When Asha and Bernie Shanahan purchased Crossroads Trading in January 2018, they took on more than a 30-year-old rural merchandise business in Ballan — they took on a local institution. The couple had a clear vision: to respect the business’s history while modernising and expanding it to better serve their community.
The Challenge
Like many established regional businesses, Crossroads Trading came with both opportunities and challenges. The Shanahans needed to update equipment, invest in their workforce, and strategically plan for growth. They also wanted to ensure the business would generate not just immediate results but also long-term wealth and security for their family.
The Transformation
Over the past several years, Asha and Bernie have expanded the sand, soil, and merchandise yard multiple times, creating space for a wider range of stock and services. Their investment in infrastructure has been matched by an upgrade and expansion of their vehicle fleet, including delivery tray trucks and forklifts. These improvements have allowed them to service more customers, more efficiently, across a larger geographic area.
Growth has been extraordinary. Since taking ownership, the Shanahans have increased turnover by 200% compared with the original business, and doubled their workforce to keep pace with demand. What began as a stable, long-standing business has now become a thriving enterprise and an even more important part of the Ballan community.
Progress Accounting’s Role
Progress Accounting has been a partner throughout this journey. Our work with Crossroads Trading has included:
- Budgeting and accountability – helping Asha and Bernie track progress and stay focused on targets.
- Strategic planning and expansion – guiding decisions on when and how to grow, ensuring sustainable development.
- Finance assistance – supporting applications for loans and finance to fund fleet and yard expansion.
- A sounding board – providing trusted, independent advice on key business decisions.
- Structuring for success – minimising tax liabilities while maximising wealth-building potential for the future.
- Costing and pricing guidance – ensuring products and services are competitively and profitably priced.
Our role has been to provide clarity and confidence, so Asha and Bernie could make bold, informed decisions and turn their vision into reality.
The Outcome
Today, Crossroads Trading stands as a remarkable success story — proof that with vision, commitment, and the right advice, a long-established business can be transformed into a modern and growing enterprise. The Shanahans have built on a strong foundation, investing in their people, equipment, and community, while securing a prosperous future for their family.
At Progress Accounting, we’re proud to have played a part in their journey and look forward to supporting their next chapter of growth.
