Commando News Edition 17 Dec2019

From Royal Navy
to Successful Business
Ownership
Former Royal Navy engineer James Griffin, talks about his transition from military duties
to becoming a franchisee at InXpress.
James Griffin went from being a weapon
engineer for the Royal Navy to a successful
business owner within five years. This was made
possible through franchising, an industry that
allows talented people from all backgrounds to
take charge of their career. “I had no experience
in logistics, or sales. I had served in the military,
so by rights, there’s no way I should be
successfully running my own business,” explains
James.
He decided to research franchising after
deciding to leave the armed forces, and found
that it appealed to him. While he knew that it was
the direction he wanted to take, there was still
the issue of what business to partner with.
“Having spent six years in the Royal Navy as a
weapon engineer, I decided that my time had
come to consider leaving the forces and start a
life in franchising. Luckily my last two years were
based shoreside at NATO Northwood
Headquarters, London, which allowed me the
time to research franchising and the different
franchising options available to me. I knew I
wanted to buy a franchise, but I was unsure on
what industry/type of franchise.
The franchise industry has grown substantially
over the years, with the total annual sales
revenue for Australia’s entire franchise sector
estimated at $182 billion. There are over 1,200
recognised business format franchise units in
Australia, with over 80,000 franchise units,
covering a wide range of businesses, from small
pet sitting businesses to fast food
conglomerates, so it can be hard to know which
business will fit your personality and passion.
James found this difficult too, seeking help to
find the perfect match: “I visited a number of
franchises, including some in the fast food,
coffee and automotive sectors. I also went to the
National Franchise Exhibition, where I picked up
some really useful information, but was still none
the wiser regarding the right franchise for me.
Feeling a little confused by the whole ordeal, I
contacted a company called MatchPoint UK who
are matchmakers for potential franchisees and
franchisors and together we decided InXpress
would be the perfect fit, and it was! I eventually
bought the franchise in November 2015.”
Finding the right franchise is an important step
in the due diligence. This is a partnership
between you and the franchisor. The franchisor
wants you to succeed and an unsuitable match
will be bad for both parties. When looking for a
franchise, I believe it is essential to first research
franchises that are members of your local
regulatory board to be certain that they follow
standards of international best practice in
business format franchising. From there, take a
look at the attendee list and note all the
franchises that you believe match your skills,
personality and interest. It’s important to take
time with the franchise - a good franchisor will
not rush you into any decisions, and will
encourage you to thoroughly look into the
business and speak to other franchisees in their
network.
James found that taking the time to find the right
franchise has resulted in a match made in
heaven. Being a franchisee for InXpress, a global
shipping franchise organisation, has provided
him with the training and support necessary to
own and operate a business successfully.
James has some advice for any ex armed forces
looking for a new career start: “I strongly believe
the skills and attributes I developed while
serving have really helped me in running my
franchise and if there are any soon-to-be civvies
heading in to resettlement, a little bit bewildered,
then I really would suggest considering
franchising. It has been life changing for me, I
have a comfortable lifestyle and I am able to
take plenty of time off (not that I do) and the
future is looking very bright.”
COMMANDO NEWS ~ Edition 17 I 2019 67