Franchise: Success stories©Petpals (UK) Limited
Last update: 28 Nov 2007
For all new franchise enquiries, please contact us on 0845 6439981, or email us on newbusiness@petpals.com
I was Head of IT for the Eastern Hemisphere area of a Global Oil Tool Manufacturing Company. I worked for the same Company for 16 years, starting as a computer programmer and gaining promotion over the years until I got the top post in the Department. Eventually there was a reorganisation within the Department in the US (Western Hemisphere) and I was offered another top post on the communications/infrastructure side of IT, and was given the choice of redundancy as an alternative. I took stock of all the positions I had held over the years and decided that I really wanted to take the redundancy package. I had decided that I could retire or do something that I really wanted to do and enjoy for the rest of my working life. I love being out doors, being active, love animals, and fancied being my own boss and making my own decisions.
Having had no experience at running my own business, I knew there was a lot to learn and a great number of small businesses go bust unless you get good advice and help. When you have your own business you have to learn many skills very quickly. I found out early that by taking on a franchise there is a much smaller risk of the business failing. I checked out the franchises available and thought that Petpals was the ideal solution. I also went to various Franchise seminars to find out as much as possible about all the pros and cons. I also went to the local Business Gateway meetings to hear what advice they had for starting up a business.
I had a good redundancy package, so I used it to provide the finance for setting up the business. At my time of life, I also have savings as back up and also own my house and have no loan or HP commitments. I did not want to have to resort to taking out loans, so I paid for everything in cash to give myself the best chance for success.
The franchise that I picked have been so supportive, friendly and committed to help in every way that it would be difficult not to be a success. I was encouraged to spend time with another franchisee to discover what it was all about, then further training out and about to see everything day to day, warts and all, before then having further business training, and dog training at the Head Office. On top of that they provide everything you need to start up your office, computer system, stationery, clothing, kit, web page, insurance, etc. Including providing assistance with the launch and networking. From day one you have everything you need to start – you are ready to go!
I wish I had made this move 20 years ago, and the satisfaction I get from the pets is immeasurable. I cannot imagine ever going back to office work.
There are many. Business has exceeded all my expectations and the challenge is to find like minded people to help me meet the extra clients that wish to use the professional service that we provide. I do not enjoy turning away business as I love what I do.
Check them out thoroughly; be able to support yourself for at least 6 months. Ensure you have the support of wife, husband or partner. Talk to people in the chosen business already. Don’t ignore or dismiss the negative comment that you will get, take it on board, evaluate it and form your own conclusions. Make sure you are ready mentally for will be major, life-changing event. Try to dismiss thoughts of doing it on your own. As a first step into the world of running my own business, franchising makes perfect sense.
Be sure to plan a holiday each year… you will need it!
After 10 months of working flat out with my husband, and hired one part time dog walker, I intend taking on at least one other part time dog walker, a home sitter and home boarder in order to cater for the demand for our services, and also to enable us to have more free time. I have just finalised the price list for 2006. I intend to schedule a holiday in a ‘quiet time’ – have not found out what the quiet time is yet!
For more information on new and resale franchises please call Petpals on 0845 6439981 or e-mail us at newbusiness@petpals.com
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