Andy O‘Donnell discusses his journey to joining the ChariSnack franchise network.

Name: Andy O‘Donnell

Location: Melton Mowbray

Age Group: 56+

Gender: Male

Franchise: Melton Mowbray

Date launched the franchise: 2012

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to joining ChariSnack?

I owned and operated a Post Office & Convenience Store, which was sold and I was keen to get back to work.

Why did you decide to choose a franchise route? (e.g. want to run a business, proven business model)

As I had run my own business in a franchise model, I was keen to continue owning and operating my own business, but with full support from an experienced franchisor.

Why did you choose ChariSnack? Did you consider other franchise businesses, and if so, how many?

The business was well established, but also seeking to grow. It had a great range of varied products and offered support and training and even a full launch package, which allowed me to get up and running very quickly, hence earning an income very quickly. I did look at least 5 other franchises.

How did you raise the finance?

I was fortunate to not have to raise the finance to get started.

How did you Find the Training & Support from ChariSnack?

The training was excellent and mostly one to one. Any questions were always quickly answered. I felt ready to go as soon as the initial training was completed. There were follow up sessions in the field on a one to one basis. All of these sessions were of great help particularly in those early days. There have also been additional training days at meetings and product up-dates and launches. The assistance is always there, all you have to do is ask.

What is a typical day as a ChariSnack franchisee?

I am pleased to provide a service to my customers which offers a great variety of well presented and tasty products. I go out and visit my customers on a regular basis. I talk to them and always do my best to tailor the box of goodies to suit what they would prefer whilst seeking to offer new products as often as possible. I am always mindful of seeking new opportunities either within an existing customers business or new customer sites.

What do you enjoy the most about being a ChariSnack franchisee?

I enjoy being my own boss and setting targets for myself and my business. I enjoy meeting my customers and the satisfaction of providing them with excellent customer service in a professional and friendly manner. I also like the fact that I have the back up and assistance of our Head Office team who are always there to help me

What challenges have you faced as a ChariSnack franchisee and how did you overcome them?

It is a challenge when a competitor has a major launch in your area. Suddenly sites which may have been yours solely are now shared. Nothing you can do about this. What I have done with these sites is remained really focused on making sure my offer is always fresh and suitable. This has usually resulted in sites still preferring our offer and often in the competitor being removed.

How has becoming a ChariSnack franchisee improved your lifestyle? (e.g. work/life balance, financial renumeration etc.)

It’s nice to be able to choose my own working hours and the areas I work each day. This allows me the flexibility to fit my work in around my life and not the other way round.

In your opinion, what makes a successful franchisee? (e.g. forward planning, time management, organisational skills)

You must be prepared to work your business. It takes time to plan, prepare your vehicle, visit all your customers on a regular basis, place orders, record and up-date your activities, print daily run sheets, provide monthly reports etc. All of these elements are important and require attention.

In the main, if you like meeting people and are happy to work to ensure they are happy with you and your service, then this is a good business to be involved in.

What are your ambitions for the future of your ChariSnack franchise?

I continue to want to grow my business which in effect will give me additional income.

How did you hear about ChariSnack?

I first came across Charisnack at The Franchise Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Would You Recommend becoming a Charisnack franchisee?

Yes, without hesitation.