Case study - David Rust & Janet Cavanagh, Merseyside

David Rust and Janet Cavanagh        MERSEYSIDE

 

After 10 years in the computer hardware industry David Rust and Janet Cavanagh joined Techclean Services in 1990, over 19 years ago, during which time they have built and grown a highly successful business.

 

At a recent franchisee forum we asked them to explain how they have built their business, what life was like before joining Techclean and what advice they’d give to prospective franchisees. 

 

David, what initially interested you in acquiring a franchise?

Simply, a desire to work for myself.  I was working long and stressful hours for a large computer company and needed a change and a fresh challenge. 

 

What were the main benefits which attracted you to a Techclean franchise?

 

The business was loosely based on the computer industry and therefore I felt in a comfortable environment.  It also appealed because it offered a service that I thought was very saleable.  In addition to that I liked and trusted David Coopper, who was the then owner of the franchise. 

 

What did you do prior to joining Techclean, and did your previous qualifications and experience prove useful in the early years?

 

I was a computer hardware and software engineer and although computer knowledge is not necessarily required to run this franchise, it did help in the early stages to be aware of computer environments. 

 

What would you say is the key to having a successful franchise?

 

The key to any business is hard work, especially in the beginning.  It is also important to realise early that you are not going to expand the business by doing too much scrubbing yourself.  The best use of your time is to promote the company and obtain new business by placing yourself in front of potential customers. 
Another essential key to success is to obtain and retain good staff. 

 

What support do you get from your franchisor?

 

This was very important in the early days when starting the business.  It is not so critical to me now but it is always good to know help is at hand if required. 

 

What would you say were the main traits required to become a successful Techclean franchisee?

 

Oh dear, how difficult is that question?  All types of people run successful franchises.  As I said before, the main ingredient is the ability to work hard and constructively.  You must work to the system but be prepared to adapt to any situation that may arise. 

 

Have confidence in the product or service and have the ability to select good trustworthy staff. 

 

How do you manage your workload and find new opportunities?

 

Delegate responsibility.  I decide what I’m best at and employ other people to do other important roles, e.g. telesales, office management. 
I’m best at meeting potential and existing customers and selling the service.  Janet controls the office, books all work and organises the staff (and many other things).  We have also employed telesales personnel over the last few years, which takes the pressure off me to gain the initial contacts. 

 

With over 900 franchise ideas out there what advice would you give to anyone looking for a franchise?

 

Look at lots of Franchises and take advice from as many people as possible.  An awful lot of franchises fail in the first few years of operation.  In its various guises Techclean has proved its staying power.  I do not agree with everything that has happened to our franchise over the years but one thing remains constant, it is a good product and is very saleable in the marketplace. 

All News