From Master’s Degree to Master Franchisor – Interview with Palak Shah – James’ Homes Services – Richmond – NSW
Recently, Eden Exchange spoke with Palak Shah, Franchisor for James’ Home Services in New South Wales. Palak shared his experiences as a successful Franchisor at James’ Home Service. In this interview, Palak provided some unique insights on the business, the lifestyle benefits of the franchise and the growing market for home services in Australia.
Eden Exchange
Can you tell us a bit about your background? What was your professional background before James’ Home Services, and what can you tell us about your last job role?
Palak Shah
I have a Master’s Degree in Accounting and have worked for multiple government organisations as an accountant. Previously I owned two new sagencies which I sold successfully. My business partner Saurabh Phanse has a degree in business and background in running successful multiple businesses. Currently he still runs a mortgage broking firm and consulting business.
Eden Exchange
Which regions do you look after? What is unique about these regions?
Palak Shah
We focus on Richmond NSW. Some of the suburbs that are part of our region are Marsden Park, which is a growth suburb with lots of new housing, Kellyville, Windsor, Quakers Hill, Ponds, Acacia Gardens and Kurrajong on the foothills of Blue Mountains.
Eden Exchange
Changing careers is a big step, can you tell us why you made the move to James’? What first appealed to you about James’ Home Services?
Palak Shah
James’ is a recognised brand. The appealing thing was that all the different offerings in the business complemented each other. This boost to everyone’s businesses. The support and coaching provided is second to none.
Eden Exchange
How are you different from other other home services/ cleaning franchises?
Palak Shah
Exclusive territory is the main difference. Apart from this, the business includes support from your personal business coach, your own webpage, Facebook page and Google page. Your SEO is looked after by the support team and you have marketing support from your regional franchisors. Our range of businesses complement each other, thus customers are shared between each other. This makes it a recognised brand.
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?
Palak Shah
With the benefit and support that we receive from James’ Home Services, we have been able to spend more time with our family as we work only in our exclusive territory.
Eden Exchange
Starting out as a new franchisee with a new company is always a memorable moment. Some franchisees can feel a little overwhelmed. Can you tell us what you remember about your first day, and what you took with you from that day? Was there anything of particular note?
Palak Shah
The first thing we found was that there was definitely a lot of support that available. This made us feel better when we bought the franchise.
Eden Exchange
What type of support does James’ Home Services provide once a franchisee purchases the Franchise?
Palak Shah
There is a one-on-one business coaching. A coach is available anytime. The regional Franchisors act as coaches for the Franchisees. The system and training is second to none. The marketing support is available and help is only a phone call away.
Eden Exchange
What it is like being a Franchisor for James Home Services? Can you tell us what is involved with this position?
Palak Shah
We own an exclusive territory and support the Franchisees who are are part of our business. We act as business coaches to the franchisees and help them with their marketing as well. We guide them to take necessary steps to achieve their goals. Training and guidance is a part of our day to day process. We also conduct regular monthly meetings with our team.
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?
Palak Shah
There are seven different franchises that are up for sale. All come with an exclusive territory so that one home cleaning franchisee is not competing with the other. This goes for all the different franchisees. The service brochure is also unique, as it lists all the services that are offered by James’ Home Services. Because of this, all the different franchisees can help each other out as well. We also have income guarantees available.
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?
Palak Shah
A new James’ Home Service Cleaning franchisee would have an exclusive territory. They waste less time in travelling and service more customers. We are looking for someone who is motivated and passionate about running their own business. We will train them and support them throughout their journey of being a James’ Home Services Franchisee.
Eden Exchange
Where do you see the Australian cleaning and homes services industry heading in your region?
Palak Shah
There is a great demand for cleaning businesses in our region. With the right attitude and support, a new franchise will be able to service more clients effectively and can reach their individual goals.
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?
Palak Shah
James’ is an established brand. Before starting out we would like our potential franchisees to meet our existing franchisees. This will enable them to understand the business little bit more and they can ask questions as well. This makes taking a decision to jump into a business a bit easier.
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?
Palak Shah
Meeting new people and helping our franchisees reach their goals drives us to do the work day in and day out. The biggest reward is seeing our franchisees improve and get more and more work.
Eden Exchange
Thank you for your time Palak.
Useful Links
- Click here to find out more about a James’ Homes Service Window and Exterior Cleaning Franchise Business Opportunity in Richmond, NSW
- Click here to find out more about a James’ Homes Service Interior House Cleaning Franchise for Sale in Richmond, NSW
Read more interviews about James’ Home Services
- Felicity Avitabile– Melbourne VIC
- Justin Kelly– Far North QLD
- Salman Rizvi– Regional NSW
- Hayden Miller– Regional Gold Coast QLD
Find more Franchise Opportunities with James’ Home Services
Contact James’ Home Services to find out more about our fantastic franchise opportunities 
near you!
We love to hear from potential investees and discuss how owning your own James’ Home Service franchise is a fantastic undertaking. If you would like to speak to one of the friendly and knowledgeable team of professionals at James’ Home Services about owning your own franchise, feel free to call us on 1800 152 637 or send us a message via the form available on this page.
James’ Home Services started in sunny Queensland in 1993 and we have been delivering Gold Medal Service to our new and loyal customers across Australia ever since.
