When considering a career change, John Jacques wasn’t looking to trade in his craft for a cubicle. After 15 years spent honing his skills as a bespoke furniture maker, the satisfaction of creating one-of-a-kind pieces fuelled not just his passion but also his desire to build something for himself.
May 2024 marked John’s first full year as a franchisee with Kitchen Makeovers, a move that promised the perfect blend of an established brand, ongoing head office support, and the entrepreneurial freedom he craved. This transition wasn’t just about career growth; it was a strategic decision to leverage his skillset while building a successful business that could support his family for the long term.
“What attracted me to Kitchen Makeovers is the same thing that fuelled my passion as a bespoke furniture maker,” commented John Jacques. “I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of creating something unique – one of a kind. Every day was a new challenge or puzzle to solve. Kitchen Makeovers gives me that same feeling. Every kitchen is shaped differently styled differently, and every customer has their own likes and dislikes. But instead of crafting a single piece, I get to help them craft their dream kitchen – a space that reflects their personality and brings them joy for years to come.”
Founded in 2018, Kitchen Makeovers introduced the UK to the future of kitchen renovations. As one of the home improvement sector’s most innovative franchise brands, Kitchen Makeovers has established itself as an exciting, highly profitable opportunity by identifying and leveraging a gap in the market.
This trailblazing approach, evolving with the sector’s demands, is helping franchisees provide customers with a long-awaited, modern, cost-effective, and sustainable service up and down the country, breathing new life into the heart of their homes.
The appeal of the Kitchen Makeovers franchise investment model came down to one crucial factor for the dad-of-one – support with operational processes. Having previously run his bespoke furniture business on a smaller scale, the ongoing support and initial training would stand John in good stead as he got his franchise off the ground.
“There was a lot to learn at the beginning, as there is with any career change, but the initial training and ongoing support have been fantastic. My background in furniture making gave me a strong foundation for the fitting aspect, but the admin side was new territory. Thankfully, the new customer portal is a game-changer. It streamlines invoicing, quote preparation and sales tracking, freeing me up to focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
“In my furniture-making days, every piece was a bespoke creation, and each quote was, at best, an educated guess. While I loved the freedom of being my own boss when I was working as a furniture maker, Kitchen Makeovers offers the perfect blend of autonomy and structure. It empowers me to pursue my business goals with the invaluable support and framework to take them to the next level.”
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 the 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.
“Being self-employed for such a long time, my work-life balance is important to me. I’ve always had the freedom to choose my working hours. Being able to spend time with my wife and our six-year-old son is crucial. Outside of work, I’m also an Aikido sensei and have been practising for over 20 years.
Aikido isn’t just great for my physical health but helps with many other aspects of my life. It’s good for your mind and helps with discipline and strategic thinking. Ultimately, both Aikido and running my own business are about personal growth – pushing your limits, learning new skills and striving for excellence.”
Kitchen Makeovers has established itself as a leader in a market that previously lacked 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.
Many dream of being their own boss, but not every business venture is the right opportunity. John looked at his skill set and identified a strategic opportunity with Kitchen Makeovers to transfer his skills to something new.
This decision wasn’t just about financial gain, though; it was about leveraging his passion for creation and building a sustainable business that offered flexibility and purpose. John’s story exemplifies the exciting possibilities that Kitchen Makeovers offers for individuals seeking to build a fulfilling and successful future.
“I treated the first year as a chance to learn and grow at my own pace. I managed to exceed the first-year turnover projections set by the head office. Now I have a full understanding of the business; I’m looking to take the franchise to the next level. My first target is to beat the year two turnover projections and then keep building from there. All going well, one day, it would be amazing to make it a family business.”