MAC TOOLS


How did you start the process of becoming Mac Tools franchisees? We fancied a change from our jobs, our other children were no longer at home and it seemed like a really good opportunity. We went to The National Franchise Exhibition to find out more – to talk to some franchisors and listen to a couple of the free seminars.


What happened next? Mac Tools reps visited us to give a presentation and hold an informal interview. After that we each spent a day out in a van with another franchisee, seeing if it was right for us. It was really good. I went out with another woman, which was good as the industry is generally very male-dominated. After this we had another, more formal interview at the head office. Then, once the finance was sorted, we were ready to go!


KERRY AND GRAHAM FLATMAN Kerr and Grham Flatman’s son Matt was already a frnchisee with Mac Tools, when they decided that taking on the frnchise areas adjacent to Matt’s was an opporunity too good to miss. Kerr explains how they launched their own business


What’s it like working together? What skills do you each bring? We really enjoy having our own business and doing it together. We bounce ideas off each other. Also, we’ve got a mix of knowledge. I was a nurse and am used to working with people, but Graham and Matt have the product knowledge and I’ve learnt a lot from them. I’m constantly asking questions.


As you’re living and working together, how do you find a balance? We have to be quite strict with ourselves about work and say “that’s enough, let’s stop!”


What are your plans for the future of the business? We’ve only just entered our second year, but perhaps in the future we’ll think about getting a fourth van and an employee.


FARMERS ORGANIC RIVERFORD


Would you recommend franchising to others? Yes! Having your own business is brilliant – we just came back from holiday recently and it is so much easier going back to work when you are working for yourself rather than for someone else. We have no regrets at all!


JANET AND JON MIER Janet and Jon Mier have been Riverord frnchise owners since 2007. Here, Janet explains why they chose Riverord and how they’ve managed to work successfully together over the years…


We chose Riverford as we were customers, loved the company and loved the produce! We wanted to work in an ethical, responsible company, where trust and integrity were more important than profitability. We're passionate about all things environmental. We decided to run a business together as we knew that we


worked well as a team and that our skillsets are complementary – so it seemed natural to take on the franchise as a couple. Running the franchise together meant that we could share the experience of setting up, developing and growing our own business. It means that, ongoing, we understand each other’s issues at work and can support one another through the ups and downs that naturally occur in business.


Has it changed our lives? Yes, most definitely. This was a lifestyle


choice – it’s more rewarding and we have a much healthier work- life balance. We have been able to spend more quality time as a family and our boys have been part of the Riverford journey since the day we signed the contract. What’s kept us working successfully together has been our ability to remain openminded and embrace change. Adapting


84


and constantly looking for ways to improve has kept us motivated and helped us run a successful business for over 11 years. Working through problems and overcoming challenges together has been both productive and rewarding. If I were to give advice to anybody else thinking of running


their own business, I would say it’s a great thing to do! Be certain to check out the numbers – it’s important to fully understand the business model and what’s involved – and build in some contingencies, so there are no shocks. Expect some tough times but some great times, too; the first year can be very hard but also very exciting! Ensure you receive the support you need from the franchisor – don't be afraid to ask for help! If you’re thinking of working with a partner, just make sure you’re


not afraid of a debate. It’s sometimes necessary so that you come to some joint agreement on decisions and strategy. For us, our plan is to carry on growing and developing our business for the foreseeable future. We are still very excited to be part of Riverford and are looking forward to the many more good years ahead.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164  |  Page 165  |  Page 166  |  Page 167  |  Page 168  |  Page 169  |  Page 170  |  Page 171  |  Page 172  |  Page 173  |  Page 174  |  Page 175  |  Page 176  |  Page 177  |  Page 178  |  Page 179  |  Page 180