Full of beans over franchise ownership

Ross and Michelle have found taking over a Robert Harris franchise smooth sailing. Photo / Tracey Robinson

Ross and Michelle McKeown took over their Robert Harris franchise in Taupo in April.

She had worked in the company for the previous five years, progressing to management level at the Bayfair branch.

Ross came from a welding background, and before that had been a dairy farmer.

Michelle says the decision of which franchise to choose was not hard: "I've had a lot to do with [Robert Harris] and agree with their system. I think it's a great franchise."

All the help they needed to set up their first business was available, she says.

Support office staff were available to guide them through the process right from when they first thought about buying the business, through to getting the keys.

"Everything's in place, Robert Harris was there for support with everything."

Having come up through the ranks, she was prepared for the workload.

Despite starting during the recession, the shop has been reasonably busy.

"It's all been smooth sailing, really."

Michelle says she'd recommend a franchise to anyone. "It's the best way to get into your own business.

"They're there for support, they've done it all before and they can help you set everything up, and they give you good buying power throughout the country."