Pathfinder International caught up with the McDonald’s Service Leaver Franchisee of the Year Award winner, Andrew Davis, who is part of the Right at Home Franchise, to hear his story and what winning the award meant to him.
Andrew Davis was a Commissioned Officer with the British Army before investing in his Right at Home franchise. He had seen active service in the Balkans and Iraq before taking a mentoring role to help other officers prepare for commanding their troops in operation. Now, he owns a business providing quality home care services to elderly people and adults with physical disabilities in Bournemouth.
“It’s quite a departure from my previous life!” says Andrew. “But, I chose a route in franchising because being ‘the master of my own destiny’ is important to me. Right at Home offers a lot of support, which allowed me to be my own boss and follow my passion. By offering local jobs, community engagement, and the best in quality care, I can really make a difference to my local community.”
Andrew was conscious of the short time he had allowed himself to transition into civilian life. “I felt rushed because I didn’t give much thought to it beyond six months. I think from the moment we join up, people should consider how they might transition back into civilian life. I received a lot of support through the military resettlement system, and attended the three-week Advanced Management Achievement Course at the Manchester Business School. But I knew setting-up my own business would not have been possible without the expert support, advice and guidance of the Right at Home UK team.”
Right at Home suited Andrew as previous experience in the care sector is not required to consider their franchise, simply a burning passion to provide outstanding care and give back to the local community. The public service ethos brought through from the Army, allows him to think outside the box, and go the extra mile for clients, such as providing overnight ‘pop-in’ visits. He has also been working with the South West Ambulance Service, to train his team, and investing in specialist equipment. This enables them, in certain circumstances, to carefully lift from the floor, someone who has fallen.
“I’m really proud of the business I have built over the last 5 years. Winning the Service Leaver Franchisee of the Year award is a nice icing on the cake!”
For further details please contact Right at Home at www.rightathomefranchising or 07825 047344