CHANGE FOR GOOD

Glenn Rix (second from left) and his team at Whangaparāoa

New Paper Plus owners achieve their dreams with businesses they love

Glenn Rix loves his Paper Plus outlet. ‘Everything about it is great and if I were asked to do it all again, I most certainly would. In fact, I’m keeping my eyes open for a second store in the future.’

Retail might have had its challenges recently, but Paper Plus is different. Apart from being a strong, nationally recognised brand, it’s also a cooperative owned and operated by its local franchisees. That’s given it a place in the heart of the communities it serves, as well as a big focus on franchisee profitability – something Glenn discovered early on.

Glenn was an IT specialist contracting to a major computer company. ‘Great money, but I was getting burned out and when I reached my mid-forties, I began to ask what I was going to do with my life? It sure ain’t easy changing careers at that stage, and you’re unlikely to get the same kind of money as IT, but I found a small business on Auckland’s lovely Whangaparāoa Peninsula which I felt I could grow.’

Glenn purchased a well-established Cartridge World franchise at Coast Plaza in 2016, but as some chains moved to a new centre in Silverdale, new sites and new opportunities became available. ‘I got in touch with an uncle of mine who started the first Mitre 10 in Central Otago 40 years ago, and his business advice was quite clear: “Get a Paper Plus!” I contacted the franchise, and they did an assessment of the potential site in the Plaza, which was negative, so I dropped the idea.’

Worth the wait

‘I found it very reassuring that the franchise was so focussed on every store being viable, so 18 months later, when NZ Post announced they were closing their premises and looking for an agent, I contacted Paper Plus again. Their franchisees have quite a few NZ Post agencies, so they knew a lot about it. They did another study and I was able to open my brand-new store in July 2021.

‘Covid caused some interruptions at first, but at the end of our first full trading year we’re profitable, the figures are well above the budget, and I’m very happy. I also enjoy being part of the co-operative group’s Member Advisory Board. We all bring different experience to the table and there’s a great attitude of sharing.’

Too good to leave

Anita Kingston of Paper Plus Gisborne has been involved with the franchise for many years. ‘I started working in one of the Auckland stores in 1999, then my husband and I went to Australia and had three children. When we returned in 2006, I was very keen to jump back into a job with Paper Plus because I remembered how much I loved it. My boss for almost all the period I’ve been involved has been John Graham, who has owned up to seven stores simultaneously.’

Work was one thing, but Anita and her husband wanted to buy a house, and found that was increasingly difficult in Auckland. ‘Also, I was getting very tired of commuting, and we seriously began to consider moving out. When the Paper Plus store in Invercargill came on the market, I half-jokingly suggested to John that we buy it in partnership. He said we should take the Gisborne outlet instead, and here we are!’

Anita Kingston of Paper Plus Gisborne

A better life

Anita overcame a few problems, not least buying a home and a business at the same time – ‘We’d never have got both in Auckland!’ she laughs. But after taking over the Gisborne Paper Plus in September 2019, it has been everything she wanted. ‘It has fulfilled my dream. The commuting is easy, the school drop-offs are easy and my owner-partner John comes down from Auckland when he wants some sunshine. It has been a learning curve moving from Auckland, but one which we don’t regret for a second.

‘What I love about Paper Plus is that each store is unique and, despite being a very cohesive group, we have the flexibility to do our own thing. I certainly wouldn’t have done this without the support and training of the group, and I’m deeply involved in many aspects as a member of the Book Buying committee, and the Member Advisory Board.

‘If you’re interested in owning a Paper Plus, I suggest you talk to every franchisee you can, and get all the advice and feedback you can. You’ll always be part of a great team, and you’ll enjoy owning a business that is both rewarding and exciting.’

All the support you need

Carrie Welch, Chief Operations and Customer Officer for Paper Plus, says that Paper Plus is looking for owners both for new and existing stores.

‘Investment levels vary according to location – with our track record, we find the banks view lending to new Paper Plus franchisees favourably, compared to potentially higher-risk small businesses. Full training and support are provided, and our community of franchisees is always happy to lend a hand, too.

'If you'd like to own a store which offers communities a wide range of products for home, office and education, and is one of New Zealand's best-known brands, contact me now.'

Advertiser Info

Paper Plus

www.paperplusgroup.co.nz

Contact Carrie Welch

operations@paperplusgroup.co.nz