Three experienced McDonald’s licensees will join an impressive lineup of speakers who will share their knowledge and passion for small business as part of a free seminar program at the Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo, to be held this weekend at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 10am-5pm Friday 30 August – Sunday 1 September.
Gary Sandler, Heath Fitzgerald and Jenny Koscak-Sadler, who operate 17 McDonald’s outlets between them, look forward to sharing their in-depth, insider’s knowledge of this iconic franchise business.
“My mother-in-law, Denise Nabb, was Victoria’s first female licensee and I have observed her journey from the beginning,” says Gary Sandler, a chemical engineer. “I decided to make a career change and also go back to working for myself, rather than as an employee, so McDonald’s was my first thought.”
A different McDonald’s representative will speak each day as part of the seminar series, which will provide a forum for prospective franchisees to ask the tough questions direct to franchisees and franchisors, as well as other experts in finance and other associated services.
Brian Keen, a consultant with more than 30 years experience in the franchising sector, will present a session each day called ‘How to Franchise Simply’, aimed at people who have a concept or a business that they wish to franchise.
“Many people perceive franchising to be expensive and complicated, and it doesn’t have to be,” he explains. “It is an easy way to grow your business and raise capital, plus you are recruiting people who have a vested interest in the business, rather than employees who don’t.”
Other experts who will bring a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience are Suzanne Jarzabkowska, CEO at DC Strategy; Sarah Cobb from Cariblue, Aaron Parsons from The Business Commandos, and John Vine from the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation, who will present sessions on ‘The importance of researching a franchise opportunity’.
The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) will also be presenting informative daily panel sessions featuring a range of successful franchisors.
Suzanne Jarzabkowska from DC Strategies will be presenting several sessions on the theme ‘Franchisors and Franchisees – Build the Relationship your Network is Founded on. How Financial, Legal, Recruitment & Brand Strategies Build a Successful Franchise’.
Jarzabkowska adds that the DC Strategies team will also be available at the Franchising Advice Centre, where visitors may take advantage of free, one-on-one advice.
“At the Advice Centre, both commercial and legal advice will be available on the economics, the recruitment, branding and marketing aspects of developing a franchise network,” says Jarzabkowska. “And, visitors looking to purchase and franchise can get advice on reviewing their Franchise Agreements and Disclosure Documents.”
Exhibition Manager Fiona Stacey says The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is pleased to be part of the Victorian Small Business Festival this year. It will be a showcase for more than 80 successful Australian and international companies – such as United Petroleum, Pack & Send, Snap, VIP Home Services, and The Cheesecake Shop – all eager to share their success with potential investors and franchisees.
“It will give all visitors the opportunity to compare and research a diverse range of franchise opportunities with investment levels from under $10,000 to more than $500,000,” she says, adding that another highlight of the Expo will be meeting Brooke Hanson, Jim’s Test & Tag ambassador, between 11.30-1pm on Sunday.
“There will be an abundance of information available on every aspect of being your own boss. It’s really time to stop dreaming and start doing.”
The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will be on at Melbourne Exhibition Centre Friday 30 August – Sunday 1 September from 10am-5pm. Entry at the door is $15, or pre-register for free by 29 August at www.franchisingexpo.com.au.