Spotlight on Mark Quinlan, Original Poster Company (OPC) Greetings Card Franchisee
Before purchasing the Huddersfield franchise from OPC in 2009, Mark had been in retail management for over 20 years. He shared his story on how he came to join OPC, life as a franchisee and his plans for the future after renewing his franchise agreement for the territory Huddersfield and purchasing a 2nd territory, West Yorkshire,
“During my 20’s I worked as a store manager for McDonalds and it was during my time at the Wakefield branch that this restaurant became a franchise. It was this spell working in someone else’s franchise coupled with my desire to be my own boss that made me chose this route some years later. Franchising gives you the freedom to be your own boss but with the peace of mind that you have plenty of back up and experience at your disposal when you need it.”
“Choosing OPC was easy, it was the perfect combination of affordability and a ready-made business with income from day one and that I could run from home. The people I met at OPC were much friendlier and straightforward than at every other franchise I met with and they concentrated on what they could do for me and how they would help me develop, whereas most others just seemed to talk about how good they were and what they had done in the past.”
Mark’s life has changed completely, “As a retail manager I was doing a 70 hour week, more often 80, and it was getting me down. I still work hard but because the stockroom is at home I can break off when I want. We actually have meals as a family again and my son was able to join the local junior football team with his mates as I am at home weekends rather than being at work. Even 5 years on I still wake up with a smile on my face Bank holiday mornings.”
“The quality of the cards, the regular change of designs and I hope the quality and regularity of my service sets me aside from our competitors,” Mark reckons, “If you want to be successful in this franchise, you’ve got to be the kind of person who’s not afraid of hard work, is persistent, friendly, dedicated, committed, a good communicator, has great motivation and someone who is never satisfied and wants to strive to continually improve.”
If you are considering joining the OPC greeting card franchise, Mark advises, “Do it! Take the plunge and you will wonder why you didn’t do it years ago. Don’t however expect something for nothing. It’s great having the support of OPC but remember it’s your business and it’s down to you to drive it. Enjoy it and build a good working relationship with the shop owners, the more fun you have the bigger your business will grow.”
Asked if he would do it all again, Mark responded, “Yes, I would! I plan to work on making the Huddersfield area a Top 10 OPC area, and now I’ve purchased West Yorkshire – well, who knows from there, the sky’s the limit!”
Established in 1991, OPC’s franchise network has had complete UK coverage for over 20 years and is a full member of the British Franchise Association.
Some franchisees are now selling their existing territories as they retire or move on to new business opportunities, creating huge potential for new owners to step in and earn an immediate income! OPC provides a well prepared and detailed business prospectus on each area to help you and your financial advisor assess the area potential. If you would like to find out more about an OPC resale territory, please visit their listing.