Michael Hibberd has been in the Quest Serviced Apartments network for 17 years, and that makes him the longest serving franchisee in the 25 year old chain.

Starting with 15 apartments in his first Quest property, Michael expanded within the same building then added a number of other properties to the portfolio.

The highpoint of the portfolio was five properties; now Michael has cut back his business to focus on the Docklands property neighbouring the Etihad stadium, a business opportunity which started out as, says Michael, “a pimple on a pumpkin”. Filling the apartment block was a challenge in the early days but the investment has paid off, he says in this video interview.

Michael shares his personal view of what makes Quest a strong franchise system, and why he is no hurry to retire.

• You can also hear Quest founder and executive chairman Paul Constantinou reflect on his 25 years with the serviced apartment business.