Posted:07-October-2025
How Leon Friend turned franchises into a community powerhouse
Entrepreneurship can be a gamble — but Leon Friend has stacked the odds in his favour. Based in the Kent and Medway area, Leon has made it his mission to build businesses that serve not just customers, but neighbours, families, and future generations.
As the driving force behind three thriving franchises — Concept Claim Solutions, Drain Doctor, and The Creation Station — he’s proving that franchising isn’t just about running profitable companies. It’s about creating opportunity, empowering people, and strengthening the community he calls home.
A Portfolio That Works Together
Leon’s businesses are more than separate ventures — they are parts of a connected ecosystem that supports his community in different but complementary ways.
When Concept Claim Solutions customers face property damage, his Drain Doctor team steps in immediately to resolve urgent plumbing and drainage issues. Once the emergency is handled, Concept Claim Solutions helps the home or commercial property owner fight for a fair insurance settlement and project manages the repairs.
Meanwhile, The Creation Station offers something entirely different — workshops that nurture children’s creativity and confidence. It connects naturally with Leon’s wider community mission: to give young people a place to grow, express themselves, and explore possibilities beyond the classroom.
Family as the True Motivator
Leon’s work is deeply personal. Fresh from a family trip to Las Vegas, where he and his wife Maria renewed their wedding vows, he’s reminded daily of what fuels his efforts: love, loyalty, and legacy. Together, they have raised two sons, now 24 and 21, who have seen how determination and vision can transform challenges into opportunity.
“Franchising gave me the vehicle,” Leon reflects, “but my family and my community gave me the reason to get behind the wheel — and one day, I’d love to hand them the keys.”
Renewed Commitment, Real Results
This year, Leon renewed his Concept Claim Solutions Franchise Agreement for another five years — a clear vote of confidence in the model and a pledge to keep serving his community.
Leon is known for his tenacity. In one memorable case, a landlord’s insurance claim had been rejected — a decision that could have ended their business. Leon took the case to the Financial Ombudsman, who overturned the decision and awarded a six-figure settlement that restored the landlord’s property portfolio and covered lost income.
Building Communities and Futures
Leon believes business success should leave a positive mark on the world. After his youngest son’s kidney transplant, he became a passionate supporter of the London Hospital for Children, helping ensure other families get the same life-changing care.
Closer to home, Leon leads Baypoint, which is a not for profit CIC , transforming a dormant facility into a thriving hub for sport, education, and vocational training. Each school holiday, he helps run free children’s clubs, where hundreds of young people are encouraged to stay active, work as a team, and build confidence.
For Leon, this is more than charity — it’s about creating real pathways for young people. Not every child is destined for the traditional academic route, and Leon is determined to show that there are other ways to succeed. Whether it’s through sport, vocational skills, or creativity, he’s passionate about giving young people the tools they need to build fulfilling lives.
Business Insights: Lessons from Leon
?? Choose Complementary Businesses – Select franchises that naturally support one another, creating a stronger network of services.
?? Invest in People – Success isn’t just about customers; it’s about creating pathways for employees and young people to grow.
?? Think Beyond Academics – Not every young person will take the same route; create opportunities for vocational skills, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning.
?? Leverage the Support System – Use franchisor training and resources to focus on what matters most: people.
Looking Ahead
Leon’s story proves that franchising can be a vehicle for legacy, not just profit. His businesses create jobs, restore livelihoods, mentor young people, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger — no matter their background or education path.
If you’ve ever wondered whether franchising could be your way to make a difference, Leon’s journey shows what’s possible when passion, purpose, and a proven model come together.
Contact us today to become the next success story at Concept!
Interested and want to know more about Concept Claim Solutions?
The Concept Claim Solutions profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
