With a half dozen kids to look after between herself and her partner Amy Lukic is one busy lady! However this didn't stop her taking on a franchise and becoming her own boss. What were you doing before you decided to take up a franchise with Jannie's? I was at home but I had different jobs here and there over time. How did you come to take on the franchise? I had heard about Jannie's through a friend who did some work for [owners] Steve and Jan. I met them and talked to them about it and it went from there. Having a family I was always doing cleaning so I thought, 'Why not get paid for it?'
How would you rate the training? They have a standard they clean to, so
Jannie's Cleaning Services showed me how to do that and what was expected when you did a clean. At first Jan actually came out with me to the jobs, so it was good.
How did you find the communication with the company? Very good! They're there to back you up and even help you make decisions and give you advice when you're not sure what to do.
Tell us a bit about what your customers are like. Most of them are really good. If you want to you can let them go because you have that flexibility to choose your customers after a while.
How do you fit the business around your family? It's great because I can drop the kids off in the morning, do what I have to do with jobs, and pick them up again in the afternoon. So it fits in really well.
What kind of person would be suitable for a job like yours? Someone who is self-motivated and prepared to really get in and do the work.
What's the biggest challenge in running a franchise?
Saying no to customers! You get to like them and want to help them out but sometimes it's hard when you can't and you have to say no. But usually you can find a way to fit them in somehow.
The best part about your job is... ...being your own boss and setting your own hours is great!
What advice would you have to someone taking on their own franchise? You need to be self-motivated. You need to always have a smile on your face ... even if you don't feel that way sometimes [laughs]. Nobody wants to have you come into their house and think that you really don't want to be there!
Taking on a franchise is one of the best things I've done - I'm so glad I did because it's provided balance for me in so many areas. Some people said not to do it because it's too hard to run your own business -they said that the money's bad, that it's too hard. But that's just not true!
After work do you have any hobbies? Not really - I'm too busy. Sometimes if I have a lot on my partner will work with me which is good. With six kids it's the only time we get to spend together alone!
12-Nov-2007