Sweethearts in Townsville
- Nijo Antony
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
After 40 years building Sweethearts into a Townsville institution, Colin Edwards shares the lessons, the challenges, and why his 30-year relationship with WLW Group made all the difference.
"When your accountant flies 2,000km to be by your side within 48 hours of disaster striking, that's not just a professional relationship. That's family."
Colin Edwards, Sweethearts
Colin Edwards opened Sweethearts in Townsville in 1986. Fresh out of the Armed Forces. Single. Solo. No idea what he was doing, just dreams and grit.
Forty years later? Sweethearts is an institution. Colin is a recognised figure in his city. And he's about to retire, comfortably, self-financed, on his own terms.
We've been part of that journey for 30 of those 40 years, so recently, Ian sat down with Colin at the famous Sweethearts store to reflect on the ride, the wins, the floods, the fights, and the advice that made all the difference. Hit play. This one's special.
No time for the full video? Here's what stood out:
Colin's message to small business owners is simple:
"Surround yourself with the people that are going to help you achieve your goals. Profit comes in many forms, not just the financial one."
On 30 years together:
"Our relationship has lasted longer than many marriages. I haven't had the past 30 years alone, I've been part of a team."
On what happens when things go wrong:
"When things went pear-shaped, they were on the phone straight away. I'm in Townsville. WLW is on the Gold Coast, almost 2,000km away. Within 48 hours, they were on a plane and up here when I needed them."
On the real value of good advice:
"The return you get from that investment is tenfold, not just from profit and cash, but peace of mind. When I put my head on the pillow each night, I am grateful and comfortable."
The best advice Ian ever gave him:
"Swallow your pride. It's not about what you think, it's about what's right."
On what he'd do differently:
"I would have involved my professional advisors a lot sooner, rather than pigheadedly thinking I could do it all myself. And I would've believed in myself a lot more, a lot quicker. WLW taught me confidence. They taught me self-belief."
On retirement, and what comes next:
"My relationship with WLW doesn't stop now. It changes form. All that hard work turning my business into a capital asset, now they're helping me enjoy it in retirement."
A huge thank you to Colin for sharing his story. Forty years of grit, heart, and showing up. We're honoured to have been part of the journey, and we're not done yet. Looking forward to supporting you on this next chapter of a well-deserved retirement, and thanks for the ride:-)
Whether you're just getting started or well into your journey, we'd love to be in your corner. We're not only your business advisors, but we are also your family.
Nijo Antony
Director
