Former public servant Ken Black found himself facing statutory retirement in his mid-50s. He wasn’t ready to leave the workforce, so he bought a business.

Sixteen years later and this Appliance Tagging Services franchisee is still going strong.

Ken reflects back on the big move into his own business providing electrical test and tag services.

“It was time to do something quite different. I noticed an ad and discussed with my wife Megan it may not be what we want, but we had a look. We met with the business owners Sarah and Ainslie Allen and liked their style, and their approach to franchising.”

Ken and Megan were impressed with the service ATS provides franchisees.

“They follow up with national clients and do all the invoice chasing. Effectively ATS takes on all the parts of running a business we don’t like!” says Ken.

The brand’s reputation has helped them sustain a profitable business with minimal marketing.

“Obviously you have to promote your business when you start out, but I haven’t marketed for some time, I’m so flat chat with work,” Ken reveals.

ATS provides extensive support

He admits the change from employee to business owner was a big leap but says it wasn’t hard.

“We had so much support from ATS, it didn’t seem like it was an issue. Megan and I hit the ground running. There was work available for ATS’ national clients, so we didn’t have to find our first clients. We were busy enough to make it viable, and we then built on this foundation.”

The couple works full time, splitting the roles. Megan manages the bookings, liaises with ATS and clients, and oversees the accounts.

Ken takes on the frontline work – testing electrical equipment, exit and emergency lighting, residual current devices and fire equipment.

“I had studied marine science and ecology, though I had never worked in that field. I took a job in public service and ended up working on contracts with the United Nations doing social analysis and surveys. So I had absolutely no experience in test and tag!

“Because ATS has very good training programs that wasn’t a problem. The onsite learning was extensive, and we also trained out on the field with expert technicians.”

ATS runs ongoing training, with refresher courses and video learning modules.

“It’s very thorough,” says Ken.

He praises the franchisor’s approach to franchisees and the work.

“There is lots of backup and ATS takes a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

The perfect business

“We thought we would be in the business about 10 years. Each franchise agreement is five years, so we’ve renewed twice and we’re still going!” he says.

He admits he is working at maximum capacity, 60 hours a week. Ken operates his own territory and is covering a second territory while it is vacant.

“I’m covering an area from Jindabyne to Goulburn, from Young down to the coast. Our biggest client has 75 different sites in our area.

“It keeps me fit, there’s lots of scrambling around under desks” he jokes.

“If I were younger I would put in staff and expand. But I just turned 70 so I plan to retire reasonably soon and sell the business.

“We wanted to get a reasonable income, and this has surpassed our expectations,” he says.

Ken’s experience in the business has become a valued asset for ATS.

“We were the fourth franchise in the system, back in 2007,” Ken reveals.

He reflects on the changes he’s seen since then. ATS has become more proactive, developing its own inhouse software and equipment.

“It is so much better. We can test three times as fast, and the process is more user friendly.”

ATS also added fire equipment testing to the services as an additional revenue stream.

“We can offer clients a whole package,” he says. “The other benefit is the web portal and data storage. All results are available to the client so they can log in and look at each item.”

A longterm ATS franchisee

Ken is often called on to give advice to other franchisees at the national conference. He shares tips on topics like time saving techniques, efficient but safe use of equipment and minimising workflow disturbance.

“We have to unplug people’s equipment, so customer service is paramount. Franchisees need to contact a client well in advance so they can notify their staff.”

Ken loves the ability to meet new people, and work in different places.

“If I was still an employee I would have retired by now,” he says. “The benefit of working for ourselves, is working our own hours. Even though I work more, it’s building up my business.”

When he does sell up and retire, Ken will immerse himself in his hobby – bird photography.

“I want to head to Tasmania, and next year we are going to the centre. I try and do one holiday a year,” he says.

Ken says the franchisors have been more than happy to help him enjoy his hobby around his work commitments.

“Sarah and Ainslie knew I loved bird photography and asked me to take on an annual test and tag job at Lord Howe Island. We were there in July this year, extended our trip, and brought our sons over.

“That’s what ATS is like, it’s a personal approach with lots of support.”