Matt’s journey from working as a qualified chef for celebrity kitchens to becoming a successful Seal-A-Fridge franchise owner in Sydney is a compelling story of career change, work-life balance, and entrepreneurial spirit.

 Burnt out by the overwhelming hours and responsibilities in the culinary world, Matt sought a new path where he could control his schedule, work independently, and still earn a solid income from day one. 

His story highlights the opportunities available in the niche trade of fridge seal repair and maintenance, and how it can provide both financial success and personal freedom.

From Chef Life to Franchise Owner: Making the Leap

Matt began his career as a chef, working under renowned celebrity chefs. While it was a respectable and exciting profession, the demanding hours and increasing responsibilities eventually took their toll. 

"The more you go up in chefing, the more hours you have to do," Matt explains. 

Despite the prestige, the pay didn’t match the effort, and the long shifts became unsustainable.

Looking for a way out, Matt realised he wanted to be his own boss and set his own hours. The opportunity came when the existing Seal-A-Fridge franchise in his area, owned by an older gentleman who selectively took jobs, became available. 

Matt saw the potential in this easy-to-start business where training and a work van were provided, allowing him to start earning immediately.

A Day in the Life: Structure and Freedom

Matt’s daily routine as a Seal-A-Fridge franchisee is well-structured yet flexible. He typically starts early, around 7 AM or even earlier, aiming to get into commercial kitchens before lunch service begins. 

This early access allows him to replace fridge seals without disrupting restaurant operations. After finishing commercial jobs, he moves on to domestic customers, followed by visits to restaurants for quotes and measurements.

Back at his workshop, Matt fabricates the necessary seals and schedules installations for the following day, creating an efficient cycle of measure, make, and install. This system provides him with the freedom to finish work early in the afternoon and organise his week according to his preferences.

Leveraging Local Knowledge and Relationships

Living within his service area makes running the business more manageable for Matt. 

He emphasises the importance of introducing himself personally to local restaurants and cafes, building relationships with chefs who are often the primary decision-makers for kitchen maintenance. Handing out business cards and being visible in the community has helped him establish trust and repeat clients.

Matt also benefits from a supportive network of other Seal-A-Fridge franchise owners. He highlights the value of this community, where experienced franchisees readily offer advice, parts sourcing tips, and troubleshooting guidance.

 This camaraderie is crucial in such a niche business.

More Than Just Seals: Expanding Services in Kitchen Repairs

While the core service is sealing commercial and domestic fridge doors, Matt’s business extends beyond just that. He points out that many kitchens require additional repairs, such as door handles, hinges, doorbells on cool room doors, and rails that may have fallen off. Being handy and willing to tackle these extra repairs can significantly increase earnings.

Matt’s clients include well-known brands like Subway and Oporto, as well as local cafes. Repeat business is a cornerstone of his success. If a cafe has multiple fridges, they will often call him back for maintenance every year or two depending on their upkeep. 

This steady stream of work provides a reliable income and long-term relationships.

The Power of Branding and Territory

One of the surprising aspects Matt mentions is the marketing strength of his van. With clear signage and a memorable franchise number, his van acts as a mobile billboard. After visiting an area like Bondi Junction for a job, he often receives quote requests from nearby businesses that have noticed his van.

Matt operates within a 50-kilometer radius covering the city, Saint George area, and Eastern suburbs of Sydney. 

He deliberately avoids areas like the Southern Shire and doesn’t cross Victoria Bridge, focusing on a more manageable service zone that allows him to maintain quality and timely service.

Starting Strong: Tips for New Franchisees

When Matt started, he made a point of walking into kitchens personally, introducing himself as the new Seal-A-Fridge franchise owner, and handing out cards. He credits this direct approach for building his initial client base. 

He also stresses the importance of connecting with chefs, who are the key contacts in most kitchens and heavily involved in maintenance decisions.

Choosing this career path allowed Matt to escape the burnout of the chef industry while still working in a food-related environment. The franchise provides training, a ready-to-go work van, and a proven business model that makes it easy to start and grow.

Conclusion: Finding Freedom and Success in Seal-A-Fridge

Matt’s story is a powerful example of how changing careers can lead to a better work-life balance and renewed job satisfaction. By transitioning from the high-pressure world of professional cooking to the practical, hands-on business of fridge seal repair, he found freedom, flexibility, and financial stability.

For those considering a change, Matt’s experience underscores the value of choosing a niche trade with strong support networks, manageable hours, and opportunities for repeat business. 

Seal-A-Fridge might sound like a simple job, but as Matt shows, it can be a fulfilling and profitable career with the right mindset and dedication.