Allan puts Army skills to good use
SKILLS learned in the Armed Forces or emergency services can help you set up in business.
Allan Rook, Drain Doctor franchise owner, says: ‘The 16 years I spent as a mechanical engineer in the Army have been pivotal to the success of my franchise.’
Allan manages a team who provide emergency commercial and domestic plumbing and drainage maintenance in the Portsmouth and Southampton areas.
He says: ‘The Army taught me the virtues of self- sufficiency, logical thinking, problem solving and how to be a team player, as well as giving me the confidence to deal with all types of people and situations.’
Allan chose a franchise over starting up alone. ‘The guidance and support available from the franchisor’s head office, plus being part of a franchise network, helps me to connect with other franchisees and brands and share our experiences and knowledge,’ he says.
Drain Doctor is part of Dwyer Group UK, which is keen to recruit more franchisees with direct experience in the Armed Forces or emergency services — police, fire, ambulance and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Its Vetfran programme offers discounts of 20 per cent off the initial franchise fee for services veterans and leavers and the chance to connect with other exservices franchisees.
Meanwhile SOLVED365, a new franchise spun out of Total Solutions Group, specialising in commercial cleaning, is looking for its first franchisees, with or without services experience.
Dwyer Group, 0800 802 1372; SOLVED365, 07585 709136.