When starting a franchise, the idea of having to learn an entirely new skill set can be daunting. But Kitchen Makeover franchisees show that success doesn’t always come from starting from scratch – it comes from building and utilising skills, experience and ways of working that you already possess.
A successful career change with strong foundations
After spending 15 years developing his skills as a bespoke furniture maker, John Jacques decided that it was time to take his career in a new direction.
“I used to run my own business and really loved the freedom of being my own boss,” said John. “I wanted to keep that independence, while still getting the same satisfaction from creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces that make customers happy. That’s when I discovered Kitchen Makeovers – an opportunity to apply my craftsmanship in a new way.”
Kitchen Makeovers has established itself as a leader in a market previously lacking a cost-effective and hassle-free solution. With over 30 franchisees and sophisticated branding, systems and operations, the company has filled a critical gap for homeowners. This commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in nearly 1,000 glowing five-star reviews across reputable online platforms and an impressive average score of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustist. This focus on exceeding expectations is what truly sets Kitchen Makeovers apart from the competition.
Before he launched his franchise in Swindon, John underwent training with the Kitchen Makeovers team to learn the ropes. “Although there was a lot to learn, my background in furniture making gave me a strong foundation for the fitting side of the business, so I was able to pick things up much faster than I expected.
“The same couldn’t be said for the operational side. Although I had experience in business ownership, it was on a much smaller scale to Kitchen Makeovers – there was a steep learning curve. Previously, quotes were more of an educated guess than an exact science, as I couldn’t say for sure how much time or material a project would require. Now, I’m able to offer customers an exact price for their kitchen thanks to Kitchen Makeovers’ franchise systems.”
John launched in May 2023, offering locals their dream kitchen without breaking the bank. “Identifying the strategic opportunity with Kitchen Makeovers to leverage my existing experience was a brilliant decision. Not only am I fulfilling my passion for creating and building, but I’m also providing for my young family.”
A partnership powered by skills
John is not the only franchisee transferring existing skills to grow a successful franchise.
After relocating from South Africa in 1999 and spending more than two decades in consultancy and admin roles, Greg and Claudine Fisher decided to take their marriage one step further by going into business together.
With experience in sales and a shared passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, Greg and Claudine were drawn to Kitchen Makeovers and the simplicity of its business model. It offered the perfect balance of creativity, flexibility and proven systems while enabling them to apply their skills to build a strong business.
“I’ve spent the majority of my career running my own consultancy business, so I wasn’t new to entrepreneurship and the skills required to drive success,” said Greg. “Yet, in the past, it felt like I was constantly working away from my family and missing out. Now I work similar hours but with my wife, building kitchens for happy clients.”
Kitchen Makeovers attracts both first-time franchisees and seasoned entrepreneurs looking to move with the times, thanks to an impressive infrastructure designed for scalability and a revitalised approach to customer experience in the home improvement sector. Franchisees are encouraged to fully exploit the success they can achieve within their territories by building a local network of expert tradespeople. Kitchen Makeovers’ approach of championing exceptional customer service is continuing to reap rewards in a sector that has traditionally delivered below-par customer experience. Through recurring income streams, low overheads, an impressive scope for growth and ongoing development, the opportunity for franchisees is huge.
“Greg and I have differing experiences that we’re able to use to benefit the business,” said Claudine. “I’m incredibly process-driven, while Greg’s skills lie in the construction element. We both have our own systems in place based on how we work best so that we can be as productive as possible. Together, we’re a well-oiled machine – something that has been key in growing the business.
“We launched Kitchen Makeovers Worcester in early 2024 – both at the age of 55 – with the goal of building the business, then selling it when we’re ready to retire in the next decade or so. With our combined skillset, we’ve been able to prepare for the next part of our lives together and ensure we’re ending our careers on a high note.”