Snap-on Tools is no stranger to success. Shrugging off economic turbulence and political turmoil the 103-year-old brand is continuing its march to market dominance. Seven new franchisees have just joined Snap-on’s 400+ strong UK network, each determined to drive their future forward.

Having been in the motor trade since the age of 16, one new franchisee, Stephen Lynch has been using Snap-on Tools since he could afford to buy his own. After working his way up through the profession, prior to joining Snap-on, Stephen worked as a specialist race car mechanic and Team Manager for race teams. Being a Snap-on franchisee was something that had been on his mind for close to 15 years but at 51, he decided that the time to execute his goals, was now.

“I absolutely loved my job but I had to be realistic and think to myself, ‘how much longer can I continue to run round pit lanes and doing pit stops?’ I’ve always had goals and aimed high. I’m career and goal focussed – unless you have targets you never achieve anything. I want to enjoy life, travel, and have nice things and experiences and you can only accomplish that if you work hard and set strong objectives. My 10-15-year career plan is to give this all I’ve got so that I’m able to retire at around 60 or 65.”

Snap-on Tools is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive tools and storage solutions. Franchisees sell the most sought-after products in the industry and deliver outstanding customer service to technicians from their very own, iconic, showroom on wheels.

“My favourite part of the business so far is getting to know customers and building relationships and helping them to get what they need,” said Stephen who is now proudly operating his franchise in Central and East Nottingham. “It’s not about selling; it’s finding solutions for customers that will enhance their jobs and ultimately make them more successful too.”

Founded in the US in 1920 and launched in the UK in 1965, Snap-on boasts over 100 years in the automotive trade. Its proven business model has been refined in the UK for nearly 60 years, earning the tool giant its popular reputation as the ‘best in the business’. Today, Snap-on has hundreds of franchisees operating territories in the UK and Ireland and, globally, the franchise network is made up of more than 4000 franchises.

Stephen and his fellow new recruits are following in the footsteps of Snap-on’s trailblazing network of franchisees. One of whom is currently making waves in the franchising industry. Luke Henderson, 29, runs his Snap-on franchise in Plymouth and South Hams. In the last two months, he’s been named a Great British Franchisee in the programme’s 2023 awards and shortlisted as a finalist in the British Franchise Association’s ‘Franchisee of the Year Awards’.

“I hope my success story encourages other young people to go for it!” said Luke. “My ambitions are to expand and grow my business, support my brother as he forges his own future alongside me and enjoy an early retirement.”