Exclusive Interview: Warwick Stanitforth

Name: Warwick Staniforth    

Location: Berwick

Franchise: V.I.P. Fencing and Home Maintenance Berwick

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

I chose a franchise as I wanted the support and benefits of having a well-recognised name, I chose fencing as I liked the idea of working outside and like being on the tools. 

What did you do before taking up a franchise?

I spent a small amount of time as an arborist prior to that I was a Baker for 20+ years.

How did you raise the finance?

We had already started the process of refinancing our home for renovations, so used some of those funds.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

I received 8 weeks of training with two trainers that showed a variety of different fences. Ongoing I have the support of the trainers and other franchisee’s if I ever have any quires.

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

I am usually onsite for 7am to begin work, this could range from tear downs to new builds of fences and gates. There are many phone calls throughout the day between my wife and I as she books in quotes, writes up quotes, orders materials and communicates with the customers and suppliers.

What challenges have you faced?

I have been quite lucky and haven’t had many challenges in terms of sourcing materials. The most challenging would be finding reliable suppliers.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so, how?

Yes, I love being my own boss and setting my own schedule as well as working with my wife.

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

This is an area we are still working on, currently mainly Facebook and contacting local real estate agents.

What differentiates your franchise from the competition?  

Reliability and responding to customers in a timely fashion, attention to detail and always going the extra mile.

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?  

You get out what you put in, the harder you work the better results you get. Always listening to the customer and making sure the end product meets their expectations.

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

It’s a big commitment so make sure its exactly what you want. If you have the chance; speak to other franchisees to get a better understanding of what it is like running a franchise.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue to grow my business whilst enjoying the freedoms of working for myself.

Would you do it again?

Yes – wish I had done it years ago!