COO Profile Brian Spindel of PostNet
PostNet Shares Tips for Franchise Business Success
Sep 28, 2009
Brian Spindel is the co-founder and COO of PostNet International Franchise Corporation, a fast-growing privately held printing company serving local businesses. All of its locations are locally owned and operated by small business entrepreneurs. With more than 20 years of experience managing and performing various operational roles, Spindel has made a name for himself as a franchise expert. In this exclusive interview with Suite101 he shares his tips and lessons learned for running a successful franchise business.
How to Achieve Franchise Business Success
Suite101 asked Spindel to share his lessons learned to achieve business success in franchising. “First, you have to be consistent,” explains Spindel. “While there is always an argument to show flexibility, an inconsistent approach when leading a franchise organization can be very damaging to the trust and confidence that is needed to succeed.” Spindel goes on to say that he applies this consistency rule to his franchisees by treating them fairly and equally.
“It reminds me of one of the most important things my father told me: always tell the truth and you’ll never have to remember what you said. It’s about being consistent to certain unwavering values and ideals,” says Spindel. Secondly, Spindel advises to listen to clients and be willing to take the necessary steps to improve service.
“Very early on we put in place an infrastructure of open communication channels and opportunities for franchisees’ participation and involvement. This includes an online forum and an active advisory counsel; both introduced shortly after we started franchising. Many of the smartest and most beneficial strategies and tactics have been developed as a result of franchisee feedback. This approach facilitates a constant cycle of learning and innovation.”
Spindel and his team are willing to work hard and lead by example. “Whether staff, managers or franchisees, all are impacted directly by how we act and work. Credibility and respect are crucial. For a start-up to succeed you have to be willing to come in early, stay late, and work hard to get off the ground. It’s true for me and those that I can influence through my actions; the harder I work, the luckier I get!”
Common Franchise Business Challenges
Based on his experience, Spindel shares common challenges in running and growing a franchise business. In this current economic climate restarting growth and gaining momentum is a top priority. Spindel advocates a stronger support and need for small business financing to return. “While there is some life in new SBA loans, our experience shows that banks are focused on refinancing real estate and still hesitant to issues new loans for start-ups,” sighs Spindel. “At PostNet, we have invested in new systems and technology to attract investors and entrepreneurs illustrating the great growth opportunity that exists today with PostNet.”
For a business like PostNet, it is crucial to stay focused on strategy tactics. “PostNet is only emerging and we have a great opportunity over the next five to ten years to become the nation’s neighborhood business center helping businesses and consumers everyday,” explains Spindel.
The Emerging Franchise Entrepreneur and the Economy
Suite101 wanted to know about Spindel’s view on the current fluctuations in the stock market & economy and its impact on the business?
“While there is no understating the current challenges in this economy, I do believe there is a silver lining,” states Spindel, “In my conversations with fellow business owners, customers, and franchisees we know we need to make changes to survive and thrive. Financially, entrepreneurs are advised to pay down debt and become less reliant on financing and focus on operational improvements around workflow and efficiency. Businesses that are overleveraged or don’t have a strong sustainable model will not be able to survive.”
Franchise companies with a poor business model or relationships with their franchisees “can no longer fly under the radar” as internet blogs and other collaborative communication easily expose these challenged businesses. Spindel’s final advice to emerging franchise entrepreneurs is develop a strong business model, minimize debt and maximize efficiency through the effective use of technology. “Become a learning organization and use the power of information to improve everyday,” he concludes.
While Spindel admits that it is impossible to predict the future, he is confident that the country has lifted itself out of the recession and the business ecosystem has become stronger further growing to levels not seen before.
PostNet’s biggest franchise competitor is The UPS Store and the largest chain store competitor is FedEx Office; both are owned by a major package shipping company. PostNet considers its model a hybrid.
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