Exclusive Interview: Tony

Name: Tony Duca

Location: Patterson Lakes

Franchise: V.I.P Fencing Patterson Lakes

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your V.I.P. Fencing & Home Maintenance franchise?

The Franchise route was a lot of researching and going back and forward with it in my head and asking other people who had franchises.  The Main Reason was the support Network and knowing I belong to a bigger group and working in a team environment. I was tossing up the idea of going into building and for some reason I came across fencing.  It ticked 80% of the boxes without needing to do the Long apprenticeship. 

What did you do before taking up a franchise?

Before VIP Fencing, I ran a successful Mortgage Brokering company.  Always loved the work but felt like I needed a life change.

How did you raise the finance?

The finance was done through a Loan I did consider becoming a Dancer then looked in the mirror and thought no chance LOL.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing from V.I.P. F&HM?

The Support I received was absolutely top Notch!  The training was also of the highest standard.  Nothing was too Hard for my trainers, and they were very patient with me given I hadn’t picked up tools for Many years. 

What is a typical day for you as a V.I.P. Fencing franchisee?

There is no such thing as a typical day.  You get up ready to (prepared from the previous night) to realise that there is something you didn’t factor for.  However not in a bad way that’s why it makes every day interesting, new, and exciting.   On a Classic Day we will drive to the worksite- Greet the client and explain what we will be doing and achieving today.  I usually have a timetable sketched out as to where I want to be at a certain time of the day.  When I’ve ticked off all the boxes it will be time to finish up for the day. 

What challenges have you faced?

With myself there has been several challenges.  The C word has been the most challenging (covid) as it really has delayed several jobs and the shortage of Material has been a major factor as well.  Unfortunately, everyone has been in the same boat so it’s just about managing expectations and keeping people up to date. 

 Has becoming a V.I.P. F&HM franchise owner changed your life, if so how?

It hasn’t really changed my life too much as I have always ran my own business.  However, the stage I was at in my life and career it’s the best thing I did.  I am enjoying the outdoors and love meeting new people every day. 

What marketing/promotional tools do you use to grow your V.I.P. F&HM  franchise?  

Initially I was using the Franchisor advertising and lead generation programme.  I only required that for about a week or 2, however I have continued to receive many direct enquires from our HQ V.I.P. F&HM Website, and most of my business now comes through Word-of-mouth, repeat clients and my Social Media pages.  Everyone is very supportive and very good at recommending.

What differentiates your V.I.P. Fencing and Home Maintenance franchise from the competition?  

In My opinion it’s the no bull.  If we can’t do something we will tell you.  I also believe our high standard of customer service -Training and that we will use the best material available to us at the time.  Myself I won’t just go see someone and do a quote.  I believe in having a conversation finding out what the client really wants and educating them on the best option for them.  I also put a high standard on our professionalism and the high quality of our work. 

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?  

To be successful as a Franchisee or any business you need to be focused and lots of planning goes into it.  To think you can buy a business and sit there and do nothing you will not succeed. Being honest with your clients and yourself will put you a step ahead.  You need to do the little things every day.  Even when your really busy don’t stop using the foundations to build on.  Communication will keep you going.  Take on the constructive criticism and enjoy and bathe in the praise but never lose focus on your goal and the little steps that are needed.  Like I always say crawl walk run. Talk to the other guys who have been there and done that.  Trust me when I say they will help you to understand what has worked and what hasn’t. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

I would always say listen to the advice around you.  Don’t think you will get into this and be a millionaire in 3 months.  Really work out why you want to do it and do it for the right reasons.  For example, I want to do it to help people and the rest of the things will come.  Be prepared to put in the hard yards as the rewards will come.  Don’t be scared as you have plenty of support around you.  And finally, don’t stop learning.  Take every opportunity to learn something every day even if it’s packing your tools away in an easy to access order.

What are your plans for the future?

Hard to say at this stage – I want to get to a point where I can work 4 days a week and have an extended weekend. 

Would you do it again?

Most definitely just wish I did it earlier!