“This is our fourth number one ranking in the EF100 – and this year’s win marks our third consecutive year in the top spot. But the success of the Snap-on franchise doesn’t belong to any one person: it’s the result of everyone’s collaboration, common ambition and genuine drive to be the very best – be they franchisee, associate, field support, product development, senior management or MD!
“We are all incredibly proud to have been recognised by so many industry experts as the UK’s number one franchise – again! We truly embody our vision ‘to create an environment in which sustainable growth is constantly being achieved’ thanks to the dedication of hundreds of people across the entire country. Excitingly, even though we’ve just had one of our most successful years to date, the next 12-18 months are set to be history in the making!” Byron Miltz, UK Managing Director.
One franchisee who is no stranger to making history within the Snap-on ranks is longstanding franchisee Elio Auletta. After more than 30 years, his success is enviable and his position – in the hearts and minds of his colleagues and the Snap-on team – is one of great esteem. The first franchisee to turn over 2 million, Elio’s multi-territory empire is a proud family business. From being the first UK multi-territory franchisee to piloting the brand’s all-new management-owner (Man-O) model, trailblazing is the name of Elio’s game!
“I laugh now, but when I first became a franchisee, I thought I’d do it for five years then leave and set up my own garage!” says Elio. “But it was quickly obvious that I was on to something special – with franchising and with Snap-on – and that I was here to stay. When I launched, my son Marco was seven years old. Guess where he is now… working in the business alongside me. And he’s just had a son, making me a very proud Grandad!”
Helping to shape the future of Snap-on
“I became Snap-on’s first-ever UK multi-unit franchisee in 2005. Working closely with head office, we adapted and implemented the US programme here – I like to think successfully so, as we now have 37 multi-unit operators with 84 territories between us!
“In 2015, I was a founding member of the National Franchise Advisory Council (NFAC) – voted by my peers to represent them. In my time as council member (2015-2019), we achieved some incredible innovations, my proudest of which being the development of a brand-new mobile store based on what we truly knew the network wanted and needed. The development and build of the new truck is probably one of the greatest achievements ever to be realised by the NFAC. The impact for franchisees was, and still is, immeasurable.”
In 2023, Elio proudly accepted the challenge to become Snap-on’s first UK ‘Man-O Franchisee’. Already successful in the US, the Manager Owner model is set to propel the UK network to even greater heights. No longer owner-operator, Elio now manages his team and his role is focused on business development, innovation and enhancing brand awareness throughout the region. Once again, Elio is working closely with Snap-on Tools UK head office to develop the model in real time, ensuring it is robust and sustainable for the UK market. With his turnover set to increase by 6.5% this year to over £2.15 million, he’s well on the way to proving it!
Innovating in business
“I love trying new things within my own business, taking inspiration from Snap-on franchisees the world over. I thrive on pushing the boundaries to take my franchise to the next level. For example, in 2019, I invested over £65k and constructed my own purpose-built warehouse facility, which is now used for secure vehicle parking, tool storage and as a warehouse for our vast stock needs – a hub at the centre of our routes. This bringing together of the four trucks and teams not only offered efficiency gains but strengthened the culture and bond of all staff who meet daily.”
High standards, high results
“Our standards are incredibly high – be it sales, customer care, culture or the cleanliness of our mobile stores. Each truck is run by an exceptional team and their weekly sales averages are a direct result of their knowledge, passion and ambition to be the best franchise in the network. My business isn’t an ‘I’ business – we’re a team through and through, and any recognition belongs to them as much as it does me. We set audacious goals and sometimes surprise ourselves at how quickly we surpass them! Across the four trucks, our weekly sales average is over £10k. Marco, as you may expect, being my son, averages a staggering £15.2k per week!”
Overcoming challenges
Elio’s franchise journey hasn’t been without its challenges. But, in his own words, he believes it’s not the challenge, it’s how you respond that defines you. In 2015, Elio’s beloved wife, Enza, suffered two debilitating strokes and the family were told to prepare for the worst.
“Mercifully, she pulled through. And my team – my boys – stepped up and I was able to step back and care for her whilst she recuperated, learning to walk and talk again. As well as our great love, Enza was our admin guru and, initially, we felt lost without her input. I learnt to cover this function of the business and continue to lead on administration and finance to this day – something I am now able to do in my role as Manager Owner. Heartbreakingly, last year, Enza had three more strokes, but we have all channelled our energies into the business to ensure she needs only think about recovery, and, once again, the business has stepped up a gear on track to have a record-breaking year.”
Snap-on through and through
“I’m utterly passionate about Snap-on Tools – in case you can’t tell! I’m very well-known from my time on the NFAC and because I’m an avid supporter of my fellow franchisees. I regularly share best practice and advice at regional meetings and national conference. There’s no greater feeling than being surrounded by hundreds of likeminded people, all wanting to chat and shake your hand. I’m humbled that established franchisees regularly call me for support, and I’m reliably informed there’s a ‘What would Elio do?’ line amongst many of the guys!
“I’ve devoted my life to my franchise and the franchisor because I truly believe the business can be life-changing. My relationship with head office is built on mutual respect, trust and genuine care. Over the years, we have achieved great things together with healthy challenge and debate through which we have been able to shape relationships, methods and model. Long may it continue.”
“If you say the name Elio Auletta to anyone at Snap-on, be they franchisee or head office, the first thing they’ll do is smile. The second thing they’ll do is tell you what a powerhouse of a franchisee he is, how much they admire him and what a thoroughly nice guy he is.” Lisa Law, Snap-on Franchise Manager.
