Recently in Sydney, at Zoho Inspire 2025, Zoho’s annual partner conference recognising top-performing partners, Smartmates was honoured with two awards: #1 Zoho Partner of the Year 2024 and #1 Zoho Premium Partner of the Year 2024 across Australia and New Zealand.

That makes it three years in a row at number one, a milestone we have reached in just four years of Smartmates’ journey.

My story with Zoho began over a decade ago, when at a previous company I led, Zoho Analytics helped us win one of the largest Australian government tenders of its kind. That was when I first saw the true potential of Zoho to change the game.

After what was meant to be a one-month vacation that turned into 18 months during the COVID lockdowns, I fell in love with Bali and decided to stay. In mid-2021, from a small villa in Umalas, surrounded by palm trees and a few brilliant minds, Smartmates was born. Today, our team spans Australia and Bali, proving that excellence knows no borders. Clients do not just get consultants; they get a family committed to delivering world-class results.

We have never claimed perfection, but we have always promised this: every minute we bill is valuable, ethical, honest, and transparent. That is why we created Smartmates Statements, not just reports, but a foundation of trust. I believe this openness is why our clients not only choose us but stay with us.

While Zoho recognition is a proud achievement, our work as a HubSpot Solutions Partner is just as important. Whether it is a full rollout, a tricky integration, or end-to-end automation, the same principles of care, innovation, and integrity guide everything we do.

Now, as I step aside from my role as CEO, I remain on the board as Founder and Non-Executive Director. My deepest wish is simple: the continued health, growth, and happiness of our team. From day one, they have been my family.

With gratitude,

Daniel

Founder/Non-Executive Director
August 2025