Snap-on Tools is one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers, and marketers of high-end tools. With over 22,000 products, Snap-on Tools is focused on supporting technicians and workshop owners with the tools needed for professional automotive repairs.
Since 1920, Snap-on has grown internationally and now has over 4700 franchisees world-wide. The success and the strength of the brand has enabled Snap-on to become the world’s #1 Tool Franchise (Entrepreneur Franchise 500).
National Snap-on Franchisee of the Year 2022 – Mitch Hind
In Australia and New Zealand, there are now over 180 franchisees with a large number achieving great success. Many were presented with awards at the recent Snap-on Franchise Conference in the Gold Coast in January.
Out of all the franchisees in Australia and New Zealand, Mitch Hind from Central Coast NSW was awarded National Franchisee for 2022. He achieved tremendous sales results and performed strongly in all areas of his business.
The Journey to Becoming a Snap-on Franchisee
The start of Mitch’s journey in the Automotive Industry began when he left school. He was told by his parents to get a job. This is when he took up a Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship. “Cars was not my thing but it grew to be a passion” he says. Mitch ended up working for six years as a mechanic before taking a break.
After a hiatus in Hamilton Island for a year, he took on a role at what is now called Mycar Tyre & Auto and worked in a range of different roles from Store Manager to Regional Manager. After six years, Mitch moved onto a different industry for a change. He took on a role as Business Development Manager at Stratco. After two years, Mitch realised that he missed being in the Automotive Industry.
Working for Snap-on provided invaluable insights
An opportunity at Snap-on head office arose to work as a Sales Development Manager. He provided support and assistance for over 20 franchisees in the role. It taught him a lot, “I learnt from working with the franchisees what to do and what not to do”.
The lessons he gained from assisting the franchisees on-the-road for a couple of years gave him insights into what made a successful franchisee. It was at this point that he decided to think about becoming a Snap-on franchisee himself.
Mitch knew it was a major decision that would impact his whole family so he sat down with his wife and son in early 2018 and discussed the Snap-on franchise opportunity with them. Fortunately, he had his family all on-board and it was a smooth transition for him, the leap from employee to owning his own Snap-on franchise.
Snap-on’s resilience sees growth during the pandemic
What is impressive that over the last five years, Mitch says “he has seen his business increase year-on-year”. Even during the pandemic, he mentions like everyone else, he was anxious about how things will go. Mitch was appreciative of Snap-on during this period and “takes his hat off to the company. There was a lot of support and flexibility from Snap-on in terms of product and financially”. Additionally, his customers who were predominately mechanics were classified as essential service providers so they could still work. The support payments by the Government for workers on a weekly basis meant customers were still able to continue to buy tools.
“The customers are what makes the business the success it is. If it weren’t for the customers and their loyalty and love for the brand, we would not have the brand that we have now”, says Mitch.
Close network of franchisees makes a difference
There are eight franchisees who surround Mitch’s Central Coast area which spans Lake Macquarie and Newcastle. He mentions, “there are a handful of franchisees that I’m close to and we have regularly chat to each other. We push each other and are competitive in a friendly sort of way.” The network of franchisees makes a difference as they are like colleagues who lift each other up and help each other out.
Tools for success
There are key reasons why Mitch believes has helped him achieve continued success. These include;
- Snap-on model and system: The importance of following the program. Everything is there such as the marketing material for social media so utilise it, follow it and execute it.
- Strength of the Snap-on brand: it is a premium brand with premium products. It is a well-known company within the Automotive industry.
- Communication is key: you need to be able to talk to people. If you can do that then you will be successful. Essentially, you are a salesperson so you need to build on rapport.
- Top of mind: be the first person that your customers think of when they are wanting to buy tools
- Support from friends and family: this is important to get through tough times
What is store for the future
What is evident is that Mitch has that drive and ambition to grow even further. He recently employed his first employee, Will as a Store Manager so he can work more in the background. His future goals are to expand into another territory and have two franchises then employ additional Store Managers and Assistants to support him.
Snap-on has the perfect franchise model
The advice that Mitch has for anyone thinking of taking up a Snap-on franchise is, “Snap-on has the perfect franchise model with all the systems and processes for you to follow. Fully commit and you’ll be successful. If you speak to other franchisees, you’ll know it works.”
Snap-on has opportunities across Australia and New Zealand for individuals who are ambitious, hard-working and goal-oriented. If you are interested in becoming a franchisee with Snap-on, speak to our Snap-on Team on 1800 810 581 or visit https://www.snapontools.com.au/franchise/ to find out more details.