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WAWiF Franchising Star – Janet Bannon

WAWiF is proud to present Janet Bannon as our Franchising Star for the March edition of the Franchise Advisor Newsletter.  General Manager at Ovenu, Bannon is passionate about what she does in her current role.  The WA Women in Franchise committee prides itself in celebrating success.  Continue reading to learn more about Janet’s experience in the Franchising industry.

Q1. How long have you been the General Manager for Ovenu?

A: Since we started Franchising in 2006.

Q2. Along with your family, Daniel, Ryan and your husband, Bernard, you brought Ovenu to Australia in 2005.  Can you share with us a brief history on how have you grown your business into the success it is today?

A. Firstly we had to establish that Ovenu would be successful in Australia. We first saw Ovenu whilst on a 1 year break in the Jersey in the Channel Islands. Ovenu was featured on one of those TV shows where they go into filthy houses and clean them up.  We thought it looked a great service and would be worth bringing into Australia. We contacted Rik Hellewell, the Brand Owner and he had just registered the Brand name in Australia. We met up and agreed to introduce the service into Australia in 2005.

We had to run the business for a year to show viability, and then Rik came out to Australia to check how we were doing and approve us as the  Master Franchisee. It took a while to establish the service and for many years we seemed to be flying under the radar. However, with the help of our sons and  State Managers we now have Franchisees across, Qld, Vic and WA and 1 Territory on the NSW/Vic border. We would dearly love to be established in NSW and are looking for the right person to take that challenge on.

Q3. What is the biggest challenge right now in your particular business and the sector you trade in?

A: Up until now we have been relatively unaffected by the Covid Pandemic and the inflation squeeze, but I do believe that client confidence has been badly shaken by the rising cost of living and ever increasing housing costs, both for renters and mortgage payers. Our clients will still use our services, but may lengthen the time frame between cleans, and attracting new Clients will be more difficult as household budgets shrink. On the other hand people will be cooking at home more often and having your oven professionally cleaned back to showroom condition is a lot cheaper than buying a new one.

Q4. Do you see that there needs to be a separate support structure for WA Women in Franchising?

A: Haven’t really thought about it. It is always good to have women supporting each other, so some form of Network would be nice.

Q5. What are some of the key issues facing women in franchising?

A: The same issues that face most women, balancing a career and business with family commitments.

Q6. What is a key driver for customer loyalty and how are you attracting loyal customers?

A:Customer service and value for money. We strive to offer an unbeatable service with courtesy and professionalism. We have many clients who have used us regularly for the last 16 years and recommend us to family and friends. We always appreciate our Clients and never take a client for granted.

Q7. What are some attributes for successful women in franchising?

A:Willingness to put in the hard work and overcome the obstacles along the way. Self confidence and clear goals.

Q8. Define ‘success’ in five words.

A: Happy and successful Franchisees.

Q9. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date and why?

A:That would have to be my husband Bernard. We have lived and worked together now for 48 years. Firstly in the hospitality industry running restaurants and bars in Jersey in the  Channel Islands and for the last 18 years in Ovenu. Lots of ups and downs of course, but we have always managed to keep a sense of humour and keep going.

Q10. What is your favourite international cuisine?

A: Ah saved the hardest question for last. I love all sorts of cuisines, it really depends on my mood. I love Mediterranean  Greek, Italian, Seafood, but also Asian, Thai, Chinese, and French and English.

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