Window repair and replacement franchise, WindowGeeks, welcomes three new franchise owners, from a variety of professional backgrounds, to its network.
One worked in the city, another runs a successful business and the third served for 24 years in the military, and like many of their fellow franchise owners, they've had no previous industry experience.
While all three follow a franchise model that works – using proven marketing and approved products, and delivering the same money-saving window repair service – each has set his business up in a distinctly different way.
Former investment banker James Douglas (pictured) leaves the practical side of his WindowGeeks franchise to his more experienced employees.
“I was getting at least two calls a day from my first advert, so recruiting a good fitter was a priority. At the moment we do the surveys together. It's a great way to learn but I back away from the installations as my skills are better suited to marketing and sales.”
Already running his own shopfitting company, Cambridgeshire franchise owner Simon Taylor overseas his WindowGeeks franchise from a distance.
Paul Kember, WindowGeeks Cambridgeshire Manager, said: “I meet up with Simon once a week but at the moment I'm managing everything from marketing and sales right through to the surveys and installations.”
Like Kember, WindowGeeks' Lincolnshire franchise owner John Foord looks after all aspects of the business but unlike the other two franchise owners, he's on his own.
“I'll take on some fitters soon but for the time being I want to immerse myself fully into the business. I'm slower on the installations than a more experienced fitter will be but I'm learning. Many of the skills I picked up as an engineer in the forces and in my career in telecoms are useful in this business.”
WindowGeeks was founded by Phill Pedley, a glazing industry veteran with almost 40 years' experience in windows. Pedley said: “This franchise is ideal for anyone who has a strong work ethic and a desire to run their own business. It isn't complicated and you don't need a degree in engineering. With James, Simon and John you can see how this business can be setup around individual circumstances and skills.”
Published: 21 February 2013
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