It’s always a cracking way to start the year, an announcement about how the Countrywide Signs network continues to evolve. January 2021 we welcomed resale owners Gary and Cat to the network as Countrywide Signs Newmarket.
The husband-and-wife team completed their training at the backend of 2020 and became official owners of their new venture on 1st January 2021. Gary and Cat opted to purchase an existing Countrywide Signs business which was owned by Countrywide Signs Mildenhall’s John and Tracey Wreathall. As you can see there’s a rather lovely theme here operating as a family business.
John and Tracey covered Newmarket and Mildenhall as well as Brandon, Tuddenham, and Kentford to name just a few surrounding locations. Now under the new ownership, Gary and Cat will operate as Countrywide Signs Newmarket. They will fulfil property signage installs and instructions from property agents within the original territory area of Countrywide Signs Mildenhall.
Gary has had a bit of a career change. He spent most of his working life to date, employed by Godolphin a thoroughbred breeding and horseracing team. First as a jockey and then after an unfortunate injury as a work rider.
Gary commented on his career change: “Since leaving my last job in horse racing due to an injury. I was looking for a business where I could be my own boss with room for the business to grow. However, I also wanted to ensure that there was still time for family commitments and to create a business where my wife Cat could be involved. Plus, who knows, maybe the children in the future too. Owning a Countrywide Signs business in our hometown seemed perfect!” Gary continued: “The great bonus of us choosing a franchise has meant that we haven’t needed to worry about structure and support. Everyone at Countrywide Signs has been great, really helpful and so supportive. We know if we need any extra guidance, we’re well covered.”
There are many benefits of purchasing an existing business. It means Gary and Cat are in a unique and positive position. They therefore take the reins with the following already in place:
- An existing customer-base.
- Existing income and cash flow.
- An established local brand.
- Equipment, van, and stock.
It’s a higher investment option but one with many bonuses. In fact, the Mildenhall operation was a very, very successful business. John had built an enviable customer-base and had also built up a reputation for his high-levels of both work-ethic and customer service within the property industry. We will tell you more about John and Tracey’s journey to retirement separately. In the meantime, back to Gary.
Gary continued: “Taking over from a man like John means we have some big boots to fill and lots of existing customers to keep happy. Our main goal is to uphold the service level that our customers are accustomed to. Such high standards are really important to us. I’m lucky I have Cat at my side. Through Cat’s support I’ll be able to concentrate on the everyday running and board management of the business and Cat will focus on the admin and marketing aspects. We’re both very practical, hardworking and committed to doing the best job we can,” he concluded.
So, that’s Gary and Cat. We’re sure we’ll be updating their story as successful franchise owners in the months to come. We wish them much success and continued support.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Countrywide Signs franchisee, please Get in Touch.