What did you do before taking on the franchise?
I’ve worked for 12 years for an entertainment wholesaler and distributer, business-to-business sales of DVDs, games and music, both to buy and to rent – I ran the field sales teams, telesales team and national account team at different times, ending my time there as head of national accounts, running the team, and launching a new concept into Ireland and building a team there too.
What is your background?
20 years of sales, sales team and account management, following on from an earlier career with Waitrose, after college where I studied business and finance.
Where did you first hear about Greensleeves?
Through a colleague who had worked for me for 9 years and was looking to buy a franchise with her husband!
What made you choose Greensleeves as the franchise for you?
The key was that when I looked into the type of business I wanted to build, lawn care and Greensleeves stood out. The key points required of any business I would invest in were a growth market, a regular and growing local customer base, with a small but regular invoice value, a sustainable expanding business that would also become an asset, strong core business values and ethics, and a straightforward attitude to the business and its franchisees. I believe I found this with Greensleeves.
Did you consider any other franchises?
Yes – but none, once I met with them, could demonstrate all the key points I was looking for.
What made you want to own a franchise?
Working incredibly hard for an organisation which was still going backwards, in an industry in decline, due to online, multiples pricing and piracy, meant the appeal of running my own business was very strong. It’s great to put into practice all the skills I have, but for myself and my family’s benefit. Secondly I was previously working away most of the week and with a young daughter I wanted to be home and be more of a part of her life, with a better work/life balance.
I chose to move into running my own business, leaving a well paid job, with good career prospects and with offers to join other organizations in the sector; however I believe with a passion that I can make a business work, and with my vision, skill set and determination (with lots of hard work!) this will happen with Greensleeves. I have high hopes and expectations, and will strive to make them successful.
What do you like about running your own business?
The challenges –right from the concept, strategy and planning through to the day-to-day running. It appeals to my sense of challenge, ambition and fun!
What age are you? Do you have a family? Will they be getting involved in the franchise?
I’m 42, married, with a daughter of 7. My wife is a manager for Waitrose and loves her career, so wants to stay there, but is keen to keep me on track to deliver a John Lewis-level of customer service! Ultimately they will be involved in the business in the years to come.
What have your first experiences been like?
Excellent. Rarely in business is the opportunity or people the same in reality as they seem before you start. However Greensleeves, and in particular David and Phil, have been great and are, just as they appear to be, passionate and professional, with a desire to help you build the business and brand. We have many customers after 5 weeks and are off to a flying start.
The lifestyle, the outdoor working environment, the meeting people are all benefits, and key skills that one should have before embarking on a venture such as this one (oh and my wife has said that the health benefits and weight loss that will follow this new venture make it much better than joining a gym…!).
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Multi-van, 1,000 customer minimum, and returning to an income level I’m familiar with!
