Are you young and ambitious? We spoke to a few Gen Y franchisees about their experiences buying and running a franchise.
Hotondo Homes – Jon and Lyndsey Clarke
This husband/wife duo are the newest and youngest members of the network at 24. They have recently launched their business.
Which franchise do you own and where?
Hotondo Homes Central Coast, located in Gosford, New South Wales.
Was your age ever a concern when you considered joining the franchise?
Not really, we obviously knew it would be a factor but we didn't feel it would stop us from joining the franchise. We both believed in ourselves and knew we could do it, so there was no reason to be concerned.
Do you think you will face any challenges based on your age?
Absolutely, we already have! The biggest challenges come with the assumption that because we are young, we don’t know anything or have little/no experience, and it has happened quite a bit. All it does for us is ultimately fuel our motivation and drive to prove how capable we are.
How valuable do you believe it is to have a range of generations within the business/network?
We believe it's extremely valuable because there is a range of generations in the clientele attracted to the brand. Franchisees become the faces of the network and the brand, if these faces all seem to be within the same age group and demographic the brand as a whole doesn't seem as approachable. Different generations also bring different knowledge and experiences, and a totally different approach to the job at hand which we know will be extremely handy as different challenges start to arise.
As members of Gen Y, what do you think you can bring to the table?
I guess as part of the technology generation we have a different skill set in presenting to or engaging our clients in our office and showroom. I also think we can easily adapt to change, new technologies and updates which some others can sometimes struggle with. Most importantly we bring fresh thoughts, ideas and insights to the table. Some of us can be more open to experimenting or changing our methods and tactics.
Find out more about buying a Hotondo Homes franchise.
Bakers Delight – Alex Dillon
Dillon bought a Bakers Delight franchise at the tender age of 24.
Which franchise do you own and where? Bakers Delight Casuarina, NT
What do you like the most about being a franchisee?
The support system behind you allows you to focus on growing the business and not get tied down with the menial tasks.
Have there been any challenges based on your age?
Sometimes people don’t take you seriously, for example when applying for credit applications. I overcame this by being persistent and following up until what you need is done. Another challenge is employing people who have children your age or older. The key to overcoming this is to show your knowledge and enthusiasm, so that they can see who you are and what you are about. Then they can believe in what you are trying to achieve. In the end, you always have the area managers and existing franchisees who can support you and make sure you are on the right track.
Did you ever doubt yourself based on your age?
No, not at all. That was all a part of the fun, proving people wrong. Age isn’t against me, it works for me. I have the enthusiasm and motivation of someone who is young and fearless and the physical fitness to work as many hours as needed.
How valuable do you believe it is to have a range of generations within the business/network? It’s very important. You need the older more experienced franchisees as they have the history and previous knowledge of the business, what works, what doesn’t work in terms of local marketing, equipment, merchandising etc. They can feed that information down to the new younger franchisees, whilst the younger franchisees bring new and innovative ideas in with them.
What advice do you have for other young people who own or are considering buying a franchise?
It’s not a get rich quick scheme, you need to work hard and build relationships in your community over time to build the brand. Don’t doubt yourself and don’t be scared to really use those really knowledgeable people around you. Soak up as much of it as you can from experienced franchisees, area managers and regional managers.
Find out more about buying a Bakers Delight franchise.
Crust Pizza – Sally Illingworth
Which franchise do you own and where?
Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar Parap in Darwin, Northern Territory.
What do you like the most about being a franchisee?
It is a genuine pleasure being a franchisee for two principal reasons. The first is that it has been a rewarding aspect of my career to be given the opportunity to expand the Crust Pizza brand into the Northern Territory market (where I grew up) and to further develop my understanding of operating a quick service restaurant.
The second is now I truly understand the value of a franchise network whereby the level of support, education, direction and strategy administered by the franchisor is invaluable. I have received an immense amount of value from becoming a franchisee. For example, I have learnt an incredible amount about business management, market research, marketing, product development, department interdependence, business strategy and so much more! Ultimately, I admire most the diverse range of expertise (people) that I can leverage on to successfully develop and operate my business.
Have there been any challenges based on your age?
At the age of 18, I officially became the first franchisee to open a Crust store in the Northern Territory and the youngest franchisee in the Crust network. Being a young franchisee came with a few challenges including, external suppliers not wanting to partner or do business with me due to my age. I didn’t let this bother me and found other suppliers who didn’t consider age to be a business barrier. It has always been important for me to disregard any criticism that may be made based on my age. I had a clear vision of what I want to achieve and know the path I need to take to get there.
Did you ever doubt yourself based on your age?
I have never for a second allowed myself to doubt my individual potential based on my age. I strongly believe that if you fail to maintain self-confidence, it will adversely affect your ability to progress professionally and personally.
How valuable do you believe it is to have a range of generations within the business/network?
The prospect of having a range of generations within a business is invaluable if that respective business endeavours to experience a great term of success! This analogy applies to businesses of any size. The prevalence of equity within a business’s trajectory will effectively attract a diverse range of people who perhaps have the potential to benefit the business. Every business requires a diverse team to be successful as every individual brings something different to the table.
What advice do you have for other young people who own or are considering buying a franchise?
We all have the opportunity in this life to make a dream become a reality but you have to be willing to sacrifice what you are for what you will become and when things are tough, keep going. I encourage all young people to not limit themselves to anything, work hard, don’t follow the crowd and challenge the status quo! If you’re considering purchasing a franchise do your research and set yourself realistic goals and be sure to partner with a brand that you believe in!
Take the next steps to buying a Crust Gourmet Pizza franchise.
Smartline – Luke Camilleri
Which franchise do you own and where?
Chiswick, New South Wales.
What do you like the most about being a franchisee?
Definitely the support from head office. Smartline brings everyone together and the support that comes from that has been sensational.
Have there been any challenges based on your age?
Definitely the financial side of things initially. I had a mortgage and I was single when I bought my franchise at 28 years old. I was also trying to have a social life, so it was difficult making sure there was enough surplus in the account. It can also be intimidating when you’re working with older, more successful people in the network.
Did you ever doubt yourself based on your age?
One hundred percent! There were times when I was smacking my head against the keyboard, thinking I wouldn’t succeed or I would let people down. I didn’t want to be embarrassed.
How valuable do you believe it is to have a range of generations within the business/network?
I came into franchising on recommendation from an older friend who had been a franchisee for 10 years. Her presence was so valuable as a mentor in the same industry. Mentors in all walks of life are valuable for their insights.
What advice do you have for other young people who own or are considering buying a franchise?
You have to work hard, everything is hard work. Especially in the first few years, there are long days, late nights, and weekends at work.
Find out more about becoming a Smartline franchisee.