Case Study - David Stevenson

What attracted you to your own renewable energy franchise?
I had a background as a property developer and there were two things pointing me towards renewable energy. Firstly the property market was crashing and I knew I needed to do something else, and secondly I was finding more and more of the properties I worked on had some element of renewable energy included. I was excited about the new technologies and the possibilities so I decided to explore a career in renewables.

Did you consider other franchise companies as well as EnergyMyWay?
I did do some research into other companies but the people at EnergyMyWay really seemed to speak my language. 

Why specifically did you chose EnergyMyWay?
I really liked their ‘whole of building’ approach as I enjoy helping people to find a solution that fits them, not just a ‘one fits all’. They are a very progressive company, interested in sharing ideas and knowledge and being leading experts in the field. Their approach to franchising is one where everyone feels involved in this process.

What do you think are the benefits of joining the franchise group at thisearly stage?
Mostly I want to look back and say “I was in it from the start and look where we are now”. The future is looking very bright and I want to be involved from the outset. 
What experience, if any, did you have already in the renewables business? To be honest, none. I just found myself enthusing about different renewable ideas when I came across them on building projects, and really wanted to know more. I had the passion for the subject but I needed help to learn the technical side.

Had you ever run your own business before?
Yes I had my own property business and also a boat surveying business on the south coast. I have had lots of experience of being ‘out on my own’ and so I’ve really enjoyed being part of a franchise group, with backup, expertise, marketing and training support.

How have you found the training and support?
It has been excellent. I cannot believe how much I have learned in such a short period of time. Our training sessions have been packed with useful support, everything from how an inverter works to how to articulate the benefits to the customer. The people in the company have all the skills for the business to be very successful.

How much has your confidence grown in your ability to be an expert in this subject?
I hardly recognise myself from how much I knew before. This is the bit I really enjoy, being able to talk with confidence to the customers and know I am right. The great thing is that if you don’t know the answer, there are experts in the group who you can call on and our customers benefit from that too.

How long did it take you from completing your training to winning your firstcustomer?
Just a few weeks. I started building up my network of potential customers before the training started. There is so much interest in renewables at the moment, people are very interested to hear about it. EnergyMyWay’s experience and training has meant I have been able to get the business going much sooner than I thought.

Are you confident that the marketing support and materials will deliverleads to your business?
Yes. The marketing support is great. With the training and the materials I am confident I can get the customers, so to a degree I am able to relax about that and enjoy doing the job I am most interested in.

What have been your overall impressions of the business?
My overall impressions were good at the start and have got better with time. This is a great opportunity and I doing it with the backing of EnergyMyWay means my business will benefit from the national buying power of the company as well as the skills and expertise of the team behind it.

What are you looking forward to as your EnergyMyWay business grows?
I’m looking forward to seeing how the renewables market changes and grows with time and to responding to the changes. There are so many factors influencing a rapid market growth for renewables and I feel like I am certainly in the right place at the right time with EnergyMyWay.

What is the scale of the opportunity for your franchise territory?
I have only seen the tip of the iceberg. The business is not limited by one particular product or one type of customer so there is huge potential.

What would you say to someone considering an EnergyMyWay franchise now?
I would say that there is no doubt that the time is right, just make sure you do your research and know what you are getting in to. This is an industry where you could build something really successful over the next few years. In my experience, EnergyMyWay are the people who will help you to do that.