SOUTHERN COMFORTS

David Skelton: ‘These areas offer massive growth

Ecomist offers established opportunity providing essential services in Otago and Southland

David Skelton’s introduction to Ecomist came through his family. ‘Both my siblings became Ecomist franchisees around seven years ago – one in the Bay of Plenty and the other in the Far North.

‘They are huge enthusiasts for the franchise and very happy with how well it works for them. We live in Hawea and love everything Central Otago has to offer – mountains, skiing, running, and so on – so when our local Ecomist franchisee decided she wanted to retire, my wife Jessica and I felt it was an opportunity we shouldn’t miss.

‘We took on the franchise three years ago and have had a great time ever since, getting out and about, meeting people – as well as making considerable profits. I didn’t know much about business before, so the training has been great and I’ve learned invaluable lessons that I will never forget.’

But David has an even bigger passion – he’s a master carpenter and cabinetmaker by trade, and he’s received an offer that’s just too good to turn down. ‘My first venture into business with Ecomist has been really successful, but fine woodworking is my first love and I’m returning to it.’

This means a glorious opportunity for someone with the drive and energy to take over David and Jessica’s area – in fact, two opportunities, because the couple have been looking after both the Southland and Central Otago territories.

‘We’ve thoroughly enjoyed talking to people, building a client base and providing an essential service that people and businesses trust,’ says David. ‘My advice to anyone would be give it a go and get stuck in. If you have a personable touch and the ability to run the numbers, then Ecomist offers a fabulous opportunity.’

100 percent Kiwi

Ecomist is a New Zealand company through and through. The company’s range of aerosol-based insect repellents and killers, surface barrier sprays and insect grenades, use chrysanthemum daisy-based natural pyrethrums. These, along with their odour neutraliser and fragrance products, are all manufactured at the franchise’s Rotorua base by parent company Damar Industries and sold via Ecomist to both commercial and domestic customers.

‘Our programmable dispensers help businesses maintain pest-free environments for their customers and staff, and in the case of food outlets are a vital part of their Food Hygiene Certification,’ says Ian ’Robertson, Ecomist Group General Manager. ‘Ecomist franchisees also gain Level 3 Urban Pest Management qualifications which enable them to handle bigger issues with rodents or insect infestations for both residential and commercial customers.’

Three solid revenue streams

Ecomist provides its franchisees with three solid and recurring revenue streams across both the commercial and residential sectors:

• Customers can order and pay for products online via the Ecomist website, which experienced record sales of pest control products during lockdown. Orders are fulfilled by local franchisees, which provides steady and recurring income while allowing franchisees to develop and nurture ongoing relationships.

• Many franchisees also sell Ecomist products through local retail outlets, with the PureFolio hygiene range providing a valuable new opportunity for them.

• The commercial side of the business sees franchisees (or their staff) providing an ongoing service with the programmable aerosol dispensers that disperse insect killer or odour neutraliser, as well as pest control programmes and services.

Exclusive territory

One of the most appealing aspects of the Ecomist opportunity is the exclusive franchise territories, which mean franchisees support each other rather than competing for business.

‘Franchisees retain full margin on all aerosol and hygiene products sold, and only pay royalties on their pest control work,’ Ian explains. ‘In addition, a levy on the sale of all Ecomist aerosol products goes into a marketing fund to be spent on promoting the Ecomist business nationally and locally. This is targeted at providing franchisees with the opportunity to increase revenue, and reap the rewards of their own efforts.’

Completely supportive

David and Jessica say that from the very start, Ecomist has been completely supportive. ‘Our main training was with Ian Robertson, who has mentored us ever since and enabled us to realise the potential of the area.

‘It’s very much a “person-to-person” type of business, talking to lots of people and providing them with a product and service that is vital. The market is unlimited: cafés, restaurants, fast food outlets, agedcare facilities, child-care facilities, banks and just about everything else! Business is booming, and these territories, which encompass Queenstown, Wanaka, Dunedin and Invercargill, offer massive growth.’

Ian agrees. ‘The opportunity in Otago and Southland is just waiting to be grabbed. It’s an established business that simply needs someone with the right drive and personality to run with it. The new franchisee will need to do a Level 3 qualification in Urban Pest Management but, as David has proved, no prior experience is necessary. You’ll receive full on-the-job training in all Ecomist systems and processes, and ongoing support.’

‘We’re sorry David and Jessica are moving on, but you have to follow your passion and it means a great opportunity or two for the right people. If you fancy earning multiple income streams and recurring sales with the opportunity to generate solid, ongoing revenue growth, give me a call and find out more.’

Advertiser Info

Ecomist Systems

www.ecomist.co.nz

Contact Ian Robertson

M 0274 334 513

ian.robertson@ecomist.co.nz