Posted:21-February-2024
From starting at just 19, Oliver Wood is now a successful multi-unit franchisee
- Name: Oliver Wood
- Location: Huddersfield
- Franchise: Greensleeves Huddersfield, North Sheffield & Wakefield
- Date launched the franchise: August 2006
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your Greensleeves franchise?
Currently I am 37 Years old, married to Lucy with two girls, Sophia 6 & Georgia 4. I started the franchise @ 19 years old with the help of my parents. After seeing other members of the family run their own successful businesses, I was keen to do the same. In all honesty I was a little young to go at something like this alone, it was the guidance of my Dad and the franchise network that made me see the potential and after 12 months things started to take off and I was hooked!
In 2010, I purchased my second franchise area, Huddersfield. This was the first Greensleeves territory which I purchased from Head office. This area came with 2000 accounts and we had to borrow the majority of the funds from HSBC. Overnight I was a 23 year old with 6 members of staff old enough to be my dad. Quite daunting.
In 2015 I purchase the Wakefield area, with 1950 accounts. This was due to the original owners retiring.
Now we run all three areas from out 4000 sqft unit in Skelmanthorpe. We look after over 8000 customer lawns & have 18 full time members of staff including an operations manager who helps me oversee the day to day running of the business. We have 16 vans on the road and expect to see a Gross T/O of around £1.5m in 2024.
Why did you go down the franchise route?
Led by my parents really. Seemed like a better option than uni.
How did you raise the finance?
- Franchise area 1 – Family Funds
- Area 2 – Personal funds & HSBC
- Area 3 – Fully funded by HSBC
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
Plenty of support. Greensleeves support really is great. They offer tailored support based on the size of your franchise, your experience and so on.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee
This has changed over the years but now we have a great structure within the business including an Operations Manager, 4 office staff, quotes manager and 12 Lawn Operatives out in the field servicing customers lawns. Without this team I couldn’t run the business as well as we do. My role involves overseeing all elements of the business ensuring we achieve our goals.
Provide information on challenges overcome as well as your key successes to date.
- 2020 – 10% growth
- 2021 – 13% growth
- 2022 – 9% growth
- 2023 – 12% growth
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
To be honest I have done it that long I don’t know any different. I have a great work/life balance and really enjoy the work I do.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
With the help of the fantastic team I have around me!
If you are a multi-unit franchisee, can you tell us why Greensleeves is ideal for those looking for a scalable opportunity?
Greensleeves works well as a multi-unit Franchise because staff can be based at home and only come to the office 1-2 times per week to collect stock etc. The web-based systems in place allow us to send all work and invoiced digitally. This allows us to employ staff in parts of our territory that we would previously not have considered.
How do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive?
I believe being a providing a friendly work environment and being fair and flexible with your staff help maintain a reliable team. We have a few team members now that have been with us for over 10 years and plenty that have worked for us for over 5 years.
Can you tell us about any community involvement, including any local partnerships, incentives or charity work you are involved in?
We are the main shirt sponsor for the local football team, Skelmanthorpe FC & we also sponsor several local cricket teams. We also provide sponsorship to a few local open garden weekends.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Do your own research and speak to other current franchisees. They will tell you all the good and bad points. Running a business is at times difficult and you must be prepared for that! Remember, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Work hard and you will be rewarded!
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Hard work, planning, look after your staff! You can’t do it alone!
What are your plans for the future?
More of the same really. Keep growing the business.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
Taken on staff sooner! It’s always tough to employ your first team member or the next one. Every time I have it gives you time to spend time growing your business. Work on your business not in it!
John Lilburne, Greensleeves National Sales Manager says;
"Oliver Wood is an exceptional entrepreneur and a true asset to the Greensleeves franchise network. His unwavering determination, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence have propelled him to remarkable heights, transforming a single franchise into a thriving multi-unit empire. Oliver's ability to lead and inspire his team is truly admirable, fostering a culture of camaraderie, hard work, and continuous growth.
What sets Oliver apart is his genuine passion for the business and his deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive landscape. His resilience in overcoming obstacles, coupled with his willingness to adapt and innovate, has consistently positioned him as a trailblazer in the industry.
Oliver's dedication to community involvement further exemplifies his character and values, reflecting his belief in giving back and making a positive impact. It is an honour to witness his journey and to have had the opportunity to work alongside such a driven and principled individual.
Without a doubt, Oliver Wood's achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring franchisees and entrepreneurs alike. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, strategic planning, and a unwavering commitment to excellence. I wholeheartedly recommend Oliver as a franchisee and business leader, and I have no doubt that his future endeavors will continue to be marked by remarkable success."
Interested and want to know more about Greensleeves Lawn Care?
The Greensleeves Lawn Care profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
