Podcast: Ep#42 From White Collar Employee to Franchising with James’ Home Services (ft. Theo Myriskos Melbourne’s North)

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Dreaming of running your own business? In this episode of Eden Exchanges we spoke to Theo Myriskos who is a Franchisee for James Home Services home and office cleaning in Melbourne’s North. Theo delved into his white collar beginnings and his background in a family business. Theo also details his decision to bite the bullet to achieve his dream of being his own boss and to be financially independent.

Theo Myriskos- James Home Services interior homer and commercial franchisee- South Morang

Discussion Points

  • Theo’s background
    Wanting to leave his white collar career after deciding he’d had enough.
    Feeling tired of making other people wealthy through his efforts.
  • First Steps: trial and error
  • Feeling tired of making other people wealthy through his efforts.Going to work for a family members business. Ultimatum of working for himself or working for another.
  • Biting the bullet
    Deciding to go with a James’ Home Services franchise and going all in or not at all.
  • Alex’s perspective:.
    The partners perspective of the decision to become a franchisee
  • James’ Home Service Support and training
    James’ ongoing support and training, James’ never goes away
  • New owner: Mike Dowling
    Mike Dowling taking over and making James’ a success.
  • Tips for a franchisee:
    Things franchisees should keep in mind when starting out in the business and what not to do in franchising.
  • Rewards in franchising:
    Being his own boss, being in control, flexibility in working hours, work life balance, seeing the financial benefits of working for himself. Home renovations and overdue holidays.
  • Theo’s Typical Day:
    Planning a week ahead, setting limits each day, scheduling 3-4 clients a day.
  • The customer experience:
    Customer loyalty from day one, how to behave in a clients home, how best to create repeat customer service, selling your services.
  • Franchisors: A balanced approach
    Franchisors giving excellent training and staying with you throughout. The balance of standing back and providing training and feedback.
  • Your not just a number:
    James’ Home Services not treating you like a number and making the effort to get to know you and your approach to business. Treating their franchisees as individuals.
  • New Goals:
    Plans to be more commercial and expanding his services and offerings.
  • Before and now: Happy Chappy
    How Theo’s life has changed from his white collar days to being a franchisee
  • The Cleaning industry future:
    Where Theo thinks the industry is heading in his territory and nationally.
  • The luxury question
    Is cleaning services still a luxury or a necessary addition to modern life.
  • Getting in Contact
    How to get in touch with James’ Home Services, having a chat with a franchisee on the street or giving James’ a call.
  • The reality of franchising
    Its’ not just the title and territory ownership its working to build a client list and getting out there to make yourself successful.

Useful Links


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.