Case Study - Jane Brushwood
Friends and family have always told me I’m barking mad, so I just had to be a Barking Mad franchisee and how brilliant it’s turned out to be. Always a dog lover, in the early eighties I took my dog to training classes, which developed into helping out, followed by studying with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers.
Work was usually office based: book keeping, personnel, office management and business development. I liked working in small companies being involved at all levels. Generally I have always enjoyed working.
In 2008, after 9 years working for a property developer, I was made redundant. Tragically my mother died suddenly that night, which was the day before the anniversary of my husband’s death. A serious change of lifestyle was required, my mother having been the carer for my children whist I was working.
At least decisions were made for me about my working arrangements but although I tried to find similar work, I couldn’t bear the thought of going back to the same sort of thing. Additionally I now needed flexibility to care for my children.
My sister is a host family in Andover and introduced me to the Barking Mad franchise. I became a host myself but, just when I thought something was going right for me, the franchisee announced that he was retiring. That was when I had a “light bulb” moment and knew this was for me. The more I thought about it, talked about it and looked into it the more convinced I was.
The initial interview was to establish not only if I wanted to continue but if I was to be accepted. They don’t just take your money and let you get on with it - you have to be “right”. Four days of training followed. The MD, Lee, and her team know their stuff and are highly professional and motivational. All of a sudden the four days was up and I was on my way, buzzing with manuals, files, systems and recommendations.
The support doesn’t end there, the team at head office are always available on the end of a telephone and there’s ongoing structured telephone training available. They organise national advertising benefitting us all, we have area meetings with local franchisees, regional meetings and the annual conference, where I was proud to receive the “Newcomer of the Year Award 2010.
Neighbouring franchisees help each other out and meet just to catch up, exchange ideas and chat. So although you do have your own business you are not abandoned with it and it’s good to know that the same professional service is maintained throughout the country, protecting the reputation of “my” business name. I’m delighted to be part of such a professional franchise organisation.
It is hard work and you never quite switch off from it but how privileged am I being able to drive around listening to the radio, visiting customers and chatting about their lovely dogs, visiting lovely, caring hosts who feel like extended family and managing my own diary so I have the flexibility to care for my children and everyone is happy. I know I could never do a proper job again!
