Interview with Mark Bignall – The Ins and Outs of Jims Pool Care!
Introduction to Mark Bol and His Background
– Mark Bol introduces himself as the regional franchise owner of Jyms Pool Care in North Queensland, residing in Cairns for over ten years.
– He shares his previous experience driving limousines, highlighting the demanding nature of that job which required working seven days a week, leading him to seek a more balanced lifestyle.
Transition to Pool Care Franchise
– Mark discusses his decision to explore the gym franchise model but ultimately chose the pool care business due to its more favorable earnings structure, which rewards hard work without a percentage-based fee.
– Despite having minimal prior knowledge about pools, he quickly adapted, learning that a pool’s condition could be assessed through various diagnostic criteria rather than just visual appearance.
– He emphasizes the quality of training he received, noting that it was thorough and included ongoing support from the original franchisor and experienced franchisees.
Training and Support for New Franchisees
– Mark elaborates on the extensive training provided to new franchisees, which includes hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from more seasoned operators in the field.
– He mentions that he now conducts training sessions over ten days, covering various operational aspects and challenges that new franchisees may encounter.
– Mark highlights the importance of mentorship, sharing that he often pairs new franchisees with established ones to facilitate knowledge transfer and practical learning.
Success Stories of Franchisees
– He shares success stories of franchisees, including a young man who, after five years, has expanded to four service vans, allowing him to enjoy personal hobbies like fishing.
– Another franchisee, aged 65, works three days a week to balance his job with leisure activities such as golfing, illustrating the flexibility of the franchise model.
Franchise Ownership Experience
– Mark explains his role as a franchisor, emphasizing that his goal is to help franchisees achieve success in their own businesses without acting as a traditional employer.
– He mentions that he primarily focuses on compliance and providing support, ensuring that franchisees are satisfied and addressing any issues that may arise.
Mobile Pool Service Operations
– Mark describes the mobile pool shop concept, where franchisees bring their services directly to customers, equipped with all necessary tools and supplies for pool maintenance.
– He outlines the services provided, including regular pool servicing, equipment repair, and sales of pool cleaning devices, which enhance customer convenience.
– Mark recalls diverse tasks he undertook, such as repairing compliance issues with pool fences and cleaning garage floors upon customer requests, showcasing the adaptability of the service offered.
Personal Reflections on Franchise Life
– He reflects on the newfound free time he has gained through franchise ownership, noting that he no longer feels guilty about taking time off to enjoy family events or personal interests.
– Mark expresses satisfaction with his financial stability and the ability to balance work with personal life, a significant improvement from his previous career.
Connecting with Prospective Franchisees
– Mark invites potential franchisees to reach out to him through the provided call center number, encouraging them to discuss their interests and goals regarding the franchise opportunity.
– He aims to help aspiring franchisees understand what they can achieve and how they can get started in the business, with the possibility of being operational within a month.