From Forces to franchising
Segreant Anton Mitchell Served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers from 1984 to 2006. After a further eight years in a training role with a Military affiliate, he decided it was time to do something different.
Anton became a Snap-on franchisee in 2015. His overriding sentiment – if only he’d done it sooner!
“I wish I’d joined 20 years ago when I first left the Army. Imagine where I’d be now! But back then, I didn’t think I was the right kind of person for this. Now I know it’s all about being a people person and I believe being a Snap-on franchisee is a great fit for Veterans. You bring so many skills with you that you can use immediately – problem-solving, timekeeping, communication – and the discipline we all have is ideal for running your own business.”
Nine years in, Anton has built a multi-territory franchise, meaning he owns more than one mobile store and employs two sales assistants. He’s consistently in the top 10% of franchisees in the UK for sales and sits on the National Franchise Advisory Council, representing Snap-on’s 400-strong network alongside his fellow council members.
“I’m in a much better position now than I was 10 years ago. I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and just enjoy life. The more effort you put in, the bigger the rewards. Before Snap-on, I had always worked for someone else – now, it’s me who reaps the benefit of my own hard work.”
Like many franchisees, Anton funded the purchase of his franchise with a loan from Snap-on’s in-house finance company, Snap-on Finance Ltd. “You’ve got to invest in any business that you start. The beauty of Snap-on Finance is that they understand the franchise better than any external finance house and give you so much guidance and support with your set-up.”
From visiting customers to dealing with stock and upkeep of his mobile stores, Anton says that no two days are ever the same – which he loves. And the benefits don’t stop there. “The best thing about Snap-on is the camaraderie. It’s actually very similar to the Military – it’s a family – we all help each other out and support one another across the network. Snap-on teaches you how to run a business and you get out there and do it. There is so much back-up and support available, it’s hard to go wrong!”
Anton’s advice? “If you’re interested in a franchise and want to build a better life for you and your family, start the application process and go on a van ride. There’s no obligation and it doesn’t cost you anything, but you get to spend a day with a franchisee and see things for yourself. I’d challenge you not to love it!”
To find out more about life as a Snap-on franchisee, contact recruitment manager, Gemma Good on tel: 07884 544152 or visit: www.snaponfranchise.co.uk
