Posted:13-January-2021
"We wanted the flexibility of running our own business, with the support of an established network."
Name: Clive and Clare Pearson
Location: Camberley
Family: Two children, Katy and Michael (16 year old twins)
Please describe the circumstances in which you became an Ovenclean franchisee (i.e why did you choose the franchise etc):
Our twins were 18 months old when we become ovenclean franchisees. I had worked in publishing in London and Clive worked in sales, which often involved travelling. We wanted the flexibility of running our own local business, but with the support of an established network.
If you work in a partnership, please describe how this works for you:
I run the administrative side of the business (diary/accounts etc) and Clive is at the sharp end cleaning the ovens!
How often do you work? / How much time do you commit?
We are both very committed to the business. Clive works very flexible hours depending on the time of year and how busy we are. December is always very busy - 7 days a week in the early days of starting the business. We can start early/finish late as needed, but during quieter months (August for example), it’s easier to take some holiday ourselves. I work as and when is needed - often the best time to call people for redo’s is early evening (5 - 7), but otherwise I can fit in diary/accounts etc during the school day.
How does the job fit around your family life?
See above - it’s easy to divert the phone to my mobile and carry the diary with me wherever I am. This especially applied when the children were much younger and I was out and about with them during school holidays.
How have you found the support/training from head office?
Head office has always been very supportive - we were one of the first franchisees to join OvenClean 15 years ago and have always felt very valued.
Do you advertise? What works for you?
Initially when starting the business we leafleted and advertised in local papers, yellow pages etc. After 15 years we have a large customer database so word of mouth is also very important, and local community magazines also work well.
Are there any downsides to the role?
Like any business where you are self employed, there is always the issue of no paid holidays but you just need to factor this in to running costs throughout the year.
Why would you recommend this opportunity to other mums?
Yes - definitely. It’s allowed me to run a business, while staying at home to bring up my family.
How would you say your life has changed since becoming a franchisee?
It’s given us the freedom to run a business within an established framework, while allowing us a flexible family life.
Interested and want to know more about Ovenclean?
The Ovenclean basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
