A former police officer says the global pandemic and a realisation he wasn’t truly happy prompted him to rethink his career goals and become a business owner, taking on three franchise stores with Muzz Buzz.
Tony Biancuzzo was a police officer for more than a decade, including during COVID, and says he was approaching his 45th birthday when he knew he wanted to try something different.
“There wasn’t one particular moment, but it was a slow realisation that my job was no longer making me happy and that was starting to impact my home life too.”
“The global pandemic was a tough time for many, but I think in particular front line workers including police officers, and I started to think of ways I could put my skills to use differently.
“I’d always wanted to own my own business but didn’t really know where to start, so I thought having the structure and support of a franchise would be the way to go.”
Tony bought two Muzz Buzz stores almost 12 months ago, Riverton and Armadale, and took on his third in Kwinana just a few weeks ago.
“I’m loving the fresh challenge, the upskilling and the learning, but I’m also getting to apply the communication and people skills you develop in the police force in a completely different way.”
Mr Biancuzzo says he opted for a Muzz Buzz franchise as the company is West-Australian owned and operated, which resonated with him.
“I wanted the local support and the local knowledge and advice, rather than feeling like I was simply a WA outlet of an east-coast run business.”
“Not only did Muzz Buzz tick those boxes, but the support offered by the franchisors was above and beyond what I expected. It’s a big step to take on your own business, so anything that can make the challenge a little easier is welcomed.
Mr Biancuzzo has this advice for other would-be franchisees;
- Consider Whether a Franchise is Right for You: Mr Biancuzzo says he’s thrived working within the structure and guidelines provided by Muzz Buzz, but acknowledges it wouldn’t work for everyone. “I knew I wanted to get into business but didn’t know how, I wanted to learn and to be taught. But if you have a specific business idea and plan, then perhaps a franchise might leave you feeling constrained. I think a key part of being successful is identifying whether the opportunity is truly right for you.”
- Be Prepared to Work: While Franchisees have the benefit of built-in brand recognition and an established network of experience, success in a franchise requires work. Mr Biancuzzo says he’s learning all aspects of the business, from customer service to marketing to back-end admin so that he can see where any improvements and changes might be needed. “You can’t just purchase a franchise and think that’s it for the next 20 years, you have to be prepared to learn the business inside out.”
- Build Relationships: This starts with the Franchisors. Mr Biancuzzo says it’s important to build a mutually respectful relationship based on similar values and goals to ensure you’re moving in the same direction. It’s also important to build relationships with staff, suppliers, stakeholders and customers.
Muzz Buzz Executive Chairman Warren Reynolds says Mr Biancuzzo has hit the ground running since coming on board and is already having an impact.
“Tony has a strong work ethic and wants to succeed and is truly interested in learning the business. His stores are all showing positive signs, and we look forward to seeing them grow.”
Mr Reynolds says the company has worked hard to develop a positive culture where Franchisees and other staff feel supported.
“Developing and maintaining that kind of culture starts with Head Office, but then flows down to Franchisees and staff at their stores.”
“Of course there will be tough days at work, but if you feel supported and like you have a strong team to reach out to for help, it makes running your business that much easier.”
Mr Biancuzzo says he’s enjoying work again, and it’s a difference his wife and two children have noticed.
“My wife says I’m back to being the man she married. Can’t get a better endorsement than that.”
About Warren Reynolds
Warren Reynolds is the major shareholder and Executive Chairman of Muzz Buzz, a WA owned and operated business, specialising in Great Coffee on the Go. There are currently more than 30 stores across metropolitan and regional WA. Mr Reynolds has more than three decades business experience, including in the US and Melbourne. He’s also an accomplished aerobatic pilot and enjoys flying in his spare time.