FROM TRADIE TO TRADER

What turned this successful sparky into a stockmarket trader?

What turned this successful sparky into a stock-market investor?

Anew concept has tempted one trades-based franchisee to try his hand at financial services in a global marketplace. Electrician Josh Butler knows just what it takes to be a franchisee because he owns Laser Electrical Rowville. He is a practical man who has turned his technical skills to good use and built up a thriving business. But he is also a man with a mission to diversify his skills.

And that is what appealed to him about a new opportunity with global company AGM Markets, which has introduced the First Index business to Australia. This bricks-and-mortar store allows people to learn about the stock market and trade shares, an area in which Butler has a personal interest. So, of course, he snapped up the chance to invest in the new business concept.

“I’ve always had an interest in trading and growing businesses, and with First Index I am able to combine my two passions,” he says. “I have already grown my electrician business to a sustainable position that has allowed me to step back and oversee it from a strategic level, giving me more time to focus on other things like trading.”

First Index gives clients access to more than 3000 assets including shares, CFDs,

Forex and cryptocurrency.

‘STRONG POTENTIAL’

Australian GM Cecilia Catanghal believes First Index will transform the trading industry and bring Australians a new way of buying, selling and investing. The industry has shifted online over the past three decades, and First Index plans to bring back customer service. The business is licensed to allow trades of overseas shares and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

“We are bringing a great opportunity to Australians to run their own trading business in the suburbs, and there is strong potential for each franchise to turn over in excess of a million dollars annually,” she says.

Butler is the first Australian franchisee, and will open the doors to his new business in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, in February. He says First Index will provide customers with the chance to experience the platform first hand, while receiving guidance from licensed and experienced traders face-to-face.

“The First Index platform provides the means for users to develop and test strategies before entering the market, which instills confidence and familiarity, something that is invaluable to those new to the stock market,” he says.

First Index is putting individuals front and centre of the trading industry, something previously considered the domain of large financial companies. The brand started in Israel where it has three outlets. AGM Markets is looking to open up to 200 shops in Australian suburbs over the next three years.

There are two more openings in the pipeline, but for now, Butler is leading the charge.