At 31, FIFO worker Jackson Treg is conscious of not becoming trapped by the so-called ‘Golden Handcuffs’ of his industry. And so, in looking to future-proof his life, he recently entered the world of franchising, taking on one business first before adding another two soon after.
The qualified diesel mechanic took on the Kalamunda Muzz Buzz Store in May of last year, and has recently also become the franchisee of two stores in the Mandurah area – Erskine and Greenfields.
Jackson Tregg
It’s a bold move for someone who readily admits he has no business experience, but that’s what made becoming a franchisee so appealing, he says.
“The franchise model suited me because the initial R&D has already been done. I’m not having to come up with a business idea and hope that it’s successful, the business case has already been proven.”
The Mandurah local is currently working two-weeks-on and two-weeks-off, working at his stores during his rnr weeks.
“I’ve got great teams in each of the stores so I have confidence that while I’m on site, the day-to-day operations continue as they should.”
“I’ve also got fantastic support from my parents who sort out anything urgent that might pop up while I’m away.”
Jackson says when looking to take on a franchise, he was searching for four key elements;
- Policy & Process: Jackson says he wanted a franchise with established, proven policies and procedures in place to give him the best opportunity for success. “Operations, staff training, marketing – it’s all there so you can come onboard and hit the ground running.”
- Community Focus: Having lived in Mandurah for more than 20 years, and with grandparents who were also Mandurah business owners, Jackson says he was looking for more than ‘just another business’. “We are part of people’s daily routine, we know our regulars by name. We’re more than a drive-thru coffee store, we’re part of the fabric of the local community.”
- Quality Product: Jackson says the quality of the product – whether it be coffee or other menu items – is vitally important.
- Strong Culture: Coming from a mining company that prioritises its people, a positive, supportive culture was non-negotiable. “I’ve felt welcomed and supported right from the start of the process, and it’s been reflected from head office right through to the teams in store.”
Executive Chairman Warren Reynolds says Jackson’s story is not dissimilar to others in the Muzz Buzz family, and says his aim is to provide the structure and support to allow people to make the most of the business opportunity.
“We have deliberately created the systems and structures to help franchisees such as Jackson succeed. His success doesn’t just help the broader Muzz Buzz business, it sets up his future and supports local jobs and the local community.”
“It’s great to be able to bring together Australians love of coffee with the Aussie attitude of ‘just having a go’. We look forward to watching Jackson’s progress.”
Jackson says despite the obvious differences between his two industries, he’s found some of his skills have been transferable.
“My current role in mining is less ‘on the tools’ and more about managing people, workflows and knowledge. That’s been immensely helpful for stepping into managing teams of people across three separate stores.”
“Although in saying that, I am still very handy on the tools, which has been helpful when dealing with some of the practical elements of business – being able to sort out minor repairs and the like when needed.”
“My biggest challenge at the moment is finding the balance in terms of essentially working two jobs – but I’ve never been afraid of working hard, especially when I know it will benefit my future self.”
