Posted:05-August-2024
Interview with The Fruit and Veg Man’s First Franchisee
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying your The Fruit and Veg Man franchise business?
I am 49, have worked in business development and sales and marketing roles all my working life and had not long started my own sales and marketing consultancy business before the pandemic hit in 2020. All my clients at that time were in healthcare training and education sectors so the business essentially ceased when lockdowns began.
Can you also tell us about The Fruit and Veg Man?
I was the first franchisee of The Fruit and Veg Man. We supply fresh produce to domestic and business customers ranging from schools and care homes to pubs and restaurants.
Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose your industry? And why did you choose The Fruit and Veg Man?
Having started from scratch with my own business and then have the pandemic close it down I was keen to get involved in something where I was still my own boss but also wasn’t completely alone. The idea of getting involved in a business that was mine but came with support and someone else in the picture to talk to and work through challenges with was very appealing – so the franchise route seemed ideal.
I was attracted to the fresh produce industry mainly because of it being an essential part life. Whether a family or a business, everyone needs to eat! Again, the pandemic really put things into perspective and shone a light on what types of industry are vulnerable to lockdown and interruptions.
I chose the Fruit and Veg Man for all these reasons and because, quite frankly, I found the owner Sanjay Roy to be so driven and motivating that I had faith in him and the franchise he was developing. I also liked the fact the franchise donates to a local charity I have supported in the past and the community angle this gives to what we do.
How did you raise the finance?
I was in the fortunate position to have some savings put away.
What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?
The franchise was very new at that time, but they already had a lot of systems and processes in place to generate leads. They had already built-up relationships with good suppliers and developed strong branding. I really like the focus on using technology to make business simpler, for us as franchisees and for customers.
They have supported me every step of the way as and when necessary whilst always giving me the space to develop the business in a way that suits me. Now the network has expanded we have regular catch ups, training sessions, WhatsApp group chats for advice and sharing of best practice etc. You really feel part of something.
How would you describe your day-to-day role as a franchisee?
The days are varied though, ultimately, it’s a very simple process: a customer orders something – I source it, get it for them and deliver it!
I have a mix of standing orders (for example residential fruit and veg box subscriptions) and orders that come in the day before a customer needs the produce, such as care homes and pubs. Obviously being in the Fruit and Veg industry there are some early mornings involved. I go to the wholesale market three times a week for around 5am to buy produce from various suppliers – all of which have been vetted by the franchisor. Once I have the produce I make up and deliver the customer’s orders. I typically finish deliveries by midday and then have a sleep and tackle my admin in the afternoon.
Provide information on challenges overcome as well as your key successes to date.
As I look back, I don’t think there have been any huge challenges as such, more a regular stream of problems to solve – which is the nature of business. The majority of problems seem to be rooted in communication – mainly with suppliers. The franchisor has always been a huge support with these things; meeting with suppliers and finding alternatives if need be.
Successes wise I think going from being on Universal Credit during lockdown to earning more than any previous employment’s basic salary is the main thing. There are milestones in terms of sales too. My biggest client was one of my first and is still a client today – something I’m still proud of to this day.
Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so, how?
The biggest change is in income really. I am now earning the same and often more per month than I was in corporate and employed roles selling things like management consultancy and training and with far less stress involved in doing so. Being as I was self employed before it has not been a huge change in many other ways. Working the hours I do I feel like I get more out of each day timewise than I did working a regular 9 to 5 type job when employed.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Initially this was hard to do. As with any business a lot of time and energy goes into getting clients in the early days. That is a lot easier for franchises buying into the Fruit and Veg Man now though. Once I had a good client base and good relationships with them in place I was able to work out a delivery schedule that is as efficient as possible, giving me more time for hobbies and family.
There is no doubt the use of technology and having solid process in place across the franchisee network makes me and all others efficient and making best use of time.
A real help is the franchisor being committed to the well being of the team. For example, we discuss resilience and well being at our group sessions and have a system whereby we cover each other when we need time off, so customers are not affected.
If you are a multi-unit franchisee, can you tell us why your franchise is ideal for those looking for a scalable opportunity?
Although I am not currently a multi-unit franchisee I am more or less at full capacity now and can say this particular business is highly scalable. Many customers have multiple sites. We have some national contracts in place that can potentially offer work in territories we are not yet covering.
Can you tell us about any community involvement you are involved in?
Supporting local hospices is integral to how the franchise operates and each franchisee works with and supports a hospice local to them. My franchise supports Keech Hospice Care based in Luton and they receive a monthly donation from the business. I also run a stall at a local Community Market in Woburn Sands where I run raffles and help spread awareness of the hospice. This is a great way of giving the business, which is very modern and operates a lot online, a face in the community and connection with the people it serves.
What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?
Ask yourself if you’re really looking for a business opportunity or a job and be honest about it. It sounds obvious but I have noticed it is quite common for people to like the idea of running their own business and not understanding what that means. You have to sell, you have multi-task, you have to be resilient, driven and passionate about what you do. When you buy a franchise, you are buying a head start – not an instant place at the finish line.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee?
Focus on customer service and good communication, no matter what your product or service is. Other than its about behaviours I think – be driven, have goals, understand your marketplace, organise your time and continuously question whether you can be more efficient.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m now at a point where I need to decide whether I expand (hire people etc) or stay as I am. So, in the short term I need to make that choice!
If you had to do it all again, what would you do differently?
Buy my first van from a decent dealer! (long story).
Interested and want to know more about The Fruit and Veg Man ?
The The Fruit and Veg Man profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
