Testimonial – Richard Metcalfe

“Before becoming an Ovenclean franchise in 2016, I worked in operational management for over 20 years, running a call-centre of circa 100 people. After being made redundant multiple times in different jobs, I decided to look into franchising because it guaranteed a job and financial security, but also the flexibility to work around my home life.”

“I researched other franchises, but Ovenclean was definitely the best option - the strength of the brand is by far the biggest advantage. Ovenclean is a long-established franchise and offers support from day one. There is a clear route forward and an existing business model which works. All you need to add is hard work, and plenty of it!”

“It was clear to me when I went to the Ovenclean Open Day that there was a lot of support from the head office team. I didn’t realise Ovenclean was one of several brands in the Franchise Brands network, and that gave me a lot of reassurance that these people knew what they were doing.”

“I found the training really useful, the initial 2 weeks with my business mentor, an existing franchisee, was without a doubt vital. You get to see the business in operation, the products, and how to market your new venture. I have also received consistent support from the Business Development Team at Head Office, who help you with things like sales, marketing, and IT support, as well as checking in on you on a personal level.”

“The first 6 months for me were really good, during my 2 weeks training I took 10 leads from people ringing me, I didn’t even need to pick up the phone and start my marketing. In the first few months I did regular leaflet drops and launched my business with a big supermarket promotion, which generated 26 leads from one day.”

As well as receiving excellent support and training, Ovenclean franchises benefit from a great work-life balance as the opportunity can easily be fit around your lifestyle.

“When I first started running the business, it took some getting used to, for 20 years I had been told, now it’s time for a break, now it’s time to go home. But I realised this business is all about me, I go home when I’ve completed a good job and my customer is happy.”

“I’m out of the house at 8am to get to my first appointment early, and then clean 3 to 4 ovens daily. I’m finished at around 2-3pm and then go home, convert any leads and fill my diary. I’m completely in control of what I do and when I do it.”

“My biggest tool for growth has been focusing on marketing. As well as the leads from Head Office, my own marketing via Facebook, the branded van, leaflets and local advertising in newspapers has been invaluable. Village Fetes, school fetes and other local events have also helped me maintain growth and will hopefully help me sustain it in the future.

We asked Richard what advice he would give someone looking to a buy an Ovenclean franchise, “I would say go in with your eyes open, have a plan and give it your all, if you work hard, you will succeed.”

We asked Richard about his plans for the future, “At the moment, I’m very happy with how the business is going. To be honest, there’s nothing that I would differently apart from one thing… I wish I had done it earlier!”