Alana Brown is a mum and a business owner, and as a Frontline Recruitment franchisee, she has found the perfect balance between her personal and professional lives.

Back in 2016 Alana was a retail state manager, newly married and keen to start a family. Working in the dynamic retail industry had always been Alana’s passion, but her changing life priorities required her to make a change in her professional life too.

So she turned to Frontline Recruitment, which is a specialist recruiter in a variety of industries, including retail.

Alana was offered an agency manager position with a Frontline Recruitment agency specialising in the retail industry. Just a few months into her new role, the opportunity to buy the business presented itself.

“It wasn’t an easy decision at the time,” admits Alana. “I was three months pregnant!”

But she was inspired by the idea of business ownership, and achieving an excellent worklife balance.

Frontline business takes flexible approach

“I had worked very hard during my career in retail, and decided it was time to work hard for myself. I was excited that Frontline is a very family oriented business, and being a franchisee allowed me to stay connected to the retail industry.

“When I met a lot of other people in the business, they were all in similar positions to me.”

Encouraged by the business success she saw around her, Alana bought the franchise in partnership with a colleague.

“We bought the business on 1 February 2017 and my son was born six weeks early on 26 March!” 

After three months maternity leave Alana returned.

Going it alone as an ambitious business owner

“It was obviously a challenge at times, but I had flexibility, I did a lot of the back-end work, I job-shared the consultancy role.

“With Frontline it’s not 9-5, there is plenty you can do before and after hours. I made it work for me.”

After two years Alana took the opportunity to buy out her business owner, and then in 2021 she purchased the greater Western Australia region.

The big growth plan is to capitalise on the success so far and gain market share within her large territory. 

Under Alana’s enthusiastic leadership the business has grown to five employees, despite the sudden and severe interruption of the pandemic.

“I worked hard for six months to gain traction, then every six months I add a team member. I have a team of very like-minded women. They are all ex-retailers who understand the industry we operate in.”

These former senior retail leaders are now a high performing dream-team.

“I lead by example, but give my team the freedom and flexibility to run their desk as their own business. I support, lead and coach. Their desk is theirs.

“I’ve hired well. I have talented recruiters, and I love to see their progression in the business. I know what Frontline has given me, and I want them to enjoy the opportunities too.”

Frontline business works for mums

“Many employees in Frontline come back after kids, or they work from home. A big part of what works for me is that I can work from home. I can do the school pick up and drop off. The franchisor encourages that flexible work approach.”

Alana praises the business structure and learning culture at Frontline. 

“They want us to succeed. They trust us. The leadership team also drives the message that you can get what you want from the business. If I want to work school hours, they will help me structure my business to do that.”

For all the support and encouragement on offer, Alana appreciates the freedom that comes with being her own boss.

“The senior leadership team is very strong and very supportive and helps you grow. But you are the business owner, you get out what you put in.”

Last year Frontline Recruitment was awarded second spot in the Top 10 Franchise Awards overall, taking out the number one ranking for lifestyle and passion. It was also named one of the top 30 ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ in Australia by Great Places To Work.

Award-winning success

“That resonates with me,” says Alana. “The business is heavily female dominated. It’s something to be very proud of.”

Alana herself was a two-time award winner in 2022. 

“We won a Franchisee of the Year WA award. I was not expecting that! It was good to acknowledge the growth in the business, and our contribution to the community.”

The state trophy from the Franchise Council of Australia Awards for Excellence pitched Alana into the national awards as a finalist.

“I hadn’t been exposed to awards at that level, it was really nice. The same year, we won Franchise of the Year with Frontline. It acknowledged everything we’re doing in the business.”

She loves the balance she has achieved within a supportive, encouraging franchise network.

“I couldn’t have achieved what I’ve achieved without Frontline Recruitment: the business growth and being the mum I want to be.”