5 minute read
DeckSeal
HAVING BUILT DECKSEAL FROM THE GROUND UP
BRIAN AND DANIELLE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED!
Growing up in a single parent family in a low socio-economic area, meant life was not always easy for Brian Burgess. Right from a young age, Brian had a part time job to help contribute to his family. At the age of 11, he began working as a wash boy in a butcher shop after school.
Brian later attended a local technical school, but decided to leave to undertake a butcher apprenticeship, at the same butcher shop he had been working at after school. After finishing his apprenticeship, Brian worked as a butcher for several years, but left that industry and found himself in manufacturing. Running day to day operations and production for over 20 years was rewarding, as well as challenging, however like many of us who have been in a job for a long time, Brian was yearning for a new challenge and change in career direction. He knew that he wanted to work for himself but just wasn’t sure what type of work he wanted to do. Brian loved working outdoors and didn’t want to be stuck in an office anymore. Equipped with plenty of life experience and knowing he was handy on the tools; Brian did not want to waste time or money learning another trade. Brian had a passion for timber and creating charming outdoor entertainment areas, so back in 2007, whilst he was maintaining his deck at home, the idea for restoring and preserving timber decks and structures was born. There was something special and rewarding about restoring and preserving timber to its natural beauty. Brian quickly realised that there was only one other company handling the restoration and preservation of timber decks and structures across Melbourne and the surrounding area, and that the market was ready for a new player. With this in mind, Brian, and his wife Danielle, conducted research into timber, timber products, and specialist equipment, as well as what customers were looking for. They put in place processes and procedures and DeckSeal was launched.
Growing the brand and servicing clients all over Victoria, DeckSeal soon became synonymous with deck restoration. Brian’s high standards and quality service, along with Danielle’s administrative and customer service skills, lead to an overwhelming number of enquiries. Next came hiring of staff to assist with the ever-growing workload and just two years later, DeckSeal bought out their only competition. In 2017, the growth showed no signs of slowing down and the workload increased beyond capability to meet client demand. Believing wholeheartedly in DeckSeal’s capacity to succeed as a franchise, Brian and Danielle engaged a team of franchise professionals to assist in the development of a robust and proven franchise business model. After many meetings and brainstorming sessions, the franchise model for DeckSeal was determined. A complete franchise package that provides you with the tools to make a success of your own DeckSeal franchise, which was launched in June 2018. The DeckSeal model works on a franchise ‘fee per territory’ system where territories have been established through a specific territory demographic program. The territories are large and exclusive. Unlike many other franchises, the territories are extensive and
have been selected to maximise earning potential. DeckSeal utilises software systems Trade Trak and Xero for job management and accounting, which are fully integrated and make the administration side of the business time effective and effortless.
Brian’s belief in hard work, and reward for effort was realized when he sold his first franchise, within 1 month of the franchise’s inception. That followed with another 2 regions sold within months. Fast forward and DeckSeal’s Victorian franchises are all sold and at full capacity and has expanded interstate with franchisees now in NSW, QLD, and WA. “I am extremely focused on growing the brand nationally”, Brian said. “There is definitely no better time to enter into the home services market. The DeckSeal franchise is a mobile business with low overheads and startup fee, which means it is more accessible to anyone wanting to run their own business and have better work/ life balance. The marketing and advertising are implemented by head office and the leads are provided for the franchisees, so they can focus on great customer service and superior workmanship ”. A timber deck is an iconic part of the Australian outdoor lifestyle and a key feature in countless homes across the country. An outdoor area extends existing living space and now more than ever, people are entertaining at home and utilising their outdoor areas. DeckSeal’s technique not only brings back the original beauty of timber used in decks,
Brenton and Julie Opperman - Bayside/Bayside Outer Franchisee
Stuart Naylor - Mornington Peninsula Franchisee
whilst also doing brilliant restorative work on all outdoor timber features. DeckSeal services also extends to high pressure cleaning, and cleaning and sealing of concrete and paving. Brian says, “DeckSeal is real people operating a real business who are totally committed to seeing the business bring success to our franchisee investors. We’ve done all the hard work and aim to equip all our franchisees with the skills and support to see them succeed at the business”.
The franchise offers everyday people the perfect opportunity to capitalize on their existing skills or quickly build a new set without the burden of learning a new trade. A genuine business partnering with builders, landscapers, tradespeople, homeowners, commercial clients, body corporates and project development companies. With over 15 years’ experience, the team at DeckSeal offer exceptional service and solutions to customers, providing quality service at the right price and customer satisfaction is top priority. Since inception of the brand, DeckSeal has provided ongoing support and training to its franchisees, continually researching, and developing new processes and staying up to date with new advanced and innovative equipment. DeckSeal has aligned itself with brands like Intergrain, Cabots and Aqualis, forming great business relationships, participating in development and trialling of new products, and accessing great rates for its franchisees.
Having built DeckSeal from the ground up, Brian knows what it takes to succeed. He also understands the value of having a team of like-minded people who are ready and willing to take on the hard work of having their own business.
DeckSeal has franchises available in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, and TAS.
