What is it like starting as a new franchisee?

SPORTZING: Peter Braxton Interview

Eden Exchange spoke with Peter Braxton who recently purchased  Sportzing Court Care, in Geelong, Western Victoria. This was a completely new greenfield area, which meant no existing clientele, so the challenge was going to be huge. Peter spoke to us about his experience and about the triggers in his life that lead him to make decisions that brought him to franchising and more specifically to a Sportzing franchise.

Edenexchange
Thanks for speaking with us Peter. Firstly, why did you choose to purchase a franchising business? What were you doing prior to Sportzing and how did you first get involved with the company?

Peter Braxton
Prior to purchasing a Franchise I owned a large Printing Company. Printing was a very competitive industry, and has been encroached by digital, so I knew I need to get into something that had longer term sustainability, something that can’t be replaced by technology. I knew services was the way to go, I also wanted something niche and a reputable brand name.

Independence was high on my agenda, I knew I wanted to scale life back and still run a one man business. Sportzing Court Services ticked all the boxes and I was looking for a long time.

Edenexchange
You now run the Geelong Franchise, in Victoria. How would you rate the training you have received to date from 1 – 10?

Peter Braxton
The training has been excellent, really, more than satisfactory, I would give it an 11.

Edenexchange
Why did you give it this score?

Peter Braxton
It was very well thought out and made the transition really easy, by the time you finish the training your confidence goes up and you are ready to approach clients and go to work. Likewise, the support since the training has been excellent, the guys are pretty much with you every step of the way.

Edenexchange
This is a greenfield field area meaning you are effectively starting with no customers. How satisfied are you that you can build a successful business based on the tools, training and support the franchisor has given you.

Peter Braxton
I have just started and my appointment book is near full, I would not have imagined that I would be this successful early on, there is a lot of work out there and I feel I am providing a service that no one does as well. This is due to the processes and marketing systems Sportzing have refined.

Edenexchange
What type of support does Sportzing provide once you start your client visits?

Peter Braxton
Lots of help with the paper work and admin systems. The support line is always answered, and there are systems in place for everything, from customer relationship management to notifications for any new jobs to ordering new products.

If any issues arise the franchisor is always contactable and any problems are solved immediately.

Edenexchange
What advice do you have for someone else looking to own a franchise for the first time?

Peter Braxton
I did an online Franchisee course with Griffith University, that was very helpful and I also spoke to current Franchisees, that was the deal maker.

Edenexchange
In your opinion, what does it take to be a successful Sportzing franchisee?

Peter Braxton
Sportzing provides good back up, all you really need is to have a dedication to succeed, there is definitely great demand for this service.

Edenexchange
As a new Franchisee, what’s your take on where your industry is heading? What are some key industry trends you believe franchise buyers and owners need to be aware of?

Peter Braxton
I was conscientious and looked at competitors to Sportzing, from that I was convinced that no one really does tennis court care services as well as them or is as big as them. They are 25 years in the business and their methods really can’t be challenged. This was a big factor, the other thing that I looked into was whether tennis was growing in Australia, the simple answer is yes.

Edenexchange
What’s the most interesting part of your job? What drives you to do what you do?

Peter Braxton
I get great satisfaction from making tennis courts look amazing and having very satisfied clients.

Edenexchange
Thanks for your time Peter.

 

 

 

Sportzing Court Care is Australia’s foremost Franchise specialising in servicing, cleaning, maintaining and installing tennis courts. Sportzing is now recruiting new Franchisees around Australia. To view their latest Franchise opportunities please click here or call Call 1800 818 894 for a confidential discussion.