Andrew Walker is the Chief Franchise Development Officer for Poolwerx across Australia and New Zealand. With years of experience driving franchise growth and training systems, Andrew plays a central role in preparing new franchise owners and their teams for success.

In Episode 124 - At the heart of Poolwerx is Pool School a structured four-week program blending online learning with intensive hands-on training at the brand’s Brisbane training center. Beyond this, franchise owners benefit from ongoing support, peer-to-peer learning, supplier-led sessions, and state-based workshops during the “development season.”

Andrew emphasises the importance of technical excellence, retail and mobile integration, and building a strong culture of franchisees helping one another. With this framework, Poolwerx ensures that every new business owner feels confident stepping into their role while laying the foundation for long-term success.

0:00 Introduction

0:37 Overview of the Poolwerx franchise training methodology 

2:35 Retail & technical excellence training programs for staff

3:19 How Poolwerx uses winter for franchise development 

3:58 How Poolwerx builds training topics from franchisee feedback

4:58 Training pathway from mobile operator to retail franchise owner 

7:06 Why Poolwerx training and store openings rarely align

8:09 In-field training and support after Poolwerx Pool School

9:26 Peer-to-peer franchise support and collaboration

11:58 How suppliers strengthen franchise training at Poolwerx

13:36 Common fears new franchise owners face at Pool School 

15:36 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: Franchise Business HUB

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