Interview With Franchisees Leland And Nathan Mayall

WO: Leland and Nathan, tell us about yourselves?

LM: Born and bred in Saddleworth, Oldham. I’m happily married to Berny, and we celebrate our 30-year anniversary in May 2023. We have five children, a son and four daughters. Three of our children are married, and we have 5 beautiful grandchildren. We love spending time together along with us all being actively involved in the Church we belong to.

NM: Football, Man Utd, family and work sum me up in a nutshell. I joined World Options in September 2015 when I was twenty-one and started working for my old man Leland who had just joined World Options. From then on the story writes itself, I fell in love with the job, was able to help be part of the team to pilot the USA, and have had the great privilege of training all of the new franchises these past four years.

**WO: Leland, with your 20-plus years of industry experience, what changes have you seen in both World Options and the sector?**
LM: When I started in this industry, all I’ll say is that fax machines were the hi-tech deal and writing out your customer’s details on blank air waybills was the norm.
It’s unbelievable how the industry has changed, it’s so fast-paced now with greater visibility, very IT-focused and system driven.
Where World Options has come these past three to five years is remarkable and I’ve seen first-hand the investment made to allow us to continue to be a key player in this market. Today there is certainly more competition but with that, there is more business to go after.
There has never been a greater opportunity to grow the business because of the size of the market we’re in and all that World Options offers. One thing has been constant — the professional, yet personal support we offer to our customers and the reliable business relationships that are built.

**WO: What was it that attracted you in wanting to buy a World Options franchise in 2016?**
LM: There were three key reasons. Number one was the portal. I recall Stewart Butler showing it to me and how simple it was to use, yet such a powerful selling point to our customers.
Number two was the strength of being part of a franchise system/network and its collective power, from carrier relationship, rates, and spending to Head Office support. And number three was the growth opportunity and the residual income to be made.

**WO: What can we expect to see from i2i Express in 2023?**
**NM:** I have made the decision to come back into the i2i franchise full time where I will be running this on a daily basis with our team, after only doing part-time sales for i2i the past 4 years.
So with myself in full time, Ross and Tristan, we will have 3 full-time sales reps which we have only ever had Ross full time and me part-time the past seven years.
We also have key accounts and our own in-house customer service staff Leah, Abigail, Kim and Sophie. So 2023 will be the biggest team in place we have ever had so we are hoping for our best year yet!
We have goals and targets all ready to go.

**WO: Would you like to share any advice in terms of finding leads, managing customers and staff, hitting business targets and dealing with setbacks?**
LM: You must believe in the business and in what you’re doing. Staying positive is so important to achieving real success in any aspect of life, it will provide you with the right attitude, and nothing on earth can stop the person with the right attitude.
I read from the right books and surround myself with the right people to help me achieve this. I’m still learning and still on the journey of success in managing people, a business and dealing with adversity.
NM: As mentioned above about our 3 factors to success. It’s doing this every day, every week, every month. The job never becomes boring. As much as it can be repetitive, there is no better motivation than knowing you are waking up every morning, potentially earning more money!
The key is to find that routine that works best for you…and keep at this consistently.

**WO: What is your favourite holiday?**
LM: Florida, specifically the Northeast coast where you find the white sands of Crescent Beach, the oldest City in USA, St Augustine and amazing food.
NM: I love Menorca. Really quiet, with beautiful beaches (like a mini Caribbean), great food and great weather!
**WO: What are your Hobbies?**
LM: Like father like son, we love football. I retired from playing and coaching now, so my passion is watching Manchester United, we have season tickets. I still enjoy watching local amateur games as well. I love family time, especially with the grandchildren and family holidays — I feel very blessed! I also enjoy walking and going missing for a few hours on the Saddleworth Moors!
NM: Football and watching Man Utd. Spending time with the family, especially my wife and crazy two-year-old whirlwind Phoebe.

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

LM: My wife Berny, she has been my rock and always been my best support in all I’ve done, and all we’ve ever wanted for our family. A wonderful example of working hard for those things that matter most.

NM: Got to say, my old man Leland. I have seen first-hand the journey he has been on and the hardships in life. For us to now be here at World Options, after seven years of good success is a dream. Leland has always taught me how to stay grounded, work hard, be humble and good to other people. Can’t beat that.