When cabinet maker James Peters was looking for a brand to supplement his existing business, Dream Doors Kitchens seemed a perfect fit.

In the cabinet making trade since the age of 17, James was confident running his own business – but wanted more.

“The beauty of heading up your own business, is you get to choose if you want to be on the tools or just doing sales. I was ready to get off the tools and focus on growth,” he says.

“But I wanted to expand in a way that provided more structure, had brand recognition and growth opportunities rather than start again from scratch. I could see real value in the Dream Doors system.”

Dream Doors Kitchens provides an affordable and hassle-free alternative to a complete kitchen renovation, delivering a cost-effective kitchen facelift. It has a reputation for top quality products and has stringent guidelines for its approved suppliers.

James could see potential in the niche business and believed Dream Doors stood out for the strong support network it offers franchisees.

So he purchased the Dream Doors Kitchens Ballarat territory, and hasn’t looked back.

He underwent a comprehensive onboarding process. In his training program, he learned everything to do with the business, from smart techniques for effective lead generation to using the Point of Sale system.

Learning Dream Doors Kitchens systems and sales techniques

Training extended beyond the classroom too.

“When I was starting out I went out on the road with a few franchisees to observe their sales techniques. They are proven sales people, very successful franchisees and that was an excellent addition to my sales training.

“I had a little bit of knowledge but I’m always keen to know more. We have just had our annual conference and I always learn a lot from other franchisees at these events. It’s useful to see how people do things differently, in ways you haven’t considered.”

Advice and guidance

James values the support not just from the franchisor team as he builds his business but from fellow franchisees.

“We have our own Facebook group and everyone gets along,” he says. “There is a lot of knowledge among the franchisees; some have a decade of experience with Dream Doors. Lots of the franchisees are now friends I can call on at any time,” he adds.

His business development manager has proved an invaluable source of advice too, whether offering guidance on growth or how to solve a difficult customer situation.

“I have always received the right advice and it builds up my knowledge bank. I take that on to the next customer and the next job,” James says.

Refining processes

An experienced business owner James still found he could refine his business processes with the Dream Doors systems.

“I’ve learned a new quoting system, had access to first class marketing support, and I’ve learned about management processes. As a business owner you can’t wear all the hats – having a good team is crucial,” he says.

A reliable team

“I started the business working on the tools myself until we found the right people. Now my team has grown and I don’t need to be hands-on –  but I can do the work if I need to.

“I probably work about 45 hours a week now because I’ve got a good team and that really helps. You have to trust your team to do the job well.”

James says it is crucial to select the right tradespeople to undertake the kitchen refits to the high standards Dream Doors Kitchens requires.

The brand provides on-trend designs tailored to customers’ personal styles and practical needs, and James enjoys delivering top quality results.

 “A lot of people are absolutely rapt with the results and it’s rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces,” he says.

Building the business

While Dream Doors provides valuable marketing advice and campaigns, word of mouth and reputation are equally important to business building in a regional town, he says.

While James’ wife Cassie is managing the administration (making bookings, booking tradespeople, handling orders) he is out on the road, building meaningful customer relationships.

“Dream Doors has enabled me to structure my growth and we can see lots of potential. Financially buying this franchise has been a great decision,” he says.

Almost three years in to the business, James is now looking at further growth.

“Dream Doors’ systems, marketing and operational support have helped me to leverage my existing skills and scale efficiently. Now I want to take an additional territory and continue to scale,” he says.