The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pipe dream is growing business
Ex-barman Derek takes franchising route to become own boss
all aspects of line cleaning and training on the equipment used by Clear Brew.
He admitted that the early days of the franchise brought challenges.
“Maybe I just underestimated what’s involved in running your own business.
“I didn’t have any sales experience, so I found the cold calling very hard work. I got used to it quickly, though, and actually enjoy it now.
“Sales took up most of my time in the early days. I was very busy getting out and about meeting people.
“Getting my first client was a big thing and I remember the buzz.”
Derek is proud to report the franchise became profitable within six months.
“My client base is growing all the time, having recently added three new customers, but as I’m currently working solo I’m limited in how many clients I can take on.
“But, if things keep going the way they are, I’m expecting to take on staff.”
Derek said his customer list covers a wide variety of types of licensed premises, ranging from pubs to clubs, and football stadiums to theatres.
His working day can range from six hours to 12 hours, depending on how many clients he has to see.
Derek is out on the road a lot and notched up nearly 10,000 miles in his first year of business.
“I am usually out in the morning visiting venues and conducting cleans, as everywhere likes to have their lines nice and clean and the beer ready to serve for opening time.
“In the afternoons, I’m normally out and about visiting potential customers and doing visits to cellars.” So what are his future plans? “I’m aiming for continued, steady growth and not expanding too fast. I take a pride in the service I provide and maintaining high standards is as important to me as growing the business.”
Derek is delighted with how his first business venture has gone to date, and he only regrets not becoming his own boss years ago.