BOOT THE COMMUTE

Early one afternoon we spoke to Brent Johnson who had already mown 14 lawns and was getting ready to knock off soon – despite the challenges of a frosty winter morning.

“It’s been extremely cold for sure”, grins the hardy franchisee. “The first two lawns I did this morning, it was white with all the frost and ice, but I use a specialised Walker ride-on mower for most of the properties I work on, so I got through it all okay,” he explains.

Almost 18 months ago, Brent exchanged his two-hour-a-day corporate commute for a V.I.P. Home Services lawns and garden care franchise based in Waiuku, South Auckland.

“Not having to travel outside my local area was top of my list when I was thinking about my next steps after an early retirement offer. Then when my youngest daughter Caitlin said, ‘why don’t you go lawnmowing again?’, I started looking around for a close-to-home franchise. Caitlin even offered to give me a hand,” Brent laughs.

Flexible package

Brent had a lawnmowing franchise with another company for seven years in the early 2000s, so was familiar with franchising already. He was approached by his former employer to become a Quarry Supervisor, which led to him becoming the Quarry Manager three years later. Although an attractive financial package it also meant 60-70 hours a week plus travel time of two hours a day!

“V.I.P. appeared early when I started searching online and was also recommended to me as they have a very good reputation. I was already familiar with the brand because an acquaintance had bought and run a successful V.I.P. franchise with John and Estelle Logan, the national franchisors, some years prior.”

Brent appreciates the support John and Estelle have provided as he has continued to grow his profitable business.

“The flexibility of the franchise package definitely appealed and it’s good that with my existing experience in a lot of the skills needed, they could make it work for me. We also worked together to have a V.I.P. purpose-built trailer made to suit my round and ride-on machinery.”

Support that works for you

The advantages of an existing customer base and ongoing support were also something Brent knew to be a big attraction in a franchise.

“Along with the online requests that come through the franchise website, word-of-mouth referrals are important for me, especially during the slower periods like winter. Word-of-mouth is how I heard about V.I.P., and that’s a great way for people to find me and my local business too.”

Brent acknowledges that V.I.P. has been right there for him when required. “I had one customer that was proving difficult and when I rang John, he gave me suggestions about how it could be managed. In the end, we made the decision to stop working at that property, and I felt comfortable doing that without harming the V.I.P. brand.

“That’s what’s good about the support V.I.P. offers, you’ve got that back up for problem-solving. It’s helped me get things running the way I want and I’m very happy with my choice of franchise.”

Family time

So, does daughter Caitlin help out as promised?

“Caitlin is an expert on the edging and uses the push mower in narrower spaces. She enjoys a bit more income on top of her main job and we both get extra exercise. A bonus is that I’ve trimmed down to a much healthier weight since starting the business,” Brent adds.

“It’s a healthy and less stressful business – in fact I love it,” smiles Brent. “I feel I’m semi-retired but earning similar money to my previous job, and with V.I.P.’s flat fee structure I’m earning far more than in my previous franchise.”

Wife Rachel is happy too – although Brent mentions there’s a hint of jealousy when she arrives home from her school teaching job around 5pm.

“She is committed to her work and works hard but now I’m there to hear her stories about the day’s challenges, which is good for both of us. Also, if my daughter can’t make school pick-up or needs a hand unexpectedly with the grandkids, I can usually help her out. I see a lot more of all the family than I did when I left for work in the dark and came home in the dark – and I reckon I will even have time to head out fishing after work this summer.” 

Opportunities for every age and stage

V.I.P. offers two kinds of franchise – outdoor, lawns and gardening, and indoor, home and office cleaning.

“V.I.P.’s franchise packages are designed to offer flexibility as well as financial security for all our franchisees, whatever stage they’re at in life or where their interests lie,” says Estelle Logan.

“We enjoy helping new franchisees like Brent find ways to make their franchise investment work for both their desired income and a better family life. It’s important to us to be able to support people in feeling confident in running their own business, while offering the security of help if it’s needed.

“Call today to find out what opportunities we have open for the career change you’re hoping for.”  

See this advertorial on page 31 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 35 Issue 03

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