Ian Smith, Autosheen

"It's hard work...but it's so worth it!"

Before becoming an Autosheen franchise owner, Ian spent two years as a Franchise Manager for the company. 'I thoroughly enjoyed my job, but almost from the outset I realised that what I really wanted to do was to join the network,' he reveals. 'I could see at first hand the excellent market potential for a professional valeting business and watched as franchise owners I helped to train and support became confident, successful people enjoying the benefits of running their own business.'

The Autosheen Management Team was enthusiastic and supportive of Ian's decision and his colleagues in the franchise network were equally quick to offer advice and a warm welcome. 'Although I launched my business just as the recession was kicking in, I've found the freedom and satisfaction that comes from running your own business is just great,' he reflects. 'I have plenty of work on and understand the pitfalls as well as the great potential, having worked on both sides of the fence. Everything is going well and I expect to be earning significantly more as a franchise owner than I could have done staying in the office. It's certainly hard work, but it's so worth it!