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Aussie army veteran loves franchisee lifestyle

Sarah Stowe

Aussie army veteran Dale J Thorson is now the owner of two My Home Watch Gold Coast franchises, serving the northern areas of the Gold Coast.

So how did Dale manage this transition into the business world?

I decided to take a year’s leave, six months after returning from Afghanistan in 2012. I felt I needed a change and was ready to move into a new beginning after returning from service in Afghanistan

“It was just an easier process for me at that time to take a year leave and move towards discharge than to remain in the organisation and jump through the hoops of the discharge process.

“The transition out of the Army I found very tough mentally, as it was all so different. I essentially left a family to venture out on my own. It took me some time to adjust and find a place I could fit in to.”

Army veteran Dale Thorson is now a My Home Watch franchisee
Army veteran Dale Thorson is now a My Home Watch franchisee

Securing a job with LJ Hooker in 2013 gave him the chance to learn property management. Dale then spent 12 months as a facilities manager within the commercial property division.

But an opportunity to return to Afghanistan as private security for the Australian Embassy was too good to miss, and it allowed him time to assess his future.

Dale says “It has always been clear to me from a young age that I loved property and that at some stage I would be in business for myself.” 

And that’s what brought him to the My Home Watch franchise.

Franchisee lifestyle

“It was as if all my experiences led me to finding this franchise opportunity. The biggest barrier for me was trusting myself and that I had what it takes to survive in business.  I love the fact I am helping the people of the Gold Coast Community at the same time,” he says.

My Home Watch franchises reach from Surfers Paradise, North to Ormeau and West as far as Tamborine Mountain and Canungra.”

Dale loves the lifestyle that a My Home Watch Franchise provides. “Being my own boss, having an outdoors lifestyle and always meeting new people is great way to live.

My Home Watch offers a range of on demand professional property services including My Boat Watch, My Pet Watch and the most recent additions being My Real Estate Assist & My AirbnbCare.