Case Study - Matt Garwood

City broker to pest control, Romford franchisee tells of his experiences 

Franchisee Matt tells his own story…

Earlier career

I started working as a trainee in 1984, in the City of London, in insurance. During a 24 year career in insurance, working for a number of different sized insurance and consulting entities – half my career being with Aon – I reached the role of Group Operations Director. 

Whilst I made a fair amount of money, I decided that I needed something different. At just over 40, and having just started a family, I couldn’t see myself spending another 24 years in the City. 

When I resigned a couple of years ago, I think they thought I was a crazy – walking away from a financially rewarding and exciting job.

Other courses considered before joining Prokill

Having led many projects involving hundreds, sometimes thousands of people, I had considerable change management experience so considered working as an interim, managing large financial change projects. I thought this would give me something new but soon realised that  I’d really like to manage changing me! Purchasing a franchise seemed very appealing as I could own a piece of something established – which to me reduced the risk side quite a bit (risk control being something I was well acquainted with after so many years in the insurance world).

A brief summary of the variety/lifestyle that I’m now enjoying

Now, having been a franchisee of Prokill for almost a year, I’m so glad I took the plunge. I’m amazed at how scalable and rewarding the business is. It’s also in a market place filled with competition, but most of it is poor – so the opportunity is sizeable. In fact, after only 6 months or so I purchased another half territory, securing a large area to grow into.

Every week is filled with a huge amount of variety and satisfaction, me being the technician, owner director, stock controller, salesman/surveyor and other roles, all rolled into one! I’m already planning for my first employee. Additionally, my wife appreciates the growth and variety of running a Prokill franchise, and in a couple of years she could join the business. This will free me up more to sell and grow the business even faster. I can really see that my business will continue to grow.

I am working 70 to 80 hours a week, but every hour is building something I own. I must admit, there are some frustrating days but 99% of the time it’s just great and I love it. If you are a person who is tired of your current career, has financial resources, and is looking for a new life, and a challenge – if you have the ability to adapt, focus, and a drive to succeed – this is a hugely rewarding and flexible business. If you are the type that prefers to cruise from 9 to 5 and be led, I wouldn’t recommend this for you.