Coffee Blue has been celebrating its newest franchisee, who will operate in the Aberdare and Merthyr area of Wales.
Franchising is often used as a way to change career trajectory and for Jon, Coffee Blue’s newest franchisee, it signals the end of a prosperous but unfulfilling career in retail. Now, he’s looking ahead to running his very own business with coffee van franchise Coffee Blue.
Jon, 34, explained how he fell into a career in retail at the age of 16 and struggled to find a different industry to move into.
“I had no intention of ever being in retail. Working an hourly-paid job, for me, was a way of getting through college. But you end up falling into the trap of taking on more hours, getting used to the money and before you know it you’re on a decent salary and it’s hard to escape.”
He said that the freedom to take holidays like Christmas off is one of the most exciting prospects of his new role as franchisee.
“Not having to work another Christmas in a supermarket is just the best feeling ever, though. Ever since I started, I said: “This is going to be my last Christmas in retail.” 19 years later, I’ve finally done my last one. That’s what I’m looking forward to the most.”
Jon revealed what motivated him to take the leap to being his own boss.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do … With Coffee Blue, I’ll be able to utilise my experience in retail and the catering side, so it’s not going to be completely different to what I’m doing. But it’s going to be something that will push me outside my comfort zone.”
He also said why he chose to go down the franchising route.
“I chose to start my own franchise instead of my own business from scratch mainly because of the support network. It’s a big risk and it’s daunting when you’re on your own. But with this, you’ve got your own head office and a massive support team which makes that transition easier.”
Jon confessed that he was drawn to Coffee Blue thanks to its family feel.
“Like franchisees have said in the past, it really feels like a family. There’s no pressure, you can pop in whenever you want to have a chat, the support you get from Martin, Sean and Karen has been superb. That’s probably what sold it to me. Even with the Directors, Gareth and Colin, they said I can always pop in and have a chat whenever I wanted.”
Jon concluded by offering some advice to those thinking about starting their own Coffee Blue franchise.
“Just go for it. What I’ve seen, from the support to the training, it’s been second-to-none. Any question I’ve had – and I’ve had a shed-load – they’ve all been answered. The support behind it is massive.”
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Coffee Blue franchisee, click here.
Sophie Cole, Point Franchise ©
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