Driving Miss Daisy was born in New Zealand out of a simple, heartfelt idea. Twenty years ago when Melanie Harper’s aunt was unable to drive, Melanie started taking her to appointments. This thoughtful gesture proved more than practical: it turned a simple ride into companionship.
It also planted the seed for a business and before long Melanie and her husband Jack had created and launched Driving Miss Daisy. The concept is simple: a service combining the practical with the social, a car ride that delivers care and connection. It’s about more than getting people where they need to be; providing companionship along the way is a vital part of the service.
This brilliant idea has tapped into a growing need, and appeals to a growing cohort of would-be business owners; in New Zealand alone there are now more than 250 vehicles and 82 franchises operating.
And today this business has grown into a top international companion driving service.
When Aussies Alan Branch and Stan Zets spotted the brand’s potential they combined forces and led the brand’s foray into the UK. After building up a strong network of franchises in Britain the pair turned their attention to their home market, Australia.
As co-directors of Driving Miss Daisy Australia, they are focused on delivering a high quality service that encourages clients’ confidence, independence, and happiness.
Why Driving Miss Daisy is different
Driving Miss Daisy allows clients to stay active and enjoy their lives. Services include driving clients to medical appointments, social engagements, and even casual outings like coffee dates, all while enjoying friendly, reliable companionship.
Stan says, “Looking after a client’s personal wishes rather than the number of kilometres they want to travel separates Driving Miss Daisy from the taxi and Uber industry.”
Driving Miss Daisy franchisees provide a service with the safety and security of a professional caring brand. The cheery Daisy signage and bright blue uniforms reassure clients that they are safe and will be well looked after.
The business charges franchisees with one aim: to brighten up a client’s day.
“Everyone needs a companion. It is more important than you initially realise. Sadly, many people live with feelings of loneliness or are unable to socialise, see their local doctor or complete daily tasks,” says Stan.
“This is why professional companion help and assistance is vital on a regular basis offering a helping hand where needed.”
Success built on quality and opportunity
Stan and Alan’s international experience and commitment to quality service have laid the groundwork for success in Australia. Their dedication to fostering a positive, supportive culture ensures that both clients and franchisees feel valued and appreciated.
This personalised approach is what has made the brand successful.
And with an ageing population there’s a growing demand for its services. Almost 17 per cent of Australians are aged 65 or older and that number is only going to keep climbing.
There is also a rise in the number of Australians with disabilities, up from 4.4 million in 2018 to 5.5 million in 2022.
These figures indicate a significant opportunity for businesses that offer both care and community engagement. Driving Miss Daisy markets to nearly 7 million people, about 25 per cent of Australia’s population.
Clients can be government or privately funded. Government support is helping more clients access such services, either through aged care programs or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding.
The Australian business has some 50 franchises, who provide care for a range of clients. In addition to the core client base of senior citizens and those with disabilities, Driving Miss Daisy helps pet lovers without transport get to the vet, and assists parents who need children picked up from school or escorted to afterschool activities.
Driving Miss Daisy delivers rewards
A Driving Miss Daisy franchise rewards franchisees with the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in someone’s life.
As Alan says, “You’re not just running a business; you’re helping people achieve a healthier, more connected lifestyle. We are all social creatures who thrive on regular interaction with others, and our well-being blossoms with a sense of connection to our local community.”
Driving Miss Daisy is well-positioned for growth; a model that meets a critical need but also helps to build strong, supportive communities.
“As a Daisy, you will assist your clients and learn how true the phrase ‘we are family when family cannot be there’ really is,” Alan says.
Strong head office support is a foundational pillar of the business. This helps franchisees to succeed in business while helping others. As the number of a franchisee’s clients grows, so do the opportunities to expand with more vehicles and staff.
Now is the perfect time to join the Daisy team and be part of a business that changes lives — one ride at a time.