Life & Style

Use your sales and management experience to build a rewarding business with Zones Landscaping

Get up. Go to work. Come home. Go to bed. Wince and repeat. If that’s the story of your life, maybe it’s time to consider a change. ‘If there’s one thing that’s become obvious over the past few months, it’s that life’s too short to do something you don’t enjoy,’ says Matt Steele. ‘And with job security a thing of the past, if you are dissatisfied or unhappy in your current job, now’s a good time to look for something more satisfying and secure.

‘The question for many people is, “What else could I do?” Well, if you’re a good manager, enjoy selling something different and maybe have a bit of a creative streak, come and talk to us at Zones Landscaping. We can offer you an interesting and fulfilling opportunity with a proven business model that will make the most of your experience. Your main role will be selling projects and leading your team (including a project manager and professional designer), using your experience and our systems and process to build a very successful business.’

Adding value

Zones are specialists at designing, building and renovating outdoor living spaces including gardens, decks, lawns, pools, outdoor kitchens, lighting, fencing and even waterfalls. Matt, the company’s General Manager, explains: ‘Over the last decade the trend has been for people to renovate, expand or improve their home, rather than upping sticks and moving on. Getting a specialist team in to landscape your property can add huge street appeal to your home – and huge value, too.’

Zones is one of three franchise brands created by strategic marketing specialist Traffic to service the massive home renovation, landscaping and maintenance market. Refresh Renovations specialises in managing home renovations; Oncore franchisees organise home maintenance, repairs, decorating and installation; while Zones manages residential landscaping.

All three brands benefit from the same effective lead generation systems and business support provided by a team of experts in marketing, IT, training and strategy – not to mention the considerable buying power that a group of nearly 100 franchisees can wield.

A job well done

There are already 15 Zones Landscaping franchisees around the country, with room for many more. ‘Zones is a one-stop-shop that enables clients to complete an entire makeover of their garden, grounds, backyard or estate,’ Matt explains. ‘Franchisees begin with a no-obligation on-site consultation and then work with their team to create a suitable design. Zones works to a pre-determined fixed budget for all-inclusive work, and once a design is complete and approved, the project manager handles all the nitty gritty from turning the first sod to hosing down the driveway. Franchisees can also develop recurring income by providing a maintenance team to keep the customer’s new investment in great shape.

‘Our franchisees get huge satisfaction from a job well done, plus all the benefits of owning a thriving business which enables them muchneeded flexibility. One simple thing many people miss out on is taking their children to school. Several Zones franchisees have mentioned how difficult this was when they were stuck in the corporate world, and how much they appreciate it now. Zones is your own business and you can make the time for things that are important to you.’

Zones Landscaping franchisee Thelma Meyer (pictured above) agrees, saying, ‘Creating a wonderful landscape out of a blank canvas for so many people is as exciting as it is rewarding. Some of the best projects have been about improving the indoor/outdoor flow, and people doing inventive things around getting the barbecue inside or the kitchen outside, or just getting the garden and pool area to work together.’

Build an asset of your own

Zones franchisees have various backgrounds, including experience in sales and marketing, accounting and event management. ‘The common thread is a desire to own their own business, and a bit of a passion for outdoor living, landscaping or gardening,’ says Matt. ‘Empathy with clients and an ability to see potential is also necessary.

‘Zones will provide you with full training and a tried, tested and proven business model that will enable you to build a valuable asset of your own. Using the lead-generation system developed for Refresh, we expect established franchisees to enjoy a turnover of between one and two million dollars per annum and a minimum return of 10-15 percent on sales. The franchise fee is $50,000 +gst.

‘Many people look at franchising because they are seeking a satisfying career with the flexibility and lifestyle the corporate treadmill prevents, but they don’t know what would suit them. Well, here’s an excellent opportunity to grow and build a business with the support and experience of a large company behind you – it just happens to be in the creative and enjoyable industry of landscaping.

‘Contact us today to find out more about whether Zones could offer the challenges and rewards you are looking for.’

Advertiser Info

Zones Landscaping

www.zones.co.nz

Zones: 0800 000 843

Oncore: 0800 001 048

Refresh: 0800 000 951