From the Founder

Dear Smartmates family,

Last month in Sydney, at Zoho Inspire, 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’ve reached in just four and a half 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.

Fast forward to 2020. During COVID, while the world was in lockdown, I made an unusual choice: to extend my vacation in Bali indefinitely. After a lifetime of sunsets at the W Hotel’s Ice Bar, and 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 don’t just get consultants; they get a family committed to delivering world-class results.

We’ve never claimed perfection, but we’ve always promised this: every minute we bill is valuable, ethical, honest, and transparent. That’s why we created Smartmates Statements, not just reports, but a foundation of trust. We 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’s a full rollout, a tricky integration, or end-to-end automation, the same principles of care, innovation, and integrity guide everything we do.

As we look ahead, my deepest wish is simple: for the continued health, growth, and happiness of my team. Because when our team thrives, our clients succeed. And that’s the true measure of our work.

With gratitude,

Daniel

Founder, Smartmates
September 2025