Renee & Jason – HELENSVALE & PARADISE POINTHow long have you been a part of the Baskin-Robbins® Family? Since 2009. What past employment experience do you have that made you feel confident in becoming a Baskin-Robbins® Franchise Partner? I’ve previously worked in Administration and Management including HR. This has given me the additional skills needed for a Franchise Partner. Whilst I have a manager for both my stores, I take care of recruitment, training, rosters, ordering and the accounts . I do work instore with all new trainees, and my previous customer service skills are an asset when dealing with our guests. What is the most rewarding aspect of your business? I like the satisfaction of watching my team grow and develop; this coupled with providing a fun and relaxing environment for our guests. What made you decide to invest in a franchise? I wanted to join an established brand with existing systems in place that would allow me the flexibility to spend time with my young family. What attracted you to a Baskin-Robbins® franchise? My family and I LOVE ice cream and we were regular visitors to the Baskin-Robbins® Helensvale store. This soon became the first store that we invested in. We were attracted to the quality, iconic product and proven, international franchise system. Another positive is there’s minimal waste! What personal qualities do you think a Baskin-Robbins® Franchise Partner must possess? You must have a willingness to succeed and enjoy meeting people. Great guest service is also a must-have! |
What’s the best thing about being your own boss? I enjoy the flexibility of working the hours that I choose. I have 2 stores so I have previously employed a manager to assist with the day to day running of the stores. What’s your favourite Baskin-Robbins® product? It’s so difficult to choose with such a variety of products – I love our custom ice cream cakes, they make our guest’s celebrations extra special! How many hours a week do you invest in your business? I spend around 10 hours in the stores a week. I have a manager that looks after the day to day operations and this allows me the time to look after the business end – orders, rosters, wages and general paperwork which is around 2.5 days per week over my three stores. What advice would you offer someone thinking about becoming a Franchise Partner? Understand that you’re not just buying a job, you’re investing into an established brand with existing systems and expectations in place. You also need to be actively involved in the running of your business. The more you put in the more you get out!! – As told by Renee. |
Julie & David- MACKAYHow long have you been a part of the Baskin-Robbins® Family? Since 2003. What past employment experience do you have that made you feel confident in becoming a Baskin-Robbins® Franchise Partner? I used to work in Home Care, looking after the needs of clients, so I’m naturally good with people. At Baskin-Robbins®, guest service is really important. Training is available for most aspects of the business, however there is a need to have sound business knowledge to assist with the day to day running of the business. What is the most rewarding aspect of your business? Being my own boss means I get flexibility in the hours that I choose to work. I’ve also enjoyed watching my store flourish over the last 13 years. We’ve built up a remarkable business and we’re extremely proud of our success. What is the most challenging aspect of your business? Keeping up with the demand of my ice cream cakes! I also need to be available at all times, whether it’s fielding calls from my staff to answer any questions they may have or decisions that need to be made when I’m not in my store. What made you decide to invest in a franchise? I wanted to be part of an established business but also liked the autonomy of being my own boss. What attracted you to a Baskin-Robbins® franchise? We did a lot of independent research and liked the idea of joining an internationally-known and respected brand. We considered other ice cream franchises but decided that Baskin-Robbins® was the best fit for us for various reasons but especially the great, quality ice cream flavour varieties. What personal qualities do you think a Baskin-Robbins® Franchise Partner must possess? You need to have a positive and happy disposition and a love for all things ice cream!! |
What’s your favourite Baskin-Robbins® product? Our extensive range of ice cream cakes. I love creating my own designs and they’re really popular in Mackay. How many hours a week do you invest in your business? It varies, but I average around 50 hours a week, this includes making cakes, guest service and paperwork. What does a typical day in the life of a Franchise Partner look like? I’m sure it’s different for every Franchise Partner, but for me, I arrive at my store around 8am so I can make a start on the cake orders and get the store open for trade. I rely on my Team Members for most of the Guest service and could have up to 5 Team Members working weekdays and even more on weekends. I manage the accounts during my working day so I don’t have to invest much time ‘after hours.’ What advice would you offer someone thinking about becoming a Franchise Partner? Do your due diligence. Understand that to succeed you must invest time in your business. – As told by Julie. |