Andrew Quinn on Commercial Services Innovation

**Andrew Quinn on Commercial Services Innovation: Rethinking Insolvency as a Strategic Tool In the high-stakes world of business, insolvency is often seen as the final curtain call — a moment when dreams collapse and futures unravel. But for Andrew Quinn, Founder and CEO of AVA Advisory, insolvency represents something entirely different: a strategic crossroads.

Quinn has spent nearly two decades navigating the treacherous waters of commercial distress, not to dismantle failing enterprises, but to rebuild them. His approach flips traditional insolvency models on their head, transforming what many see as a last resort into a powerful lever for renewal.

“We’re not here to shut businesses down,” Quinn explains from his Sydney office. “We’re here to give them a second shot — and more importantly, to help leaders realize they don’t have to face it alone.”

From Crisis to Catalyst

AVA Advisory stands apart in a crowded advisory landscape by embedding itself within client operations, offering real-time guidance that prevents financial collapse rather than simply managing its aftermath. This proactive model reflects Quinn’s belief that insolvency should be treated less like an endpoint and more like a tactical reset button.

“Most people associate insolvency with failure,” he says. “But if you reframe it as a tool for restructuring, optimizing operations and clearing debt, it becomes a pathway to long-term success.”

To illustrate, Quinn offers the example of a successful restaurateur whose pizza empire expanded too quickly without proper controls. Despite healthy revenue streams, poor cash flow management left the business vulnerable to creditor pressure.

“Instead of letting that business fail, we stepped in, cleaned up the balance sheet, renegotiated supplier terms and helped streamline operations,” he says. “The result? A leaner, more profitable company that was better positioned for sustainable growth.”

This hands-on approach has earned AVA Advisory a reputation for turning crisis into opportunity — and for treating clients not as case files, but as partners in recovery.

A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Empathy

Quinn’s journey to founding AVA Advisory wasn’t linear. He began his career in debt collection, initially drawn to the legal and procedural aspects of insolvency. But a candid conversation with a seasoned colleague shifted his perspective entirely.

“I realized I didn’t want to be the person showing up with a winding-up notice,” he recalls. “I wanted to be the one helping business owners understand their options and feel supported through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.”

That epiphany led him to pursue mentorship in business advisory services, where he gained a deeper understanding of operational restructuring and strategic planning. Over time, he developed a niche for working with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — businesses often overlooked by larger advisory firms but vital to the broader economy.

His early venture, My Business Path, explored integrating technology into advisory services — an idea ahead of its time that ultimately failed to gain traction. Yet Quinn views this setback not as a failure, but as a learning experience that prepared him for the next chapter.

Adapting to a New Normal

When the pandemic hit, Quinn watched as countless businesses teetered on the edge of collapse. While others retreated, he saw an opportunity to apply his insights at scale.

“The economic uncertainty created a demand for strategic thinking,” he says. “Businesses needed more than just financial triage — they needed a roadmap for resilience.”

Thus, AVA Advisory was born. Built on the foundation of his earlier experiences, the firm combines personalized advisory services with a tech-enabled framework designed to deliver faster, more transparent outcomes.

Quinn describes the company’s methodology as a blend of empathy, expertise and innovation. “We don’t just tell clients what to do — we work alongside them, identifying inefficiencies, renegotiating obligations and crafting a clear path forward.”

Innovation in Practice

AVA Advisory’s approach to innovation isn’t about flashy tools or artificial intelligence; it’s about simplifying complexity and empowering clients with actionable intelligence.

“We use data analytics to assess risk and forecast cash flows, but we also rely heavily on human intuition,” Quinn explains. “Technology can tell you where you are, but it can’t always tell you how to get where you want to go.”

The firm’s proprietary platform enables real-time visibility into client operations, allowing advisors to intervene before problems escalate. More importantly, it fosters transparency between AVA Advisory and its clients — a critical factor in building trust during times of crisis.

Quinn emphasizes that innovation, for him, is ultimately about enhancing the human element of advisory services. “Our clients aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re people who’ve poured their hearts into their businesses. If we can reduce their stress and increase their confidence, we’ve done our job.”

Leading Through Uncertainty

As a leader, Quinn places a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and resilience — qualities he believes are essential in times of upheaval.

“When you’re leading a business through insolvency, you’re not just managing finances — you’re managing emotions,” he says. “People look to you for stability, even when everything feels unstable.”

He credits much of his leadership philosophy to his own mentors, who taught him the importance of listening, adapting and maintaining clarity under pressure.

“You have to be decisive, but also compassionate,” he adds. “That balance is what separates good leaders from great ones.”

Quinn also stresses the importance of continuous learning — both for himself and his team. In a rapidly evolving market, staying informed isn’t optional; it’s imperative.

“We’re constantly reviewing our processes, learning from each engagement, and asking ourselves how we can do better,” he says. “That mindset keeps us relevant and ensures we’re always adding value.”

Looking Ahead

As AVA Advisory continues to grow, Quinn remains focused on scaling impact without sacrificing the personal touch that defines the firm’s culture.

“Our goal is to become the go-to partner for businesses navigating transition — whether that’s financial distress, operational change or strategic realignment,” he says.

He envisions expanding the firm’s service offerings to include post-restructuring support, helping clients maintain momentum after the initial crisis has passed.

Ultimately, Quinn sees his mission as part of a broader shift in how society views business failure — not as a stigma, but as a stepping stone to success.

“We’re trying to normalize the idea that setbacks don’t define you,” he concludes. “With the right support and mindset, they can actually set you up for something greater.”

For business leaders facing uncertain times, Andrew Quinn’s message is clear: insolvency doesn’t have to mean the end. With the right guidance, it can be the beginning of a stronger, more resilient future.