Check into the hotel of tomorrow

Ken Tembo had been in the hospitality industry for the last 13 years, managing restaurants, bars and people and was weary of the long hours. He was also tired of the fact that he was not in control of his daily schedule so he began to look for something more.

Being a person who loves hands on work, Ken soon came across a Bathroom Werx Franchise. He was attracted to the bathroom renovation franchise as their services save money for people who are interested in renovating their bathroom.

He decided that the bathroom restoration franchise was the franchise for him. Owning the bathroom renovation franchise meant that rather than managing the people in the hotels he now manages himself and offers his services to hotels.

Ken Tembo first came across the Bathroom Werx franchise roughly 8 years ago when he was renovating a federation style home. The renovation was finished and he has moved since, but found the brochure once again. He immediately thought “this is something I would love to do for myself.” Apprehensive about taking the step to buy a business, he did his research and found he can be in business for himself but not by himself.

Ken is now the proud owner of the Geelong Bathroom Werx bathroom renovation franchise and has major plans for his future.

After speaking with Ken, here’s what he had to say:

What attracted you to a Bathroom Werx Franchise?
“Well the premise of franchising is great. In business for yourself, but with a greater body of people. This works extremely well for me.”

How have you found the challenge of renovating bathrooms compared to what you used to do?
“I’m a different person to what I used to be. I’m a lot happier and a lot more satisfied. I know I have something tangible. When you’re working for someone else you’re never really recognised for what you put in.

Basically you’re just working. Now when I go to work everyday I learn something new, there’s a lot of job satisfaction and I have support from the training manager and team at head office. It’s just a phone call away.

I’m absolutely ecstatic with my decision to go into business for myself.”

What are the good things about being a partner in a Bathroom Werx bathroom renovation franchise system?
“First of all it is a proven system, 24 years old. As long as you follow the system you won’t have any worries. It works. Because of the open lines of communication between the head office and myself as a franchisee, we feed off each other. Also I appreciate that other franchisees with more experience are happy and always willing to offer solutions and help as well. The infrastructure is great!”

What are the negatives about being a partner in a Bathroom Werx bathroom renovation franchise system?
“I haven’t seen a negative. At the end of the day the system benefits all of us.”

What are your plans for the future?
“I would like to take on an apprentice in the next 12 months, train someone up to do the work and eventually would like two guys working mid Geelong to the Surf Coast and mid Geelong to the Bellarine Peninsula. So yes to grow is definitely my goal.”