Full steam ahead in Swindon East
Full steam ahead for Stuart, who has just joined the Ed’s team to build his Ed’s business in Swindon East. Stuart’s career history has been predominantly in customer service focused roles and he is very much looking forward to bringing this valuable experience to his new Ed’s business.
Here is what Stuart has to say about his decision to join Ed’s and his plans for the future…
Full steam ahead – The back story
“I have always worked in people facing roles, most recently in human resources but also extensively in retail management. Without a doubt, I have always enjoyed that customer contact. I get a lot of satisfaction from dealing with people and putting a smile on their faces. Furthermore, I enjoy keeping fit and healthy. As such, an active role out in nature has appealed to me for quite some time. Finally I am attracted to the challenge of running my own business and the autonomy and flexibility that comes with it. I have a very strong work ethic and love the idea of being able to apply that whilst also getting the most out of my life.
I had thought about running my own gardening business for a while but, as is the case with most things in life, timing is key. My personal circumstances had to be right for me to feel comfortable pursuing it.
Recently, I got to a stage in my life where it had become feasible to really change my career and my lifestyle. I knew the time was right to take the leap to run my own business. I wanted to do something I would find really fulfilling. Whilst I enjoyed my last role, it was definitely time for a change. My logic was, if it’s time for a change, then why not make it a bold one!
The rationale
Initially I considered striking out alone with an independent gardening business. However, once I had weighed everything up, I soon realised that my chances of success and business growth would be far better with an excellent franchise and strong brand supporting me. It’s one thing being able to mow your own lawn to a high standard, quite another to escalate that to an efficient and thriving garden services business.
Choosing the right franchise
I started off with some desk work looking at different franchise offers. Ed’s really stood out from the rest. I loved the brand and everything I read. I pored over everything from franchisee testimonials to Instagram reels! The stories about business owners really resonated with me. The Ed’s franchise felt fresh and solid. It felt not at all gimmicky but most definitely fun. If truth be told, I was hooked from quite early on.
The Ed’s joining process
Having the sense that Ed’s was the best of the bunch, I requested their information pack and looked closer at the franchise offer and Ed’s business locations. Then came what I thought was a roadblock. I was very disappointed to find that there was already an Ed’s business in Swindon. Thankfully, the Ed’s office quickly reassured me that there was plenty of scope for another franchise territory in the area. It was actually great news that there was already brand penetration in my area. Phew – game on,once again!
In the course of my conversations with the Ed’s Office, I got the strong sense that Ed’s was for me. Life as an Ed’s business owner sounded great, the business potential clearly considerable and the joining process was professional and robust but streamlined and devoid of unnecessary bureaucracy. There was clearly a strong commitment to franchisee success and it just felt like a really positive thing to be part of. All the jigsaw pieces just seemed to fit together well and it felt like the obvious opportunity to take.
Piecing the jigsaw together
The next step was meeting Ed and we had a really good meeting. It was compelling, informative and fun and I definitely left with a spring in my step. I talked it all through at home that evening and I felt sure about moving forward. Business plans and contracts followed but even those parts were painless and without drama. I also got to meet other Ed’s business owners. That was really eye opening as it showed me what great businesses could be built within Ed’s. I made sure that I really thought through my decision but in all honesty it almost felt too easy. I really struggled to find any negatives at all.
And so, I signed up with Ed’s and I’m already taking delivery of my vehicle and starting my tailored Ed’s training package. It feels real now and very exciting.
Full steam ahead – Future plans
I am so looking forward to getting up and running and growing my fledgling business. I know that things will get very busy very quickly and I look forward to making the most of the Ed’s opportunity. There is a lot for me to learn but I know I am in great hands with a friendly and experienced team around me. I feel that the decision I have made to join Ed’s is setting me up with the best possible chances of making a real success story of my future gardening business.”
We wish Stuart all the best with his Ed’s gardening franchise business and look forward to updating on his progress.