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Exclusive Interview: I used to come home on edge with work pressure, I’m living a happier life now!

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An Australian Franchisee Case Study

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Name: Jelica Poljakovic

Location: Doreen

Franchise: Aussie Pooch Mobile

Date launched the franchise: 27/10/2017

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

I’ve been working in retail management for many years, my last role was with The Good Guys, I was there for a total of twelve years, I left the business for a short period of time but was asked to come back working on a project with four others.

The project was developing a Commercial department, four years later the four of us were running a $120,000,000 department with a team of thirty five, I managed the $60,000,000 Insurance department and my Colleague ran the Commercial department, we were supposed to fail, that’s what the rumours were, we had to develop our own system to cater for the Commercial space because the retail systems were not accommodating.

“I love a challenge and thrive under pressure; I was never really academic but worked really hard to achieve what I have achieved in the work force.”

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your franchise?

I chose a franchise model because systems are set in place to help you achieve your set goals, systems are in place because they have been proven to work.

After many months of researching different franchises and attending different workshops, made a few enquiries, spoke to Mark Welham, his introduction to AP supported what I needed to start my business.

How did you raise the finance?

I had funds readily available for the franchise, I’m renting the trailer because it was important for me to have funds available in case my plans took longer than expected

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

Lots of reading supplied by Mark, links showing good practice, on the road training and support once on my own.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

– I now have breakfast with my partner every morning

– Print of my run sheet and if I feel I need to communicate with my customers for any reason I prepare the txt message and send it when the time is appropriate.

– Go over my trailer and make sure it’s presentable

– Start off with warm water

– Out of habit I arrive to my first appointment five to ten minutes early, this sets me up nicely for the day

– Complete my appointments

– At home I organise my photo’s I’ve taken throughout the day and upload them onto face book then txt the customer the link and ask them to like, share and leave a review.

– Charge my clippers/Dremel

What challenges have you faced?

I’m defiantly not social media savvy but the business relies heavily on social media so I did struggle quite a bit there, adjusting from a 9-5 job even though I worked from 6.00am to 7.00pm but was able to switch off once I left the work place, to being on standby taking any enquiries or bookings, and the pressure of not knowing if this will work for me.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

I’m not stressed thinking about my massive KPI’S & Budgets, keeping my team of 15 people motivated to reach there KPI’S, I am working hard and sometimes come home physically in pain due to big heavy dogs wrestling me not wanting a bath but I’m mentally relaxed and come home to my partner with funny stories and photos.

“I used to come home on edge due to work pressures, I’m living a much happier life.”

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?

Don’t give up, stay positive and motivated, do not change the process and always ask for assistance when not clear about certain things.

Always provide great customer service, keep customers informed if running late, speak to customers the way you would like to be spoken to is the most important piece of advice I can give.

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?

To be successful you need to be motivated by results and be resilient, challenges need to excite you.

What are your plans for the future?

I keep saying to my partner/family & friends – five trailers in five years is my goal!

Would you do it again?

Yes

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