From cutting keys and engravings to making the cut at 2015 MYOB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards – Brent Giblin is the proud 2015 winner of the FCA Franchisee of the Year- single unit, with less than two staff. And it’s only the beginning.
Currently the franchisee of the Shellharbour Mr Minit franchise, Giblin has been working for the brand for 10 years, and running the franchise for 4 years. Under the Mr Minit model, employees are required to prove they can run the business successfully before being given franchising opportunities.
“I got to work in the business for quite a while before taking over a franchise,” Giblin says.
After business began to pick up in Shellharbour and more customers were on the horizon, he realised he needed help to run the store. He says he wanted to maintain a leadership role within his team.
Giblin highlights one of the benefits of the particular franchise model is the required experience working for the brand before being able to franchise. He mentions the benefits of low startup costs, and support from the network.
Giblin says an average day is set in stone, mainly due to the unique nature of customer enquiries as Mr Minit offers services for shoe repairs, keys, engravings, watches, etc. He believes the main focus is customer service.
“Every day is different,” he says. “You’re always on your toes.”
Giblin says that the specialised nature of the business means that the challenges of running a store was “getting the right team” that could serve customers properly.
There is only one other staff member in the business. When he was hiring a staff member, Giblin was focused on employing someone with an outgoing nature and the ability to converse easily.
“The customer service side is most important to me,” Giblin explains.“Technical skills can be taught.”
His advice for anyone considering signing up to a franchise as opposed to investing in a their own start up is to focus on the support. Franchises are established and provide most of the things required such a branding, support, store items, he says. This is in contrast to a start up which can come with more uncertainty and things to take care of.
“You’re really on your own (in a start up),” he says.
So where to next for Giblin? What does the future hold?
Man with a van
He says that he would certainly like to go into multi-unit franchising with the brand, but via the new mobile Mr Minit. The concept involves a van and allows Mr Minit be portable, and assist customers where they are. Giblin explains that the mobile Mr Minit is currently in pilot stage. So stay tuned.
Engraving his name overseas
Busy times are coming up for Giblin. Since the FCA win, he’s been moving upwards and onwards. He’s been awarded a competitive scholarship in Japan for high achievement at Mr Minit.
‘You have to apply for it to get in,’ he explains.
He flies over to Japan for a week in March where he will visit the Tokyo Mr Minit store, support office, and shoe repair. He’ll even get to work half a day in their store, and visit Kyoto for some sightseeing and culture. It will be a great opportunity to share his experiences and develop professionally.
“I’m taking my family with me,” he says gleefully.
After he returns from the trip, he will be able to share what he’s learnt in the Mr Minit Franchise conference in May.