For some, the period of reflection confirms they’re on the right path, others decide to change profession and embark on further study, and some find they enjoy the industry they’re in, but would like to find a way to have more control of their working life.
BOQ’s senior manager for franchise services, Rob Donoghue said it’s for this latter group of people, who are rich in retail and commercial lending experience, that BOQ might have the answer for their next career move.
"Owning and managing your own business can provide significant benefits and rewards, both financially and personally,” Mr Donoghue said.
“With a number of BOQ branch metropolitan Sydney locations available for sale, becoming a BOQ owner-manager can be an appealing option to someone who is looking to have more control of their working life, draw on their prior experience in an environment where they can offer great service, have an impact on their community and be rewarded for their hard work.”
When looking at a person’s suitability to become a BOQ owner-manager there is a strong emphasis on the business side such as commercial acumen, sales focus and network of referral sources from accountants, solicitors and real estate agents. The bank also looks at the big picture.
“It’s one thing to bring this experience to the role, but there are also people management skills and character qualities such as honesty, integrity and motivation with an overarching passion for offering great customer service,” Mr Donoghue said.
“While being a BOQ owner-manager means you’re a small business owner, the BOQ philosophy is strongly focused on customer service and that can mean meeting clients outside of hours and on weekends, so the passion and drive needs to be there.”
Owner-managers get to operate their own full service branch, offer convenient banking hours, choose their committed and experienced team and provide superior service to their customers.
Anthony Walker took the step almost seven years ago to be a BOQ owner-manager at the Penrith branch. After working at the Commonwealth Bank for 17 years he was looking for more independence and less bureaucracy.
“Becoming an owner-manager gave me the autonomy I was looking for,” Mr Walker said.
“I started my business with zero customers and three staff, myself included. I now have approximately 6,000 happy customers and 10 staff members! I’m really proud of what my team and I have been able to achieve in seven years,” he said.
“Owning and managing my own BOQ branch in Penrith has turned out to be more rewarding than I ever anticipated or dreamed possible. To be able to work locally after living in the area for almost 40 years has been a dream come true in itself.
“I can’t say for a minute that I’ve missed the daily commute into the city that I was doing for more than a decade to pursue my banking career. When the opportunity arose to bring back a local bank to the area, it didn’t take me too long to take the plunge.
“I do know though that without the support of the local community, taking a chance on an entirely new way of banking, that I would have had to shut up shop a long time ago, so you really need to be out there networking and building relationships with business and personal customers in the community.”
Mr Walker said the main thing that sets him apart from his competitors is the customer service his team provides.
“I have asked many of my customers over the years what they are honestly looking for when it comes to banking and the majority of responses are: ‘know who I am’; ‘understand my needs’; ‘offer me solutions and deliver them on time’; ‘nurture your existing customers and they will spread the word for you’,” he said.
Because owner-managers have a vested interest in the branch’s success, it’s in their best interest to offer fantastic service and have their customers feel like they have their own personal bank.
“We are always on the lookout for new owner-managers to open new sites and take on existing corporate sites and to start building successful relationships with locals and local business owners alike, helping them to reach their financial potential.
“We’d love to hear from people who are interested in knowing more about becoming an owner-manager. We also consider partnerships where one person may not have all the skills required but between two or three people they more than cover all the bases.”
Interested in knowing more?
To find out more information about becoming a BOQ Owner-Manager in NSW contact: Rob Donoghue, 0419 657 673 or email robert.donoghue@boq.com.au
