A common question for franchise prospects during their initial research is, “What does a typical day as a franchisee look like?”. While the specifics can vary between a van-based franchise and an office-based 9-5 operation, many daily tasks and responsibilities can be largely the same. Curious about the daily life of a franchisee? Here, Kevin Thackrah, Director of Petpals, speaks with David Gray, the brand’s multi-unit franchisee and Brand Development Manager, to share insights on what his typical day entails.
Morning motivation
My day often starts with a gentle nudge from Cara, my beloved dog. After brewing my coffee and serving her breakfast, I settle into my morning routine. I’ve been a franchisee with Petpals for almost 20 years, now leading a large team of 50 and servicing 4,000 customers – so my day always has to start with coffee! I also support Petpals on a national scale with a strategic role, streamlining and improving our processes and services, while dealing with the constantly changing legislation set by the government.
My first task of the day is to check the previous day’s emails, making sure all enquiries have been responded to and dealt with.
Setting the stage
Next, it’s time to meet with my dog walking manager, Sam, to outline the day’s structure and tackle any pressing issues. This proactive approach keeps everything running smoothly in a bustling business.
Morning meetings
Mornings are filled with meetings, which are crucial for managing our diverse team. I focus on collaboration and problem-solving, ensuring I create personal connections with each team member – and I put a real emphasis on leading these meetings every morning.
Financial focus
I dedicate an hour to financial auditing each day, ensuring budgets are on track and expenditures are monitored. This diligence supports ongoing initiatives with the local authority, including a groundbreaking project aimed at improving dog waste management in our community. This is a project that I’ve been particularly excited about.
Project planning
Afternoons are typically reserved for project management and long-term planning. I rely on tools like list-making and planning apps like Trello to keep track of tasks and objectives, reflecting on the lessons I learned during the pandemic about the importance of adaptability and time-management.
Team check-in
After lunch, I gather with the management team for updates and brainstorming sessions. This collaborative atmosphere nurtures creativity, helping us evolve in the rapidly changing pet industry landscape.
Midday reset
With the workday well underway, I take some time for my main walk of the day with Cara and, if we’re short-staffed, any other dogs that are due their daily walk with us. This not only keeps me fit but also provides a much-needed mental break. The outdoors serves as my reset button, inspiring clarity and new ideas.
Looking ahead
As the day draws to a close, I plan for the next day, checking in with the management team about priorities, aligning on training initiatives and reviewing any updates from the government related to pet welfare policies.
Evening downtime
Being my own boss, on occasion, I may have to deal with the odd urgent matter during the evening. However, maintaining a work-life balance is essential to me. I cherish my evenings for relaxation and family time, often retreating to my bolthole in Northumbria. The quiet and natural beauty there foster some of my best ideas!
I’m very proud to have built my franchise into a successful venture, but it hasn’t come without hard work. I’m a real believer in planning out your day, relying on the support of others where you can, and making the most of each minute. My franchise is now so successful that I can take time for myself in every day, which is a luxury that can become a reality as a franchisee.
Words of wisdom for new franchisees
In the early days, your schedule may be hectic as you work to launch your venture. My best advice is to lean on your franchisor for support to streamline operations. Utilise the available resources, and you’ll soon reap the rewards while achieving that all-important work-life balance!
