His clients' interests have been wide and varied.
"I have worked with a frock shop and a knock shop.
"In fact, I am one of the few who has gone to a knock shop and left being paid."
Mr Ferrari, whose business experience stretches from managing the Finegand meat plant in Balclutha to becoming Cerebos Greggs general manager of manufacturing in Auckland before returning to Dunedin as chief executive of Citiworks, thrives on being a mentor.
Some of his clients are back in touch with him after a five-year gap.
Some have been under his regular stewardship for four years.
"I am dealing with people who have been in business five, 10, 15 and 20 years.
"It is very lonely working as a sole trader."
But it all came down to building a relationship and rapport with a client, he said in an interview.
The first meeting took about two hours but the first 30 minutes of that was getting the client to relax and enjoy the experience of talking to someone with a sympathetic ear.
After the relationship had reached a level of comfort, the real issues emerged, Mr Ferrari said.
Having a background with the Citizens Advice Bureau helped with gaining a rapport with clients.
During the conversation, he took notes and listed points to revisit later.
With a recent client, Mr Ferrari identified 25 points which he incorporated within a report that was delivered back to the client within two weeks.
After delivering a report, Mr Ferrari and the client kept in touch, sometimes for several years.
It was important to give the client options and let them make their own decisions, rather than trying to force a solution on them.
Asked if he found any of his work a chore, Mr Ferrari quickly said it never proved that way.
"They are great people.
"I am a selfish person.
"I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't thoroughly enjoy it. One in 10 will come back to me seeking other advice.
"I ask to be released by Business Mentors and can then work for a fee but I don't look for that.
"If it happens, it happens."
