Posted:13-January-2021
From Colourfence customer to Colourfence franchise owner
Q. Why did you decide to look into Franchising?
Sharone freed: “I didn’t! I was a sales executive for the RAC and I was looking for a fencing solution for my own home that was different to traditional timber.
Looking online I came across Colourfence and researched it as a customer. I then met with Mark Stewart Woods and his team and was so impressed with the product and the people that when I learned it was available as a franchise in my area I had to go for it.”
Q. What appealed most about the Franchise?
Sharone Freed: “The quality and the exclusivity of the product, plus the fact that apart from timber there is no direct competitor. Also the passion and experience of the people behind the business was big plus. The legal documentation was drawn up by one of the UK's leading franchise solicitors and the prospectus was clear and didn’t over promise. The fact that Colourfence are an associate member of the BFA gave me confidence in the integrity and ethics of the company and backed up my over all positive feeling”.
Q. What training did you receive?
Sharone Freed: “The training program was tailored to what skills I had and where I needed to grow. As I already had a strong background in sales and administration we focussed the training on the operational side of installing and erecting the fencing, and of course Colourfence Customer Service”.
Q. What support have you received?
Sharone Freed: “As well as initial training there is a support team at Head Office for whatever help I need. Whenever I have a question I know that advice is just a phone call away. They have exceeded their obligations to me”
Q. Has it been a challenge to generate business?
Sharone Freed: “In my first month of trading I exhibited at a local garden show from which I secured my first three customers. Further business was generated through a combination of leaflet drops, local advertising, (both subsidised by Colourfence) and national advertising by head office. As my business has grown I now get an increasing number of referrals by happy customers”
Q. Are you on target to meet your business plan?
Sharone Freed: “When I first started in June 2007 I had a realistic plan target for my first year. I achieved this target within the first nine months of trading and I am currently 29% up on plan with two months of my first year left to go.”
Q. What do you enjoy most about your franchised business?
Sharone Freed: “I enjoy being my own boss……even though I am probably the toughest boss I have worked for! My goal is to add a couple of vans and a team of employees to build a substantial business and a secure future for my family.”
Interested and want to know more about Colourfence?
The Colourfence basic profile outlines aspects of their franchise opportunity
