Sean Collins recently left the Victorian Police Force to take up a
Bathroom Werx Franchise. He talks about the move.
Sean Collins graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Monash University. Once he completed his degree he realized he didn’t want to pursue this career path so he applied for a place with the Victorian Police Force and was accepted.
After having worked for a few years he felt being behind a desk was not his forte in life so he began his search for a business he could really enjoy and that had a great potential for growth.
That’s when he found out about the Bathroom Werx Franchise System. After much research he really liked the idea of the specialised work they did and was impressed with the history of the company and the amount of support and training given.
Sean loves hands on work and the feeling of satisfaction at the completion of a job! So a Bathroom Werx Franchise really suited his work style and he actually loves the concept as well as the working conditions.
Today Sean is independent and happy working in a trade based business and not behind a desk. He found Bathroom Werx was a perfect franchise for him offering several opportunities in the areas that he loved. He really wanted to plan a future with financial growth, security and independence.
Liz Yammouni, Franchise Development Manager at Bathroom Werx, asks Sean some questions about the move and his new business.
1. What attracted you a Bathroom Werx Franchise?
“The most attractive point for me was the move from working behind a desk performing general duties to working in a trade based industry. I love doing hands on work and probably discovered this when I renovated my own home.
And then there’s the independence you have from owning your business as opposed to being employed. Being in employment you have to work up the ranks to earn more money where as being in business the potential is endless.
So a big plus for me was potential for financial growth as well as personal. Then I guess the icing on the cake is I really enjoy the working conditions. You’re at a different place everyday!”
2. How have you found the challenge of restoring bathrooms compared to what you used to do?
“Compared to what I used to do, it’s far more rewarding. You get instant satisfaction because of the “wow” factor that clients show once you’ve completed their bathroom.
I have found that the clients are always in awe at the end results because they didn’t realize the work would look so good. This is actually extremely rewarding and makes you feel pretty good about what you’re doing!”
3. What are the good things about being a Franchise Owner in the Bathroom Werx Franchise System?
“The company has been in business for 21 years and their experience and knowledge is extraordinary, both technically and from a sales and marketing perspective. The team really knows what they are doing, so overall the Franchise System gives me a lot of confidence.
It also helps knowing the fact that it is in their interests, as well as mine, to make sure that I have plenty of work. And the support I get is good and the team at head office are very friendly and extremely well organised.
My diary is arranged for me in an extremely efficient manner so I’m not driving all over the place.
Another important aspect is all the things I don’t like to do - such as answering phone calls, bookings, chasing debts, etc. - are all done for me; so it’s very convenient, very organised and makes running my business easy.”
4. What are the negatives?
“I guess this is both a positive and a negative depending on how you look at it.
Although the training is 8 weeks there is always a lot more to learn. But I think this is just the nature of being in business for the first time anywhere. Even though Bathroom Werx had very intensive and thorough training I guess like with studying; it’s not until you get into the real world and every job being different that you realize that there is always more learning to do.
Not really any negatives to report as of yet. Apart from that the careless drivers you see on the roads each day!!!”
5. What are your plans for the future? “Hopefully to gain knowledge and skills in the business; grow my business through the Bathroom Werx Apprenticeship training scheme; and increase my weekly sales!
I do plan to take on two apprentices, who once trained will be qualified technicians working for me. I would then manage them and hopefully work on building up more sales! So it’s a plan and it’s what motivates me everyday!
So yeah, I’m happy and excited about my future!!!”
19-Dec-2007