Like most of their fellow franchisees Mark and Rachael, owners of Dream Doors Chesterfield, weren’t experts in kitchen design before joining the kitchen door replacement franchise.
Mark had previously worked as a manager for the Royal Mail whilst Rachael was a teaching assistant. When asked what initially attracted Mark to Dream Doors.
Mark said:
"I had always dreamt of owning my own business, although the risks were a concern – especially for someone new to self-employment. I made sure to inspect every option, visiting franchise exhibitions and scanning the internet for hours on end. That’s where I ran into Dream Doors. I was immediately struck by the advantages of the business and, with the quality training on offer and consistent support promised, Dream Doors became a no-brainer."
Mark always had an interest in interior design, and was an avid viewer of big budget home makeover shows. Naturally, Dream Doors own kitchen makeover service quickly appealed to him, as did the award-winning franchise company’s long-established reputation.
It wasn’t long before Mark was sold on becoming a franchisee with the company:
"Looking at the business model it’s easy to see why Dream Doors is such a successful franchise. Replacing the doors and worktops of a kitchen to give it a brand-new look at a fraction of the price is an incredibly sought-after service that’s bound to attract a lot of attention."
Eventually Rachael decided to join Mark in his new venture, and the two transformed the business to provide the professional, polite and efficient service that they have become renowned for.
Rachael says:
"Thanks to the mentoring and support of our Business Development Manager, Deena, as well as the top-notch assistance from Dream Doors’ Head Office I could catch up fast and do my part as Mark’s partner in the business."
Mark and Rachael have worked incredibly hard during their short time as Dream Doors franchisees. Importantly, though, they say it was all well worth the effort.
Mark says:
"The rewards in this business are tangible, not just financially but emotionally as well. It feels great providing a high-quality service to such incredible people – local homeowners like ourselves. Sure, at first it was hard and perhaps a bit lonely, but as time went on we gained a fantastic reputation. We starting winning lots of business through word of mouth and can now count dozens of positive reviews on the independent consumer monitoring website, Checkatrade. All of that gave us huge confidence, further reinforcing the idea that this is the perfect role for us and that the business is truly ours. We have never felt more at home whilst working!"
It’s clear the couple have truly embraced the Dream Doors franchise model, working tirelessly to improve themselves and the business.
What’s more, the business has given them such as sense of accomplishment that, says Mark, they would:
"…happily do it all over again, no questions asked!"
Finally, when asked what advice she’d give to those thinking of going into a franchise business. Rachael said:
"Do your research, that’s the most important thing. Be efficient, hire a bookkeeper and an accountant and be prepared for hard work and long days. It’s not a walk in the park but is definitely worth it in the end."
Franchisee Neil Fisher followed in the footsteps of a childhood friend to launch his own Dream Doors trading territory.
Simon Herbert took the leap into running his own business two years ago and opened Dream Doors Gloucester.
Ramin Razaq relocated from Belarus to open a profitable kitchen makeover showroom in the UK with his wife Wida.
After more than a decade of trading, Dream Doors franchisees Mike and Elaine Hurley are still enjoying their work and making great money.
Chris Nowell joined Dream Doors in early 2019 and is now running a kitchen showroom in Telford.
Almost five years after joining Dream Doors, Mark Holmes continues to see his take home profits rise.
Vishal Amin has found a way to balance spending time with his growing family and earning a great take home salary with Dream Doors.
Ex-service engineer Mick Appleton is indulging his love of interior design by opening a kitchen showroom.
It took Wilson Craig just 31 days to formally open his kitchen showroom in his hometown of Prestwick.
Colin Lynch was looking for a change of career and knew franchising for the UK’s #1 kitchen makeover company was the way forward.
Changing his career direction has given Wilson Craig the chance to work alongside his family.
Selling up the family business allowed the Bachelor family to start a lucrative Dream Doors kitchen makeover franchise.
David Parr was looking for a career change that offered greater earning potential.
David Ward OBE has swapped conflict zones in Europe and the Middle East for a Dream Doors kitchen showroom in the West Country.
Gary and Hayley Ashe relocated to Britain to tap into its ‘mature’ franchising market.
Former sales manager Manbir Takhar was looking for a new work opportunity when he joined Dream Doors in 2015.
Sean and Katie Hebdon have built a successful, family-run business that delivers the lifestyle they had always craved.
Focusing on top notch customer service has allowed husband and wife, Martin and Alex Smith, to build a highly profitable business.
Dream Doors franchisee Lynn Fletcher found the working flexibility she needed by joining the UK’s #1 kitchen makeover company.
Taking on a Dream Doors franchise allowed ex-teacher Matt Jones to move back to his favourite part of the country.
The James family has worked together to generate over £1million in annual sales from their Dream Doors showroom in Stoke-on-Trent.
Ex-banker Jerry Innesbeer took back control of his working life by taking on a Dream Doors franchise after being made redundant.
Samiul Islam and Abdul Muktadir have surpassed their income targets in their first 18 months of running a Dream Doors franchise.
Mark and Janet Warr approached Dream Doors to seek the opportunity and method they needed to grow their business.
Dream Doors franchisees Richard Marshall and Jamie-Louise Brewer generated over £94,000 in their first month of trade.
Joining Dream Doors has been a 'whirlwind' for David and Kate Howle of Worcester.
Craig Allen was a disgruntled employee that chose franchising to find freedom, profit and security with Dream Doors.
How people with no prior experience are building half-a-million-pound businesses with Dream Doors.
Lavine decided to open his own Dream Doors franchise and tells us what first attracted him to the proposition.
Matt Jones, the new owner of Dream Doors Truro, worked as a design technology teacher for 12 years before taking on a franchise.
If you want to work for yourself and have more flexibility, I would recommend a Dream Doors franchise. Also it’s good to know that you can run your own business, but still have the back up of a national company.Matt Jones
The training and support has been fantastic and has really reinforced the fact that we made the right decision. The initial training was really helpful and there have been plenty of visits from the Franchise Support Manager to keep us on the right path.Helen Mahon
Everything about the franchise works as it is written in the manual and, in your early days, this is important while you learn the business.Paul Reeder
Dream Doors is part of Neighbourly, the world’s largest parent company of home services and property-related franchises
Help to find the perfect kitchen installation team
13-week induction programme – covering all aspects of running a successful business