• smallbusiness-meet-the-instructor
Meet the Instructor
Learn from practical experience across trades, business, technology, photography, systems, and problem solving.
Meet Ian D. Findlay
The ITIAN Small Business Academy is created by Ian D. Findlay, founder of ITIAN Knowledge Hub and the photographer behind NZTHRILLVIBES. Ian brings together hands-on experience from electrical work, inspection, farming, beekeeping, water treatment, SCADA systems, photography, web design, computer troubleshooting, and software configuration.
Practical Working Background
⚡ Electrical Trade
Trained as an electrician at a cement factory and later worked as an electrician at a freezing works.
🔍 Electrical Inspection
Worked as a registered electrical inspector and completed thousands of inspections for the EWRB.
🛠️ Self-Employment
Operated a self-employed electrical business, gaining first-hand experience with customers, pricing, responsibility, and business operation.
🐝 Farming & Beekeeping
Has farming experience, trained as a beekeeper, and operated a small beekeeping business.
💧 Water Treatment
Trained as a water treatment operator and worked as an operator/fitter in water treatment and wastewater treatment.
🖥️ SCADA Systems
Managed SCADA computer systems, connecting plant operation with monitoring, control, data, and technology.
📸 Photography
Works as a photographer and photography technician, creating visual content through NZTHRILLVIBES.
🌐 Web Design
Builds websites and digital learning pages, including the ITIAN Knowledge Hub academies.
💻 Computer Support
Has experience with computer troubleshooting, software setup, and software configuration.
Why This Matters for Small Business
Small business is not just theory. It involves planning, tools, money, customers, compliance, communication, risk, technology, and daily problem solving. This academy is built from a practical viewpoint.
Real Business Experience
Running a self-employed electrical business and a small beekeeping business gives real insight into working for yourself.
Technical Problem Solving
Electrical work, inspections, SCADA, water systems, and computer support all require clear process and careful thinking.
Creative Digital Skills
Photography, web design, and content creation connect business skills with modern digital presentation and marketing.
Teaching Style
Plain English
Lessons are written to be understandable, especially for people new to business or technology.
Step by Step
Each topic is broken into clear sections so learners know exactly what to do next.
Practical First
The goal is to help learners create useful results, not just read information.
NZTHRILLVIBES Photography
Ian is also the creator behind NZTHRILLVIBES, a photography brand focused on Hokianga and Northland scenes. This creative work supports ITIAN by showing how photography, branding, websites, social media, and digital marketing can work together.
Next Step
Continue to the frequently asked questions page, or return to the Small Business Academy home page.