Provender
bucking bronco TELLS IT LIKE IT IS

Jamie Parker doesn’t shirk a challenge. The Provender franchisee has a reputation for straight talking and a certain independence of mind, and it’s an attitude that has served him well. As Provender franchisor Philip Horrocks puts it, ‘dealing with Jamie is like riding a bucking bronco sometimes, but he’s created a bloody good business and he fights tooth and nail to get – and keep – his customers.’

Jamie is a Londoner who married a girl from Taihape and moved to New Zealand around 10 years ago. ‘I had no idea what I was going to do,’ Jamie admits, ‘but after a couple of jobs I took a contract with Goodman Fielder delivering bread. The money was great, but it was no life at all. I had four very stressful years, working seven days or nights a week with all the hassle of employing staff. So we set off to explore New Zealand in a camper van, with the vague idea of another freight run in mind.’

Whilst travelling, Jamie and Linda heard about a Provender franchise for sale in Napier. ‘We met up with Philip and saw exactly how it worked. I could see there was room for improvement in the area so we decided to take the bull by the horns.’

When the Parkers bought their franchise in 2009, it had 60 vending machines offering a mix of products from New Zealand’s top food and beverage names as well as Provender’s own-brand coffee, health food and cookies. ‘Up-to-date technology meant that instead of visiting the machines all the time I could sit at home with a computer and see exactly what each one had sold every day and whether it needed re-stocking. It was absolutely wonderful, and I found myself enjoying a really good income while only working three days a week.’

When another Napier franchisee wanted to sell his business, Jamie doubled his empire to 120 machines without hesitation. ‘I think that makes me the second biggest Provender operator in the country and, frankly, although I’m hellishly busy now we are having a marvellous life.’

Making Friends, Winning Customers

Jamie is deeply involved with all his customers and obviously relishes the contact. ‘I love the fact that I can be talking to a machine worker on the factory floor one minute, then the CEO of a 150-employee company the next,’ he says. ‘It’s a really good mix and every day is different. I’ve met some really wonderful people through the business; I’m invited to the Napier Aquatic Centre’s Christmas function every year, I’ve attended more quiz nights than I can count and many customers have become friends.’

And his approach pays dividends, as Philip Horrocks reports. ‘At one point Jamie faced a genuine challenge from a corporate competitor, but by concentrating on customer service and building on the friendships he had made, he has been able to maintain his very strong position.’

Another of Jamie’s big strengths is that he is never satisfied and is constantly looking for ways to improve results. ‘One of the big advantages of vending machines is that I can alter my prices instantly and experiment,’ Jamie explains. ‘I can run special offers every week which people look out for. I also created an “employee of the week” scheme where I provide a can of drink, some chippies and a choccie bar to clients to award as they like. It costs me very little but it creates a great atmosphere and really helps morale.’

Life Is For Living

And it’s not all about work for Jamie – far from it. ‘Linda is a big part of it – she’s the one who holds the family together and does so much of the background work for the business, but I love the fact that we can take time off to attend school events and sports functions together,’ says Jamie. ‘We have two children and with me coaching the boys’ soccer team on Saturday we don’t miss out on any of their lives. There are no emergencies to get in the way - after all, it’s no big drama if a vending machine is not working for a couple of hours!’

Jamie’s natural energy and enthusiasm have also led him to become a prominent and sometimes outspoken member of Provender’s Franchise Council, where his business acumen is much appreciated. ‘As a franchisee you have to have a strong voice within your franchise. But it’s no good just moaning about what other people are or aren’t doing – you are the only one who can grow your business and you have to get on with it. A good franchise, like Provender, understands that and provides the tools for the job.’

Provender is a highly flexible business, both in terms of hours and investment levels. These range from $65,000 to $600,000 depending in the level of opportunity you are seeking. As Philip says, ‘Jamie has demonstrated how to grow a great business throughout difficult economic times by building relationships with customers. I almost can’t believe I’m saying this, but we want more like him!’ Philip grins. ‘Give me a call if you fit the bill.’ 

This advertorial is taken from Franchise New Zealand magazine Volume 20 Issue 4 

Contact details for Provender

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