Running a successful business for over two decades takes determination, adaptability, and the right support. Charmaine and Tony Perry, long-time franchisees of First Class Accounts, transitioned from managing a news agency to building a thriving bookkeeping business. Their journey is filled with challenges, milestones, and valuable lessons for aspiring franchisees.
Keep reading to learn about their experience and the insights they’ve gained along the way.
From news agency to bookkeeping: The beginning
Before joining First Class Accounts, Charmaine worked in a doctor’s surgery, while Tony was employed at a bank. Together, they ran a news agency and post office for 18 years. However, they were ready for a change.
“We found First Class Accounts through a business magazine…” recalls Charmaine. The opportunity to join a well-supported bookkeeping franchise appealed to them. With Charmaine’s prior experience in bookkeeping, they saw it as a logical next step. They attended an open meeting and saw the potential for a structured business with national recognition.
Overcoming early challenges
Starting a new business comes with unexpected challenges, and for Charmaine and Tony, the early days were anything but smooth. Just as they were finalising the sale of their previous business, they were met with an unforeseen setback.
“We had to purchase two franchises so we’d have one each. Then, just as we were finalising the sale of our previous business, one of the buyers passed away. Suddenly, we had two First Class Accounts franchises and still owned the post office and news agency. It was a stressful time, but First Class Accounts was terrific with us, supporting us through it all.”
Despite the financial and operational strain, they persevered. First Class Accounts helped by allowing them to delay franchise fees and structure their business transition effectively. Charmaine took on the bookkeeping franchise while Tony continued running the news agency until they could resell it. Over time, they were able to consolidate their efforts and fully commit to First Class Accounts.
Major milestones & career growth
Their hard work and resilience paid off. Over the years, Charmaine and Tony built a strong reputation within the First Class Accounts network. One of Charmaine’s proudest moments was receiving a significant industry award.
“The one award I’ve always wanted to win was the Hank Ettleton Award, which is voted by your peers, and I got that last year. That was more important to me than getting Franchisee of the Year.”
Beyond awards, they embraced remote work long before it became common. Moving to the Snowy Mountains in 2014, they continued servicing clients across Australia. “We’ve been working remotely since 2014… so when COVID hit, we were already prepared. Everything was set up, it was easy for us.”
The power of a strong franchise network
Being part of a franchise meant they were never alone. They regularly collaborated with other franchisees, exchanging leads and referrals. “We’ve referred clients to and received leads from other franchisees across the country. I’ve got a couple from a franchisee in WA… She referred them to us because we do all three major software platforms. It’s worked well.”
They also found ongoing support through regular franchise meetups and mentoring opportunities. “Today, we just had a little Zoom thing—if you want to join in, you can. You just chat with other people. That’s the type of support that makes a difference.”
Lessons for aspiring business owners
After two decades in the business, Charmaine and Tony have clear advice for new business owners: “Follow the marketing plan they give you. It worked for us, even though it was intense! And make sure you get a mentor—having the right one can make a huge difference in your success.” They also highlighted the importance of focusing on business operations rather than just doing the work.
“If I could go back, I’d focus more on running the business rather than just doing the bookkeeping. The future is about knowing the right software and tools to help clients, not just the hands-on work.”
Looking to the future
With decades of experience, Charmaine and Tony are now planning the next stage of their business. “Our plan is to do less work and more travel.” They are focusing on succession planning, training the next generation to take over the day-to-day operations while they step back from hands-on work. With employees in place, they aim to maintain their franchise while enjoying more personal time.
For those considering a bookkeeping franchise, Charmaine and Tony’s advice is to trust the process, seek support, and focus on long-term business growth. Join the First Class Accounts network and benefit from:
- Strong Brand Association: Leverage a trusted and recognised brand.
- Launch Assistance: Receive comprehensive support during your business launch.
- Positive Culture and Networking Opportunities: Be part of a supportive community with ample networking events.
- Autonomy and Ongoing Support: Enjoy the independence of running your own business with continuous backing.
- Professional Partnerships: Access partnerships with leading industry professionals and software providers.
- Comprehensive Training and Compliance: Benefit from extensive training programs and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Ready to be your own boss?
Enquire today about becoming a First Class Accounts franchisee and kickstart your journey to becoming your own boss.
