We talk to Lisa Lovell, long standing franchisee for Letchworth and Hitchin, and since 2001 joint franchise owner of St Albans. Prior to taking over her first franchise in 1998 Lisa studied fashion and design and worked in the head office. Here, Lisa talks to us about how her business, and working in partnership with Mark Tasker, who co-runs the St Albans franchise.

So, how did you hear about the franchise?

“I helped out in the DOR-2-DOR office whilst working part time for a bridal shop. The original franchisee for the area was my friend Hayley Bracey. Hayley wanted to start a family, so I saw the opportunity to buy the area from her.”

What attracted you to DOR-2-DOR?

“I knew the benefits already and I saw the potential. Initially I took over Letchworth and Hitchin areas then in May 2001 Mark and I bought St Albans from Hayley. Mark could see the franchise would be easy to set up and was good at canvassing.

How has your employment background helped you?

“When working in a bridal shop I gained a lot of experience in customer relations. My office experience at head quarters gave me first hand knowledge of what I was getting myself into before I bought the franchise rights. The three main qualities you need are enthusiasm, politeness and a helpful attitude. Mark has brought many attributes/personal qualities to the business including people skills and computer knowledge. He’s also a confident networker”

Describe your first six months…

“With Letchworth it was fairly busy from the start. I was working in established territory so it was a case of maintaining good relationships with existing clients and asserting authority with wayward deliverers. We sent out sales letters initially. Nine years on we have a healthy client base. With St Albans, business has grown very nicely and now we are confident of developing it further.

Mark focuses on sales and I focus on administration. With two defined and specific areas to manage having two people is a godsend. St Albans has steadily built up. We had to filter out the ineffective Post People and re-establish relationships with some clients but it came together nicely. The Challenge has been to balance customer work with delivery capability – “I don’t like to take on work more work than we can’t deliver with the resources available”. However as I am working in the same office as Jeff Frankling he talks me through how to juggle my Post People and tends to push me outside my comfort zone”.

And the future is….?

“As I am the office manager in Harpenden I have plenty on my plate. I am working hard on developing St Albans by increasing clientele and Post People. I am optimistic and very positive and my aim is to grow the business year on year – the potential is certainly there.”