SMOOTH OPERATOR

SILK Laser Clinics has ambitious goals to open six to 10 clinics annually, with a goal of about 150 clinics.

partnership with two levels of investment – the popular 50/50 buy-in, and for those potential franchisees with little access to funds, a 25/75 split.

The joint venture (JV) model works well for beauty industry professionals who are specialists in the treatment aspects of the business.

“Some have very big dreams but the $750,000 cost of a clinic can be quite daunting and this provides a certain level of comfort. A JV lowers the costs and allows us to run their back end; it de-risks the business.”

The 25/75 investment model costs a franchisee about $185,000.

The decision about which model to adopt comes down to the franchisor’s risk assessment, including location and franchisee skills.

In the mix of franchisees across the network there are a handful on the low-risk JV option, about 10 in a 50/50 partnership, and 14 operating a traditional franchise model.

While the network does have some investor franchisees, the priority is hands-on ownership.

“We really love owner-operators working the front desk, particularly nurse injector owners. By the end of this financial year we will have 15 nurse injectors. We will look after them as they move into being a franchise owner.”

Martin is proud of SILK’s South Australian roots and achievements. But he says the biggest kick comes from helping franchises follow the path to success.