Choose a more rewarding career with an education franchise
Time for a change
With an M.Eng in Electronics Engineering and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, Chin Tan is no stranger to education. His qualifications led to a career in the aerospace industry, which saw him managing avionics engineering projects in multiple countries.
His wife Rachael had a career in customer services before retraining as a teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL), tutoring students in English as a Second Language.
In 2017, however, Chin found himself dissatisfied with his work life and looking for a more meaningful career.
Why Tutor Doctor?
Chin and Rachael attended The National Franchise Exhibition in the autumn of 2017 seeking ideas for a business they could run together. Chin comments:
Chin and Rachael discovered the home education brand Tutor Doctor at the event and spent some time at their stand talking to the company’s franchise development team.
“We really liked the sound of the business model – it ticked all of the boxes for us – and the fact that Rachael was a qualified teacher herself made it an even better fit.”
“What really impressed us, though, at the event and in follow-up conversations, were the people behind the brand. Discussions were open, clear and professional and the team were always available and responsive.”
Next steps
Tutor Doctor quickly followed up with Chin and Rachael after the event, and through further discussions and research, the couple decided it really was the best franchise for them.
By January 2018 the all-important franchise agreement was signed, and Tutor Doctor Bristol became operational on 16th April that year.
“I remember the day well!” Chin comments. “It was my birthday and we found and signed our first client.”
Training and support
In the run up to being operational, Chin and Rachael benefited from training and support from Tutor Doctor’s head office. Chin comments:
“The training was very comprehensive and of very good quality. It was clear how to launch and run the business.”
“We were also guided to understand the education sector, our competitors, to explore our motivations and working styles, and were even given detailed advice and feedback on how to set up our home office.”
“In addition, our expectations were clearly and fairly set – we knew what was coming and what was required of us to shape the business we wanted.”
“You get a lot of support in your first year, and we even had someone fly over from the head office in Canada to spend three days with us specifically on business development, coming door-to-door and school-to-school with us.”
“On an on-going basis there is a weekly call hosted by head office for all franchisees. On this call we hear about and discuss new services, marketing tactics and new ideas.”
Being part of a franchise network
Investment in a franchise doesn’t just buy a proven business model and support from the brand’s head office. It also joins the franchisee to a network of other people already running the same business. This proves invaluable, as Chin explains:
“We’ve found the global network of franchisees to be very supportive. On a dedicated social media group, we can ask questions, share advice and get moral support.”
“When Rachael and I launched our franchise, we were the only franchisees in the South West, but we now have colleagues in neighbouring areas. We can not only support each other with advice but also share costs of marketing campaigns and tools.”
Life as Tutor Doctor franchisees
Chin and Rachael decided early on that they would split the running of their franchise into defined roles. As a management franchise, the couple run the business but do not deliver the tutoring itself.
Rachael takes care of the marketing and meets with customers. Chin is responsible for the recruitment of the tutors who teach the customers, and he has so far brought on board more than one hundred.
“We have tutors covering core subjects like English and the sciences, plus tutors who specialise in more niche subjects like psychology. Our aim is to offer tutoring in as many subjects as possible, in as many local areas as possible, so I continue to grow our network of tutors.”
“I spend a lot of my week out and about, often in cafes, meeting with potential tutors, while Rachael is frequently in the homes of potential customers, explaining our services and finding out what they need so we can make the best possible match between tutor and student.”
“It’s very different from a traditional 9 to 5 office job, we can schedule our appointments around our family life. We love the flexibility it affords us.”
“It’s also much more rewarding than a normal job! We benefit from a lot more feedback and when a customer is happy, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we made it happen.”
“It’s a great feeling knowing we’re helping people to achieve their full potential.”
Looking to the future
Chin and Rachael continue to develop their business and see a bright future. Chin summarises:
“Growing a business from zero to six figures of revenue in our first year has been immensely satisfying. Knowing that our income potential could be unlimited is very motivating. We can drive our own success now, it’s down to our own hard work – hard work which is rewarded.”
“Owning and running a Tutor Doctor franchise has given us the freedom to drive our own destiny.”
Interested in following in Chin and Rachael’s footsteps? Find out more about upcoming Franchise Exhibitions held in exclusive partnership with the British Franchise Association.
