From Ship Master to Master Franchisor: Interview with Salman Rizvi – Regional Franchisor NSW – James’ Home Services

Recently, Eden Exchange spoke with Salman Rizvi, a Regional Franchisor in Sydney’s West, Blue Mountains and Penrith for James’ Home Services. Salman shared his experiences working on the James’ Home Services team and some unique insights into what makes franchisees successful.

Eden Exchange
Hello Salman. First off, can you tell us about your background? What was your professional background before James’ Home Services, and what can you tell us about your last job role?

Salman Rizvi
Originally I was a ship’s officer in the merchant navy. I left in 1994, the same year I got married and then studied further to became a network engineer in IT. After ten years in IT, I switched to sales & marketing for a few years. I then resigned from corporate life to start my own real estate business.

“Every franchisee gets a trainer/ business coach dedicated to them from starting out to your one thousandth client, support is only a phone call away”.

Eden Exchange
Which regions do you look after? What is different about your regions?

Salman Rizvi
I look after Sydney West, Blue Mountains and Penrith CBD. Tourism is booming here, we have picturesque mountains and lakes, the beautiful Nepean River and some great restaurants that cater for all tastes.

Eden Exchange
Changing careers is a big step, can you tell us why you made the move to James and What first appealed to you about James’ Home Services?

Salman Rizvi
I wanted a better lifestyle and spend more time with my family. Also I did not want to travel far from my house like had in my previous job. James seemed the perfect opportunity for the lifestyle I wanted to live. I was first drawn to James by the great team that I met. After more investigation I realised that the James’ model meant that it was a great cash flow business as well.

Eden Exchange
How are you different from other home services/ cleaning franchises?

Salman Rizvi
James’ franchisees are a closely knit team. There are many service offerings which compliment each other. We create work within our team, so the lawn & garden person will help the pet groomer and the interior cleaner will help the carpet & pest guy within their client base.

Every franchisee gets a business coach dedicated to them from starting out to your one thousandth client, support is only a phone call away.

“I wanted a better lifestyle and spend more time with my family. Also I did not want to travel far from my house like had in my previous job, James seemed the perfect opportunity for the lifestyle I wanted to live”.

Eden Exchange
Can you tell us about the difference in your work life style with James’ Home Services compared to your previous work lifestyle? Has this made a significant difference to your personal life style?

Salman Rizvi
In IT, I had to travel to the city area which took me an hour plus, either way, then after working long hours, it got dark when I reached home.

To do simple things like getting my car serviced was difficult. Now, I am close to home and can attend school functions and there are no problems with getting my car serviced. I also have plenty of time for my franchisees as I have invested in their success.

Eden Exchange
What type of support does James’ Home Services provide once a franchisee purchases the franchise?

Salman Rizvi
Admittingly, we have the best system, there are eight ordinary steps to extraordinary success. The franchisees are trained on this system, it is a system that has been followed for the last twenty three years and is a proven model for success. Support, training & marketing is ongoing to ensure that each franchisees goal settings are achieved.

Eden Exchange
What it is like being a“Master Franchisee” for James’ Home Services? Can you tell us what is involved with this position?

Salman Rizvi
A master franchisor has multiple layers of responsibility, one layer, as I have mentioned, is all about support, training & marketing, the next layer is all about problem solving and management. Developing the franchisees skills is vital, being able to get them into a gold medal customer service mentality is also important.

Eden Exchange
You own several franchises that are currently up for sale. Can you tell us about your different franchises and what is unique about them?

Salman Rizvi
Within the team we have twenty six franchisees. We work as a big family helping each other. Each franchisee has a protected area which other same service franchisees cannot market to, but different services that complement each others business are great referrals. This is the advantage of being part of a leading home services group.

Another advantage is that if you build you territory you can also sell it off. We have an Interior Cleaning franchisor who is very successful and has tripled their area, she can now sell some of her very successful territories and cash in on her hard work.

Eden Exchange
In your opinion, who would suit running a James’ Home Services cleaning franchise? Is there anything you want to say to anyone considering buying a franchise in your region?

Salman Rizvi
I meet people who are just not happy with their current job, it could be the long hours, it maybe that they cannot spend quality time with their loved ones, they may hate their boss or are in no growth position financially. Everyone is different, but we all desire quality time with family and to take control of your life and business.

People who start their own franchise just love it. They have their regular customers which they build rapport with, money keeps coming in, you are your own boss, you are professional, you are prompt and you are friendly.

Eden Exchange
Where do you see the Australian cleaning and homes services industry heading in your region?

Salman Rizvi
If you look at Penrith area, our population is increasing like crazy, new suburbs are popping up everywhere, Jordan Springs, Waterside, Thornton, Penrith lake scheme. The zoning is changing to allow high rise. Mostly new arrivals are professional couple and don’t have time to do cleaning hence a great opportunity to help them with cleaning services.

“People who start their own franchise just love it. They have their regular customers which they build rapport with, money keeps coming in, you are your own boss, you are professional, you are prompt and you are friendly”.

Eden Exchange
Is there any advice you can give about starting out with James? Are there any misconceptions about franchising that should be cleared up or explained in more detail?

Salman Rizvi
Misconception exists about why a franchise fee is required. I know people who have stagnant businesses for years with no growth because they don’t have a proven system.  When they join our team, they pay franchise fee and their business grows, they get national support, they work for a recognised brand, they receive ongoing training which leads them to focus on providing a service that is professional & friendly.

Eden Exchange
What’s the most interesting part of your job? What drives you to do what you do? what would you say is your biggest reward since your move to James?

Salman Rizvi
The best part of my job is helping my franchisees grow their business, being close to my family & home and of course having the financial rewards that allow me to live the life I want.

Eden Exchange
Thank you for your time Salman.

 

 

About James’ Home Services

James’ Home Services gives you the chance to create your own successful franchise business even if you have no experience or prior training. As a James Home Services Franchisee, you will have a hands on, practical service role, dealing directly with clients, and building up your cash flow with repeat business from satisfied customers. Our systems and research have proven that rather than attempt to provide all services, you will be faster, busier, and better at your job by focusing on just one. That’s why we will teach you how to become a professional specialist in one of the service areas listed below. Click here for more information.