Meet Some Skitterblink Franchisees

Skitterblink franchise owners are people just like you, from a range of different backgrounds and professions. Each of our franchisees has different motivations for joining Skitterblink, whether to work closer to home, have control of their schedule or earn more money. But that is enough from us; here is what they have to say.

LYNETTE DU PLESSIS GOUWS

Franchise owner since 2019

After working in IT for 28 years, Lynette started her Skitterblink franchise.

“A Skitterblink franchise ensures an income over a long period of time without high overhead expenses. However, you have to be willing to be involved in the operational side of the business for at least five years to maximise your business success.“

Lynette never anticipated owning her own business or cleaning for a living but says her satisfaction outweighs anything she has ever experienced in previous roles. “The satisfaction of relieving people’s stress levels and leaving behind a cleaned property according to our high standards. Our cleaning standards are very competitive compared to other cleaning companies.“

JANINE FOLEY

Franchise owner since 2021

After many years working for the Skitterblink Alberton/Benoni Franchise, Janine bought the franchises from the previous owner.

She is passionate about cleaning: “Personally, I like neatness and order in my own home.” So a Skitterblink franchise is a perfect fit for her as she is proud of the result

When cleaning a customer’s home, it makes her so happy when she hears that her customers are satisfied with the service they receive.

“Skitterblink franchises stand out from all other cleaning companies. They keep to their word when they say they deliver a service. Their customers are always their first priority, and they help when and where they can.“

LEONARDO CRONJE

Franchise owner since 2020

Leonardo started working as a contractor with Skitterblink during the Covid pandemic’s peak.

During the pandemic, Skitterblink adapted to the circumstances quickly, allowing Leonardo to join the Skitterblink brand and start making money as soon as possible by offering disinfection services in the Loskop area.

Once the pandemic died down, Leonardo saw an opportunity to offer his community more services. So he became a franchise, and service by service grew his business.

“What I like about owning a Skitterblink franchise is being able to help in my community, having direct contact with the franchisor Iaan, and having my own business (being my own boss).“

FRANSIE VAN NIEKERK

Franchise owner since 2001

Fransie previously worked as a financial accountant at a hospital with a team. She is now thoroughly enjoying the rewards of owning her business and is healthier and happier than ever!

Fransie bought a Skitterblink franchise as it offered her the support of an established brand name and a team of people at Head Office, which you don’t get if you go it alone. After seeing how supportive and affordable owning a franchise is, she knew that investing in a Skitterblink franchise was the right decision.

“I enjoy the flexibility the Skitterblink franchise offers me. I can spend more time with my family, but I also love being out and about meeting new people every day! I have no regrets whatsoever about my decision and couldn’t be happier!“

NAOMI NOTHNAGEL

Franchise owner since 2012

Being new to the Centurion area, Naomie was looking for a new job. That is when she came across an ad for a supervisor position at her local Skitterblink franchise.

After a few months as a supervisor, Iaan, the Franchisor, approached her and asked if she would be interested in buying the Lyttleton franchise. “Iaan asked me, and I told him that I knew nothing about running a small business, and he told me they

would help me manage the business! So after discussing this with my husband, we decided to give it a go, which was how I started on the 1st December 2012.”

Naomie’s favourite thing about owning the Lyttleton franchise is that “you are always sure of a job and income as long as you keep your clients happy.”

REONY CLASSEN

Franchise owner since 2020

Before buying a Skitterblink franchise, Reony worked as an HR manager for a big company.

While working for them, one of Reony’s training providers told her about the Skitterblinks franchise opportunity, and she went to the website and contacted Iaan.

“Skitterblink is not too commercialized; therefore, you don’t feel like just a number but part of a family.“

The Skitterblink business model breaks down the services individually, making it easier and more affordable to start and grow your business. “The business model made sense, and as we were in a pandemic, the sustainability of the industry “cleaning” just made sense. In addition, the cost was affordable due to the options of buying different portions at a time.“

THELMA VAN BREDA

Franchise owner since 2015

After many years as a housewife, Thelma wanted to return to work. So she looked through the local newspaper and found the Skitterblink advertisement for a supervisor at one of their local franchisees. “I was working as a Supervisor, and the Franchisee for whom I was working for asking me if I was interested in buying the franchise.“

Within a few months, Thelma was the owner of her successful franchise. “I like working with and meeting with lots of people. Every day is a new experience.” She works from home with her husband, and she doesn’t have to report to a boss daily are just a few of her favourite things about owning a Skitterblink Franchise.

“I have never seen any other Franchise or business work as close together as the Skitterblink Franchise Opportunity. We are one big happy family.“

FIONA MERRINGTON

Franchise owner since 2020

Fiona worked in the optometry industry for 24 years, and when her wife was retrenched, they decided that they would need to find her something to keep her busy. One of Fiona’s friends had a Skitterblink franchise and suggested that they look into buying their own.

After speaking to the franchisor, Iaan, and learning about the business model, they didn’t even need to look at other franchise opportunities soon after becoming proud owners of their Skitterblink franchise. “I am my own boss and have a great team that backs me up and helps me when in need.“

As a franchise owner, the most significant benefits Fiona has experienced are that customers love the brand and, therefore, are very loyal and come back time and time again.

“Since owning my own Skitterblink franchise, I have recommended the Skitterblink Franchise Opportunity to numerous friends, of which 2 are already Franchisees.“

LIZBE NAUDE

Franchise owner since 2015

Lizbe has been a franchise owner for many years. She loves working for herself and working hard for the success of her own company instead of someone else’s. “There is never a dull moment as a Skitterblink franchisee.“

Lizbe is incredibly impressed with the training and guidance she received – and continues to receive – from head office

“My business grew so much during the pandemic. I had to employ extra people to help with the workload. The franchisor trained us to do disinfection and decontamination but, most importantly, to stay safe and positive during the pandemic. He made sure that each and every person had a permit to travel and to be able to work.“

“If you need help of any kind: head office is there 24 hours per day! Do not hesitate to ask for help from the other franchisees, either.“

MARTIE LE ROUX BURGER

Franchise owner since 2018

Before becoming a Skitterblink franchisee, Martie had a successful career as Department Head at a financial institution. Then, Martie began thinking about an alternative, self-employed lifestyle, which led to her starting her own business in retail for 17 years. But in 2018, she began her search for a cleaning franchise after she saw the joy and success a friend of hers had in her own private cleaning company.

After a quick Google search, she discovered Skitterblink and that they had been in business for 17 years. They also had a lot of good reviews online. “a friend and I made an appointment with the Skitterblink Franchisor to obtain more information. We decided to buy a franchise as they were well structured and organized. They offered support, training, guidance and opportunities to grow your business.“

What makes Skitterblink an excellent business opportunity is that they are well known in the cleaning sector. This has allowed them to offer a wide range of cleaning services, giving you, as a franchisee, the opportunity to scale your business service by service.

“You must have a vision, a mission and be a strong leader to succeed in an environment with many competitors. However, there are rewards in the variety of services Skitterblink offers if you provide work of a high quality, quality client service, are prepared to take on challenges out of the ordinary and manage the marketing of your business.“

PENNY KERSHAW

Franchise owner since 2018

Nearing retirement, the question was always coming up – what you will do post-retirement. I worked for 20 years at WesBank as a Project Manager. The mere thought of compulsory retirement at 60 was a frightening one. Starting a business was an option – but what?

Playing off factors such as capital required, advantages, disadvantages, knowledge, sustainability, etc., were significant factors on the way forward For example, I remember that once I asked for a quotation for a cleaning service from one of the Skitterblink Franchises. I tracked that down and directed my research towards the cleaning industry.

Now it was a case of – independent or a franchise? After much consideration and sleepless nights, a friend and I decided to give the Skitterblink franchise a closer look as a potential opportunity.

In December 2018, we made the final decision to proceed with Skitterblink considering some of the advances and disadvantages. First, we bought the Skitterblink Rooihuiskraal franchise, which was dormant for some time. Hence we had to start from scratch to build up a client base from nothing. Although this was a risk most evident when going into an independent business, we had the backing of the Skitterblink Franchisor through training, support, and branding, which allowed us ample time to settle down and expand gradually.

Initially, my business partner was running with the team whilst I was still working for WesBank and doing the financial side of Skitterblink at night. I was going to retire in 2021. However, when COVID-19 and the hard lockdown hit us, I was forced to make yet another major decision: bringing my retirement from WesBank forward by a year to enable me to get 100% involved in our Skitterblink Franchise business. Our franchise database was growing, and the branding and exposure from the Skitterblink Franchisor through disinfection contracts, social media, word of mouth and televised interviews gave the Skitterblink Group a further significant boost financially across all franchises in South Africa.

In a nutshell, to all potential Skitterblink franchisees. Take the following into consideration before you make your final decision. Of course, we can vouch for success; however, you need to be prepared to consider the following advantages and disadvantages of a franchise and be ready to deal with it.

Branding and exposure – a significant advantage. But remember, you might not buy an existing customer database, so be prepared to build it up from scratch utilizing well-established branding and engage in visibility.
You are dealing with a lower risk of failure in that the Franchisor has already been through all the trials and errors, and you will be piggybacking off that through their support channels.
Remember that you have limited creative opportunities as the franchise is a structured environment where you must adhere to their rules and regulations.
Based on your turnover, you will be liable for a monthly management and marketing fee to the Franchisor. Therefore, your financial information is shared with them monthly. This point needs to be investigated more thoroughly if you want financial freedom with your finances.
If you buy a franchise with an existing data basis or without one, please note that the threshold for VAT is R1m per year (an average of R83k per month). Ensure you investigate this, as the franchise price structure includes VAT, so the 15% VAT is a further chunk out of your profit in conjunction with the management and marketing fee.
Your initial investment and start-up cost can also be expensive, depending on what you choose to buy.

Success comes from focusing on the positive and recognizing all the great things you have. Skitterblink is a customer satisfaction franchise, so if you get this right, you are set for success!

SARAH VAN HEERDEN

Franchise owner since 2018

Before buying a Skitterblink franchise, Sarah worked for an accounting firm, where she felt stagnant. When her family needed her, it was easy to resign from the accounting firm and focus on her family’s needs for the time being.

But eventually, she had to find something to do again, and that is when a friend, already working for Skitterblink, told her that she should join the Skitterblink team.

“That is when I started working for Skitterblink in 2015. I was working at Skitterblink as a supervisor at Head Office. There I met the owner of a Franchise, and she said she was selling her Franchise. Would I be interested in buying it? I said yes.“

When starting a Skitterblink franchise, you have low overheads as you don’t have to rent office space, and the business can be run straight from your home. Sarah found this to be most beneficial when starting her own business as she could see her family all the time.

“I work from home, so there is no rental expense for the business, and I interact with my family daily. Learning something new daily, as the business grows, is exciting.“

THABISO PHOOKO

Franchise owner since 2019

Thabiso previously worked as a Fleet Manager at the Automobile Association of South Africa. He is now thoroughly enjoying the rewards of owning his own business and is healthier and happier than he’s been in a long time!

Thabiso chose to franchise as it offered him the support of an established brand name and the team of people at Head Office, which you don’t get anywhere else. “I was initially impressed with the warmth and training I got from the Franchisor. The training makes it easy to overcome the challenges you may encounter. In Skitterblink, we are one family.

Skitterblink is a highly recognised cleaning brand, and the business model makes it so affordable to start a franchise. “I have gained a lot of experience and confidence in running a business. You always get the assistance that you may need from the Franchisor and other Franchisees.“

Is Skitterblink The Right Franchise For You?

We have put together a information pack that you can go through to make sure that a Skitterblink Franchise is right for you.

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