FR.JANFEB13.PG070.pdf
Page
70
12/12/12,
12:54
PM
Opportunities|Building services
customer with the best possible quality finish.” It also means that franchisees don’t need an expensive infrastructure to support their business because franchisees simply log onto the network to find out what they are doing next. The company also implements the marketing plan in each of the franchisee’s territories and keeps track of the results. “We are in business with our franchisees – we have to convert the leads we get into sales or they do not have jobs to do. We are both truly dependent on each other for survival – we get the jobs for them and they do the work,” says Yammouni.
GJ GARDNER HOMES Ross Morley, G.J. Gardner Homes managing director and master franchisee for Victoria/ Tasmania, says franchisees in the housebuilding franchise have a diverse range of backgrounds. But there are common traits and skills the business looks for in new blood for the franchise network.
Tanya and Chris Dell, franchisees in Tasmania. Read their story on page 77
For starters, franchisees must either be a registered builder or partner with one, and either have run their own small business or again, be in a partnership with an experienced business owner. The franchisor is also looking for individuals who have the desire to move from being a builder to a business person who works in building. When it comes to support for franchisees to get their business up and running, GJ Gardner can help with office selection and lease negotiations if needed;
office layout and signage design; sub contractor advertisements, meetings and pricing; short list staff selection, help with interviews if needed; and initial advertising – corporate and local advertising is paid for and organised for the first three months. The franchisee undertakes two weeks of training on software and about the franchise system too, and once the business is running, can take advantage of on-site training and support staff visits. Sourcing customers focuses on internet based marketing, advertising across various media, through display homes and new home design centres, referrals and house and land packages. The Smith and Sons business
Franchisees must either be a registered builder or partner with one, and either have run their own small business or again, be in a partnership with an experienced business owner. The franchisor is also looking for individuals who have the desire to move from being a builder to a business person who works in building 70| FRANCHISING JAN/FEB 2013
WWW.FRANCHISE.NET.AU