FRANCHISING STAR: 10 Minutes with Finn Franchise Brokers’ Ryan Willsher

In this instalment of FRANCHISING STARS, we were given the opportunity to interview Ryan Willsher from Finn Franchise Brokers.

What would be your number one tip for someone looking to sell a franchise?

Prepare and plan for the sale 1-2 years out. This includes maximising your profits for preferably 2 financial years, minimising un-needed & personal expenses, ensuring the businesses can run without you being there, and speaking with your accountant to minimise any capital gains tax. We would love to see more people plan correctly and achieve a sale price that accurately reflects the hard work they have put in over the years.

What would be your number one tip for someone looking to buy a franchise?

Decide that you want to buy a business first before spending a lot of wasted time researching. Speak to a specialist business broker who will help you understand what you want to get out of a business and how it will be the vehicle to get you to the next stage of your life. At least half the people we meet end up buying a totally different franchise to what they originally envisaged.

What qualities do you look for in a prospective franchisee and how does that tie in with the your brand?

The main qualities we look for are attitude, motivation and intent. With a combination of these three things a potential franchisee will make any opportunity happen and work for them. We can help them through all the other challenges with buying a franchise as long as these exist.

How was Finn Franchise Brokers conceived?

The brand was conceived in 2004 by Steve Finn & Len Ferguson when they recognised an apparent need in the market place for a specialist service to help franchisees exit their businesses. Being former franchisees themselves they found it near impossible to find professional help when selling their franchise businesses. General business brokers just didn’t understand the process of selling a franchise, and the importance of selecting the right calibre franchisee to take over the business. For over 10 years now the brand has been helping existing franchisees move on to the next stage of their lives, and new franchisees attempt to realise their goals.

What diversifies Finn Franchise Brokers from its competitors?

An intricate understanding of the franchise industry & processes, a very refined system, a wide network of franchise specialist advisors, and an unmatched level of professionalism.

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

Matching vendor’s price expectations against the current market and finding new ways to finance sales outside of the major banks.

What is going to be the focus for Finn this financial year?

Growing market share through increased investment in marketing and helping more and more new franchisees find the right business for them.

What is your career and business mantra?

Me first, Family second, Business third. If I am not healthy and well then I can’t look after my family. If my family is not healthy, I can’t run my business. It sounds selfish but I have found it is the best way to ensure my entire focus is on my business during work hours and that has led to success.

If you could live the day in the life of a successful business person who would it be?

Richard Branson – got to love that guys passion for life and the crazy things he does.

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Testimonials

What our clients say about us.

  • "A quick one to say thanks for Tuesday night. I thought it was a great venue, great atmosphere and a bunch of knowledgeable and colourful business people. Hats off mate!" 

    Chris WalkerWriter & Editor, Wordfox

  • "Mark has extensive franchising and business experience and combines this knowledge with great enthusiasm and drive. He is a brilliant person for bouncing ideas around and always brings creativity and a fresh perspective to the table. Would recommend Mark for his wide ranging abilities in policy, strategy, industry knowledge and innovative thinking."

    Jackie DihmOwner, FitChips

  • "Mark and I always seem to catch up at just about franchising event around the country. He is deeply immersed in the business community and is a great source of help and advice when required. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and a really nice guy who is always a pleasure to catch up with."

    James ScurrManaging Director, Cashflow It

  • "Mark brings a sense of energy and positivity to everyone he meets. I have total trust in him as a fellow consultant, and together we are able to get great outcomes for a client we jointly work with. He has an instinctive understanding of how businesses work, and is able to bring structure and systems which enable businesses to replicate and grow. He is comfortable working with financials, whilst his greatest strength is probably his insight into people. Mark is supportive and encouraging, yet not afraid to be honest and forthright when required. I look forward to working with Mark on future projects."

    Jayne GriffithsHR Director, My Hr Adviser

  • " I must say you put things in a way that made me understand things and I really got lots from our session and plan to be making changes in the future. I look forward to the next steps in our meetings." 

    Sandy AndersonManaging Director, Spruce Ups

  • " On behalf of Legalwise Seminars, we wanted to thank you for chairing our Franchise Law seminar. We are extremely appreciative of your significant contribution. Overall, the feedback received from the seminar has been excellent and we are delighted with the outcome." 

    Sintija DobrotinsekProgram Manager, Legalwise

  • " Mark has an extensive franchise consulting and business development practise in WA and beyond, and is an active contributor to the franchising industry through his membership of the Franchise Council of Australia WA Chapter Committee. Mark is a diligent and hard working adviser and he generously shares the benefits of his knowledge and experience with others for the betterment of franchising as a whole. Amongst Mark's outstanding qualities as an adviser are his willingness to rigorously pursue improvement and challenge the status quo, and to be honest and direct in his advice."

    Veronica JumeauxPartner, HWL Ebsworth