FRANCHISING CASE STUDY – Golden Circle

My name is Hans Berkhout and I emigrated to Australia at the end of 2000 after running a successful radio communications company in Zimbabwe employing over 20 staff. Business in Australia is quite different to what I was used to and I had several false starts in the industry with which I was most familiar. I also had additional pressure due to the visa requirements that I was on – I needed a substantial business that enabled me to employ people to obtain my permanent residency.

Most start up companies fail and I realised that in a new environment I had to get involved with an established business with a good reputation. A franchise seemed to be the answer but there is a cautionary note on buying a franchise – many are geared to reward the franchisor and not necessarily the franchisee. 

The local newspaper advertised a Juice Distribution Franchise in my local area.  After appropriate due diligence, I became the proud owner of the Original Juice Company - Redlands Franchise, only a small distribution run but it had potential. Most importantly, it also allowed me to benefit directly from my efforts. With the training and support provided by Original Juice, the business grew. It was showing appropriate success and after six months I committed to buying another small distribution run in the Logan area. These two runs formed the basis of my business for the next two years. Golden Circle Pty Ltd bought the Original Juice Company in 2004 and with that our franchises were effectively transferred, opening up a whole new customer and product base as well as new levels of sales support. The involvement of a large national player saw the turnover of my business increase by over 100%. The Route division of Golden Circle became dedicated to the franchisees and their mutual customers. This made for an excellent working relationship and as a result, through shared business planning, over the following years turnover for both Golden Circle and myself continued to rise. The partnership relationship that I have with Golden Circle has not only allowed me to expand my business significantly, but it has also provided for me a supportive business environment where I have an extensive network of colleagues and friends that have enabled me to reach my visa objectives and settle well into Australia. I can recommend a Golden Circle Juice franchise – my customer base keeps me in touch with real Australia and my Golden Circle partners provide me with the business support and outcomes I want.

Information Supplied by

Golden Circle

20 Heath Court, Mill Park Victoria 3082

Phone: +613 9496 6166