Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive Interview: Harnessing his military skills in civvy street
Name: Steve Gaskell
Location: Devon
Franchise: ActionCOACH
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background in the armed forces
28 years’ service, having progressed through the ranks to Regimental Sergeant Major and then commissioned, I finally left a Captain. I have been operationally deployed numerous times, from Northern Ireland to Bosnia, to Belize to Kenya and most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was fortunate enough to have also been a Platoon Commander as a senior non-commissioned officer, an instructor at the British Army’s elite Battle School in Brecon, run the logistics at the School of Infantry in Catterick and lead soldiers in operations from every rank since LCpl to Regimental Sergeant Major. I also attended the position of Master Coach for my Battalion.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose ActionCOACH franchise?
More by chance when I read an article about a coach, which in turn led me to the Excel Franchise Show in London. Everything about ActionCOACH felt right for my circumstances and transferable skills.
What qualities do you believe makes those with a background in the armed forces suited to franchising?
Franchising is about replication and systemisation, both of which have been the cornerstone of military success. It was simple for me to embrace a system and follow it. In addition, there is the scope for growth and sharing best practice, again, qualities which are high on my list of needs.
How did you raise the finance to fund your franchise?
Gratuity on leaving the service.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
When asked about the training it’s simple to say it has been the second best training I have ever done. I have attended many training courses throughout my military career and one course always sticks out in terms of mind-set change, SAS selection. Whilst I didn’t get in, I did remain on the course for a lengthy period during which I went through significant shift, looking deep within to an inner resilience and drive I didn’t know I had. It put me in good stead for the remainder of my career. ActionCOACH training, whilst not as tough, cold or tiring, did take me though another significant shift in my focus, drive and commitment. I’m a better person for it.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
Having fun coaching, marketing or making sales.
What challenges have you faced?
Growing a business isn’t easy, and you need resilience to stay focused committed and have pig-headed discipline to reach your goals. The challenges are those of growth and, frankly, inspire me.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes, going from a very hierarchal organisation, having a secure income, being told what to do and when has its limitations. Whilst I am eternally thankful for my service and what I gained from it, it would never have been able to give me the sense of achievement I now have. I have always had drive and commitment, it is just now on my terms and I don’t have to wait for promotion.
What marketing/promotional tools do you use to grow your ActionCOACH franchise?
I have a marketing plan and finance my marketing accordingly. I have a presence on social media, I network and run a number of local networking events, reach out to the database I have grown organically. In addition, we now have a Business Development Manager with the focus to market the business locally.
What differentiates your franchise from the competition?
The credibility of coaches results with clients and our global ranking as the No 1 business coaching firm and our client guarantee.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Focus, drive, commitment and the ability to work hard.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?
Do your homework, know the numbers and the marketplace and make sure you’re passionate about entering into it. If there’s no excitement, it’s likely to be the wrong choice.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue to grow the business with a view to employing a number of employee coaches. I will become the number 1 coaching firm in the South West.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely.
Interested and want to know more about ActionCOACH?
The ActionCOACH basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
