After more than a decade in the mining industry, Darren Law transitioned from corporate cost control into business ownership with First Class Accounts. His journey highlights how persistence, networking, support systems, and adaptability helped him build a sustainable bookkeeping business, even while launching during the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns.
Key takeaways:
- Darren Law moved from a stable corporate mining career into bookkeeping to gain more meaningful involvement with small businesses
- He chose bookkeeping over personal tax because of the opportunity to build ongoing client relationships
- Launching his franchise shortly before COVID created major challenges, especially around networking and business growth
- Long-term relationship building through networking groups became the foundation of his client acquisition strategy
- Darren views every new client relationship as a milestone rather than focusing on one defining success moment
- Growth in his business increased compliance responsibilities and operational complexity over time
- Automation, AI tools, and offshore support now play a key role in improving efficiency and reducing manual workload
- Ongoing support, training, and community connections within First Class Accounts were major factors in his success
- Running the business also helped Darren develop confidence and communication skills outside his introverted comfort zone
After 11 years in the mining industry, Darren Law knew he was ready for something different.
Working as a cost controller, he managed significant budgets, ensured policies were followed, and operated within the structure of a large corporate environment. On paper, it was stable and secure. But over time, the path ahead felt narrow.
While still in the role, Darren completed his Bachelor of Accounting. Yet even with further qualifications, the progression he hoped for was not there. More importantly, the corporate environment no longer felt like the right long-term fit.
He began looking for alternatives.
Choosing business ownership
Darren narrowed his options down to two potential franchise pathways: bookkeeping or personal tax. Both aligned with his accounting background, but one stood out.
He chose bookkeeping because it offered ongoing involvement with small businesses rather than seasonal, transactional work.
“I picked the bookkeeping one mainly because you get more into helping small businesses.”
That desire to work alongside business owners and support them consistently became the foundation of his decision to join First Class Accounts.
Starting at the toughest time
Darren launched his franchise just months before COVID lockdowns began.
“So I started just before COVID so I had about four to five months before the COVID virus started to come around.”
Like many new business owners at that time, he suddenly found himself trying to build momentum in an environment where face-to-face networking disappeared overnight. Lockdowns made growth difficult, particularly in an industry where relationships matter.
“Trying to build a business during lockdown was very, very hard.”
Rather than stepping back, Darren adapted. Networking moved online. Conversations changed. Patience became essential.
Building through networking, not cold calls
If there is one consistent theme in Darren’s journey, it is networking.
He does not point to one defining milestone. Instead, he sees progress in every new client relationship.
“Every new client is a milestone.”
Some of those clients have been significant in size and impact. Many have come through structured networking groups and relationship building rather than cold outreach.
“Joining the networking groups is the best way of building the business.”
For Darren, networking is not about quick wins. It is about long-term consistency. Attending meetings for two or three months without immediate results does not mean it is not working. It means relationships are still forming.
“It takes time.”
That mindset has allowed him to build a steady and sustainable client base over six years.
Growth brings new challenges
As Darren’s client base expanded, so did the complexity of his work.
Time quickly became one of the biggest pressures. Larger clients require deeper involvement, and recent changes in ATO and ASIC guidelines have significantly increased compliance demands.
“The compliance work has skyrocketed.”
Managing this growth has required changes in how he operates. Darren is actively investing in automation and AI tools to reduce manual workload and create more efficiency in his practice.
“I am obviously trying to automate my practice a lot more and trying to get all the AI technology I can in there to free up some of my time.”
He also works with a part-time offshore virtual assistant and is shifting his role from being constantly inside the books to becoming more of an oversight and strategic lead within his business.
Why support mattered
One of the primary reasons Darren chose First Class Accounts was support.
“Mainly because I wanted the support.”
Setting up BAS registration, systems, and processes independently would have been significantly more challenging. The onboarding structure and ongoing training gave him confidence early on.
“There’s 160 odd of us around Australia, so the support network is there.”
Beyond systems and training, the community environment played a major role. Coming from a corporate background, Darren noticed something different in the franchise network.
“Coming out of a corporate environment, you don’t see that sort of friendship built in a corporate environment.”
Attending conferences and connecting with franchisees across Australia continues to influence his approach. He regularly picks up ideas from peers, adapts them, and tests them within his own practice.
Personal growth beyond business
Running a business has changed Darren personally.
“I’m an introvert by nature.”
Networking did not come easily at first. Putting himself out there, approaching people, and building visibility were uncomfortable steps.
Over time, that changed.
“I’ve become probably more out there.”
The business has not just expanded his professional skillset. It has strengthened his confidence and communication skills as well.
Looking ahead
Six years into his journey, Darren is still focused on expansion.
“Always looking to expand.”
With new clients entering his portfolio and automation systems being refined, he anticipates growing his team further to manage workload and referrals. His focus is not only on acquiring new clients, but also on deepening relationships within specific industries.
Advice for new franchisees
When asked what advice he would offer someone just starting out, Darren’s response is simple and grounded in experience.
“Don’t get disheartened.”
Growth takes time. Networking takes time. Confidence takes time.
“Just keep on hitting the pavement and attending the meetings and building your friendships.”
For Darren, persistence has been the most powerful strategy of all.
