FIVE MINUTES WITH


A START IN GREETING CARDS


ACTOR IN ANOTHER LIFE? Franchise Hero


Mark Thompson, irector of ra nchise ecruitment with at-home care fra nchise aremar


COUNTRY PUBS


GREEK ISLANDS


How did you get involved in franchising? I’d been in the greeting card industry since I was 19, in sales and account management... the opportunity came when I joined a greeting card business that was also a franchisor! Learning about the business concepts, operating models and the people in the sector was exciting and a whole new world for me!


What was your career highlight? Being promoted to managing director of a siness as a signifi can ilesne a e age of 38 – what a pay rise! But, helping others is more gratifying and memorable in the long run, typically supporting and leading an employee or franchisee to achieve way beyond even their own expectations. I’ve learnt that it’s fantastic to be a key part of someone else’s success.


ELTON JOHN


What was your childhood dream job? To be an actor! I did amateur dramatics at school and absolutely loved it, darling! I thought about drama school but decided that I preferred earning money and was quite good at it and so entered the business world!


hos in uenced your career Stephen Haines, the founder of Carte Blanche Greetings – and his father Derek was also a guiding light for me. Although Steve had only been in business for one year when I met him at 19, this was clearly a man who was going somewhere. His aura and enthusiasm were captivating, and I learnt from them that


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success only comes with hard work, dedication, perseverance, and humour.


How do you relax? Dog walks with the family in the country or on the beach, preferably with a cafe or pub en route!


Tell us a little-known fact about you… Long ago, I worked for four years the door of a nightclub on Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights. That’s when I realised that a day and evening job were good for your wallet, hence hard work/long hours were never an issue for me!


Favourite holiday destination? Any Greek Island with a hot, sandy beach.


Your fantasy dinner party guests? Micky Flanagan, Elton John, David Attenborough. A little bit of everything!


One piece of advice you'd give to anyone starting out in business? Really care about the industry you work in and for every team member you employ. Not everything will always go your way - so learn by it and never stop listening.


How would you like to be remembered? Loyal, calm, and thoughtful; a little crazy at times and someone who liked a laugh!


For more insights from the Franchise Heroes, go to businessfranchise.com


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