Franchise Development
The Franchise Coach brings years of experience to the process of franchising your business
SAFE HANDS O
ne of the first home-grown franchises in New Zealand, back in 1985, was a company called Arano. Teaming up with the company’s founders, Laurel and David McCulloch appointed a network of franchisees to distribute freshly-squeezed orange juice around New Zealand. By the time the brand was sold to Frucor, 22 years later, New Zealand was already on its way to becoming the most franchised country in the world. That was no coincidence. As early pioneers in franchising here, David and Laurel had made it their business to find out as much as they could about this new way of doing business, travelling overseas to research the best ways to franchise and establishing a network of experienced mentors and advisors. They generously shared what they learned with other New Zealand franchisors, too, and in 1997 established their own consultancy, The Franchise Coach, to help other small businesses find success through franchising. After working with over 100 different franchise brands over the years, The Franchise Coach has now changed hands – and new owner Stewart Germann brings even more expertise to the business. A specialist franchise lawyer for over 40 years, Stewart has a wealth of experience and contacts, having worked with new franchisors, established franchises and overseas franchise brands over the years.
All the help you need ‘The Franchise Coach is a very well-established brand in New Zealand which has excellent systems and people in place,’ says Stewart. ‘I’ve worked with David for many years and know that the team has a lot to offer, including: • Initial assessment of a company’s potential for franchising • Feasibility studies • Preparation of manuals • System reviews for existing franchises • Financial modelling and analysis • Overseas expansion planning • Competitor analysis • Importation of overseas brands ‘I see there being a great synergy with my legal practice, helping franchises to put in place all the legal, financial and operational structures they need to succeed in the modern marketplace.’ Stewart says that this integration helps The Franchise Coach offer a total service which is both fast and good value, while not compromising standards. The company has advised new and existing franchisors all over the country, and has worked with businesses in every industry from retail and hospitality to rental accommodation and training.
How can you grow? David explains, ‘For years, people have come to us with a successful business and said, “How can I grow this? Could this be franchised?” Sometimes the answer is “No”, in which case we’ll tell them early on, but franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
Stewart and Janice Germann with Laurel and David McCulloch
for others it’s “Yes, and this is what we need to do to make it happen.” It’s a source of great joy and happiness when we see companies we have advised get their first franchisees on board and start to grow into national brands.’ Stewart agrees. ‘If you have a successful business with a few branches, franchising is something you really should explore. Why put hardearned capital into opening more branches and employing more managers and staff when you can expand via a network of dedicated owner-operators with a real investment in every outlet? Franchising is one of the most efficient business models ever developed, but you have to have the right framework in place from the start – and that’s where The Franchise Coach can help. ‘We want to talk to people with a successful business they want to expand, entrepreneurs looking for new opportunities, and companies with an international vision.’
Overseas connections As far as international expansion is concerned, Stewart has developed a wealth of contacts over the years, especially in Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA. He has sat on the US-based International Franchise Association’s Supplier Board, and has a long history working with one of America’s foremost franchise consultants who specialises in exporting and importing franchise brands. ‘That means we can offer New Zealand companies a whole new range of opportunities, whether they want to enter overseas markets or diversify by developing an established overseas brand here,’ Stewart says.
Future growth David McCulloch says he will continue to work in the business, although taking more of a back-seat role. ‘Stewart and I have worked together for many years, and I am delighted he is taking the helm at The Franchise Coach. ‘Laurel and I are proud of everything that The Franchise Coach has achieved, the franchises we have helped start up or re-focus, and the many franchisors and franchisees who have found success as a result. We look forward to seeing the list continue to grow.’ Stewart concludes, ‘The Franchise Coach is a well-respected, awardwinning service designed to provide those seeking assistance with a comprehensive support package from franchise development, coaching and logistical support right through to financial modelling and legal expertise. Advertiser Info ‘If you are looking to franchise, want help reviewing your franchise structures, or are thinking of importing or exporting via franchising, talk to us first.’
The Franchise Coach www.franchisecoach.co.nz Contact Nationwide Enquiries P 021 276 9898 stewart@thefranchisecoach.co.nz
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