Byran Dodds and his wife invested in Ready Steady Go Kids in October 2011, and they service the Melbourne CBD, Footscray, Point Cook and Geelong areas.

He says there were a number of reasons why the pair decided to buy a franchise.

“[You] have the backing, support and guidance offered from the franchisor and the franchisee network, which we felt we would get from the Ready Steady Go Kids head office. A franchise gives you a buy into a national brand,” he explains.

The Ready Steady Go Kids brand seemed like a perfect fit from day one, considering both enjoy teaching children sport.

“We are passionate about engaging children in sport, and building up their fundamental gross motor skills. We were attracted to the Ready Steady Go Kids brand due to the structured program and the benefits offered by the activities,” says Byran.

He says he was surprised by how well-structured the program was, and describes it as “an awesome concept” as it caters to children from two to six years of age, and they “benefit immensely from the activities delivered.”

He was also surprised by how supportive the head office team were and the sense of camaraderie amongst franchisees.

“The franchisor and the team at head office are extremely supportive, and the growing network of franchisees make a great team.

“With the support of the franchisor and the national brand our business has grown in size and the Ready Steady Go Kids program is well recognised within the community in which we work,” he adds.

Ready Steady Go Kids franchisors Toni (far left) and Stuart Derbyshire with students. Image: news.com.au

The term ‘average day’ doesn’t really apply to Byron and his wife, as no class is ever the same and they are held in various different locations.

“We deliver classes 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) at various venues across our territories. My average day is spent instructing classes, liaising with children, parents and caregivers, coordinating staff and liaising with head office.

“Time is also spent marketing the business by being involved in the community with markets, fetes, kinder programs etc,” he explains.

The pair have also branded their vehicle with the Ready Steady Go Kids logo, their brochures can be found at local child care centres, kindergartens, community centres and maternal and health care centres, and they offer free trial classes.

Even though they engage in all of these marketing initiatives, Byron says word of mouth marketing is proving particularly powerful.

“If you look at it from a different angle, we raise the brand through providing highly engaging and effective classes. Looking at client feedback within our Hoppers location, approximately 50 percent of people said they heard about us from “word of mouth,” which is a great form of marketing!” he says.

Byran explains the initial franchisor training was beneficial in a number of ways.

“[It] assisted us in knowing and understanding the Ready Steady Go Kids brand and the expectations from the franchisor regarding the program delivery. 

“Training has also put us in contact with other franchisees to form a network. It sets a foundation where upon you are able to grow your business.”

Byron and his wife have two main goals for the business.

“To expand various locations so that they are running at a capacity of 6 days per week [and] to deliver ongoing programs within child care centres and kindergartens.”

All in all, they love the freedom that running your own business allows, and they now enjoy a better work/life balance.