About Us
In 1999, Howard Smith was a Director of a Finance Company and entering his 18th year in the Industry.
Throughout his career, he often heard people lament on the fact that if they had been financially literate when they were young, they could have altered their future financial potential. When interviewing potential employees he was also often surprised at how many people lacked basic interview and presentation skills. Outside of the business world, his volunteer-work with The Salvation Army exposed him to the fact that a lack of Financial Literacy can ruin the lives of individuals and their families.
Howard resigned his Directorship and took a ‘Leap of Faith’ in order to address the need for Financial Literacy and Education in Australia, and to help young people acquire the tools and knowledge to improve their lives and maximise their potential. He also wanted to make sure that he reached all young people, not just those in inner-city and suburban areas. He wanted to provide the service to rural Australia, where youth are often over-looked due to remoteness. Over the last 23 years, The Business Concierge has spoken to countless people in all areas of NSW and Queensland. Howard has also worked to assist the Financial Literacy Foundation - bringing to the table his wealth of experience educating young people within the school system.
The Business Concierge not only works within schools, but Howard has also presented programs within NSW prison facilities educating long-term prisoners who are due for parole. Many of these individuals have provided the most positive examples of the social and personal implications that come with preparing individuals to deal with financial responsibilities, goal-setting, and situations such as job interviews. One prisoner in particular had tears in his eyes when shaking Howard’s hand, thanking him profusely for helping him get a job! He explained that through teaching him how to present himself, Howard had treated him like a human being, reminding him about eye contact and the simple handshake - things he hadn’t done in the last 25 years! Howard has also spoken to female prisoners with babies, educating them on how to provide for their children through setting and keeping realistic goals and budgets.
Howard has been meticulous in the planning and development of his business. This is reflected in the solid reputation he has gained at over 460 schools throughout NSW and QLD - including State, Private, Catholic, Independent and Community-based schools. He is well regarded by Teacher’s and Students for being professional and also engaging and entertaining within his presentations.
The extended team at The Business Concierge were specifically selected by Howard based on their experience, professionalism, presentation skills, and relatability to teachers and students. We at The Business Concierge want to ensure that the level of excellence that people have come to know from Howard continues to be what everyone receives when booking with us!
Throughout his career, he often heard people lament on the fact that if they had been financially literate when they were young, they could have altered their future financial potential. When interviewing potential employees he was also often surprised at how many people lacked basic interview and presentation skills. Outside of the business world, his volunteer-work with The Salvation Army exposed him to the fact that a lack of Financial Literacy can ruin the lives of individuals and their families.
Howard resigned his Directorship and took a ‘Leap of Faith’ in order to address the need for Financial Literacy and Education in Australia, and to help young people acquire the tools and knowledge to improve their lives and maximise their potential. He also wanted to make sure that he reached all young people, not just those in inner-city and suburban areas. He wanted to provide the service to rural Australia, where youth are often over-looked due to remoteness. Over the last 23 years, The Business Concierge has spoken to countless people in all areas of NSW and Queensland. Howard has also worked to assist the Financial Literacy Foundation - bringing to the table his wealth of experience educating young people within the school system.
The Business Concierge not only works within schools, but Howard has also presented programs within NSW prison facilities educating long-term prisoners who are due for parole. Many of these individuals have provided the most positive examples of the social and personal implications that come with preparing individuals to deal with financial responsibilities, goal-setting, and situations such as job interviews. One prisoner in particular had tears in his eyes when shaking Howard’s hand, thanking him profusely for helping him get a job! He explained that through teaching him how to present himself, Howard had treated him like a human being, reminding him about eye contact and the simple handshake - things he hadn’t done in the last 25 years! Howard has also spoken to female prisoners with babies, educating them on how to provide for their children through setting and keeping realistic goals and budgets.
Howard has been meticulous in the planning and development of his business. This is reflected in the solid reputation he has gained at over 460 schools throughout NSW and QLD - including State, Private, Catholic, Independent and Community-based schools. He is well regarded by Teacher’s and Students for being professional and also engaging and entertaining within his presentations.
The extended team at The Business Concierge were specifically selected by Howard based on their experience, professionalism, presentation skills, and relatability to teachers and students. We at The Business Concierge want to ensure that the level of excellence that people have come to know from Howard continues to be what everyone receives when booking with us!
Testimonials
"I personally felt priveleged to attend this course and would recommend this seminar to all students in all schools."
Ms Justine Maclennan, Gulgong High School
"We believe that this program will change lives through the education and implementation of new budgeting disciplines as suggested through this program."
Lt Colonel Geanette Seymour, The Salvation Army
"This information is highly relevant to all students and even staff. I recommend all students participating in this programs as it affects all, regardless of what pattern of study."
Phill Warrick, Miller High School
"The students found the presentation most entertaining and informative. They particularly appreciated the comprehensive individual student workbooks which can be used after they leave school as a guide"
Mrs J Pilch, HSIE Co-ordinator, Meriden High School
"Howard’s stories made everything really clear. I feel like I really understand why I need a budget and how to keep one." - Year 11 Student
"Howard came out to talk to us at Willyama High School at Broken Hill 12 months ago. From what I learnt from him, I am proud to say that I have budgeted and saved $5000 in the time since." - Year 11 Student
"Howard is the Steve Irwin of Finance- Crikey!" - Year 10 Student
"Howard is energetic and funny but willing to get down and get serious with the issues" - Year 12 Student
"Howard’s enthusiasm and energy has had a very positive effect on me, I feel a greater level of spirit and energy for my job seeking efforts and outlook on life. A tremendous course. I give it ten out of ten!” - Burwood Job Seeker
"It made me prepare to be a better person and learn how I can sell myself to employers to secure my employment" - North Coast Job Seeker
"I have to tell you that before I walked into your course I was to say the least tired, uninterested and unmotivated to be there. Within minutes, that all changed. This was one of the best employment related courses I have ever been to. Your presentation was fantastic. The workbook contained a lot of interesting material for me to read that I am planning to study at home and review while I am searching for a new job" - Sutherland Job Seeker
Ms Justine Maclennan, Gulgong High School
"We believe that this program will change lives through the education and implementation of new budgeting disciplines as suggested through this program."
Lt Colonel Geanette Seymour, The Salvation Army
"This information is highly relevant to all students and even staff. I recommend all students participating in this programs as it affects all, regardless of what pattern of study."
Phill Warrick, Miller High School
"The students found the presentation most entertaining and informative. They particularly appreciated the comprehensive individual student workbooks which can be used after they leave school as a guide"
Mrs J Pilch, HSIE Co-ordinator, Meriden High School
"Howard’s stories made everything really clear. I feel like I really understand why I need a budget and how to keep one." - Year 11 Student
"Howard came out to talk to us at Willyama High School at Broken Hill 12 months ago. From what I learnt from him, I am proud to say that I have budgeted and saved $5000 in the time since." - Year 11 Student
"Howard is the Steve Irwin of Finance- Crikey!" - Year 10 Student
"Howard is energetic and funny but willing to get down and get serious with the issues" - Year 12 Student
"Howard’s enthusiasm and energy has had a very positive effect on me, I feel a greater level of spirit and energy for my job seeking efforts and outlook on life. A tremendous course. I give it ten out of ten!” - Burwood Job Seeker
"It made me prepare to be a better person and learn how I can sell myself to employers to secure my employment" - North Coast Job Seeker
"I have to tell you that before I walked into your course I was to say the least tired, uninterested and unmotivated to be there. Within minutes, that all changed. This was one of the best employment related courses I have ever been to. Your presentation was fantastic. The workbook contained a lot of interesting material for me to read that I am planning to study at home and review while I am searching for a new job" - Sutherland Job Seeker