A Self-made “Man and a Van” Leads To A Successful Garage
Services
A Self-Made “Man and a Van” LEADS TO A SUCCESSFUL GARAGE LEAVING SCHOOL AT THE AGE OF 16, MARK FRANKLAND, owner of Motor Marque, always knew that he wanted to run his own business to fulfill his passion for engines and cars. Mark saved up his cash whilst working as an apprentice,…
A Self-Made “Man and a Van” LEADS TO A SUCCESSFUL GARAGE
LEAVING SCHOOL AT THE AGE OF 16, MARK FRANKLAND, owner of Motor Marque, always knew that he wanted to run his own business to fulfill his passion for engines and cars. Mark saved up his cash whilst working as an apprentice, and, at 20 years old, he bought a branded van and became a mobile car mechanic. Running his ‘man and a van’ business for two years, Mark then progressed to investing in his first garage. THE BUSINESS WAS Despite building a successful business, Mark is still eager to develop and improve further, IN DIRE STRAITS, which was why he could see the benefit of joining TAB. but Mark and a couple of his staff turned the business around to become a successful and reputable garage. “Having sensible, like-minded people to share things with is essential for any This was when their biggest challenge came! With business owner,” Mark explains. 6 months’ notice, the landlord asked them to leave the premises but finding an alternative location was not looking promising. Then along came the opportunity of an 11,000-square foot garage, five times the size of the last one. This was going to be a challenge, but one Mark felt was too good an opportunity to pass by so put everything he had on the line and bit the bullet!
Four years on, Mark now has a £1m turnover garage business. And to what does he attribute his success? Nothing more complicated than hard work, a great team and the eagerness to learn from other people – especially his TAB Board and Facilitator.
Transitioning from being a hands-on mechanic to the role of Managing Director wasn’t always “The direct questioning from my Facilitator easy, and was one sacrifice he had to make to and TAB Board Members is as important as grow the business. the advice they give me – it really gives clarity to my thoughts and ideas. Having a direct link The Motor Marque team is one of the business’ to experienced business owners is genuinely greatest assets. Mark has worked hard to build making some of my decisions easier and an effective and supportive team in which he has clearer,” he adds. “And using KPIs to monitor confidence, enabling him to step away from the performance was new to me but has been a shop floor, don his shirt and tie and “stop doing great enhancement.” the grubby work!” “TAB Board meetings are a safe place where I One of Mark’s key ambitions is to give garages a can discuss the deepest of business issues,” good reputation. “People don’t realize that there Mark says. is no government regulation in the car servicing industry – anyone can fit new brakes! I want to With 50% of Motor Marque’s business coming play my part in making the industry credible and through referral, they are obviously doing improve customer confidence.” something right!
TheAlternativeBoard.com
Source: The Alternative Board