overwhelming into something more manageable.
No theory. No unnecessary complexity. Just a straightforward look at what it takes to run your own business and whether it’s the right move for you.
The Book
Starting a business isn’t about hype. It’s about understanding what you’re walking into.
This short audio pulls from the ideas behind Be Your Own Boss, offering a glimpse into the way Bill thinks about business, risk, and what actually works in the real world.
A Glimpse Into the Thinking
BE YOUR OWN BOSS CINEMATIC TRAILER
From The Book
A GLIMPSE INTO HOW DECISIONS ACTUALLY PLAY OUT IN BUSINESSA
Starting a business isn’t just about having an idea. It’s about understanding what you’re stepping into.
Most people focus on the upside. The freedom. The money. The control. What they miss is the reality behind it.
There are risks that don’t show up on paper. Decisions without clear answers. Moments where things don’t go to plan and you have to figure it out as you go.
The Book
“This book really breaks down what it actually takes to run your own business. It’s clear, practical, and easy to follow. I found it genuinely helpful, especially as someone thinking about becoming my own boss. It doesn’t just talk about success, it helps you understand what’s behind it and what it really involves.”
KREBS KAREN
“You can feel the experience behind every page. It’s not theory, it’s lived. The way it explains business in a simple, structured way makes it a strong guide for anyone serious about starting. It gives you clarity without overcomplicating things, which is rare in this space.”
BOOK REVIEWER
Praise & Reviews
NQOBILE AYANOU
“What stood out to me was how real it felt. Not just the wins, but the risks, the mistakes, and the decisions behind it all. The idea of setting clear goals and actually following through was a big takeaway for me. It made me reflect on how I approach things and what I need to do differently.”