Providing commercial cleaning services, Len Donnelly reveals that much of his success has been through generating word of mouth business.
"The clients have seen a big improvement in the levels of service since they chose Dublcheck to clean their premises, which is building my reputation," he reflects. "I'm picking up a variety of work, from small offices to large factories, Health Centres, Dentists, doctors surgeries and large office blocks.
“By working together with my clients throughout the economic downturn, I have retained customers. Each year, and even during the economic downturn, which appears to coming to an end, I have managed to maintain growth.”
Len came to Dublcheck after a 30-year career in food retail management ended in redundancy, causing him to look at a number of other avenues. "I could see other retailers restructuring as well and realised that I needed to get into another sector," he explains. "I looked at a few franchises and when I came across the Dublcheck franchise opportunity, I felt it was the most realistic financial proposition."
With the change in sector, Len has seen a change in lifestyle. "In retail it is all long hours and working weekends," Len explains. "Since I became a Dublcheck franchise owner, my work/life balance has improved a great deal. I can spend more time with my wife Sue and see more of our eight grandchildren, helping with baby minding when required."
Len attributes his success to his commitment to customer service. "I spend the first week of any new contract working onsite and getting to know the client's requirements," he reveals. "All of my customers know me personally, so they know they can contact me over any issue; there are no call centres involved for my clients. I want to keep building the business, but not get so big that I don't have this contact with my clients. I enjoy that element too much!"
In April 2013, at Dublcheck’s 20-year anniversary celebration held at Chester Race course, Len’s achievements were recognised and he was awarded a week’s holiday at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. “I took the holiday this year and extended it to a three-week break, with the agreement of Carol Stewart, founder of Dublcheck Cleaning Services, to celebrate my 25th Wedding Anniversary with my supportive wife Sue.”
Len continues to give back to the brand that has provided him so much during his life as a franchise owner. “I always make an effort to attend the first week of training for new franchise owners,” he states. “Here I like to talk to new owners about all aspects of my own business and advise on the procedures that I use to manager my business. I also offer my services towards mentoring new franchise owners, which is part of the service Dublcheck offers to all new owners as a way of aiding them through their first year in business. As I myself am fully aware, Dublcheck is very supportive of all of its current and new franchise owners.”