As Australia’s $172 billion franchising industry mindset shifts from merely driving franchise sales, the importance of Franchisee innovation, franchisee-driven business systems and understandings of the local markets have magnified. Innate entrepreneurial mindsets in prospective franchisees are now critical to success.
Chris Wood’s franchise journey with The Cheesecake Shop began with his dedication to understanding the local community and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Starting his career as a Domino’s delivery driver, Chris quickly climbed the franchise ranks, demonstrating a relentless drive and commitment. His efforts culminated in winning the Franchise Manager of the Year award in Australasia, showcasing his solution-oriented approach, exemplary customer service and high-profit mindset.
Chris validated his entrepreneurial mindset by leading his own franchise, The Cheesecake Shop Port Macquarie, to record-breaking success. He attributes his achievements to robust community engagement and strong local connections, which helped him secure the highest sales figures for an opening week in the brand’s 33-year history.
From delivery driver to franchisee leader
After a record-breaking opening week for The Cheesecake Shop’s 33-year-old brand history, Chris and his wife, Adriana Wood, have quickly established a strong presence in the local community, sharing their passion for cakes and desserts with Port Macquarie residents. Chris’s journey through the Domino’s franchise is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a Domino’s delivery driver, his dedication and hard work propelled him to become the proud franchisee of two Domino’s stores. His impact and commitment were recognised nationally when Chris became the recipient of one of Australasia’s prestigious Franchise awards. His pursuit of growth extended beyond The Cheesecake Shop, showcasing entrepreneurial acumen through ventures in gyms and property development.
What makes a franchisee successful?
The recipe for franchise success is consistency in connecting your business with the community. It’s about crafting an unparalleled business model and assembling a stellar team to elevate your franchise brand.
Chris emphasised that being a franchisee entails more than merely driving sales; it demands an entrepreneurial mindset, innovative strategies, and community engagement. His dedication to local marketing, top-tier customer service, and a growth-oriented approach culminated in his role as The Cheesecake Shop’s newest franchisee, firmly rooted in Port Macquarie’s community.
What are the hallmarks of an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurial traits are synonymous with passion and embodying a growth mindset in every business endeavor. Finding a franchise that resonated with our community’s ethos was crucial. Coupled with a proactive approach and the ability to pivot in response to market dynamics, sustained success naturally follows.
Chris underscores the significance of community engagement as pivotal to business strategy. Positioning the community at the core of all marketing, recruitment, and operational efforts is essential. Innovating within this framework fosters mutual growth, ensuring both business success and ethical entrepreneurship.
How do local communities impact franchisee success?
Franchises don’t just influence local economies; they foster a symbiotic relationship, integrating innovation into community culture and celebrating memorable milestones. We’ve been warmly embraced in Port Macquarie and eagerly anticipate participating in many community events to come. Before opening our new store, our approach was community centric. We conducted an extensive recruitment drive, receiving over 300 applications to ensure we had the right team in place.
Chris highlighted the strong bond between small businesses and regional communities, stressing the importance of supporting franchise partners who, in turn, hire and inspire locals.
What was the strategy behind The Cheesecake Shop Port Macquarie record-breaking sales?
Through focused local marketing initiatives, we created a substantial buzz in Port Macquarie. We proudly introduced our refreshed retro branding, positioning our store as a pioneer in the region. The Cheesecake Shop equips franchise partners with robust national logistical, operational, and marketing support, leveraging its strong brand recognition to ensure their success.
Any advice for prospective franchisees?
Chris strongly believes community engagement is the core of franchise success.
Adriana and I immersed ourselves in the fabric of Port Macquarie’s community. Approach franchising with a growth mindset, resilience, and adaptability. Hard work yields countless rewards. Effective leadership and strategic vision are crucial; fostering an internal culture and external brand that encourages creativity, experimentation, and idea-sharing creates a mutually beneficial relationship for both businesses and communities.
On franchise success by the CEO Answers by CEO Scott Bush
Underlining the company’s commitment to supporting franchise development, The Cheesecake Shop CEO Scott Bush said “Our skilled Franchise Partners are the number-one ingredient who drive our success and help communities celebrate and create sweet memories since our
inception in 1991. If you bring a growth mindset, a can-do attitude and the ability to be agile and adaptable to the business mix, we have shown the proof is in the pudding.”