For over 25 years, Schooley Mitchell has been helping businesses save money and operate more cost efficiently by identifying cost-savings opportunities across multiple areas of the business. With 250 franchise units, the company continues to grow. By Nancy E. Williams
For over 25 years, Schooley Mitchell has been helping businesses save money and operate more cost efficiently by identifying cost-savings opportunities across multiple areas of the business. With 250 franchise units, the company continues to grow.
Part of this success can be attributed to the strength and passion of the head office team. Kathryn Phillips is part of a team of three franchisee success advisers at Schooley Mitchell, all of whom have professional experience rich in customer service.
“Our team handles pretty much everything related to ramping up new owners at the start of their business, both educating and supporting franchisees,” explained Phillips. “The first year is the most difficult and critical. We spend the first full year helping new owners identify potential clients, create marketing messages that resonate with prospects and support them in delivering results to new clients.”
After the initial training, new owners are assigned a success adviser who takes them step-by-step through building the business.
“This could include getting them involved in professional networking organizations such as BNI [Business Network International], helping them define what their distinctive value is in what they’re offering or best practices,” explained Phillips. “Our goal is to ensure that they aren’t missing anything.”
Schooley Mitchell attracts franchisee candidates who come from all walks of life and various professional backgrounds.
“We have a diverse group of owners with varied levels of experience. We spend a good deal of time working with new owners on sales. Sales can be hard for people if they don’t have that experience. We help them discover ways the sales process can work for them and how to step out of their comfort zone,” shared Phillips. “Active listening skills are a big part of this because when you’re listening, that’s how you can identify the customers’ needs. And for those that do have sales experience, they still need to learn how to sell Schooley Mitchell.”
Even with over 25 years of experience, the Schooley Mitchell team members still meet regularly to collaborate on improvements that could be made. This is to ensure that they are providing the best support that they can for franchisees.
Nancy E. Williams