When Geoff and Suanne Heaney opened the Clark Rubber franchise Rothwell in April this year, they were determined to make an immediate impact within their community.
Despite the pressures of opening a brand new retail rubber franchise, the Rothwell franchisees decided to immediately get into the mobile pool van business. However, rather than introducing a brand new van, Geoff and Suanne decided to purchase an existing pool cleaning business.
As a result, the Rothwell store, based in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, is averaging between 8-10 mobile pool van call-outs every day.
According to Geoff, the positive impact the mobile pool van has had on his business is significant with sales for the month of September exceeding $15,000.
“We were able to purchase the pool cleaning business for a competitive price and at the same time able to retain the owner on a 12-month contract to manage this side of the business. It was a win-win, because the owner was retiring and no longer wanted the stress of owning his own business and we wanted to grow our business,” Geoff said.
“The pool van manager is now training someone else so that we can operate a second van in the New Year.”
Geoff said the flow-on effects of having the mobile pool van had been substantial.
“Since introducing the pool van to the business, we have increased our chemical sales 10-fold, as well as picking-up a lot of service business, including pumps, pool blankets, cleaners and accessories. The pool van brings a whole new clientele into the business, which introduces them to the many other products and services that Clark Rubber offers.
“And despite the fact that we are in the above ground business, it’s important to communicate that we service all pools and spas, including in ground pools,” he said.
Clark Rubber Rothwell hopes to have its second mobile pool van on the road by February, 2007.
10-Jan-2007