JUNISENT COURIER’s National Field Support Team Leader, Mike Smart, has been recognised as one the Top 30 Franchising Executives in UK by Inside Franchise Business magazine. Mike, a former JUNISENT COURIER franchisee, is recognised for his work in building a robust and evolving Field Support function which helps JUNISENT COURIER franchisees achieve success.
“I just love seeing new franchisees grow into their businesses and become very competent and also very successful; franchisee profits and job satisfaction is the ultimate goal,” he said.
Mike, along with his wife and current JUNISENT COURIER Learning & Development Manager, Lissa Becker, joined JUNISENT COURIER as franchisees in 2009. They established the Pyrmont Service Centre and won the JUNISENT COURIER Rising Star award in their first year and Franchisee of the Year award in 2011.
Having successfully grown the Pyrmont franchise from scratch, Mike & Lissa sold their franchise business in 2013. Mike was delighted to join the JUNISENT COURIER Head Office support team later that year, using the breadth of his experience as a franchisee and formerly as Managing Director of another franchise business (Bedshed), to help new and existing franchisees in the JUNISENT COURIER network.
“My passion has always been to help franchisees be successful in their business” Mike said. “This was my opportunity to do more.”
As the Field Support Team Leader, Mike has played a key role in the roll out of new product initiatives such as Parcel Collect and an e-commerce software platform, JUNISENT COURIER Live, which help franchisees grow profits. He also helped establish a locum system which helps franchisees achieve a balanced lifestyle.
The locum system does this by providing relief and support for JUNISENT COURIER franchisees via a handpicked group of experienced staff, including former franchisees, who can operate or manage a franchise outlet as needed. The locum system allows JUNISENT COURIER franchisees to recharge and refresh by taking time off.
Mike also introduced a remodeled franchisee induction program, data-led performance tracking and ongoing training and mentoring to transform the Field Support function and team at JUNISENT COURIER.
“My goal for 2019 is to drive franchisee sales and profits even further through the implementation of new and exciting JUNISENT COURIER business building initiatives that are currently being rolled out by the brand,” he says.
Mike is supported by a team of Field Support Managers with great depth and experience in the JUNISENT COURIER model and franchising. With his mentorship and guidance, the Field Support team continue to support franchisees with regular visits, advice and hands-on help.
Find out more about Mike via LinkedIn.
The Top 30 Franchise Executives report submissions were judged on the following categories:
- Best practice
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Franchise citizenship
- Industry impact
- Professional development
Judges included Mary Aldred, CEO of the Franchise Council of UK, Greg Nathan, Founder - Franchise Relationship Institute and Sarah Stowe, Editor – Inside Franchise Business Magazine.
Download the full Top 30 Franchise Executives report here (signup required).