Why we love to do what we do...
Case Studies - Stephen Hunt (Warrington)
I chose franchising because at the age of 45 I desperately wanted to start up my own business before it was too late, but having no idea of how to actually go about it, I thought that buying into a proven franchise would be the best way of getting a business started.
I was a consultant for a Computer Software house for over 15 years. I was on very good money, I had a lovely fast car, but I was not happy at having to constantly commute up and down the country, staying in hotels night after night, and hardly seeing my family or friends.
Plus I had become tired of selling computer systems, training people day after day, and basically working for “the man”. I was in a rut and felt that if I did not do something now to change my life around, I never would.
I started by visiting the British Franchise Association website, which gave me many idea’s and a great insight into what I should do before committing myself to buying into a franchise. I then visited an exhibition, and contacted several potential franchises asking for advice and information before actually deciding which one we were really interested in joining.
Myself and my wife Donna had said from the start that we would like a business that involved working with animals, especially dogs, and we just thought from the start, that the concept behind Barking Mad was brilliant. We had always hated kennelling our dogs in the past, and I had thought that there must be a better alternative out there. So the “Barking Mad” idea of “Host” families caring for peoples dogs when their owners are away on holiday or in hospital really hit a cord with us, and we could see the business potential straight away.
We initially were given a weeks training at the Headquarters in the Lake District, and then we were officially “Launched” on our own territory, with a local TV, Radio, and newspaper advertising campaign. Since then “Barking Mad” have supported us with every aspect of our Business from day one, from the initial setting up our office at home, helping us put our procedures in place, supplying all stationary and apparel required, and being there at the end of the phone with help and advice when needed. We also attend compulsory Dog Behaviour courses 3 times a year with Animal Behaviour experts to help us further advance our knowledge of dogs.
We started in October 2004.
Being in control of our own destiny and making all our own decisions has been both a challenge and a blessing. Also building up our Brand Awareness in the Warrington Area, and establishing ourselves as the number 1 Provider for this service has also been a big challenge, but one which is now starting to pay dividends.
On a personal level, the biggest challenge we initially faced was working from home together as partners in the business day in and day out. But all the experiences (good and bad) we have shared over the last 2 years has brought us closer together as a couple, and we now appreciate each other much more, and realise what a good team we make.!
Be sure that the franchise you are buying into is really the sort of business you wish to be involved in. Spending your hard earned money on buying a business, to then realise that it is not really what you want to do with your life can be very costly, and demoralising!!
Don’t expect instant success and wealth, you will have to work hard to establish yourselves, before you can start reaping the rewards for all your efforts.
If you are going into business with a partner for the first time, be patient with each other, and be prepared to listen and learn from each other.
Make sure you have extra money available to help you through the first six months or so, as you begin establish yourself in the market.
Franchising has given me the freedom to make my own decisions about my future (No Bosses!) for the first time in my life, it has also allowed me to work from home, and spend more time with my wife, and our dog Cody.
It has been hard, but enjoyable work, establishing ourselves in the Warrington area, over the last 2 years or so, but we both feel now that we are beginning to reap the rewards for our efforts.!
Our future goal is simply to continue building up this high quality service in the Warrington area, and to provide many more holidays for our customers dogs.
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