Mark Buckley spent 25 years in the cinema industry, managing the big screens at Hurstville cinemas in Sydney. 

“I had lots of fun but over time the role became all about admin. I love customer service, so it was time to make a move,” he says.

Mark had begun work at McDonald’s at 14, and built an early career in store management, before the shift to the world of cinema. After working hard for major companies, he was now ready to achieve something for himself.

“I went out to the franchising expo in Sydney and looked at all the retail brands exhibiting. But my wife Kylie had stopped at the Appliance Tagging Services stand and spotted a good area for sale.”

ATS franchise offers huge potential

In his management roles Mark had responsibilities for health and safety, and he could see the potential for a good test and tag business.

“There are increasing regulations and every business needs to take care of electrical safety. There’s even more potential business if, like ATS, there are other services such as fire protection added in.

“Any business with 100 employees or more gets audited for safety so that’s a huge market. You’ve just got to go out and get it!” he says.

“ATS provides franchisees access to national clients, keeps franchisees up to date with regulatory changes, provides in-house systems for testing, and manages franchisee invoicing.”

Head office invoices and chases up client payment, and pays franchisees monthly for their work.

“When you factor in what you get for your fees, it’s great, and I’m not responsible for chasing the money,” says Mark.

Great job satisfaction

Eight years on Mark is a regular top-five franchisee with ATS and the newly crowned
Franchisee of the Year 2023. He couldn’t be happier.

“It’s fantastic, I love it. Within the first couple of months, I realised I should have done this years ago – working with my hands”

Mark found the technical aspects of an ATS business simple to learn. The capacity to undertake electrical work varies from state to state; in New South Wales he is able to change plugs and sockets. But mostly it is the core tag and test, “just plug and play,” he says.

“It’s learning to spot a problem, to know the standard, and what’s right and wrong for the work environment,” he says. “I get great satisfaction from this work, particularly on a big job. 

‘Every day is different, I see different work places, meet different people.”

Repeat custom is a benefit of the business; some firms require weekly checks, more commonly they need test and tag services every three, six or 12 months.

Customer service is key

ATS runs a central website and each franchise has their own designated marketing area. Mark operates in Campbelltown, south west Sydney, and adopts some traditional marketing strategies to boost his customer base.

“I go for a Sunday walk and do a letterbox drop in a light industrial area. I’m not a huge fan of cold calling and I’ve had good success with drops. I always follow up with a phone call.”

He is also disciplined about responding to quotes, if not immediately, the same day. 

“It’s part of the service we provide: follow up, be nice over the phone, give as much information as you can with a follow-up email so the customer has all the information at their fingertips.”

Mark believes he sets average prices for his service, and he’s not driven to charge the highest rate.

“I’m working for myself, so if I’m happy with the price for the day, that’s OK. I track all my sales and growth daily so I know what I’ve earned every day, tracked against the last two years,” he says.

While Mark is making a good living, it’s the lifestyle that’s just as important as the profits, he says.

Lifestyle and profit, the perfect combo

“I work a half-day Friday to play golf with my mates, which I manage about 80 per cent of the time. And most days I’m home by 2pm.”

He starts at 6am, sometimes even an hour earlier, because it suits him and his clients.

“If I can get in early to a location before everyone arrives, it’s less inconvenient for staff.”

A few years ago both Mark and Kylie were shift workers. Now they enjoy a weekday schedule; Kylie has transferred her family health nursing experience from hospitals into the community, and Mark is his own boss. They are enjoying their weekend freedom.

“Our youngest moved out a few weeks ago, and so we’re empty nesters now – and new grandparents.”

In February the couple were travelling through Tasmania in their first trip to the island before heading to Victoria for the ATS annual conference. Every year Mark makes a point of booking time out for a holiday prior to, and in the vicinity of, the conference.

“I’ve just bought a new Subaru Outback,” Mark reveals. “I am achieving year on year growth, I’m still having most Friday afternoons off, and we have an automated calendar system for a day off. With ATS I have a very flexible, good lifestyle.”