Episode#28

Franchise owner journey - After spending 25+ years in food distribution and supermarket logistics, Ken channeled his passion for horticulture and the desire for a career change into a business of his own.

But, owning his own business wasn't necessarily in the plan.

In Episode#28 - The plan was to transition from supermarket logistics with a Certificate in Horticulture, and into the council parks and gardens division. 

Disconsolate about the fact he couldn't secure a job with the qualification after 4 years of study, was thinking his age at 59 was becoming a problem.

A chance conversation with his brother who had just purchased a Coochie Hydrogreen franchise after being a customer, and everything seemed to just align very quickly for Ken from that moment onwards.

Now with 400 or so clients in his region, and a target for 500 in the near future, Ken is looking forward to more growth.

0:26 What Coochie Hydrogreen does

1:13 Career prior in food service for an extended period distributing to restaurants, hotels and the like.

2:27 Into a large Woolworths logistics distribution facility with night shifts.

3:44 How they supplied 50+ supermarkets across the region and what amazed Ken about the actual cost of delivery per carton and the size of the operation.

5:28 A passion for horticulture and after 13 years looking for something else that he had a passion for.

6:35 Was told that he needed a qualification in Horticulture to get a job with the Council, enrolling in a Certificate 3 in Horticulture with a goal to get onto parks and gardens with the Council while still working for Woolworths.

8:08 Why the passion for horticulture - it came from mum.

8:59 Couldn't get a job with council after getting the qualification, and felt at 59 his age was possibly a problem.

9:36 Chance conversation and found Coochie as an option from his brother who had just bought a franchise.

11:14 Launching Coochie in his region and feedback from current owners. 

12:17 The help from Coochie and growing the business.

13:34 Progress of growth in the region starting from zero clients.

15:06 Ken's initial doubts and continued drive to grow the business from the start with simple local area marketing strategies.

16:39 How he grows the business with face-to-face marketing and a focus initially on the bowls club for clients.

18:16 Other local marketing activities in the are with kids rugby league, beer coasters in pubs and more.

19:08 The Coochie advantage of comparing the lawn next door after the lawn care program is implemented.

19:49 What he loves about the business now 5 years down the track and goal for the future.

21:30 Bringing another staff member on and how the business operates.

Podcast Produced by: magnetic business media

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