FLEXIBLE FRANCHISES In your
own time… 7 reasons to pursue a flexible franchise
• Spend more time with family and loved ones • Pursue other goals, sports, hobbies • Autonomy over workload and hours • Ability to plan holidays, take longer vacations • Work shorter days or fewer days a week • Scope to run the business from home • Escape the stress – and the commute – of corporate life
OPTIC-KLEER S
teve Gatland is Optic-Kleer franchisee in the Braintree area. Several years ago he received such a great service from the brand, he decided
to invest himself!
How was your first month of trading? My first month was remarkable and totally unexpected! I was prepared for a rough start, as everyone knows that it takes time to make your own business successful, but I couldn’t have asked for a better start. It was enjoyable, and the sales were through the roof! This confirmed that I had definitely done the right thing investing in an Optic- Kleer franchise.
What makes Optic-Kleer different? Managing director David Overton has concession agreements in place with major supermarkets, including Tesco, so I was able to have a readily available market from day one. The brand has a proven track record and the support from David, Sarah and all the staff at head office is great.
What drew you to franchising? I was very keen to be my own boss and choose my own hours of work. I knew with the right support I could run a successful business of my own.
Why did you choose Optic-Kleer? I had my windscreen repaired by Chris French from Optic-Kleer about three years ago and was very impressed. I thought that he was employed by Optic-Kleer but as we chatted he explained that he had bought an Optic-Kleer franchise and that it was extremely rewarding. After finding out more about the franchise from Chris, I decided that it was something that I
wanted to pursue. Unfortunately, there was not an area available for me to purchase so when became available, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I also looked into another franchise business that was a lower initial investment, but I chose Optic-Kleer as I believed in the established proven brand and trusted the company.
In what ways is your business flexible? My working days are very flexible and allow me to manage my life on my terms. I am not told when or where I have to work so I can choose my own rota of sites to work, which are booked for me by head office.
How has investing in a franchise changed your lifestyle? Financially, I am considerably better off than when I was employed. If you provide a professional service with great customer care, it is possible to make a very good living. I am also far less tired and less stressed that at any time in my working career. This is because I can choose my work hours and also because I have all the support I need.
Has your work-life balance improved? My work-life balance has improved considerably as I no longer have to work nights and I can plan ahead when to work. I am looking forward to enjoying more regular holidays.
Do you have plans to grow the business in the future?
I do plan to expand my business in the future, but as this is the very early
stage of my franchise, my focus is on getting all the basics right, so that all the future opportunities fall into place.
What advice would you give to potential franchisees looking to invest in an Optic-Kleer franchised business? When buying a franchise, it is very important to do your research into the company and choose one that has a proven track record and check if they have bfa membership. Optic-Kleer has been in business for over 25 years, has franchisees all over the UK and is a member of the bfa. As well as doing your own research, speak to other existing franchisees to get a more accurate and balanced view of the business and opportunities.
September 2018 |
BusinessFranchise.com | 31
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
