A new book from entrepreneur Shirley O’Kelly offers rare insight into the pressure surrounding running an SME in Ireland.

Shirley O’Kelly, who established O’Kelly’s Sawmills in south county Dublin with her husband Henry, has written her autobiography under the title Timbertrove, the trading name for the sawmills and café venture in the Dublin foothills at Rathfarnham.

The book traces the history of the family business from the founders’ youth to incorporation of Fintan O’Kelly & Sons Ltd in June 1986, and then on to the good times until the property crash in 2008 nearly wiped out the business.

The O’Kellys persevered and got the business back on its feet before they had to cope with Covid lockdowns.

What’s unusual about Timbertrove is that very few owner-managers tell their story in such granular detail.

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According to publisher Brian O’Kane of Oak Tree Press, Timbertrove is a story of “two people from ordinary backgrounds who both left school early and were mad keen to work, and who found they shared the same dreams of success”.

“This is a small family business with hard-working, loyal employees that grew and retrenched – and grew again,” said O’Kane. “It details the challenges of running a small business – the day-in, day-out grind, the obstacles and hassles. There’s also the joy of running a small business – meeting and serving customers, freedom in decision-making, seeing the direct results of your efforts.”

The book is amply illustrated with O’Kelly family shots and peppered with nuggets of Shirley O’Kelly’s business counsel. According to the entrepreneur:

“Over the past 35 years, we have learnt – often the hard way – what it takes to run your own successful business. The key elements are:

• Passion, determination, resilience and working smart.

• Being innovative and adaptable.

• Continuous improvement.

• Never be afraid to take advice – and then go with your gut.

• Hire people who have the skills you don’t and give them authority.

• Work on the business, not in the business. Don’t be a busy fool.

• Build good relationships with your suppliers and customers.

• Provide top quality products and service. Don’t take shortcuts.

• Constant learning, through reading and listening from other successful entrepreneurs.

• When things get tough (which they will), stay positive, look for the opportunities and remind yourself why you started the business in the first place.

• Be prepared to fight for your business. Had we not fought the insurance crisis, the supplier who wanted to wind up the business or the global recession, Timbertrove would not be here today!”

Timbertrove is available in book stores and from SuccessStore.com, priced at €18.95.

Photo: Shirley O'Kelly and her husband and business partner Henry O'Kelly