Service at heart of Kiwi success story
Driving Miss Daisy is a Kiwi success story — a niche business and franchise system started in 2009 that now provides services to communities in New Zealand, UK and Australia.
The country’s No. 1 companion driving business, Driving Miss Daisy NZ is well into its second decade, filling a niche in the market using professional drivers and companions to assist clients with their needs.
The point of difference over other transport providers is the service offered — personal accompaniment and assistance.
Drivers will, when required, attend doctor's appointments with a client, providing support and even giving feedback for family afterwards.
They will assist people with shopping or, for busy parents, ensure children safely attend after-school events such as sports practice, music lessons or dental appointments.
It is a caring, safe and reliable service. People with special needs are catered for; walkers and wheelchairs are no problem.
Driving Miss Daisy provides a doorto-door service. Clients are greeted at their door and receive whatever assistance is necessary to make their trip comfortable and stress-free.
Its franchise owners come from a variety of backgrounds, and many have never owned a business previously. When they join Driving Miss Daisy they receive comprehensive training and support. The same ethos and passion for helping people extends to the ongoing support throughout their business life with the company.
Dawn Engelbrecht of Link Business Brokers represents the brand nationally and has two prominent going-concern franchise businesses on the market — Driving Miss Daisy Dunedin North and Dunedin Harbour; Driving Miss Daisy Hastings and Havelock North, where the company’s story started. They are leading businesses in their communities.
“Driving Miss Daisy business owners are passionate about building their business while enjoying the reward of offering a valued service to their local communities,” Engelbrecht says.
These franchise businesses come with their own vehicle fleet, solid customer base and excellent returns in an industry that continues to grow. “People are isolated more than ever due to Covid and we have an ageing population in need of Driving Miss Daisy services,” Engelbrecht says.
In selecting its business owners, Driving Miss Daisy looks for people who share its attitude and mindset; people who want to own a business and genuinely care about improving their clients’ lives.
They will need to be naturally outgoing and energetic to run a busy operation; believe in the company’s vision, mission and alues; have a willingness to work under a franchise model and the tenacity to ensure that customers are always happy.
They will become part of an established brand with a proven business model and national contracts to support their business.
Previous experience is not necessary with a training system providing best-practice, knowledge and expertise to hit the ground running.
Business systems are user-friendly and efficient with detailed operations manuals, franchisor and peer support including back-up and branding.
Investment level for the current opportunities is up to $325,000.