“I was nervous to begin with but really didn’t need to be; I started with 10-15 garages and now I visit 25-30 per day.”

Anthony Halsey, who joined Mac Tools in November 2015, with his franchise in Paignton, is a qualified mechanic. He had worked his way up to workshop control manager. In fact cars are his life; he is a self–confessed petrol head who has always been in the motor trade. He had been looking for a chance to run his own business.

As a mechanic Anthony had known about the Mac Tools franchise for a considerable time and knew almost immediately that was what he wanted to do.

“I got to a point where I wanted to do something for myself and after looking at a few different options I decided to choose Mac Tools. I was nervous to begin with but really didn’t need to be; I started with 10-15 garages and now I visit 25-30 per day.”

“Mac Tools was the ideal choice for me because I know what the guys want and understand the technical terms of the jobs. Because I have been in the motor industry all my working life, my knowledge of mechanics’ work enables me to give advice. I can identify the tools they need to meet their requirements and always aim to sell them something to make their lives easier.”

“My advice to potential franchisees is to make sure it’s for you. It’s a lot of money to invest if it’s not the right opportunity for you. Go out with someone on their van to get a good feel for how the day to day running of the business is and to make sure that it will be suitable.”

Mac Tools is part of Stanley Black & Decker, the world’s largest hand and power tool manufacturer, a $12 billion global organisation. They are full members of the British Franchise Association (bfa) and their offering is a combination of a tool franchise and a van franchise. Franchisees are trusted distributors of what are considered to be the best quality tools on the market to customers such as car dealerships, automotive repair shops, manufacturing units and engineering companies.

Mac Tools know that not all franchisees have experience as mechanics or knowledge of their range of tools so recognise the importance of offering comprehensive training for franchisees. Although Anthony had experience as a mechanic, he still needed training in the tools on offer at Mac Tools and their sales systems.

“I spent two weeks at Head Office in Sheffield undergoing the training, which is superb. I have enjoyed the ongoing support of the franchise. I can’t fault them. Ongoing there’s always someone at the end of the phone, such as customer services, the tech team or the franchise team.”

In addition to the training on offer at Mac Tools, franchisees also have access to a network of other like-minded business owners who are out on the road running the same business. Anthony has found this to be an invaluable part of running his business.

“It’s a bit like family and we all help each other. It’s nice to know you’re not the only one out there.”

“I chose a franchise opportunity because of being able to run my own business but with the added support provided by Mac Tools. It’s more about the freedom for me and the chance to enjoy my kids while they are younger. I enjoy the flexibility that working for myself provides. The financial benefits are good and the business has grown quickly for me.”

“My plans for the future are to continue to growing my business. I love it and I wouldn’t change it. I can see where it’s going and where I am. It was 100% the right choice. I might even get a second van and try to beat the competition.”