No Uni education, no barrier to higher franchise profits

Written on the 23 September 2011 by 10 Thousand Feet

Brian "Scratcher" Hocking typifies the success story of the 2011 winner of the topfranchise awards, Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers. Holding a Year 11 certificate, Brian also embodies the largest group of the most profitable franchisees - those with no University education.

Research house 10 THOUSAND FEET has surveyed over 1,000 franchisees across Australia and new results have revealed a lack of tertiary education has not been a barrier to running a highly profitable franchise, and the largest core of highly profitable franchisees (26%) only hold a Year 12 certificate.** 

Harking from Melbourne's Western suburbs, Brian left school after Year 11 and has embraced the Smartline franchise system with enthusiasm.

"A university education is good and something to aspire to, however, on its own it doesn't provide you with life skills, which are equally if not more valuable. I can see that I might have been able to pick up some study skills earlier in life if I'd undertaken more formalised training I think a mixture of formal and life training is helpful.

"Having a crack at something and making mistakes is a constructive process made all the more easier when you're surrounded by supportive colleagues and mentors," Brian said.

Brian Hocking - Smartline Franchisee

According to Smartline Executive Director Joe Sirianni, Scratcher exemplifies why placing trust in a tried and true franchise system and adding common sense with genuine people skills equals a highly profitable combination.

"Notwithstanding the value of professional development and life-long learning, Scratcher's success lies is his motivation, commitment to relationships and local connections, and willingness to believe in strong franchise processes," Sirianni said.

10 THOUSAND FEET's Head of Intelligence Ian Krawitz said that Australian franchisees have a choice about their profitability. 

"There are always things you can do to make your franchise more profitable. Choosing the right franchise to suit your circumstance and personal passion is important, as well as researching the level of satisfaction existing franchisees have with the system. Education level is a predictor of performance, but there are so many other things you can do to set yourself apart," Krawitz said.