Prior to becoming a Revive! Auto Innovations franchisee I worked 12-hour shifts as a Chemical Process Operator. My life lacked any kind of routine and I did not have much time to spend with my family. I had always harboured a desire to be my own boss and run my own business and so in 2005 began researching my options. After being made redundant last year, I finally launched my North Yorkshire-based franchise in October.
Franchising appealed because I could learn a new trade and run my own business, while benefiting from a proven business model and ongoing support package. SMART repair (small to medium area repair technique) franchise Revive caught my eye because of the territory size on offer, the company ethos and the people. The territory has great growth potential and fitted in with my long-term plans of building a business that could easily support a multi van operation. Also, the people were open and very straight talking and head office's relationship with its existing franchisees was comforting.
The training and support has been superb. Initially I was put on a four-week training course where I was taught the technical and theoretical side of the business and had the opportunity to shadow existing franchisees. Then in my launch week I was accompanied by a Revive! Development Manager who was on hand to answer questions and help me liaise with the clients Revive! Telesales staff had booked for me. Revive! also takes care of my accounts and offers regular refresher courses on topics such as employment and sales.
Despite the credit crunch, I have had a steady stream of business from day one and I am on target to meet my first year-projected turnover of £33,000. I love running my own business and enjoy meeting new clients and making their cars look as good as new. For the first time in 25 years I am the master of my own destiny!