When Mark Saggin and Jason Muller first met each other while working part time at their local McDonald's franchise, the two boys probably didn't realise how closely their lives would intertwine.
Fast forward 15 years and the two are still firm friends and highly successful business partners.
The business duo, supported by their wives Giuliana Saggin and Tammy Muller, are the newest franchisees to buy into
The Coffee Club. Mark and Jason opened the doors to The Coffee Club Doncaster in June this year, welcoming their first round of enthusiastic customers.
Friends and familyWhile the latest venture might be the first cafe the two men have acquired, the couples have bought numerous sandwich franchises in the past 15 years.
"We are still very much in the sandwich business, we are simply diversifying our structure," reveals Tammy Muller. "The Coffee Club
retail franchise offers a very warm and exciting environment. They took care of about 80 per cent of the set up requirements of the business, which is how their franchise structure operates," she adds.
"We have all known each other for some years now, working together previously in a
fast food and beverage background. Each of us brings a different area of expertise to the table which has proven quite positive in our businesses structure and growth to-date."
Despite working so closely and being in daily contact they have managed a great working and social balance over the years and only see the connection getting stronger in the future.
"If anything the ability to operate our own business, gives us more flexibility to spend time and focus on the needs of our families that perhaps another job cannot offer," reveals Tammy. "The bigger structure of our companies is very family orientated. It has made development somewhat easier also as there is a strong bond, support and trust factor between all," she says.
Mark believes the secret to their success lies in their individual business strengths, good human resources skills and the ability to get things done.
"When Jason and I first started out in business we agreed that the best way to move forward was for each person to look after separate, areas," Mark reveals.
"Jason and I look after the operational side of the business while Tammy and Giuliana support the administration and finance functions. So far it has been a recipe for success and we're hoping it will be no different in our newest business."
The Coffee Club
coffee shop franchise at Doncaster Westfield Shopping Centre will be the cafe group's 21st store in Victoria. Jason adds: "Our menu will boast a tantalising range of dishes to suit all tastes. Our store will offer a range of healthier lifestyle menu choices as well.
1-Oct-2008