Van Franchises with Sole-Operator and Management Opportunities
Van Franchises with Sole-Operator and Management Opportunities
Newbury man, Jon McDougall, loved his job so much he bought the company! Jon started work in 2013 as an employee of Wilkins Chimney Sweep in Newbury and has just become the latest franchisee to join award-winning Wilkins Chimney Sweep.
Jon has lived in Newbury since he was 16 having previously lived in various places around the country (and abroad) as a forces child. He moved from an analyst role with local employer, Vodafone, where he’d worked since 2005 (with a brief break!). He has also worked for A-Plan Insurance and the AA and was a corporate man until he decided to take a step back from the computer.
Jon’s desire to work more closely with customers, eliminate the daily grind of a desk job, be more practical and generally shift his lifestyle to a less stressful environment, were all on his mind when he applied for a job as 'Service Associate' with Wilkins Chimney Sweep. He was very interested but he was especially enthused when he learned that there may be an opportunity to own the business!
Jon had a slightly different route into the business than is usual for a franchisee as he had already been offering the Wilkins Chimney Sweep service. His training took a slightly different guise and now, of course, he is busy learning the mechanics of the engine room and how to RUN the business.
The Newbury territory was where Wilkins Chimney Sweep began and buying the business of course meant inheriting an impressive history and heritage – and the business was brought into the franchise team. It will still serve as a base for new franchisee training and innovation for the model.
Jon’s role, working for Wilkins Chimney Sweep, gave him far more opportunities to indulge in his cross-country mountain biking and general fitness. And he doesn’t plan for much to change in that regard. Jon has an employee, Matt Crockford, who has been in the business for a year and will support him alongside Peter Harris – Managing Director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep Limited (the franchise head office) will keep his hand in with sweeping as required whilst still training new franchisees.
Wilkins Chimney Sweep (West Berks) will continue to sweep chimneys, woodburners, solid fuel stoves, Agas, Rayburns and Jetmasters, remove nests and fit cages, caps and cowls to homes and commercial premises throughout West Berkshire.
Of his new career Jon says:
"Starting with Wilkins has ticked all the boxes in terms of what I was looking for in a job. I have moved away from working behind a desk, I get too meet new people, go to new places and no two days are the same. I now have the additional bonus of being my own boss. I couldn't be happier and am looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Peter Harris, Managing Director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep Limited said:
"Jon has been a great asset to the business since joining us in 2013. Our customers really like him – he has a great smile and infectious energy. I knew we had a winning team when people stopped asking for me and insisting that Jon came back…"
Louise, Franchise Director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep Limited, commented:
"We knew Jon was a candidate to be more than an employee from the date he joined us. We’re thrilled that it’s worked out so well. We know he’ll do a great job and knows we’ll help him get there."
Introducing Pierre Goodwin, the youngest ever member to join the Wilkins network.23 year old Pierre Goodwin has just completed his training to become the youngest ever member of the Wilkins network.
Introducing Richard Bryan from Wilkins Chimney Sweep North TynesideWhitley Bay man Richard Bryan, who spent nearly 30 years working in the local public sector, has become the latest to join award-winning Wilkins Chimney Sweep.
Introducing Nick Ménage from Wilkins Chimney Sweep North OxonNick Ménage is married to Gillian, lives in Bloxham and has two children, Jessica and Georgina. Amanda. After 27 years of running a Gym in Banbury he bought his Wilkins Chimney Sweep business..
An Update From Mark Frost the First Ever Wilkins Chimney Sweep FranchiseeMark Frost from Wilkins Chimney Sweep Brighton and Worthing gives an update after 18 months in business.
Adrian Steel - Wilkins Chimney Sweep (North Hants)Adrian Steel has recently launched Wilkins Chimney Sweep in Basingstoke.
Meet Mark and Justine, Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchiseesMeet former Police Officer Mark and his wife Justine, owners of Wilkins Chimney Sweep West Suffolk
Up on the roof!Dave Connolly spent over 20 years running his own woodworking business before buying his Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise.
Trading up the ladder!Meet John Parker, 47, who purchased his Wilkins Chimney Sweep Franchise in September 2011.
Mark Frost surveyed several franchise opportunities before choosing Wilkins Chimey Sweep FranchiseMeet Mark Frost and find out more about Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise.
From the Home Office to Home Working for Wilkins Chimney Sweep FranchiseeMeet Steven and Anne Gallacher, Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchisees
WILKINS CHIMNEY SWEEP have been very supportive in providing both practical training, and also advice on how to run a business with accounting and tax information.
I liked the idea of working for myself doing something more hands on than I had been used to as an ex-surveyor. Franchising gave me professional backup, training and an established name to use.
We are the only bfa accredited chimney sweeping franchise
Build a sustainable, ethical, saleable and scalable business
Annual repeat business with excellent cash flow!
Van Franchises are not just a Man and a Van! VanFranchise.co.uk showcases all kinds of management franchises and owner-operator van-based business opportunities. Start a franchise today and achieve the self-employed success you have dreamed of.
Newsletter Subscribe