Case Study - Kim Richardson

Kim Richardson, 27, became co-owner of Revive! Luton in October, after spending 12 months travelling the world with partner, Adam Smith.

Kim studied a Masters Degree in Biochemistry & Genetics at Sheffield University and achieved a 2:1 Honour. It was during her work placement at an American pharmaceutical company in Harlow in 2005 when she first met Adam. Kim also works full-time, during the evenings and at weekends, as a waitress in a bustling Italian restaurant in the centre of Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

In a nutshell:
Name: Kim Richardson 
Age: 27 
Took on Revive! franchise: June 2009

What attracted you to running your own franchise?

The media influenced me quite a bit. I saw people losing out on pensions and savings disappearing. It made me think that I don't want to end up in that position. I also watched my mum head off to a boring job every day, where she was un-respected and underpaid. By comparison my father, who ran his own upholstery business from home, was happier and never struggled to get up and get on. My dad had a passion and took pride in his work. When work was good he was busy and hardworking, but when times were harder he was quite relaxed about it. He did what he could but also took time to indulge in his hobbies and personal interests. What kind of research did you do to help you decide what kind of franchise you wanted to run?

Cars have always been Adam's passion so I thought it would be good to work in that area. Some people disagree about making your hobby your job, but I believe that if you are passionate about something it will drive you to succeed.

Revive is not perhaps an obvious choice of business for a woman (being traditionally a male dominated industry). What is your view? What does the SMART repair industry offer women?

I liked the idea of doing an outdoors job that is both mentally and physically stimulating, without being too strenuous. I think women have a great deal to offer the SMART repair industry. For example, I have a much better eye for detail than Adam and I strive for perfection every time. If I'm honest I can also multi-task a bit better and possibly earn that little bit more!

How is the business going?

Excellent! We had a record first month. We have followed that with excellent 1st and 2nd quarters despite the worst recession for 70 years and the worst winter in my lifetime. We are now in the process of setting ourselves up for a bumper year and have our first employee in training.

Kim, what advice would you give to women who are considering going into business on their own with a franchise?

It's important to have your partner and/or your family's support. Sometimes you need someone to talk to who understands what you're talking about. I'm lucky as I've learnt everything hands-on with Adam so I understand the challenges and the joys. I also think it's good to have an ongoing marketing plan so you know how to get the business in should a lull occur.

Any particular highs and lows during your time as franchisees?

Highs - Adam coming home after a great day full of successful jobs and lots of money and I have the evening off with him to enjoy his happy end to the day.

Lows - Two feet of snow and no phone calls from the retail side of the business for two weeks over Christmas. It made us both panic a little! Adam couldn't relax and enjoy the time off, but I tried to convince him not to think about it too much.

What hopes and dreams do you have for the future – both in and out of the business?

We hope to get the business to a three full time van business by end 2011, with Adam then moving more into the role of building the customer base and finding work for them. Ultimately, we want to take on a manager to run this franchise so that we can begin on another territory and move on to property projects.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of the business?

I love staying active and working in the restaurant certainly gives me that. I love the social side in the restaurant as well. I enjoy running, going to the gym and keeping our flat as clean and tidy as possible! After all I am a woman.