Former RAF Aircrew Linguist, David Grey, believes that the skills he learnt in the military has helped him to succeed as an Auditel franchise owner.
Grey joined Auditel, a cost and purchase management franchise, in 2008 after spending 21 years in the RAF, which included being operational in the Balkans and Middle East. When he left the RAF Grey began looking for a business opportunity, he said: “Without doubt I could not have started my own business independently. While the military did endow me with many good qualities and attributes, business acumen was not one of them. I made the decision early to go self-employed and for me franchising was the only sensible option.”
Grey found out about the Auditel franchise opportunity while at the British Franchise Exhibition in 2007, he said: “I found this exhibition very helpful. Having a full range of franchises under one roof was extremely beneficial. I came across Auditel and was immediately impressed with its business model and how well it suited the current situation.
“Since joining Auditel, I have found my experience to be challenging and hard work, but ultimately very rewarding. While a franchise model offers some sort of proven framework for business, there are no shortcuts to success. I know this is an oft-repeated cliché but it is true. Coming from a military background, where you are pretty much told what to do and where to go most of the time, transforming to self-employment where nobody is telling you what to do, can come as a bit of a shock to the system. However, the majority of ex-military personnel should have the right qualities for franchising, namely honesty, integrity, motivation and a ‘can do’ attitude. Back this up with the right franchise for you, quality training and systems and you could find a very rewarding career as your own boss.”
As well as training, Auditel provides franchise owners with ongoing support including regular reviews for new franchise owners to help keep their businesses on track. Grey added: “I am approaching the end of my fourth year. I have enjoyed the challenges and the rewards of self-employment and cannot imagine going back to work for anyone else now. I have no regrets and really enjoy running my Auditel business. With experience comes confidence. Things have improved year-on-year and I am set for my best year yet in 2012.”
Published: 15 February 2012
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