Posted:13-January-2021

Exclusive Interview: "The franchise model established us as market leaders"

Name: Jason Treadwell
Location: Stamford & Oakham
Franchise: Newton Fallowell Estate Agents

Jason Treadwell is the managing director of Newton Fallowell Estate Agents in Stamford and Oakham. Jason opened Stamford in March 2014 and his success here led to the opening of Oakham in 2016, which helped Jason secure the award for Franchisee of the year award 2016 at the Newton Fallowell Conference.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

I worked in estate agency throughout Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland for the majority of my working life and I also ran two large independent agencies before joining Newton Fallowell. I actually joined Newton Fallowell at their Grantham branch before I become a franchisee and opened Stamford and Oakham.

2. Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your Newton Fallowell franchise?

I previously worked at the Grantham branch as a negotiator and progressed to managing the branch, however did decide to leave. A couple of years after my time at Grantham I was then approached by Managing Director Mark Newton with the proposal to become a franchisee and to open the Stamford branch with their support.

"Although I didn’t chose Newton Fallowell in the traditional way many chose their franchise it was an honour to be approached and supported the way I was and to be part of the family run business."

3. How did you raise the finance?

I was fortunate enough to be supported financially by Newton Fallowell, thanks to my proven track record within the company, with a view to see what I could do from a cold start in 12 months.

I made a profit in my first year which meant I was able to pay back the money I was lent. I was then able to open my second branch in Oakham due to the success of Stamford.

4. What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

Although I didn’t need any specific ‘Estate Agency’ training, as I already knew what the job entailed, I did receive a lot of training regarding running a business which was new to me.

"I still receive ongoing support from Head Office with regards to running the business with annual business reviews and business plans and they are always there to help moving forward and to continue progressing."

5. What is a typical day for you as a Newton Fallowell franchisee?

Every day is different and every day proposes new challenges but first and foremost I make sure that both of my teams are happy as they are the back bone of the business. I like to review all aspects of the business to make sure my team are set to be as successful as we can be.

6. What challenges have you faced?

The biggest challenge was probably that it was a cold start in a town where nobody knew myself or the brand. It was hard to get the name and brand out there when there was already a huge selection of other agents available. We had to demonstrate that we are different to the rest and have more passion and are more motivated. Although this was a challenge the hard work certainly paid off as we were named market leaders in 2015 and 2016.

7. Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes it has completely changed my life. It has allowed me more independence and flexibility in terms of being able to spend more time at home with my four children and although I like to lead by example it also allows me to a certain extent choose the hours that I work.

It has also given me the freedom to be able to hand pick my team and train them exactly how I want to run my business, and I’m also thankful that it means I can now give others opportunities.

8. What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?

It’s imperative to have a detailed understanding of the franchisor and how they work and that their model will fit you. I would also say to look at their track record and see how they have demonstrated success in the past.

"Also make sure that the support is there from a head office level and the network in general. A good franchisor should help support you in the area where you may be lacking meaning that you can forget the worry and excel in your area of expertise."

9. What are your plans for the future?

I would love to continue expanding in the future and I am looking into expanding into Lettings for both branches later this year, and I’m keen to help the Newton Fallowell Group grow.

10. Would you do it again?

Yes, I would do it 10 times over. It’s something that I wanted for a long time before it happened and I was delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity and receiving the Franchisee of the year award last year was one of the highlights of my career so far.

Should you like to find out more about Newton Fallowell, why not request their FREE and non-obligatory franchise prospectus here.