A dramatic career change has paid off for Richard White and Claire Dzierozynski, who are now successful Meyers Estate Agents franchisees
Richard White and his partner Claire Dzierozynski joined Meyers Estate Agents as franchisees five years ago. As a firefighter and a former hairdresser, it’s unusual to see such a dramatic career change.
Early days
Richard explains: “I had known the founder of Meyers Estate Agents, Mark Meyer, for many years. I was fascinated when he set up what is now the leading 24/7, award-winning, home-based estate agency from his garage 10 years ago.
“In the early days, I never thought that a friendly gesture of support to deliver a few leaflets and stepping in from time to time would lead us to where both Claire and I find ourselves today.
“I liked the idea we could work from home, be closely connected to our community and have the potential to earn a great living at the same time.
“We set up as pilot franchisees for Wareham and Purbeck in Dorset five years ago and have since worked on £100 million in property value for instructions. The pilot has been really successful and now Meyers has nine franchisees and is recruiting more.
“As first pilot franchisees, we helped pave the way, honing what we all had learnt, with Meyers now offering franchisees initial and continued training tailored to individual needs.
“As well as learning the skills and processes within estate agency, we discovered how to own and manage the business as a whole. In the most part, this is a people business and being able to listen, communicate and understand each client’s individual journey and to achieve their best outcome is our overriding aim.”
Playing to their strengths
Richard tends to do the valuations and appraisals and present the properties, while Claire manages the sales process through to completion.
“We play to our strengths in that way,” Richard says. “It’s important we can be flexible, as we have a young family.
“The business is both challenging and rewarding at the same time. We’ve been able to achieve a greater work-life balance working from home and it’s improved our lives as a family.
“The business we’ve been able to create has seen many of our clients become our friends. We meet most people at turning points in their lives - these may be happy or sad times - where lots can be at stake. Most people genuinely appreciate the above and beyond effort we go to, having created a trusted reputation for a caring and professional service.
“As well as the community involvement and people side of the franchise, Meyers is set up to take advantage of all the latest technology and marketing techniques, which helps us sell our properties. Working from home, our overheads are low so we can invest more into marketing, which results in more sales and the ability to exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Job satisfaction
Richard and Claire say they have no regrets.
“It’s true to say there’s more to Meyers than just running a business,” Richard says. “We work hard, but we’re well rewarded and have been able to enhance our lifestyle and achieve a balance that allows time for our family.
“The role also provides a lot of job satisfaction and we’re pleased to be able to help others on their journey to climb the property ladder.
At a glance Meyers Estate Agents
Established:
Meyers established 2011. Franchise established 2014
Number of franchised outlets::
9
Location of units::
currently across south UK and expanding
Investment range::
£25,000-£30,000
Minimum required capital::
£12,500 franchise fee
Contact::
info@meyersestates.com
