Fastway to capital gain

THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF HIGHLY PROFITABLE MASTER FRANCHISES THAT HAVE ADVANCED THE CONCEPT OF FRANCHISING TO WHERE IT IS TODAY.

Indeed, through the successful formulas used these companies have become household names generating revenue in the billions of dollars.

What are not so widely reported are the numerous individual examples of successful franchisees. For example, after 21 years the Fastway Couriers system has produced many franchisee success stories.

Glen Geltch has been a Fastway Couriers franchisee for over seven years, first on the Sunshine Coast but now operating the business out of the Northern Rivers depot. A fisherman for 10 years, he has used his people skills to build and split territories he has owned, time and time again. Impressive capital gains, keeping healthy and enjoying a great lifestyle have kept him buying and selling franchises within the network.

Then there is Yasar Koroglu and Taner Sogutlu, two franchisees that own eight territories covering the Sydney CBD, and an additional four other Sydney-based franchises.

Koroglu began with Fastway Couriers as a contract driver in the Sydney CBD and in 2001 purchased his first two franchises in Wetherill Park.

“I attacked the territories with a lust for profit,” Koroglu says. “Within six months I was able to generate additional retail turnover without needing larger capacity vehicles simply by converting customers to the right labels. I then decided to purchase another franchise at Marrickville and within six months retail turnover had doubled.”

Sogutlu, another contract driver, joined Koroglu as a partner and between them bought all the franchises within the Sydney CBD. Since 2003 they have broken all Fastway sales records.

However, it is not just courier franchisees that have excelled in the system – regional franchisees that own and manage depots have also recorded outstanding growth and profits.

Anthony Hamod, at 26 years of age, is the youngest owner of a Fastway regional franchise.

“I can see the surprise on people’s faces when they realise that I’m the owner of the business. However, so far I haven’t found my age, or lack thereof, to be a hindrance,” he says.

Hamod owns the franchise in Wollongong, managing a team of nine courier franchisees. Having just moved into a new depot, he is experiencing enormous growth in the business.

Tony Duffy started as a courier franchisee before taking the next step and becoming the regional franchisee for the Newcastle area in August 1995. Maureen Bloemers also started with Fastway in 1995 and together they have built a thriving business where both complement each other. Not only have they won numerous awards within Fastway but they have also introduced new initiatives, benefiting the Fastway system in all 15 countries around the world.

“Fastway Couriers offers a tried and tested system for anyone wanting to be their own boss,” says marketing manager Plia Ward. “Through ongoing support and training, no matter what your experience, you can be a successful owner/operator. With a perpetual franchise agreement, no renewal fees, a five-day working week and the opportunity for capital gains, Fastway regional and courier franchises are a solid investment.”

For more information phone (02) 9264 4911 or email plia.ward@fastway.com.au.