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Escaping the rat race with Bakers Delight

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Sick of the 9 to 5 grind? Back yourself with a business that provides financial freedom, flexibility and the opportunity to find your place in the local community. It’s precisely what Bakers Delight Ocean Grove franchisees Anthony and Belinda Fisher did, and the pair haven’t looked back since.

But business ownership wasn’t always on the cards for the husband and wife team. Starting out as a baker at the Warrnambool outlet, Anthony quickly rose through the ranks to become bakery manager, before corporate life took hold.

When Bakers Delight expanded its network into Canada in 2003, the brand went looking for talented bakers and to help drive the expansion. With eight years of experience under his belt, Anthony was the obvious choice, and promptly joined the operational team leading the Canadian venture known as COB’s Bread.

Luckily for the pair, Belinda also secured a spot on the team. A graphic designer by trade, she was a welcomed addition to the corporate office and marketing department. Twelve months in the cold Canadian climate was enough for the pair, who returned to bustling Melbourne city-scape.

But despite all the career opportunities and personal growth operational positions had granted the two, Anthony still longed for the sea-air and coastal culture.

Lifestyle change

Above all else, Anthony is a surfer at heart. It’s where he and Belinda first met, and when it came time to raise a family, he could think of no place better to get started than by the water.

However, it meant giving up a great job in an industry he had worked for years. Accustomed to the corporate life, Anthony knew that there were few baking positions that would afford him a similar wage, unless he went out on his own.

A chance meeting with some local Bakers Delight franchisees in Ocean Grove and Torquay changed all that though. The locals suggested Anthony and Belinda buy the Ocean Grove Marketplace franchise, and 12 months later, the pair were opening the doors to their very own business.

Moving to smaller town was just what the doctor ordered.

“We feel much more connected to the community,” Anthony said. “We sponsor all the local clubs and schools and know all our customers and love that we see them in the community.”

Challenges

While the new business took some getting used to, the pair were able to follow their passions, starting a family and getting out on the water. Anthony said the key to getting the balance right is having clear roles, both at home and work.

“We have shared responsibilities both at home and in the business, and we have the flexibility to be there for the kids whether it be for kinder pickups or to hang out with them down the beach,” he said.

“I have always taken care of the production area and Belinda has always run the sales side of the business. We have our key roles to play and they communicate heavily between there staff. Staff are like family if you look after them they want to stay with you.”

With three kids under five and a staff of 30, the pace is fast, but Anthony knows he and Belinda can always rely on Bakers Delight head office for support.

“My area manager is like a brother to me; I run everything by him and couldn’t count on anyone better,” he said.

Bakers Delight franchisees’ future goals

In fact, the husband and wife entrepreneur team are so happy with their decision to leave the rat race behind, they’re doubling down on their efforts. This December Anthony and Belinda will open their second franchise in Kingston Village Shopping Centre, just a short, stones’ throw away from their original site.

“We would recommend the sea change to anyone and could not be happier with the work life balance we have,” Anthony said. “Its four minutes’ drive the bakery and we live less than one kilometre from the beach.”

If you’ve ever dreamt of leaving the city behind in search of greener pastures, follow in Anthony and Belinda’s footsteps. Bakers Delight is on the hunt for new franchisees reading to take the leap. Visit franchisebusiness.com.au/brands/bakers-delight/ and start working for yourself not by yourself!