“I Had £3.50 in My Account… Then I Sold to AutoTrader” - Rob Smethurst on Rock Bottom, Self Belief, and Never Giving Up

Want to win a Macclesfield FC season ticket?! Forward this episode onto a friend and comment "SEASON" below to be entered into the draw. First place: 1 x season ticket for the 25/26 seasonSecond place: 1 x signed ball Winners will be revealed on The Graft Podcast Instagram at 7pm on Tuesday 17th June. What does it really take to go from school struggles and having £3.50 in your bank account… to selling your company to AutoTrader and saving a football club from extinction?In this episode, we sit down with Rob Smethurst, entrepreneur, founder of Motor Trade Delivery, and owner of Macclesfield FC.Rob’s story is a masterclass in self-belief, resilience, and raw graft. From failing his GCSEs and hiding in the playground, to flipping cars in local classifieds and nearly losing everything he’d built, Rob opens up about the highs, lows, and defining moments that shaped his journey.This isn’t your usual “success story.” It’s messy, emotional, and full of lessons for anyone chasing something bigger than themselves.🎧 Listen as we discuss… (00:00) Growing up with dyslexia, failing school, and finding early drive through sport (03:04) Getting started in the car trade and the reality of a failed first dealership (11:26) The comeback: flipping houses, rebuilding cash, and reinvesting in his dream (17:06) Creating Motor Trade Delivery and nearly losing it all (24:12) The day AutoTrader bought his company (and what came after) (27:35) Buying Macclesfield FC on a whim (with a hangover and a giant bunch of keys) (31:20) Rebuilding a club, re-finding his purpose, and creating a true community asset (38:17) The reality of running a football business: egos, money, and meaning (43:00) Investing £4 million into Macclesfield and building for long-term legacy (46:08) Rob’s philosophy on failure, risk, and why he’ll always back himself ...and more!KEY TAKEAWAYSFailure isn’t fatal: Your first business tanking doesn’t define your future.Have a go: The biggest breakthroughs come from backing yourself when no one else will. Purpose > Paycheck: Real fulfillment came not from selling a business, but saving a community.Invest where it matters: In people, in legacy, in something that outlives you.GUEST Rob Smethurst - Entrepreneur, Founder of Motor Trade Delivery, and Owner of Macclesfield FCFollow Macclesfield FC: @thesilkmenLearn more: macclesfieldfc.com