Franky worked for the Metropolitan Police for over 19 years overseeing operations in a fingerprint lab. So how did she end up running her very own travel business and could you too?
As the number one franchise for people new to travel, we’ve trained hundreds of people from all walks of life, but Franky’s story is particularly unique (just like a fingerprint) in that it was a chance encounter with a Not Just Travel agent that inspired her new adventure.
“I loved my job in the Met, but when I was relocated to south east London due to budget cuts the commute meant my dogs were left alone and the journey to work was frankly exhausting. So, after much deliberation, I requested redundancy and left.”
Having spent almost two decades with the Met, it was hard to know what to do next. That was until she went to a Hawaiian-themed party and met a Not Just Travel consultant.
“I asked her what she did and she said: ‘I change peoples’ lives and send them on amazing holidays’. That was the moment I knew what I wanted to do. I worked part time for her for a year to see if I liked it and then bought my own franchise in 2016.”
Franky worked hard and built her business gradually, all the while enjoying travel perks, which included a cruise around Italy, a coach tour all over Ireland, a few trips to the Med with Not Just Travel and numerous free hotel stays.
Like many new franchisees, one of the biggest concerns is finding clients. However, Franky found plenty by joining BNI (Business Network International).
Franky says that 53 per cent of her business comes from the networking group and that she easily has over 100 clients now, many of who take seven to eight holidays a year, so she doesn’t have to go looking for business.
Franky worked full time as a travel agent until the pandemic hit and flights were grounded. When a BNI member offered her a part-time job as an estate agent she accepted.
“Once Covid lifted I stepped down from that job as I had the opportunity to buy five BNI franchises with a business partner. Travel is now a part-time gig for me but it remains a huge passion. Who wouldn’t enjoy sending people away on dream holidays?”
Franky, like all our consultants, can sell thousands of different holidays from our 450+ suppliers, from ski and beach breaks to cruising and adventure holidays. However, she does have a rather unusual niche in that she specialises in Disney holidays.
As a huge Disney fan (she’s been over 20 times), owns a timeshare at The Polynesian in Disneyworld in Florida and her engagement ring is a massive Mickey Mouse head.
“My mum and dad were huge Disney fans. Dad died at 52 when I was 17 and some of my best memories were when I was at Disney. I want to help people create memories that last a lifetime.”
Franky continues to get new clients from BNI, even though she says she doesn’t need to expand her customer base.
“All I want is a stress-free year in the travel world and to give people the holidays they deserve.”
Because her main focus is her BNI franchises, she’s looking for someone to take over organising the travel plans forher clients.
“I would love to have someone I trust look after my clients for me. I have worked hard to get it where it is and I would love the business to expand but as I currently work seven days a week, it’s impossible!”
