Anthony and Michael Redgrift,
VIP Bin Cleaning (Lincoln)
The most recent franchisees to join VIP are father and son Anthony and Michael Redgrift who launched their business the first week of June 2011 in Lincoln, and this is the story in their own words: WHO WE ARE Anthony (Tony): 22 years in the Royal Air Force as a Supplier, Always wanted to own my own business but never before had the financial backing or courage to undertake. Michael (Mike): Served 2 years and 4 months in the Royal Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic, but wanted to do something else. WHY WE CHOSE VIP 1) Environmental friendly system that is easy to operate and maintain. 2) Proven business. 3) Open and friendly personnel, from the Reception to the Operations Manager all have a genuine passion in what they do, they work as a team and are truly professional business people. 4) No scare tactics, No pressure just honest and open. 5) A two way selection process, they will not sell to anyone who has the finances. Both parties have to be happy with each other so that strong business foundations can be built on. 6) Allowed us to talk to existing Franchises who do this business every day. The Franchises are willing to be open and honest with you and I recommend anyone who is serious about this business to take the opportunity. 7) Cost, Everyone has a budget after all. ABOUT US Mike came to me and told me he wanted to leave the RAF, at first I was horrified at the thought of throwing away a such a great career that I had just completed. Mike asked me if you wasn’t happy in a job would you stay? After thinking this over for a while I knew he was right as I wouldn’t.
I wanted him to have a decent future so I insisted we looked around at Businesses for sale and at Franchises. We soon discovered that we didn’t have any idea of how a business should and could run so we both agreed to invest more time into the franchise route.
After weeks of reading and researching I came across VIP Bin Cleaning, Mike laughed at the idea but soon came round to the fact that this is a real opportunity that has space to build on. We were both impressed with the Professional system and the Environmental impact it has. We requested more details and after reading that and asking more questions we booked a discovery day with the company- a free two way meeting to talk and see the business at the head office in Norwich.
We both came away with good feelings about this company but still had lots of leg work to do, they helped us talk to the bank, gave us sound business advice without putting any pressure what so ever on us. We agreed a date to talk again and that was that.
I was a little worried, not with the company but with the thought of can we do this? I can tell you, once you do make your decision, commit to it as we did and I am happy to report after just finishing our first week, we have had a great start and already exceeded our initial targets.
If I was asked if I have any regrets it would be I didn’t start this business with my Son managing it sooner!
