Franchise Everything

Brendan Brown is the multi-site franchise owner of Poolwerx Shailer Park and Redland Bay in Southeast Queensland.

With over two decades of experience in civil engineering and construction materials including major infrastructure and precast concrete projects, Brendan reached a turning point in his corporate career and decided it was time to pursue something of his own.

Motivated by a desire to return to hands-on, technical work, he explored various industries before the pool industry caught his attention. After months of research, secret shopping, and conversations with the Poolwerx team, Brendan took the plunge and acquired the Shailer Park store in mid-2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second opportunity soon followed with Redland Bay, expanding his territory without requiring additional financing.

Brendan now leads a growing team of retail staff and mobile service technicians, balancing store operations with on-site problem solving. From digital marketing and real estate partnerships to exceptional customer service, he’s focused on building trust in a competitive market.

Looking ahead, Brendan plans to expand further with more service vans and a third retail outlet, driven by a clear vision and the autonomy that comes with business ownership.

0:00 Introduction

0:37 Brendan's career journey from civil engineering to Poolwerx franchise ownership

2:18 Two decades in engineering and the shift from technical work to leadership

4:20 Transition from engineering to logistics through industry connections and opportunity

5:23 Managing factory relocation projects and the search for personal ownership and control

7:08 Crossroads moment and choosing the pool industry for its technical and growth potential

8:35 Attracted to the pool industry for its technical challenge and stable demand in Queensland

9:38 From due diligence to multi-site ownership with Poolwerx during the pandemic

11:20 Acquiring established Poolwerx franchises and expanding territory with minimal risk

12:59 Culture shock of becoming a business owner and managing cash flow firsthand

14:55 Building customer trust as the biggest challenge in taking over an existing store

16:22 Balancing store management and field work across two Poolwerx franchise locations

17:57 Generating sales through digital marketing, real estate networks, and local outreach

19:01 Expanding in a growing market while maintaining service excellence in established areas

20:37 Planning for growth with more service vans and a potential third retail store

22:38 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Greg Prussia is the National Business Development Manager at Bedshed, one of Australia’s longest-standing franchise brands, with over four decades of experience in retail franchising.

With a franchise model built on trust, collaboration, and consistent performance, Bedshed has created a network where many franchisees have stayed for decades, some since the 1980s and even passed their businesses on to the next generation.

Greg shares how the business supports both new and long-term franchise owners through open communication and shared decision-making. From participating in overseas product sourcing tours to influencing what appears on showroom floors, franchisees play a direct role in shaping the business.

The Bedshed model thrives on high transaction values, strong margins, and immediate product availability, allowing stores to succeed with fewer customers and lower overhead. With furniture making up 35–40% of revenue and next-day delivery often possible, franchisees gain a competitive edge in a space where timing and trust matter.

Greg’s insights highlight why Bedshed isn’t focused on rapid expansion, but on sustainable, and profitable growth.

0:00 Introduction

0:29 What is Bedshed

2:45 Support for franchise owners with 40 years of experience 

3:31 Bedshed franchise performance and entry costs

5:05 Breaking down the entry costs of Bedshed's franchise business

6:33 High transaction value and repeat customers drive bedshed's steady revenue

7:51 Average spend makes bedshed profitable with fewer transactions

9:12 Bedshed stores focus on relationship-based and high value selling to build trust in every sale

11:04 Direct involvement in product development leads to better margins for franchisees

13:27 Giving franchisees a voice to create a stronger sales environment

14:21 In-store stock control of furnitures or matresses helps bedshed avoid long delivery delays

15:45 Immediate stock availability set bedshed apart from traditional furniture retailers

17:22 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/scL0tYpviKs

Speak to JD directly to help you make more sales! 

Get JD’s free book: wowmanifesto.com/free

John Dwyer (JD), founder of The Institute of Wow, joins us live at the Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo for a high-energy conversation on one of the most powerful yet underused marketing tactics in business, insured prize promotions.

With decades of experience running successful campaigns for brands big and small, JD shares how businesses can offer customers the chance to win $50,000 or even $1 million in cash without actually paying out that amount themselves.

From turning around a struggling Fijian resort with a prize-driven promotion to boosting spend in local cafés, JD breaks down the mechanics, real-world results, and why this strategy is ideal for franchises looking to drive customer engagement and repeat purchases.

We also hear the backstory behind his oversized marketing book The Wow Manifesto, and his belief that if something works—rinse and repeat.

0:00 Introduction

0:46 The concept of giving away a chance to win large cash prizes

1:54 How small businesses can use insured prize promotions to offer big cash giveaways

3:18 Real-world examples of small businesses on using prize promotions effectively

5:55 Offering prize entries to boost average spend in cafes and local shops

7:32 Repeating successful promotions to keep sales momentum going

9:07 Tapping into the potential of high-value cash promotions in franchise marketing

11:36 The story behind JD’s marketing book

13:00 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Gabriel Lawyer is the franchise owner of Lounge Repair Guys in ACT, as well as a service coverage to other territories that stretches across key areas in New South Wales including the Mid North Coast, and Wollongong as well.

Originally from California, Gabriel moved to Australia in 2001 and began his career in a family café in Canberra before transitioning into national operations roles in the commercial furniture industry. It was through this experience that he first encountered Lounge Repair Guys as a service provider and eventually saw the business opportunity first hand.

In 2022, amid the uncertainty of the post-COVID period and motivated by a desire for family security and greater control over his future, Gabriel stepped away from corporate life and officially joined the Lounge Repair Guys network. Drawing from his deep understanding of furniture, logistics, and customer service, he now leads a growing team of technicians while managing the day-to-day operations alongside his wife.

From training new staff and expanding territory coverage to balancing work and family life, Gabriel brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to running a service-based franchise. His story is one of steady growth, strategic thinking, and a clear focus on long-term stability for his business and his family.

0:00 Introduction

0:31 What do the Lounge Repair Guys do

0:54 A brief background on Gabriel

2:23 Moved to Australia in 2001, worked in the café, and learned Aussie culture along the way

3:27 How Gabriel moved from the family café to managing national furniture projects

5:20 Gabriel spent five years managing national furniture logistics, fulfilment, and after-sales operations across major commercial clients

6:14 Gabriel saw the vulnerability of the world in 2020 and made a move to secure a more stable future for his wife and four daughters

9:00 Training time varies depending on the person’s confidence, social and communication skills, or mechanical mindset like understanding recliner mechanisms

11:10 With furniture in every home and a growing demand for repairs, Gabriel saw real potential in Lounge Repair Guys

14:01 Day-to-day life in a family-run business with Gabriel tackling complex jobs and his wife managing everything behind the scenes

16:07 Even with experience, Gabriel had doubts but taking the leap into business in 20:22 proved worth it

18:12 As demand grew from corporate clients, Gabriel expanded from a one-man operation to hiring technicians across Coffs Harbour, Canberra, and Wollongong

20:02 Gabriel expands into new regions to boost brand visibility and serve corporate clients without needing to own the territory

21:07 Wrap Up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Damien Boehm, founder of UrbanClean, and Kirk Simpson, General Manager, shared insights into the key factors that have contributed to the franchise’s success. UrbanClean’s journey began with a focus on direct response marketing, where they built strong business relationships and won cleaning contracts by addressing customer pain points. 

The company later transitioned to a regional model, empowering local entrepreneurs to offer more personalized support and grow their businesses. Central to their success was shifting franchisees’ mindsets from being just cleaners to becoming business owners, focused on long-term growth. 

UrbanClean also pioneered technology adoption, launching an app to improve communication and transparency for customers. As their franchisee base expanded, income expectations also grew, prompting UrbanClean to develop new systems and support to help franchisees scale operations and secure larger contracts. 

Through these initiatives, UrbanClean has built a thriving business that caters to both small-scale and entrepreneurial franchisees.

0:00 Introduction

0:32 What is direct response marketing and its role in business

2:15 The shift to efficient franchise growth and cleaning contract acquisition through direct response marketing

3:56 Moving from a national-based model to a regional master franchise approach

6:50 Developing business owners, not cleaners, in commercial cleaning

8:21 How franchisees choose their path in commercial cleaning from small-scale operations to multi-million dollar opportunities

9:18 Why technology adoption transformed the way cleaning franchises deliver transparency and communication

12:20 The use of technology to serve customers better and solve business bottlenecks in the cleaning franchise industry

14:41 How income expectations in the cleaning franchise industry have evolved from part-time to full-time business opportunities

16:58 From side hustle to full time business mindset shift in cleaning franchise sales

19:45 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Varun Ashok, CEO of Mobile Experts, started with a single kiosk and a vision to make phone accessories and repairs more accessible, reliable, and customer-focused. Over 12 years, he has scaled that vision into a national brand with over 65 locations across six Australian states, supported by Stuart Cameron, the brand’s General Manager.

Now entering the franchising space, Mobile Experts is offering a unique opportunity: a low entry cost franchise model, paired with ready-to-operate stores, exclusive products, and strong relationships with major landlords like Westfield. 

The goal? Empower long-time team members and new entrepreneurs to take ownership without the steep costs and headaches of starting from scratch.

In this episode, Varun and Stuart share the journey behind their expansion, from overcoming costly fit-out challenges to launching their own high-margin product range, MVR, to stand out in a crowded market. They also explain how data-driven systems like Power BI give franchisees real-time business insight and help avoid guesswork.

With a growing presence in regional communities, strong landlord backing, and a customer-first culture, Mobile Experts is redefining what it means to scale smart in retail franchising.

0:00 Introduction

0:48 What is Mobile Experts

1:40 The services Mobile Experts offer and where they sit in the market

2:40 The reason behind turning a successful retail business into a franchise after 12 years of growth

3:38 Why franchising kicks in when growth, scalability, and local presence become a priority

4:55 Taking the business further by shifting from operations to ownership-driven growth

6:27 Avoiding the trial and error by giving franchisees the tools, data, and site access they need to succeed

8:20 The hidden risks of overseas fit-outs and the real costs of leasing delays

11:30 Data intelligence and business analytics used for decision-making in product range, pricing, and forecasting

14:10 Creating a unique product range and premium pricing strategy in response to rising rent, wages, and competition

17:58 Impulse buying strategy and in-store displays that increased sales during the Christmas period

18:55 Franchise entry cost structure and the opportunity behind existing and new store models

22:08 Making franchise ownership more accessible with low entry costs and exclusive site access

23:38 Leasing approach and flexibility in franchise partnerships based on applicant profiles and landlord requirements

25:25 Why landlords prefer strong retail brands and the importance of store upgrades for long-term success

27:54 Expanding brand presence through regional growth and community-focused franchise strategy

29:28 Repair demand in regional areas and building strong local connections through franchise ownership

30:49 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by: www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Adam Wright is the Marketing Manager of Snap-on Tools Australia, a global franchise network built on over 100 years of history and a deep culture of trust, quality, and customer relationships.

In this episode, Adam shares how Snap-on’s globally recognised mobile tool stores operate across Australia and New Zealand, bringing premium, American-made tools directly to workshops and dealerships. 

With over 4,500 franchisees worldwide, the brand continues to grow through a hands-on, solution-focused approach that goes beyond selling tools.

From structured call routes and in-house manufacturing to tech-driven route planning and in-depth training—including time in Snap-on’s global training centre in Dallas, franchisees are supported every step of the way. 

Whether they come from a technical background or not, newcomers receive ride-along support, business coaching, and access to in-house financing to make entry more accessible.

Snap-on’s commitment to long-term success shines through its support systems, mature customer base, and the loyalty built between franchisees and local workshops, proving that great tools are only part of the story.

0:00 Introduction

0:41 Wha is Snap-on Tools

2:19 Building strong customer relationships in franchising

4:39 How franchisees grow trust with local customers and follow a planned system for visits

5:48 Franchise teams use surveys and mapping tools to create efficient customer visit routes

6:30 The process behind creating and delivering tool solutions for customers

7:48 What support looks like for new franchisees entering the business

9:01 The support structure that helps franchisees succeed from day one

10:54 From the van to the workshop what helps new franchisees confidently make their first customer visits

12:30 How Snap-on supports new franchisees with accessible entry points and in-house financing

13:50 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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What makes a franchise worth investing in? How can you tell if a brand will support your long-term success?

In this episode, Darryn McAuliffe, CEO of FRANdata Australia, returns to share the seven signs that this franchise is a good fit for you. Drawing on real data and frontline insights, Darren outlines what quality looks like inside a franchise system.

Darren discusses:

• Units: Why slow, steady expansion signals long-term health and why explosive growth can be a red flag.

0:00 Introduction

0:55 Units: Evaluating sustainable franchise growth through disciplined expansion

2:12 Financial performance: Talking to franchisees to see if earnings match promises

4:14 Recruitment: How franchises protect their brand by choosing the right people

5:55 Satisfaction: Measuring network health through focus groups, surveys, and open communication

6:48 How franchisees work with franchisors to solve problems and improve the system

8:00 Training: A good system ensures you're fully prepared to operate from day one, with hands-on support and a clear process to follow.

9:33 Support: How quality franchise systems provide hands-on guidance during the critical early stages of operation

12:50 Lender Relations: The value of established relationships between franchisors and trusted finance partners

14:44 Wrap up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Kyle Wallwork is a five-year franchise owner of Kwik Kopy Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast.

Ready for a lifestyle shift and inspired to build something of his own, he explored different businesses before a conversation with Kwik Kopy led to an unexpected opportunity. The fit was right, from culture to values and he took over an established center with a long-standing team.

Kyle now plays a hands-on role across all parts of the business, from financials and client meetings to the occasional delivery. He’s also part of a national performance group of franchise owners, where collaboration and accountability drive business improvement.

With a strong foundation and passion for growth, Kyle continues to shape the future of his business while keeping family and balance at the heart of it.

0:00 Introduction

0:41 Kyle's background in hospitality

2:33 A typical day looked like for Kyle during his 25-year career

4:30 Behind the scenes of Kyle’s high-pressure role managing hotel sales and partnerships

5:20 The turning point that pushed Kyle to start something new and rethink his career path

7:10 Kyle's decision to skip consulting and take a new direction on the Sunshine Coast

8:10 His criteria for picking the right business after leaving corporate life

9:48 Meeting the owners of a locally grown print business gave Kyle a new perspective after years in hospitality

12:03 Kyle went from exploring options to sealing the deal and what the buying process really looked like

13:28 What the training was like when Kyle bought his first business

14:52 The unexpected tasks or role Kyle takes on daily as a hands-on business owner

16:05 Kyle’s thoughts on expanding his business or making the most of where he is now

18:51 Getting the family involved how Kyle’s children have helped out in the business

19:45 Wrap Up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

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Kuresh Khan came to Australia from Nepal in 2007 as an international student, determined to build a better life. After completing his Master’s in Professional Accounting, he followed the conventional career path—four years in accounting roles. But with a child on the way and a growing desire for flexibility and financial freedom, he knew something had to change.

With no set plan, Kuresh stumbled upon a Houseproud Cleaning franchise listing on Gumtree. A few conversations later with the outgoing owner and HouseProud founder Paul Mitchell—Kuresh decided to take the leap.

Ten years on, he’s grown his client base from 0 to 70+ regulars and built a team of full-time cleaners. For Kuresh, success came from following the system, listening to feedback, and building long-term client relationships, some going strong for nearly a decade.

Now, with demand rising, he’s looking to double his team and expand operations. Kuresh’s story is one of quiet determination, family-driven ambition, and the power of starting over even without a plan.

0:00 Introduction

0:50 Why Kuresh moved to Australia and how it all started

2:43 Working in entry-level accounting roles after completing his Master’s in Professional Accounting

4:07 Balancing family, finances, and the decision to start something new

5:13 With no plan in place, Kuresh randomly searched business for sale on Gumtree and found Houseproud

6:20 His first impression of the business wasn’t clear so Kuresh asked to speak to the founder of Houseproud

8:34 In just six months, Kuresh built a strong client base and hired his first staff, he is now serving 60–70 clients a week

9:35 Kuresh shares his ideas on what makes the difference in this business

10:22 The training, support and transition when Kuresh started the Houseproud Cleaning business

12:33 Checking in monthly to build strong client relationships

13: 24 Kuresh began as a residential cleaning business and is now expanding into commercial cleaning too

14:40 He used to do it all himself in cleaning, now Kuresh leads a growing team of full-time cleaners

16:16  Planning to grow his team as demand for quality cleaning keeps rising

17:02 Wrap Up

Podcast Produced by:  www.franchisebusinesshub.com.au

Listen or Watch on;

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/hSUamnSauvM