Born in Sydney, Fred Schebesta is an internet entrepreneur whose latest project, Finder.com.au, aims to revolutionise the online comparison industry in Australia.
Fred was compelled to enter the financial comparison arena upon recognising the need for Australians to efficiently compare financial products to save money and avoid financial pitfalls.
NC: Could you provide an overview of Finder.com.au?
Fred: Frank and I realised that comparing financial products was overly complex and that Australians might be paying more than necessary. Finder.com.au simplifies this with a comprehensive comparison service for a range of financial products including credit cards, personal loans, home loans, savings accounts, life insurance, and has recently expanded into mobile phones and broadband. Our unique selling point is our specialisation in each category. We offer detailed resources to help users research, compare, and apply for products. Our platform features unique comparisons and calculators for various products, along with guides that assist users throughout the comparison process.
NC: Have you worked more or fewer hours than you initially expected?
Fred: I'd work even more if it weren't for the need to sleep. I try to keep going as long as possible, but eventually, fatigue sets in. I love our office; we've created a fantastic environment and are planning to build another one soon. Perhaps a move to Silicon Hills could be in our future?
NC: How do you envision your business evolving over the next five years?
Fred: I see it growing significantly, better serving and saving money for consumers every day. We plan to expand into more niches, which will require more team members to support our growth. I believe we will gather a team of top-tier professionals all dedicated to offering the finest comparison services in Australia.
NC: What advice would you offer someone wanting to start an online business?
Fred: Be innovative – continuously generate new ideas. Persevere – if you believe in your idea, stick with it and push through until you succeed. Start small – aim to make just $1 of profit, considering all expenses and taxes, and once you achieve this, aim to make $2 and grow gradually.
NC: How did you first get involved in the digital space?
Fred: I started building websites while at university, having been fascinated with computers from a young age. My knack for visual technology and love for advanced maths helped me naturally transition into the internet sphere. Learning marketing from Michael Kiely further enhanced my skills, which I applied fully to internet marketing.
NC: What challenges do you face in this industry?
Fred: The main challenges are developing sites quickly, enhancing our processes and systems, and recruiting talented staff to join our dynamic team.
NC: What have been the best and worst experiences since you started working in the online space?
Fred: The best aspect has been the increase in people using the internet, which has expanded our audience for helping more consumers with product comparisons. The growth of the comparison concept itself has been significant. The worst has been dealing with Internet Explorer's dominance, which often complicates our site development and display, although modern CSS techniques have helped mitigate some of these issues.
NC: Can you mention someone who has influenced your decision to work in this field?
Fred: Jeff Bezos has been a major influence; his success in creating an expansive online business demonstrated the vast opportunities in the digital market. His persistence and innovation in consumer products inspired me to aim to scale Finder.com.au significantly, perhaps even exploring opportunities as far-reaching as space.