Posted:03-May-2023
Brothers Nathan and Sam are taking Sutton Coldfield by storm
The bond between the Merritt brothers is inseparable. Becoming franchise owners, Nathan and Sam now have an opportunity to build a dream family business from their companionship. Both local lads, born and raised in Sutton Coldfield, life took them both on separate journeys. Nathan worked in construction for many years in New Zealand. Sam became a Marine before returning home to become a site project manager. With their shared experiences and shared drive, vision and enthusiasm for running a company, Aspray became a very attractive avenue to follow.
It was Nathan Merritt who initially sought out the Aspray franchise opportunity. His goal was to become one of the network’s most profitable franchisees, and he quickly set about achieving that. Nathan’s first year at Aspray drafted a high turnover which provided a firm base to build on. His humble and temporary ‘lockdown’ desk quickly became a bespoke designed office unit at the back of his property. Client meetings were now attended with fully branded uniforms, arriving in style with an Aspray livery Jeep.
The plan was always to bring brother Sam on board, with a 50% shared ownership in the Aspray Sutton Coldfield franchise. Nathan’s initial graft, determination and ultimately belief in the Aspray business model had planted the seeds for success. Sam’s experience in project management and the discipline and work ethic that a career in the Marines would bring, is now propelling Aspray Sutton Coldfield to exponential growth.
“It’s building the business brick by brick, as we’ve done in stages: office, truck, another van, pickup truck. Past that we’ll have one or two extra staff, loss assessors, who will be in the office. That’ll be enough to hit that sweet spot of £1.5million turnover and stay at that for a period of time.” - Sam Merritt
Aspray Sutton Coldfield is now at a level where the Merritt brothers can afford to ease off the gas slightly. As an Aspray loss assessor and business owner, you never truly switch off. However, the brothers can now set specific days for marketing or seeking new business opportunities. Nathan and Sam now have the luxury of working from their Aspray HQ picnic benches on a sunny afternoon with their family pet bulldog, Balboa. They’re less rushed, and have an air of confidence and control about them.
A stark contrast to the way Nathan’s journey with Aspray started. With a nationwide lockdown looming and every penny being pumped into the business, Nathan seemed to be taking a huge leap of faith. But all credit to the Aspray business model, as Nathan found that by simply following the training and guidelines that the franchisor offered, the rewards can be just around the corner. Much can also be said about the support offered in those first few months for Nathan. Technical details on an insurance claim, building construction of a property, or advice on financial aspects of running a business, were all offered by the Aspray operations team.
As a franchise owner, you have the benefits of becoming your own boss while working for a reputable brand with all the support behind it. As much as Nathan Merritt deserves recognition for how he has grown Aspray Sutton Coldfield, he won’t mind attributing some of its success to the well organized set up at head office.
“It’s a nice feeling knowing you work for yourself and you’re your own boss. Don’t get me wrong, there’s no slacking off. We are still answerable to people, we are still answerable to policyholders and providing a service. But to have that skillset up our sleeve – we know how claims work, we know how insurance works, it is a rewarding job.” - Nathan Merritt
The Merritt Brothers have something to be proud of in their hometown of Sutton Coldfield. They are both examples of what hard work and dedication can get you. They are both strong examples of the benefits you can reap in becoming a franchise owners. And above all else, they are a fantastic case study on two brothers building their dream business. Sutton Coldfield, watch this space!
Interested and want to know more about Aspray?
The Aspray profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
