An Australian Franchisee Case Study
Name: Ben Edwards
Location: Townsville
Franchise: Nanotek
Why did you choose franchising?
I chose franchising because I thought it was a great way to get into business for the first time with a proven system and structure. The thought of having someone to help out initially with the start up and have ongoing support really attracted me.
What did you do before taking up your Nanotek franchise?
I was a manager at Mcdonalds for 4 years and in the year before starting was a promotions coordinator for Macquarie regional radio.
How did you raise the finance?
I raised the finance myself, I sold my car to gain a deposit and went from there, as I didn’t have any prior business experience or track record; the bank used my father as a guarantor.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
I had one week training in the office and then a few days out on the road in my territory, both were crucial in the success of my business.
What is a typical day for you as a Nanotek franchisee?
Typical day for me currently in my business is usually half spent in the office, emailing, booking, following up and meetings with prospective clients, them the other half is out on the road helping my staff, pitching in when I need to and running errands that need doing, such as banking, postage etc etc.
What challenges have you faced?
My main challenge was that I started from scratch with my business, I had no clients at all and no one knew that you could wash a car without water or what ecowash was, so getting the brand out there was the hardest thing for me. Also being so far away from all other franchisees, the closest was 1000kms away.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes definitely, I have realised that business ownership is what I love and what I want to do for the rest of my career. I have also met a lot of other business people that has made a huge difference in my life personally and professionally. I believe with the right attitude franchising can be a very profitable and mentally rewarding option for business owners.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Advice I would give is, you have to be prepared to do whatever it takes, not just in the start up phase, but every day of your life, if you want to work 8 hours a day find a job! Secondly I believe that franchising proves that a business system works, it’s your attitude that proves if it works for you.
What are your plans for the future with Nanotel?
My plans are to double turnover within the next 24 months and then have staff run the business fully and I oversee operations from an owner’s position.
Would you do it again?
Yes I would, I feel that I have the business skills that I need to own and run a business, so I would be not as reliant on finding another franchise when it’s time for my next business, but if my next business was a franchise then that would be fine also.
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Nanotek franchise