VIP Home Services - Very Impressive People

The extraordinary range of backgrounds among VIP franchisees means the company must have one of the most diverse talent-pools in New Zealand. But even among this mix, which ranges from managing directors to ministers, Yann Le Moigne stands out. Yann enjoyed a 20 year career in stamp dealing both in Paris and Auckland before his passion for the outdoors led him to change careers and become a VIP lawnmowing franchisee.

‘I spent a lot of time researching all the various franchises before making my decision,' says Yann, no stranger to poring over fine details. ‘I met John and Estelle Logan, the national franchisees for VIP in New Zealand, two or three times and spent a day with the local area manager too. I felt that VIP offered the option that best suited me. I was able to buy an existing round as a platform for my own business growth and do my own quoting, so I was genuinely in control. VIP are very good that way - they always support us but don't interfere or get involved unless we need them.'

Yann started his new business in Te Atatu ‘where there are lots of nice, flat lawns,' he jokes. From the existing base the work built up to the extent that he suggested his wife, Susan, join him in the business. ‘Yann is naturally energetic,' says Susan, ‘but he had started developing the gardening side too and we were needing to employ extra help. We both have a love of gardens and plants so it was logical to work together. After 18 months, although our bread and butter work is lawns and gardens we are now getting asked to quote on property maintenance and landscaping too. I have to say, we're earning a remarkably good living from the business already.'

Susan and Yann believe you need to be motivated to run your own business. ‘You must have a sense of self-worth and be prepared to quote accordingly,' says Susan. ‘People are happy to pay a bit more if you are reliable and do a better, more professional job than they could do themselves. That professionalism is part of the VIP training.'

Opportunities Made To Measure

VIP offers two franchises: lawnmowing with gardening (outdoors) and home and office cleaning (indoors). The investment required for each ranges between $11,000 and $17,000 +gst and equipment, depending on the level of income you require. Says Estelle Logan, ‘we will guarantee your income while you get started then we'll support you to grow your business as much as you like. Some franchisees work hours around family or social arrangements while others employ staff to help them grow. With VIP, it's up to you.'

Wherever they live, VIP franchisees are supported locally by a regional master franchisee. One of the newest is Warrick Santy who, with his wife Michelle, has just taken on that rôle in the Waikato. ‘Warrick is a prime example of the sort of opportunities VIP can offer,' Estelle says. ‘He started as a lawnmowing franchisee in Auckland eight years ago, then when he and Michelle decided to move to Cambridge they were able to transfer their VIP business there. Now he's backing himself and VIP once again by becoming a master franchisee, and we couldn't be more pleased. Franchisees locally will benefit enormously from his experience in developing new areas and applying the systems properly to create valuable businesses.'

Warrick is already living up to his reputation, having appointed three new franchisees in his first three months. ‘We now offer lawnmowing, gardening and home and office cleaning in Hamilton, Cambridge and Morrinsville, and there's plenty more work out there,' he says proudly. ‘Frankly, VIP is such a great service that it's easy to sell.'

Michelle Santy says that when Warrick first started with VIP in 1999 the couple were a little nervous, ‘but Estelle and John have a personal touch in the business that is very reassuring and we never looked back. When the master franchise opportunity came up, we had no doubts. There are lots of little towns in the Waikato which are ripe for good, local franchisees and have the potential to provide thriving businesses for them. I am longing to get out there with Warrick full-time to drive this opportunity forward. VIP has given us a tremendous quality of life, and we feel our purchase of the master franchise here is a solid investment.'

Warrick says he has got the best of both worlds with his new position. ‘I love getting out and working in the open-air, but I am also very happy to get my feet under the desk and talk to new clients or help potential franchisees. No VIP franchisee would ever tell you that lawnmowing or home cleaning is light work, but it certainly keeps you fit and healthy.'

Estelle Logan says that Warrick, like Yann and Susan, is a prime example of what a VIP franchisee can achieve. ‘Whether it's growing your own business to the point where you can employ staff or taking on a bigger role as a master franchisee, VIP offers tremendous opportunities for the right people. Come and join us, and build a business that does what you want it to.'

This advertorial is taken from Franchise New Zealand magazine Volume 16 Issue 2

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