While Owen Vavasour had been employed by Amber for several years, it was not until he took part in the company’s management traineeship program that he saw franchising as a suitable career path. 

He has been with the brand for around five years in total, and started working at Amber’s Kellyville franchise, which he co-owns with Thomas Cann, for 16 months.

Owen tells Franchising about his experience so far…

The pathway from trainee to franchisee

I had previously completed Amber’s management traineeship program, where I gained invaluable franchise experience by working at a number of successful Amber franchises within the program.

I was interested in using the skills that Amber had presented me and believed I could contribute to an existing, well-established business.

I also strongly felt that I had the potential to contribute to the successful development of the brand and the services Amber offers to the Australian market.

The brand

I did not know much about the company before I started the program; however I had a basic understanding of the brand and the products they offered.

Once I completed the program, Amber appealed to me as the company is willing to invest in programs for younger people and they offer franchisees continued support. 

Initial reactions

I was initially overwhelmed by the volume of information and processes involved in knowing and understanding the business, the products, suppliers and customer information!

As time went by and I fully immersed myself within the business the knowledge became second nature.

The day to day

I work at the Kellyville store five days a week, including Sundays. My days consist of processing invoice orders, ordering stock, chasing enquiries, maintaining product displays and managing the sales team, which is comprised of four full-time staff and one part-time staff member.

I personally enjoy being on the floor, dealing with customers face-to-face and making sales, and I recognise the importance of my managerial position in making the customer’s experience enjoyable and effortless. 

A unique partnership

I am involved in a business partnership with long-standing Amber franchisee Thomas Cann. The Kellyville store adjoins with Baulkham Hills Landscape Supplies (BHLS).

Amber is run separately to BHLS and I am given free-reign to make executive decisions for Amber, which I enjoy. Thomas is involved in overseeing the operational side and strategic future of the business.

Amber Kellyville leverages off the prominence of BHLS within the local community to increase its profile and generate awareness of the brand. 

We also contribute to community programs, such as The Hill Building Awards and a local junior rugby league team to generate local support and increase goodwill.

Training

Amber’s traineeship program exposed me to a diverse range of environments where I dealt with a wide range of personalities and situations.

I worked in seven different stores prior to commencing at Kellyville and purely believe that working in various stores with several systems and individuals has provided me with a unique skill set. I consider it to be the broadest franchisee training available.

Goals for the business

• Year one – increase sales by 20 percent while increasing margin
• Year two – win the Amber Franchise of the Year award
• Year three – increase sales by another 15 percent, invest in Kellyville’s own transport system and develop exclusive ranges.
• Year four – increase my partnership equity of the Kellyville franchise
• Year five – own the Kellyville store outright (100 percent equity)  

Franchising: a game changer

Franchising has inspired me to work hard and make something of myself and the business. Having the support networks that Amber provides behind you gives you the confidence to achieve your personal goals, develop vital supplier relationships and have pride in what you can contribute to the business.