MANAGING CHANGE…CAN BE AS GOOD AS A REST!
“It couldn’t really have been much more of a change for us, although we knew it was a business that would suit our lifestyle and could make us money with the added bonus of spending more time with the family.” - Neil Stapleton, OSCAR Franchisee
For a franchisor to have any of its franchisees achieve recognition is exciting and rewarding but to see them accepted as finalists in the annual bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards is the icing on the cake.
Holding the bronze award for Franchisor of the Year, Oscar is preparing to see Neil and Lorraine Stapleton add their contribution to the Oscar 2008 success story. This year’s award, titled ‘Managing Change’, is looking for franchisees whose businesses have outperformed competitors and excelled in the process.
Neil and Lorraine have been regular Oscar achievers within the Oscar network, receiving such accolades as special merits, most improved franchisee, various pin awards, and area award for being the first franchisees to reach a six-figure turnover!
Neil and Lorraine started their Oscar business in 1998 with a positive plan and a great determination to make it work. Ten years on, dedication to their commitment has paid dividends over and over again. By operating as a team optimising their individual strengths, being prepared to work long hours and with help from family and their children in the business, Neil and Lorraine saw Oscar in Honiton, Devon grow rapidly.
“Thinking ahead, understanding our customers and determined hard work while positively managing change have made the difference to our success.”
Keeping abreast of changes within the pet food industry the pair concentrated on promoting the quality of their products while offering a superior service to their competitors. Educating their customers on what is best for their pet and increasing brand awareness by way of good news stories and competitions, through local media and radio, has helped them to rise above the competition.
“It couldn’t really have been much more of a change for us, although we knew it was a business that would suit our lifestyle and could make us money with the added bonus of spending more time with the family.”
This all adds up to coping with change, managing unforeseen circumstances in the economy and still running a successful business. The business has grown far beyond their initial expectations but it has been carefully planned so that Neil and Lorraine can now work fewer hours, have frequent holidays and lots more time for themselves and their children.
We at Oscar feel that Neil and Lorraine truly deserve this recognition and, with their performance over the last ten years, they are a credit to the concept of franchising!
For more information about starting an OSCAR Pet Foods franchise, click the 'Request Information' button below, now!
