Aditi Kirtane is a registered pharmacist who swapped research work in India for a hospital pharmacy role in Melbourne.

Now she is running her own business, operating the Kwik Kopy Preston service centre.

So what took her from the pharmaceutical world to the printing press?

The goal was flexibility, she says.

“My husband is a consultant, and he travels a lot for work. So, with two young kids it was difficult to do the shiftwork at the hospital,” Aditi says.

Her move out of the hospital took her to real estate. Aditi qualified as a real estate agent, and worked briefly in the industry, before finding the weekend work demands too restrictive.

So she started a new search for a more flexible future.

“We were looking into options that gave me the freedom to work on my terms. I wanted something different than food, and printing seemed to be an industry that would suit me.

“I wanted a job I could do by myself, and I knew I could learn this trade and run the franchise well. In my real estate job I knew how much printing we did, so I could see the business potential.”

Kwik Kopy training and support

Once the pair investigated the brands on offer it didn’t take long for them to settle on Kwik Kopy.

“The application process was very friendly. Kwik Kopy ensured we had all the information we needed, and they wanted to know about us too. I got all my questions answered, and then spoke with some franchisees to see what they thought of the operation.”

Aditi says the Kwik Kopy team helped with every step of the decision making process, including help with negotiating with the seller, and what to look for in the contract.

Aditi chose to buy an existing business because she had no prior print experience.

“It made sense to have a head start by buying a business that already had customers. It had been in the same location for 21 years. Before I bought the business I had no clue how to start up, I didn’t know any printing terms. It was all completely new to me.”

With the help of robust Kwik Kopy training Aditi quickly gained a working knowledge of materials and suppliers, pricing methods, printing techniques, signage and design.

“The one month’s training was intensive. It included visits to other Kwik Kopy franchise centres, as well as major suppliers. We got an idea of how the business runs and what we can offer our customers, when to outsource jobs and when to manage them inhouse.”

The comprehensive training even included financial reviews and learning how to correctly benchmark figures.

“Training and constant support have been the hallmark of Kwik Kopy,” says Aditi.

Achieving success without prior print experience

“I bought the business in October 2019 and six months later we were in Covid lockdown. For me as a new owner with no industry experience, and one member of staff, it was a tough time. During that period everyone in management was in touch regularly and responding quickly to queries.”

Aditi reflects that one positive that emerged from the protracted business slowdown was using the time to fine tune her newly acquired skills.

So, even with her three part time staff on hand, Aditi knows she can do any of the jobs in the business.

The Preston centre is in an industrial area, providing plenty of opportunity to bring in new SME business.

“The small business, professional, client base is really good for me.  People are courteous and I am helping provide business solutions for them. I love the interaction. A personal touch is important in this business.”

Aditi reveals that previous customers have stayed with the business because of her strong customer service, pricing and product quality.

“We don’t do very active marketing, a lot of new customers come through referrals. I try to make sure if someone prints something once at our centre, they will at least think about us next time and that’s a priority.”

A community focus

While Aditi is focused on growing the business revenue, she is also giving back to the community.

A big fan of the performing arts, Aditi is involved with local charity groups, helping with printing and sponsorships.

“I have three different theatre groups who work with me for their shows. I feel I used to be a participant, now these groups regard me as a print partner. That’s a good feeling, helping them bring more colour to their shows!”

It’s a long way from research pharmacy and real estate, yet there is a common thread.

All Aditi’s career choices have had a technical, professional element to them.

“I like the technical aspects and working out solutions for some jobs. I always like doing new things and print is a very dynamic field. There are so many different machines, so many products, you can do a lot.”

At Kwik Kopy, she’s quick to point out, she went in as a novice and with the franchisor’s training and support has emerged a confident business owner.

“It’s a good feeling to be a Kwik Kopy franchisee, and I love the flexibility. I am putting in a lot of effort, but it’s rewarded.”