“The main advantage of being part of Garolla is the fact I have all the timely tasks of running a business done for me”

How Garolla franchisees are creating the perfect work-life balance

Already owners of one successful franchised business, David Wilkinson and Graeme Pogue decided to enter the garage door industry. Within five years, they would develop the UK’s largest roller garage door company.

Launched in 2014, Garolla has cultivated its own unique franchise model. Achieving phenomenal growth year after year, the company is continuously expanding across territories in the UK.

Moving into a new industry

Eager to replicate its unique franchise model in the garage door industry, Garolla became a franchised business in 2017. “After disrupting one industry and creating a successful business from that, we searched for another marketplace that would allow us to push this success even further,” David says.

“We saw superb potential within this industry, where there was no other national competitor. Knowing that there was a relatively small window of opportunity, we had to do something big and do it quickly.” After a phenomenal uptake in 2018, Garolla established itself as the largest retailer/installer of roller garage doors in the UK. Now halfway through 2019, those numbers have tripled, giving Garolla over 50 per cent coverage of the UK population.

Striving for success

Always looking to push himself and the company further, David’s next target was to develop Garolla into the UK’s largest manufacturer of roller shutter garage doors. In 2019, this was achieved.

So what’s in store for Garolla for the rest of 2019? David answers: “With continued effort and determination from our franchisees and head office staff, we fully expect to have over 80 per cent coverage of the UK by the end of the year.”

What defines Garolla?

Offering an opportunity to work independently with industry-leading support from head office, Garolla ensures customers receive a high-quality product at a low price.

“We have a committed customer care department that operates seven days a week and we make sure potential franchisees have good customer service skills,” David says. “They must be willing to go that extra mile to maintain our reputation in the industry.”

As a Garolla franchisee, you will be given on-site training with live customers by the company’s training fitters. Included within the franchise package is a first stock of essentials for your van and tool kit. While in training, you receive flyers, business cards and workwear, making sure you’re fully equipped for the best start possible.

Garolla also provides training for its own easy-to-use customer relationship management system. Here, you will place your orders and view your work calendar.

Another benefit of becoming a Garolla franchisee is the company’s marketing departments, which target your specific area. Their teams will work closely with you to maximise the returns from your area.

Garolla’s professionally trained sales team take care of booking appointments and specify your jobs into your online diary, leaving you to simply visit your customers, place orders and install new garage doors.

Being a franchisee

Creating long-lasting partnerships nationwide, a Garolla franchisee can become an integral member of their local community.

Tony, Garolla’s Hull franchisee, is not just any ordinary man with a van who installs garage doors. Instead, he has become a friendly, familiar face within his community, thanks to the large gorilla figure placed on top of his vehicle.

After thinking about ways to make his van more noticeable, Tony had the idea to incorporate Garolla’s gorilla mascot into its design. He explains: “The gorilla makes a white van stand out more.

It is regularly pointed out and commented on when I’m driving around. It helps with advertising too. I’ve had customers ring in and mention how they’ve seen the gorilla figure on the van.”

Finding his role as a Garolla franchisee incredibly rewarding, Tony describes why he is proud to be a part of Garolla: “I run a very good franchise that is professionally set up with a well-made product.

“One word to describe how I feel about updating people’s garages? Brilliant.”

Another of Garolla’s franchisees, Simon from Ashford, joined in March 2018.

Appreciating the chance to work within a strong community of Garolla franchisees, Simon explains what attracted him to Garolla’s franchise package.

“The main advantage of being part of Garolla is the fact I have all the timely tasks of running a business done for me,” he explains.

“I have found my ideal work-life balance. Because my appointments are all organised ahead of time, I can enjoy installing the garage doors without stressing about any other worries. I don’t work weekends and spend lots of quality time at home. It’s the dream job really.”

Onwards and upwards

For an opportunity with a substantial earning potential, where full training is provided and there are no ongoing fees, a Garolla franchise is an exciting prospect.

David says: “One thing we recognised early on was that the garage door industry would suit our franchise business model perfectly, giving real benefit to both customers and franchisees alike.

“If you’re a man with a van that has DIY skills, there is nothing else out there that compares to our franchise package. What Graeme and I have been able to achieve is a franchise package that concentrates on the interests of our franchisees.”

With an expertly designed franchise model and equivalent passion for the garage door industry, Garolla has crafted a tailor-made franchise for you.

At a glance

Established: 2014
Location of units: across the UK
Investment range: £5,000
Contact: enquiries@garolla.co.uk