We Started With a Different Question
Back in 2019, most financial services in Douglas were asking "How do we maximise profits?" We wondered instead: what if we built something that actually helped people understand their money first?
That shift in perspective changed everything. syltoranova grew from a two-person operation in a shared office space to a team that now supports over 1,400 individuals and small businesses across Queensland.
Built on Actual Conversations
We didn't start with fancy software or complicated investment strategies. Our founder, Reeve Thistlewood, spent the first six months just talking to people — at cafés, community centres, wherever folks would share their real concerns about money.
What came up repeatedly wasn't about getting rich. People wanted clarity. They were tired of jargon, tired of feeling dumb for not understanding their own finances, and especially tired of advisors who talked at them rather than with them.
So we built our practice around plain conversations. No performance theatre, no pressure tactics. Just honest guidance that treats you like the capable person you are.
How We Actually Work
Education Before Recommendation
We walk you through the options and reasoning first. You should understand why a particular strategy makes sense for your situation before we suggest implementing it.
Transparent Fee Structure
Our pricing is straightforward and discussed upfront. We charge for our time and expertise, not based on what products we can sell you. It's a fundamental difference in how we operate.
Regular Check-ins That Matter
We schedule quarterly reviews, but you're not locked into some rigid calendar. Life doesn't work that way. When circumstances change, we adjust the plan accordingly.
The People Behind the Service
We're a small team, which means you'll actually get to know the people handling your financial planning. No call centres, no endless transfers.
Reeve Thistlewood
Founder & Lead Advisor
Reeve came to financial services after a decade in secondary education teaching mathematics. That background shows — he has an unusual knack for breaking down complex financial concepts without making people feel patronised.
He's particularly focused on helping tradespeople and small business owners create sustainable financial structures. Having grown up in a family that ran a regional plumbing business, he understands the specific challenges of irregular income and seasonal cash flow.
Outside work, Reeve volunteers with the Douglas Community Finance Initiative, teaching basic money management workshops at the local library. He's also an inexplicably enthusiastic supporter of the North Queensland Cowboys despite years of disappointment.
What Guides Our Decisions
Clarity Over Complexity
Financial planning doesn't need to be mysterious. We explain things in normal language because transparency builds trust, and that matters more than sounding impressive.
Long-term Relationships
We're not interested in quick transactions. Our clients typically work with us for years, which means we need to earn that trust consistently through honest advice and reliable service.
Regional Understanding
Douglas and the surrounding areas have specific economic patterns. We understand the local market conditions, seasonal employment fluctuations, and regional cost considerations that impact your financial planning.
