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Meet the Team

Local experts helping North Canterbury’s family businesses grow stronger

Brendan Ryan

Managing Director

M.Sc (Hons), MBA, Dip Fin

Erin Garlick

Business Consultant & Director 

B.Bus

Managing Director

Brendan Ryan

With over 20 years of experience in strategy, growth, finance, operations, and marketing, Brendan brings both depth and practicality to the businesses he mentors. His approach is straightforward, results-driven, and designed to cut through the noise so owners can focus on what matters most.


Born and raised in Canterbury, Brendan spent 23 years working overseas before returning home. This global perspective, combined with his local roots, gives him a unique ability to understand both the opportunities and the pressures family-owned businesses face in Canterbury today.


Brendan is particularly passionate about helping family businesses balance growth with family harmony. He understands that success isn’t just about the bottom line, it’s about building a business that works for the people and families behind it.

Business Consultant & Director

Erin Garlick

Having worked with Business Positive since 2017, Erin has extensive experience in business processes, social media, and human resources, Erin takes a holistic approach to helping family-owned businesses thrive. She understands that success comes not just from efficient systems, but also from strong teams and clear communication, especially when family is involved.


As an accredited MBTI practitioner, Erin helps family members and teams unlock their potential, improving collaboration and reducing conflict in the workplace.

Her strategic insights empower businesses to streamline operations, strengthen their people, and build a compelling online presence that connects with customers and drives growth.


By blending practical know-how with a people-first approach, Erin ensures family businesses are set up for sustainable success.

Our Approach

We focus on practical, actionable solutions, not complicated theory. Every business is different, so we tailor our support to your family, your goals, and your local context in North Canterbury.


When you work with us, you get:


  • Guidance that balances both business and family needs
  • Tools and systems that make running your business easier
  • Clarity around roles, responsibilities, and growth goals
  • Support that keeps you accountable to achieving real results


We aim to strengthen both the business and the family, because a healthy business and a healthy family go hand-in-hand.

We focus on practical, actionable solutions, not complicated theory. Every business is different, so we tailor our support to your family, your goals, and your local context in North Canterbury.


When you work with us, you get:


  • Guidance that balances both business and family needs
  • Tools and systems that make running your business easier
  • Clarity around roles, responsibilities, and growth goals
  • Support that keeps you accountable to achieving real results


We aim to strengthen both the business and the family, because a healthy business and a healthy family go hand-in-hand.

Advisory Partners & Network

Business Positive also works with a trusted network of local professionals - accountants, HR specialists, and legal advisors - to provide clients with well-rounded support. While we focus on mentoring and planning, our extended network ensures that family-owned businesses have access to specialist expertise whenever they need it.

Join Us on the Journey

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of North Canterbury’s economy, and we’re proud to support them. Whether you’re looking to resolve a family conflict, grow your revenue, or plan for the next generation, our team is here to help you succeed.