FINAL WORD
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THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT...
FRANCHISEE WARREN D’CRUZ
Once a boy who couldn’t afford soccer boots, now Warren D’cruz is an award-winning franchisee. The Auto Masters franchisee scooped up the multi-unit franchisee of the year award from the Franchise Council of Australia in 2019. “I used to love football
but I never went to the park, I never had anything as a kid. When I played soccer at 14, I had no football boots. My mum and dad worked shift work. My mum worked 6am to 2pm, my dad worked 2pm to 10pm. They never saw each other.”
“I think it drove me. I like to spend. If I want it, I’ll get it. I remember my first job, I bought a football.” “The reason I went to multiple units was about lifestyle. I work from home
every day because I have back up everywhere, and failsafe options. I am looking at more outlets, perhaps up to 10.”
“I’m a hard-working person but I need that guidance. I need the systems, I’ve also got my own systems so my staff follow my customer service rules, that’s what I do outside AutoMasters.” “I used to work as a mechanic. I felt I’d gone as high as I could go and I was looking to buy a business. It’s probably a good thing I bought a franchise because otherwise I would have done it on the cheap. With the franchise I spent more money but it’s paid off. My wife felt more comfortable too!” “I’ve got four units. I’ve got three in Western Australia, one in South Australia. Our operations manager oversees a lot now. I’m buying another store in WA.”
“I’m proactive, I want feedback. I have a very good relationship with the franchisor. We meet every three months, he sees all the financials and puts me on the right track. I set the goals and he definitely keeps me accountable, like a business coach.” “I do still work on my business non-stop, and I’m very passionate, I love what I do. Thirteen years ago I wouldn’t have dreamed of being where I am today. I have the freedom to go on a lot of holidays. A lot of my friends say I have the dream job.” “Successful turnover is totally about having the right people. With the Adelaide store I turned around, I went through a lot of staff; I kept going till I had the right people. Then I really looked after them. I find it very easy, we’ve got the system down pat.”
FEB/APR 2020 | 162 | WWW.FRANCHISEBUSINESS.COM.AU
