In 2021, Richard Kelly took a courageous leap into a new career path in franchising. Since then, he has achieved standout success, achieving double-digit year-on-year growth to build a million-dollar business.
Ahead of the Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo this weekend, Richard reflects on the unexpected journey that led him to franchising success.
Entering a foreign industry
Richard Kelly returned to Queensland following a 20-year stint overseas working in media and advertising sales, to find an economy under unprecedented pressure, and business prospects scarce amid the pandemic.
When a Poolwerx franchise became available in 2021, Richard recognised an opportunity at the convergence of two resilient sectors – pool care and home services, driven by Australians cocooning at home for work, rest and schooling. This prompted a bold move into an industry entirely foreign to him. Despite lacking prior experience, Kelly says he recognised the potential and embraced Poolwerx’ franchise model’s proven blueprint for success.
“The fact that I didn’t have any prior experience in pool maintenance certainly wasn’t a handbrake on progress. Everything is provided by the franchisor. The blueprint is there for success,’ he said.
“I was fortunate enough to have a pool growing up, and as a result I have plenty of fun summertime memories with my brothers, sisters, family and friends in the backyard. The idea of being part of that for the community was very appealing.”
Three years on, Kelly has achieved double-digit year-on-year growth, propelling his business into the million-dollar realm and establishing himself as one of Poolwerx’ fastest-growing franchise partners. His success underscores the effectiveness of the franchise model and the robust support provided by Poolwerx.
Recipe for success
When Kelly acquired the Mt Gravatt franchise, it already had a large footprint, presenting an exciting opportunity to further enhance the brand’s established 30+ year success.
“The business originally began as a “tech in a van” about 17 years ago. I recognised the business territories was at a crossroads, having grown organically over the years, and there was an opportunity to embrace efficiency and innovation to take it to the next level.”
“Scaling up the business was an exciting prospect given its existing size. It’s about focusing on the “one percenters” – those small improvements that accumulate into significant gains. For instance, optimising technician routes to increase service efficiency, leveraging technology for real-time data, and enhancing client communication through service reports.”
Central to Kelly’s transition from his prior role as Country Director of Sky Media Dublin, to pool care entrepreneurship, is the robust support and resources provided by the Poolwerx franchise model.
Kelly says the franchise ecosystem offered him a structured learning curve, transcending his lack of prior industry experience.
“Poolwerx’ comprehensive training programs, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and proven systems and processes essentially equip you with all the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the pool care industry,” he said.
Advice for aspiring franchisees
To those looking to enter the franchising fold, Richard offers the following advice:
“Don’t get hung up on the level of experience you’ve had in the industry you’re entering. The Poolwerx bespoke hub and spoke franchise model provides all the training that you need with the foundations to scale easily. Ultimately, everyone’s going to bring something unique to the business. What’s important is understanding and knowing what part you’re going to play in your business, the value you’re going to offer, and then ensuring that you’ve got the right people in place elsewhere to support”.
Hear firsthand from successful entrepreneurs like Richard, who turned a bold leap into the franchising world into rapid success, at the upcoming Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo in Sydney on May 4-5 at the ICC Sydney. Learn from industry experts, discover emerging brands, and get all your questions answered.