Interview With Franchisee Matt Patten

31 May

Matt, could you tell us about yourself?

I’ve been a franchisee for a year now, after having some experience working with InXpress.

I enjoy all sports, although rugby plays a large part in family life these days, as my boy was recently signed by Northampton Saints.

What aspects of the World Options franchise model motivated you to purchase one?

My experience at InXpress taught me that the business model was good. While I was there, a customer showed me the WO portal. Having had a marketing background in a previous life, I immediately realised the WO portal was superior.

I didn’t enjoy life as an employee, so it didn’t take much to convince me to jump ship and do this for myself…

What challenges did you face when starting your franchise, and how did you overcome them?

The challenge is to have the belief and to back yourself…that’s the hardest part.

Would you like to share any advice regarding finding leads, managing customers and staff, hitting business targets, and dealing with setbacks?

I think the WWII motto has a lot to be said for, keep calm and carry on. I employ someone to find my leads from the trade site and try and make 50 calls a day. I reckon if I do that, the rest will take care of itself…

What can we expect from your franchise in the coming years?

I want to see continual growth and am currently thinking about how I manage the next steps.

Who is the most influential person in your life, and why?

I think your parents give you everything, so it's hard to look beyond them.

What’s your favourite holiday?

Italy – if you’ve not been and you go to Rome, you can turn a corner and see 2,000 years of history looking straight at you. The food’s not bad either.