17
FRANCHISEES OF THE YEAR
While most will look back at 2009 as a
diffi cult year to have been in business,
GreenThumb franchisees John and Jane
MacKeddie have had an unforgettable
year! Business grew by almost 20 per cent
and the husband-and-wife team won the
GreenThumb Franchisees of the Year award,
beating more than 190 other experts to
clinch the prestigious title.
cover story
“Our GreenThumb franchise has exceeded
all our expectations ever since we started
fi ve years ago,” says Jane. “But this year the
business was put to the ultimate test – and
came through with fl ying colours.”
Yet 2009 started ominously when John
was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Luckily
the tumour was benign, but he still needed
a few months off work following treatment.
The couple’s son James took over his
father’s role, handling the lawn surveys
while two part-time administrators kept
the offi ce running smoothly.
Meanwhile, the lawn operatives were
rushed off their feet as every week
brought a wave of new customers! In fact,
the business has accrued more than 900
customers in the last 12 months. The team
now treat more than 3,000 lawns in the
area – not bad for a business that started in
materials to do the job himself. With a 2004 with just seven customers!
unique selling point like that and, the fact Jane adds: “Having the right team is crucial
that treatments start at just £14, it is no because they build relationships with our
wonder GreenThumb has seen its business customers who stay loyal. The staff have a
grow even in a recession. personal touch that people appreciate.
Brand awareness is increasing “But you also need a product people
dramatically thanks to a humorous new want. Despite the recession we’ve thrived
TV and press campaign featuring computer because our customers genuinely value what
generated Bugs Life-style characters, we do. They can use our professional services
including weeds that bully blades of grass for less than they can buy DIY lawn care
and a GreenThumb man who restores order treatments off the shelves. Also, the chances
in the nation’s lawns. of DIY going wrong are quite high, whereas
In fact, GreenThumb’s dynamic when we do it, we do it right.”
marketing has earned the company a host She adds: “John and I have never regretted
of accolades, including the British Franchise taking on the GreenThumb business
Association’s prestigious Brand for a minute – it’s been an amazing
Builder of the Year award. experience.
Potential franchisees, many “Winning this award shows
of them former managers just how well the system works –
and department heads, are whatever the obstacles. We’re
enquiring about becoming going into the new year on
part of the GreenThumb cloud nine!” Classifi cation:
success story. If you GreenThumb
Lawn care
are considering Marketing
a GreenThumb Manager
franchise, David Collison
no previous adds: “Jane and Investment level:
horticultural or John have done an
marketing experience is needed as full incredible job of motivating and training
£28,500 plus VAT
training is given. their staff to the peak of perfection.
Prospective franchisees can attend “What they have achieved shows just
Website:
regular seminars at GreenThumb’s why GreenThumb is the nation’s premier
www.greenthumb.co.uk
North Wales head offi ce to fi nd out more lawn treatment service.We’re extremely Email:
about the company and meet the team proud of all our franchisees, but to stand
franchise@greenthumb.co.uk
behind it. For more details contact out as they have is truly exceptional and Phone:
GreenThumb’s franchise department on makes them worthy winners of our 2009
01745 586 041
01745 586 041. Franchisees of the Year Award.” ■
www.businessfranchise.com December/January 2010
BF016-017_cover story_Dec/Jan09AL.indd 2 18/11/2009 16:53
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