Posted:11-April-2023
Interview with Just Shutter franchisee Birmingham
Can you tell us what you were doing prior to buying your Just Shutters franchise business?
I was self-employed working in educational and outdoor settings using practical skills to help develop children’s and young people’s learning.
Can you also tell us about Just Shutters?
At Just Shutters Birmingham we seek to transform homes by installing beautiful Plantation Shutters, with a commitment to excellence in all that we do.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose a Just Shutter franchise?
I wasn’t looking to set up in business nor was I looking buy a franchise, but I came across plantation shutters, and loved them! I was looking for a change for myself and my family, and an opportunity arose to enter the industry.
How did you raise the finance?
A combination of the generosity of my Nan leaving me some inheritance, and a family loan.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
All the training needed was offered - from practical instruction, to behind the scenes, sales & design training plus marketing support.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?
Varied. Wide -ranging in the tasks and different skills needed. Changeable!
Provide information on challenges overcome as well as your key successes to date.
Occasional difficult customers! Dealing with the public always offers these challenges, but the vast majority of my customers are a pleasure to work for. You need a mind and aptitude for continuous problem-solving - from little ones to big ones.
Developing a small team is one of the best successes we’ve enjoyed at Just Shutters Birmingham.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?
I have never worked harder. But I really enjoy the work and all that comes with it.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I’d say it’s more about priorities rather than balance. Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom of God, then everything else will be provided to you… Keeping work in its proper place. Because work doesn’t define who I am, I am free to work hard at it with diligence and enjoyment.
If you have staff, how do you retain your best staff and keep morale high and productive; how do you incentivise your staff and recognise success?
We have the same outlook and enjoy each other, often seeing each other outside of work time as well. We are all well-motivated and spur one another on.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Know why you’re doing it. Be committed. Don’t think you’re entitled to anything. Pursue humility.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Still trying to work that out!
What are your plans for the future?
See if we can maintain and improve our level of sales in order to keep our good work going and allow the team to flourish.
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
I think having a bit more capital behind you would be useful, but we’ve learned other lessons from it being tough in the start-up phase.
Interested and want to know more about Just Shutters ?
The Just Shutters profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
