Interview With Franchisee Sam Cummins

17 Aug

WO: Tell us about yourself?

SC: I grew up in Geelong, which is an hour south of Melbourne in Australia. After school, I got my degree in Hospitality Management, as I didn't really know what I wanted to do and thought it would help me travel the world. I then heard about superyachts and could travel and earn good money.

Travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world - Tahiti, the Mediterranean, the USA and the Bahamas, to name just a few. I studied and worked my way up to become a captain, but also, more importantly, met my wife who worked on a yacht with me. After eight years of yachts, we both decided to get married and start a family in England, where she is from. We now have two young boys.

**WO: How did you learn about the franchise opportunities that World Options offers?**
SC: Through researching on the internet. My dad was big on me starting a franchise. I was studying logistics whilst working on the yachts as part of my career after yachts. From all the reviews and speaking to other franchisees, I knew this was a good decision for me and the family.
**WO: What was it that attracted you to want to buy a World Options franchise?**
SC: I wanted to be my own boss. I was tired of having to put all the work in and have someone else have most of the benefits of my hard work. I realised that I would have to start again once moving to the U.K and thought that would take too long.
I liked the fact that support would be available through head office and directors should I require it. Additionally, all the invoices were done for you, unlike a competitor I spoke with, in which you have to do it yourself.
Additionally, working from home, enabled me to prioritise family life as well. It's been great being able to help with the school runs and take care of the boys when they are sick.

**WO: How did you find the process of purchasing a World Options franchise to be like?**
SC: Straightforward and easy. H is always there if you need any information.
WO: **What can we expect to see from your franchise in the coming months?**
SC: Hopefully just steadily increasing my margin. Been a tough year with some of my customers leaving due to price. But hopefully now, with some new services becoming available, it will be easier to gain new customers and maybe win back some that I have lost.
Next year, will be purchasing an Australian franchise as well.

**WO: Do you have any advice for someone looking to buy a World Options Franchise?**
SC: Have at least twelve months of savings to ensure you have an income. Keep calling or knocking on doors, as no one is going to do it for you. Have realistic goals.
**WO: What is your favourite holiday?**
SC: I just like to travel. Anywhere new is always exciting rather than going to the same place. We had a great holiday recently, taking the boys to Disneyland in Florida.
**WO: Hobbies?**
Sport — I love going to playing and watching most sports - in particular Cricket, Aussie Rules, Football and Golf.
SC: Going on adventures with my wife and kids. Get to be a kid again, which is always fun.

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

SC: My Parents. Both have been great in different ways. Both are incredibly hard-working and giving. Always there when my brother and sister or myself need them.