'I liked the flexibility of lifestyle' - Ovenclean Franchisee Chris McLoughlin

"When it comes to the stage you’re working every hour and feeling nothing but stress as a result, it may be time to consider other options"

This is the thought that passed through Chris McLoughlin as he carried out his then role with a major UK supermarket as a Compliance Manager. Before Chris had a chance to even consider his options, the cards were turned as was made redundant and now had a new set of decisions to make. Was this a blessing in disguise Chris needed?

Chris comments on his then situation:

"The timing was very interesting, I was now forced into a situation where I had a decision to make. I had to decided whether I wanted to move to a new that wasn't of particular interest to me, or whether I actively seek a new job with a different company, or maybe even try becoming self-employed. It was then that I remembered an article that was focused on Franchising that I had seen in the paper whilst at work. I'm not usually one for reading the paper, so it must have been serendipity! I remember there being a big spread on franchising, and amongst the brands featured, was the Ovenclean franchise. I had a previous background in catering, and the prospect of getting dirty and cleaning ovens really didn't phase me at all. I decided I must investigate this particular opportunity further."

Chris received some initial information from the Ovenclean Franchise Head Office, and also spent a day with another franchisee, Roger, observing how things worked.

Chris talks about his reaction to his first interaction with a fellow Ovenclean franchisee:

“After I had spent time with a current operating franchisee, I was sold, I liked the flexibility of the lifestyle and the fact you really do get out what you put in. It appealed to me that my own hard work would reap benefits for me, not for someone else!”

Although Chris may have been sold, his partner had yet to be convinced;

“She’s observed my spending patterns over the years and knew that I was used to having a regular wage, and not really questioning where the money came from. She was worried I wouldn’t adjust things accordingly, and there was probably a bit of worry about where the work would come from too. However, it took just one visit to an open day to convince her as well! She was really impressed with Tim’s presentation. He explained how, if you follow the franchise model, it will work when combined with application, dedication, a real work ethic and good marketing. He emphasised that it’s not for people who don’t want to work hard – but I did – that’s what I was used to. And he’s been proved right. The benefits were very quick to come in and we’re both delighted. I should have made the move years ago!”

Chris plans to have a second van in the future to add to his franchise portfolio, but for now, he runs his diary as he likes, and enjoys much more free time with his family. He markets regularly, enjoying a big return on his leaflet campaigns, as well as recommendation.

“I always spend time with customers, making time to chat and get to know them,” he says. “I think people appreciate that I’m not just dashing in and out and off to the next job. If you take the time – people will remember you. I’ve built on that to create the fantastic business I have today.”