Meet Our Consultants: Get to Know Grant Bullington of FranNet Western Canada
Welcome to our monthly series “Meet Our Consultants,” where we’re putting the spotlight on our local franchise matchmaking experts. These franchise specialists work with individuals every day that are interested, considering or ready to become business owners.
Learn more about your local consultant, how they work with individuals and some of the commonly asked questions they hear from people just like you. So with that, let’s meet …
Grant Bullington, Franchise Consultant with FranNet of Western Canada
Q: How long have you been with FranNet?
A: Bullington: I went to training in January 2009.
Q: Tell us a little about your background?
A: Bullington: In the years leading up to franchising, I was in the cycling industry and worked in product development and production management. Then, I took a career change and worked with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? in their franchise development department. First selling franchises and then running the department. We worked with FranNet and that’s how I became aware of franchise consulting.
Q: Why franchise consulting?
A: Bullington: Having worked with FranNet consultants at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, I learned what they did, and the idea really appealed to me.
Q: What do you like most about what you do?
A: Bullington: I love that I get to work with people and help them author the next stage in their career. Every client is different and so are his or her needs and wishes. This means that I get a variety and that each new client is a whole new game. It’s very satisfying to help people achieve their dreams of business ownership. When I see that they’re successful I get to say “hey, I had a part in that.”
Q: What is the first conversation you have with a new client?
A: Bullington: I always start with the question of “why now.” It’s purposefully vague. It helps people discover what it is that they aim to find – what’s brought them the most satisfaction in their career to date? That’s what we want to replicate. Obviously we talk about budget and financial goals too in order to ensure that our goals are aligned.
Q: What are the top three frequently asked questions you hear from clients?
A: Bullington:
- “Can I do this?” Let’s find out! I’ll point out their past experience and how it will come into play. We can also position our conversations with franchisees to learn how they did it, and see that we have traits in line with their success.
- “My market is different!” Yes it is. Time and time again I see that success in franchise ownership really comes down to the operator. Someone who can learn the unique elements to their market and make it a win.
- “What about the risk?” That’s always a big concern for folks as they are worried about risking their hard earned capital. So we are always exploring the investment and the worst-case scenarios to help them be comfortable with it. It means that we have adult conversations about money and work through various scenarios and make sure we are doing the right thing.
Q: If you could give just one piece of advice to individuals who want to become a business owner/own a franchise business, what would it be?
A: Bullington: Just one? Know what you are good at and know the roles and responsibilities that will come naturally to you and bring you the most reward. If we get that right, everything else just falls into place.
If you’re interested in franchise opportunities throughout Western Canada, contact Grant Bullington at www.FranNet.ca/GBullington or connect with him on LinkedIn.
