Franchise Success Stories - Petpals Crowthorne ©Petpals (UK) Limited
Last update: 28 Nov 2007
For all new franchise enquiries, please contact us on 0845 6439981, or email us on newbusiness@petpals.com
I had been working in sales/marketing in the materials supply side of the construction industry for many years. I had a good job and was successful in that job. I had a good salary, impressive car and a big tax bill!! However I worked for a family company and there were very limited opportunities for meaningful promotion, as I was not a member of the family. I was also getting heartily sick and tired of trekking up and down motorways day in and day out and dancing to someone else’s tune.
Having had no experience at running my own business, it seemed like the simplest and safest route into ‘self employment’.
Having limited savings, I decided to release some equity in my home - I thought it was a very good cause compared to the popular things like cars and holidays, so I had no second thoughts in doing so. I launched in April 2004 and in my first year I achieved real sales of over £44,000 and paid myself, over £22,000, by way of Limited Company dividends.
To be honest, I do not think I would have taken the plunge if it were not for the support and encouragement of the company that I had chosen to run with. Even then it took me over 12 months from the first introduction to the initial training course! I did some work experience and spent time with an existing franchisee.
Since starting, I can honestly say that I have hardly given my previous life a moment’s thought. The training and support I received was first class and continues to be so.
Many! Having been in a comfort zone for years, it took real determination and courage, I guess, to step out on my own. Friends and family were initially sceptical, then cautiously supportive and then full of respect for me taking a step that many of them did not have the opportunity to take. At the end of the day, I knew I could make the business work, and I have.
Check them out thoroughly; be able to support yourself for at least 6 months (I could only support myself for 3 months, so I had to make it work!!). Ensure you have the support of wives, husbands or partners. Talk to people in the chosen business already. Don’t ignore or dismiss the negative comment that you will get, take it on board, evaluate it and form your own conclusions. Make sure you are ready mentally for what will be major, a life-changing event.
Try to dismiss thoughts of doing it on your own. As a first step into the world of running my own business, franchising makes perfect sense.
Final piece of advice - make sure to plan a holiday of at least a full week within the first year and plan one of at least 2 weeks for year 2!!
After the first full year of trading, I plan (have to) to take on a full time assistant, this will enable me to not only claim some life back but also to develop other areas of the business that time has not allowed to date. I also intend on expanding my area of operation quite soon, and get involved with helping new franchisees to develop their businesses.
For more information on new and resale franchises please call Petpals on 0845 6439981 or e-mail us at newbusiness@petpals.com
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