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From physio to franchisee

Sarah Stowe

How one man turned his passion into a profession.

Are you looking for a career change, but not sure if it will pay off? Perhaps you’ve been working in the corporate world for some time and want a more rewarding role. Or maybe you have owned a business before but are after more support.

Tim Courtney ran his own physiotherapy business, then worked for a global manufacturer for six years before buying the Geelong Diaco’s Garden Nursery franchise.

“I had run my own business for nine years, so I had experience being my own boss and I enjoyed the freedom and the responsibility,” he says.

“I found the work side of being a physio came naturally, as this is what the university degree had taught me, however my business knowledge was lacking.

“I found I was working harder, not smarter, and eventually decided I needed a change.”

But Courtney doesn’t discount his experience and studies prior to becoming a franchisee.

“Working with a global manufacturer, in addition to great management experience, gave me fantastic opportunities for leadership development and personal development training.

“These experiences have combined to give me great general business experience, and the opportunity to better know myself, what I like, what I don’t like and what I am suited to.”

Over the following seven to eight years, in addition to his work, he went back to uni for his MBA, which he has almost finished. He says the experience has given him a greater set of skills to operate a business.

“I was always looking for a new opportunity to work for myself again, but it took time to find the right opportunity, with something that I was passionate about,” he explains.

“It doesn’t seem so much like hard work when it’s something you enjoy!! That’s when I found the Diaco’s franchise, and immediately knew it was something I could really enjoy.

So why buy a franchise?

Courtney says, “Within the franchise model, I felt there was great support and systems to assist with those aspects of running a business that I was not so good at. Additionally, the business model as a whole made sense financially, so it seemed a good fit all round.”

But running a franchise does come with challenges, especially at the start.

“Initially it is the long hours and being away from the family,” he says.

“We have set up the business in a new location, and we have had to move house, so that along with four kids has been a big challenge for my wife and I.

“We are all set up now though, and getting back into a routine, so things are a little less hectic.”

He says the advantages of a franchise system is the access to industry knowledge and partnerships, as well as ongoing support from the franchisor.

And Courtney’s advice for others looking to make a career shift into franchising?

“Always make sure whatever you do you are passionate about it, as it is so much easier to do the hard yards when you enjoy what you are doing.

“Also, make sure you investigate the opportunity thoroughly, and take time getting to know the business and the franchisor you are going to be working with.

“It’s important to know what you are getting involved in up front, that way there are less surprises down the track.”

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