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After a family orientated business? Michael Gyler recommends Hire a Hubby!

Sarah Stowe

Michael Gyler was tired of the corporate world and wanted to spend more time with his young family. In 2011, he decided to take the plunge and invest in a Hire a Hubby franchise. He hasn’t looked back!

Michael is the business’s sole franchisee, and he is responsible for the Sydney suburbs of Normanhurst, Hornsby and Hornsby Heights.

So what does his average day look like? For starters, it is vastly different to that of a corporate worker.

“An average day includes quote visits in the morning, when I’m clean and not held up on sites, and then generally working 4-5 hours hands-on,” says Michael.

“After hours, after some time with the kids, is when I do my administration – researching, pricing, submitting quotes and invoicing.

“When I first started in my new business I used to average about 11 or 12 jobs booked concurrently but as of the start of spring this year I’m averaging up to 25-28 jobs at any one time.”

As a result I’m doing fairly long hours but I do whatever it takes to make the business work. I plan to continue the growth by increasing the number of workers that support me in my business,” he explains.

Of all the franchises out there, Michael says he decided on Hire a Hubby because he enjoys creating and fixing things himself.

“I walked away from a fancy office and quite humbly resorted back to being hands on and on the tools – taking charge of my own destiny by owning my own business – and I’ve really taken to it.”

He also liked the fact that Hire a Hubby is a well known and respected brand.

“I have always been a “brand” person and used to be proud of the corporate brand I was involved with for 15 years. My wife and I wanted to be part of a well-known brand that allowed us to do something as a family and my wife is now involved and assists in the admin side of the business.”

“I watched Hire a Hubby for a number of years and the brand, business system and support is exactly what I was after. I was very pleased to discover such a positive relationship between the franchisees and franchisor,” he says.

For those of you who may be worried about the financial returns a franchise may bring, Michael is a prime example of just how successful you can be.

“I’m by far exceeding my monthly quotas and really haven’t started marketing yet, so I’m really excited by the future ahead,” he says.

While he is quick to note that is can be demanding, “it is exciting growing the business and taking on subcontractors as more work comes in. I’m now at the stage where I’m focusing more on developing the business while utilizing subcontractor support to complete jobs.”

Michael and his wide funded the business by restructuring their personal assets, so they did not have to take out a loan.

It is no secret that the thought of leaving behind a secure job and taking out a business loan while you still have other debts such as home mortgages to pay off can be a little daunting, Michael says “it comes down to personality, drive and the choice in territory. All those factors make it work.”

Michael was impressed by the initial two week training program the company provided, and he says the support of fellow franchisees, particularly in his northern Sydney district group has been great.

When his initial agreement ends, Michael says it is likely he will stay with the brand, however he hopes to take on more of an entrepreneurial approach and focus on growing the business.