Franchisees Find Family Environment

The dark days of Covid still hung over the country when Joe Ward joined V.I.P. Home Services. “One thing I learned was how well the franchise coped with the pandemic,” he recalls. “We are a very social bunch, as franchisees, and I heard endless stories from my colleagues about how much work the national franchisors Estelle and John Logan put into ensuring franchisees and clients were looked after. This echoed my own experience.

“I’ve continued to be nothing but impressed since. V.I.P., as a business, has the family touch I was looking for.”

Active pursuit

Christchurch-based Joe has an engineering and manufacturing background and spent 27 years in ‘rather sedentary’ jobs. “I always worked in small, family-owned enterprises,” he says. “And, as middle age approached, I began to feel drawn towards doing something different.

“After so many years behind a desk, I was keen to do something more physical to improve my health outlooks. My partner and family were encouraging, too. So, I started scouting the franchise world to see what was out there.

“Like a lot of people who opt for a franchise, I felt there was some security and support within the network – safety in numbers if you like. Starting my own business from scratch seemed to have too many disadvantages.

“After a lot of investigation, I made a formal approach to a large local franchise in March 2020. The next week, the country went into lockdown.”

With his new career on hold, Joe got on with his day job, but the itchy feet remained. “However, the prospect of working with a different company, plus the interview process, scared me,” he says.

Stand-out brand

“For many years, I’d been aware of the distinctive green trailers of V.I.P.. They really stand out and, like the franchise, caught my further interest. I began to look into it seriously. The more I looked, the more I felt it was what I was familiar with in my working life – a family environment.”

Having completed due diligence and put figures in front of accountants and lawyers, Joe felt satisfied about forging ahead. “But was it scary? Absolutely! I was stepping into the unknown. But I figured, nothing ventured, nothing gained! And I’d been very reassured by several meetings with the franchisor and franchisees.”

Estelle Logan who, with husband John, is national franchisor for V.I.P. in New Zealand, says Joe’s feelings on buying a business are not unusual. “We know it can be a huge step for some people, especially if they have been employed for several decades. But, at V.I.P., we are there to help guide new franchisees through their early days and any teething problems.

“We’re used to it. We want people to succeed, and we’ve been doing it successfully here, in a family environment, for nearly 30 years.”

Building up business

Joe says, “The franchise has been very supportive in the nearly three years I’ve been with them. They help resolve any issues. But what has impressed me the most is the number of leads I get. It took me very little time to build up a substantial business from having bought only a small round.

“My client base has expanded big time! And, although I’m not yet on six figures, which some of my colleagues are, it won’t be long!”

V.I.P. offers two kinds of franchise: outdoor (lawnmowing, gardening and other outside jobs) and indoor (all types of cleaning, both commercial and residential).

“As Joe indicated, he started with a small round,” says Estelle, “but with our leads, word of mouth referrals and V.I.P.’s reputation, it didn’t take him long to build his business. There is a paid training period, together with a guaranteed income. And, of course, you can choose your own hours. The certainty with V.I.P. is that you will always have work!”

Steps to success

As for the future, Joe says he will continue to enjoy learning. “Despite going from a salary to being the boss, the worker, the accountant and the maintenance guy – I’d certainly do it again. You need to be self-motivated and driven to succeed. But if you do a good job, you will get referrals, as well as build great rapport with clients.

“I’m now shaping my client base so it’s all closer to home and that will allow me a few more weekends away fishing.

“It’s fun being in the growing phase. I’m now doing 10,000 steps a day, which I’ve never done before! And I’m very pleased I have the V.I.P. name behind me.

“There’s plenty of variety, on top of the bread-and-butter lawns. I’m finding I get asked to do a lot of seasonal pruning and other gardening jobs, which all interest me.”

“We’re currently seeking new franchisees for both services,” says Estelle. “Investment levels can always be tailored to your needs, as we have opportunities nationwide. Don’t hesitate! As Joe found, we are proud of being family-friendly!”   

See this advertorial on page 27 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 33 Issue 3

Contact details for V.I.P. Home Services

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