Life’s A Journey So Get Packing

Top franchisees prepare to turn freight into farming, thanks to Pack & Send

Stephan and Maulene Grove like an adventure. In the last three years, they have changed countries, changed careers, and built a hugely successful business in an industry they knew almost nothing about. Now they’re on the move again to realise their dream of owning a Kiwi farm.

The couple originally came from a farming background in South Africa, before developing an automotive business there including dealerships with three large manufacturers. After 20 years of that, in February 2019 they moved to New Zealand where Stephan worked in mechanics for a year to satisfy visa requirements.

But at the same time, they were looking to take charge of their own destiny again and were keeping an eye open for the right business opportunity on the way to fulfilling their farming ambitions. When Maulene heard that their local Pack & Send franchise in Hamilton was on the market, they decided to find out more.

Pack & Send is a one-stop-shop for sending virtually ‘anything anywhere’ – offering the widest range of courier, freight and packaging services in New Zealand. Franchisees are not couriers themselves; they operate from retail premises, with a van enabling them to collect items from private or commercial customers such as online retailers and galleries. The company also has a strong reputation for handling fragile, large, awkward, or valuable items – the things other companies don’t want to touch.

The very best option

‘In South Africa, we were constantly sending parts round the country so we were familiar with the freight business as customers and thought this was something we could enjoy and build. The potential was obvious,’ says Stephan. To prove it to herself, Maulene spent two months working with the franchise before they purchased it.

‘The hardest part was learning the geography of New Zealand, the pronunciations and Kiwi slang,’ laughs Maulene. ‘Thank goodness for Google! I also spent two very valuable weeks learning the accounting and business management systems at the flagship Pack & Send store in Christchurch with franchisor Matthew Everest.

‘As newcomers, we felt Pack & Send was the very best option to put our money into in our new country, and that’s certainly turned out to be true. It’s an easy concept that rewards the effort you put into it. The return on investment has been excellent and we’d recommend the franchise to anyone looking for a solid business.

‘Turnover was roughly $20-$30,000 a month when we started, and now it is around $60-$70,000 a month. Yes, we’ve worked hard, but the brand’s reputation for top quality service sells itself. We’ve done very little external marketing – it really comes down to dedication and building relationships, many through our salesman, Kurt Cameron, who is out there meeting new and existing customers all the time.’

Maulene Grove: ‘it’s an easy concept that rewards the effort you put into it’

A first-class, thriving business

Maulene says that the keys to success as a Pack & Send franchisee are flexibility and communication. ‘Being the owners gives us extra leverage and we’ve built a loyal following of customers, many of whom have become friends. We have a stream of five-star testimonials demonstrating our popularity and dedication to our customers, and this year we were honoured to win Pack & Send’s Franchisee of the Year award.’

Now the couple are looking to cash in on their success. ‘Pack & Send has been a marvellous stepping-stone for us and given us the ability to achieve our dream. Farming has been a long-held ambition, so we have available one first-class, thriving business within an excellent franchise. Do come and see us – we love talking to people. It’s how we built the business!’

Matthew Everest is sorry to see the Groves moving on, but says that their success has shown just what can be achieved by a well-organised and determined couple. ‘In addition to Hamilton we also have a number of opportunities available in attractive locations around the country, with investment levels from just $160,000.

‘If you’re ready to get packing to achieve your own dream, give me a call today.’

Advertiser Info

Pack & Send NZ

www.packsend.co.nz/own-afranchise

Contact Matthew Everest

P 0-3-982 7252 M 021 799 783

matthew.everest@packsend.co.nz