Andy Crewe was made redundant from his sales and marketing managerial position in 2007. Fed up with working hard for other people’s gain and craving more control he discussed the idea of running a business with his wife Lynne.
They realised that franchising was the best route for them because they could hit the ground running and use a proven business model. Domestic cleaning is a huge industry, and the service is one that customers can use repeatedly. Andy and Lynne chose MOLLY MAID because it is a member of the British Franchise Association, has impressive branding and the support team at MOLLY MAID were open and honest about their expectations when they spoke to them. Before signing the agreement, they also spoke to existing Franchise Owners and had positive feedback.
They launched their MOLLY MAID franchise in March 2008. The comprehensive one-week training course was followed by a visit from two Business Advisors who helped interview staff and conduct in home estimates.
Lynne is in charge of the day-to-day running of the business and Andy is better suited to the spreadsheets and sales! Lynne had left her midwifery job after the birth of our second child. She’s very practical and the franchise has given her a new lease of life away from ‘Bob the Builder!’
They love having the freedom to make decisions and the ability to schedule work to fit around family commitments. “At the moment we have five cars and twelve staff members that clean over 80 houses a week. Later in 2011 we plan to have our sixth car up and running. Our plan over the next year is to have at least 7 cars, which will help us continue to develop brand awareness in our territory.”
