An Australian Franchisee Case Study
Name: Daniel McCullen
Location: Western Australia
Franchise: Resicert Property Inspections
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose Resicert franchise?
I knew that I wanted more freedom to choose my own hours and needed an activity that would reward the late hours I was putting in for an employer previously. I was exhausted with no additional benefit. I needed to be rewarded for that hard work by benefitting directly.
I also had little experience in owning or building a business and knew I needed the support of a proven model for business development.
What did you do before taking up a franchise?
I was a teacher and an administrator at a local high school as well as an active investor and real estate developer.
How did you raise the finance?
I had a little money put away already and financed the rest.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
The classroom training I received was integral to ensuring I could carry out inspections to a high standard. The apprenticeship period was the real eye opener regarding the actual activity of conducting building inspections as a job. The report checking period, where an experienced inspector checked the first 100 reports that I completed was probably the most intense period of learning. As the experienced guys comment on reports in the online system and allow for the constant dialogue for additional learning I had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify. This gave me the opportunity to really hone my craft.
I still am always learning. Resicert has an online library of resources to access and share across licensees in all of the states where Resicert operates, and local inspectors for Resicert meet weekly to discuss and debate legislation interpretation and share stories and discuss safety issues.
What is a typical day for you as a Resicert franchisee?
As a franchisee, I might conduct three inspections in a day. I have the ability to book those at 9am, 12 noon, and 3pm. I am usually able to finish reports onsite, and so when I am ahead of schedule I might pop in to see local real estate agents to see how they are going and if they need or want anything from me. I generally am finished and drive home to be present with my family. The late evenings are for tidying the books, putting together marketing materials and plans and assessing successful actions for reproduction.
What challenges have you faced?
A roof can be very hot in an Australian summer. Care must be taken on very warm days and very rainy days when inspecting on the roof. Talking to agents can be a challenge when they don’t know you, but that gets easier with time. Resicert has a wealth of back end supports and resources that give me whatever I might need to be successful in marketing and delivering my product.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Absolutely! I have far more freedom to schedule my time and organise my life. Hard work is rewarded with more money or great feedback from happy clients. That is a wonderful feeling!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Make sure that you understand that when you have your own business, the buck stops with you. If there is something to be done and there isn’t someone who is able to do it – it will be you that has to do it! Even the stuff you find hard.
What are your plans for the future?
I have employed my first building inspector to conduct inspections with me and have moved into more of a strategic and mentoring role to grow my business. I look forward to many years of successful inspecting.
Would you do it again?
No question.
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