Posted:13-January-2021
Exclusive Interview: "The chemistry was right with the Dream Doors franchise"
Name: Andy Wilkinson
Location: Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Franchise: Dream Doors
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?
I was an area sales developer for Snap-On-Tools, Looking after a number of franchisees across the north of the UK. My role was very versatile, involving everything from developing territories to teaching franchisees to run successful businesses.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose a franchise with Dream Doors?
Prior to becoming an area sales developer for Snap On Tools I ran a successful franchise with them and understood the benefits of running a franchise with a proven business model and how successful you can be when a business is run correctly. I saw the same potential with Dream Doors and decided this was an ideal business for me. They had a proven business model that was easy to understand, as well as security and support from the network.
The decider for me was when I met with Troy down at head office in Portsmouth, He was very passionate about his business and I quickly realised that this franchise was the one for me.
How did you raise the finance?
From my savings.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
We received very good initial training from Dream Doors covering all aspects of the business including product knowledge – computer aided design or CAD as it is commonly known – sales training & business administration.
We keep in regular contact with our business developer and we also have the help & support from other Dream Doors Franchisees in the network if we need it.
What is a typical day for you as a Dream Doors franchisee?
A typical day for me would be meeting with the customer in their home & discussing their individual requirements. For a straight forward kitchen refurbishment, I often prepare a quote for the customer in the home.
For a full replacement kitchen or re-design I provide a design drawing using our state of the art CAD software.I know that our customers really appreciate dealing with me, as the business owner, rather than a commission-driven salesperson. I suppose you could say that I am the face of the business.
What challenges have you faced?
Not many in all honesty. I dived head first into the business from a much larger role and already had the aptitude to make it work. I had plenty of previous experience working with my twin brother (A qualified kitchen designer and joiner) on many occasions designing and installing kitchens and I have a real passion for home improvements.
Running this business came naturally for me and I have to say that I’ve been loving it. I suppose the hardest thing is trying to separate my work life from my personal life … I am a bit of a workaholic.
Has becoming a Dream Doors franchisee changed your life, if so how?
Yes it has; in fact I am the happiest I have been in years. I missed being self-employed prior to joining Dream Doors and also missed being in charge of my own future. I really enjoy once again being self-employed working alongside my wife Terri.
Meeting customers is a joy – it's the fun part! Head office are there when I need them, too. But what's important to me is that I'm allowed to run my business, without unnecessary interference, and stamp my own personality on it.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Make sure you allow time to do your own due diligence. Do your homework beforehand and, once you're in possession of all the relevant information, take time to study the information, business plan and model.
Don't rush into a decision, as this is something that will change your life. But, equally, don't hang around and miss out on an opportunity if you feel it's right for you. Finally, make sure you like the people you're dealing with. It's something that was very important to me – and to Dream Doors as the franchisor. The chemistry has to be right.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to expand the business and run a multi area franchise. I don’t want to stand still.
Would you do it again?
I wish I did it ten years ago. A lot of franchises are time wasters but Dream Doors appealed to me. To begin with I was dubious of my possible success but now I’m wiser I know it was guaranteed. Dream Doors can be a fantastic business in the right hands.
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Interested and want to know more about Dream Doors?
The Dream Doors profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
