This month, we were excited to host our first in-person conference since the pandemic! There’s nothing like being in a room with people who share your passion and aspirations. For some of our new franchisees and staff, it was the first time they’d met the rest of the network in-person!
A durable plan for success
Our theme this year is “endurance”. There’s no hiding from the fact the UK is going through a tough period at the moment. But, the reality for us is The Wheel Specialist had a number of individual record-breaking months and a collective record year for the network.
During the day, we shared our goals for this year. But nothing beats real, lived experiences as a learning opportunity; which can’t be built into any programme. Something you’ll have access to, when you join The Wheel Specialist, can be seen in Adrian Stalanowski’s experience:
He only took on ownership of The Wheel Specialist Swansea in late December. During the conference, he was able to speak directly with several franchisees, including our highest performers, about their experiences and successes. So, just two months into his journey and Adrian gained valuable insight from our most successful people for his business. Imagine what this would do for you if you had access to this level of experience, first-hand!
Everyone is part of the conversation
Conference allows franchisees to be involved in key conversations about their businesses. This year, our roundtables focused on four key areas:
1. Technical discussions with our technical director, around our new developments, initiatives and supplier options, with a focus on areas for growth
2. Trade sales discussion with our Trade Sales Manager, Chris, on how franchisees can get more out of their business through trade sales, and how he supports those who are too busy to do it themselves.
3. A demonstration of our modernised and upgraded bespoke CRM system, so franchisees and their staff can understand all its features, how to maximise it for their business management, and offered feedback for better development
4. And creative marketing ideas, with guests from Coconut Marketing, who offered insight on how to make the most from video for marketing your business.
As Caroline McVey, at The Wheel Specialist Ribble Valley says, “We had a FAB time and have really come away feeling charged up, full of ideas and ready for another successful year. Also just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the guest speaker – I honestly felt like Sarah was talking to me throughout! THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES!!”
Awarding individual success
Conference is not just about learning; we also love celebrating the achievements of people in the network; which doesn’t always come down to revenue (to see full list of winners, visit the website).
However, there was a stand-out winner who can claim to be this year’s top performing franchise: The Wheel Specialist Newcastle, owned by John and Lynda, and run by their manager, Johnny, with Front-of-House, Nicole. They won an incredible FIVE award on the night!
As Johnny says about their success: "I always love conference, but this year’s stand out for me is winning FIVE awards: Highest Trade Product Sales, Highest New Product Sales, Highest Service sales, Highest Overall Sales & Overall Best Performing Franchise!! The formula for success boils down to one thing: Work hard and follow the business model provided by Head Office. Over the years we’ve seen other franchises, like Fareham and Glasgow North, take home these awards, which spurred us to beat them, and become the best! As a Manager, this would never have been achievable without the guidance of franchisees John and Lynda, the great team of staff we have and, most of all, our front-of-house, Nicole. She’s responsible for getting wheels into the workshop, and is brilliant at upselling new products Head Office develop. She also works with insurance companies and traders, boosting our tyre sales sky-high, which led to us winning Highest Trade Product sales."
Rather than feeling frustrated, other franchisees have seen something in the Newcastle franchise they can aspire to – so Johnny may have to watch his back for those awards in the future!
A flavour of what you could be a part of, at our next conference?
Hopefully, you’ve had a taste of what you can expect, when you join The Wheel Specialist. Who knows, your name could be in the list of winners! To make a start on your journey with us, why not speak to us today, and discover what running The Wheel Specialist is really like for your future.