Car connoisseur to window wizard: a franchise journey
It would be many people’s dream to work in the luxury car market and being the person responsible for putting the final touches on fleets of car brands’ interiors… but not for Gary Poxon. Forging an incredibly successful 30-year-long career, Gary’s CV and skillset is certainly unique and admirable. And while his lucrative and professionally rewarding role opened many doors for the ex-automotive engineering manager, it was the balance of spending time with his twin boys and being in control of his schedule that defined real success. So, thanks to a short stint as a window cleaner filling in for his father-in-law at the time, Gary’s ‘light bulb moment’ was the beginning of a brighter future.
Franchisee of My Window Cleaner (MWC) Stourbridge, Gary has turned his operation into a lucrative business and rewarding lifestyle since launching just 18 months ago. Waving “goodbye” to the killer 70-hour weeks, including 6am starts and even 2am finishes, has enabled the entrepreneur to become an active part of his boys’ lives while enjoying the open road and running a business that suits him perfectly. Now, with plans to push himself further than ever and with ambitions of utilising his boys’ creative and tech-centred abilities with marketing, Gary’s family-orientated business is primed for even more success.
“I’m blown away by how busy I am just 18 months into this completely new experience in my career,” said Gary. “Coming from such an intense environment left me feeling burned out, and I definitely felt like I had time to make up for with my children. But since day one as a franchisee of MWC, I’ve completely reset my attitude to work, all while enjoying the little things – even just being able to do the pick-ups and drop-offs from school for the boys means so much to me.
“When I decided it was time to look at new opportunities a couple of years ago, I remembered back to the one morning I had, window cleaning with my then father-in-law and how fun it was being on the road, talking to happy customers and doing something physically active. So, when I found the MWC franchise opportunity, I didn’t waste a second. Fast-forward to today, it’s easily the best decision I’ve made in my career.”
Founded in 1996, MWC introduced the UK to the future of the cleaning industry. The ORIGINAL and TOP-PERFORMING window cleaning franchise, MWC has established itself as an exciting, highly profitable opportunity through identifying and leveraging a gap in the market. Offering customers a trustworthy, sophisticated window cleaning, gutter clearance and pressure washing service, MWC is a true family-feel franchise with good old-fashioned values at its heart.
“The franchisor really keeps on top of everything for the network – everything’s monitored down to the finest details, but I don’t feel micromanaged or restricted at all. I utilise MWC’s customer care team to the fullest - it helps me streamline my day so much, and I save so much time on administration, which ultimately helps me fit in more jobs and make more money. More than just about money, though, the professional development here is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’m signed up to the franchise’s fully paid-for business development programmes, and the benefit is so clear to see.
“I explored independent start-up opportunities when I was first getting started after leaving my previous role, but I simply couldn’t see the benefit after being shown what was possible with MWC. Every conversation I had with the franchisor was so compelling, and they projected what I could expect as a franchisee down to the finest details.”
MWC attracts both first-time franchisees and seasoned entrepreneurs, thanks to its impressive infrastructure, ground-breaking technology and family-feel approach. Franchisees are encouraged to fully exploit the success they can achieve within their territories by building a team of passionate and enthusiastic operatives. MWC’s approach of championing exceptional customer service is continuing to set high expectations for a service provider that has traditionally been met with negative experiences. Through recurring income and multiple revenue streams, low overheads, an impressive scope for growth and ongoing development, the opportunity for franchisees is huge.
“As well as the business opportunities for us as franchisees, you really can see how the franchisor projects their enthusiasm and passion for family across the whole brand. I’ve seen other franchisees – who I very much consider my team members – have doors opened for their children to utilise their tech-orientated mindsets for the whole brand’s benefit. My children have shown an interest in similar areas, so I’m going to make sure they capitalise on MWC just as much as I have done since joining.
“The idea of making my franchise a family-run business is so exciting, I’ve worked with my partners son Josh on a few occasions now and he loved it so much that he chose to carry out his school work experience with MWC-Stourbridge. And I know the franchisor supports it because that’s fundamentally what we represent as a brand and network.”
Today, a network of 25 franchisees operates across the UK. Sophisticated branding, systems, operations and processes have established MWC as the LEADING voice in a saturated market, which has seen the franchise receive over 4,500 gleaming 5-star reviews from happy customers. With each franchise territory outfitted with the industry’s best equipment and with full access to MWC’s bespoke online management software, ‘Gloria’, franchisees are empowered with the tools, confidence and skills to build a profitable business, fast.
“The multiple revenue stream opportunity was an interesting proposition – it’s a really proud thing to know I’m a part of a brand in an industry that represents progress and professionalism. There are a few window cleaners in my area of 25,000 households, but they hardly scratch the surface of what I’m capable of as an MWC franchisee. I’m coming up to servicing 300 customers before even targeting commercial clients, so my scope for growth and further business development is huge, and I’m still only at about 75% capacity in my single van.”
Seeing roughly £60,000 turnover before coming close to reaching his maximum potential has helped Gary’s newfound passion and career become profitable, sustainable and enjoyable. And with a healthy, balanced lifestyle unlike anything he had previously experienced, the rewards Gary has been reaping since day one is incalculable. With the franchisee giving back to his community thanks to the additional free time he now enjoys, Gary recently ran with his 2 boys James & Oliver a 5K fun run for Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, further embedding himself and his business in his community.
“I’ve now balanced my turnover and affordability since leaving my previous role, so the potential is clearly here to make so much more money than I ever have done. What’s nicer is that what I’m doing is directly translating to what I can do for my community and for my boys while they’re growing up! MWC is the best decision I’ve ever made – we’re so involved as a network and you can see every development come into fruition and work, which puts every new franchisee in a better position than the last. That’s exactly what you want from a collaborative and supportive brand,” concluded Gary.
If, like Gary, you have a successful career but know that it’s not without its sacrifices, get in touch today on 0800 999 8811 or contactus@mywindowcleaner.co.uk
