Think you need a business degree to run a successful franchise? Think again. At Just Shutters, our franchisees come from all sorts of careers: IT security, telecoms account management, sales leadership, electrical trades, supermarket management, and senior site management — to name just a few.
What unites them isn’t a shared industry background, but the transferable skills that make them brilliant local business owners. From customer care to problem-solving, from organisation to adaptability, they’ve all brought their own experience to the table and built something extraordinary with our support.
Just Shutters is the UK’s largest independent retail shutter specialist, built on values of trust, quality, people and passion. Our supportive business support team and franchise network gives you the training, tools and guidance you need to build a lifestyle business you can be proud of.
So, what skills do you already have that could help you go from DIY to MD?
Customer Service: More Valuable Than You Think
If you’ve ever worked with people in any industry, you’ll already understand the importance of listening, empathy and building trust. These skills are at the heart of every design visit, where customers want to feel heard and guided.
One of our franchisees, Paul Wells – Just Shutters Yorkshire, spent more than 20 years managing supermarkets before joining Just Shutters. His ability to put people at ease, solve problems quickly and manage customer expectations has been one of his greatest strengths in building his business.
Project Management Without the Jargon
Running your own business isn’t about endless spreadsheets, it’s about keeping things organised and making sure every job runs smoothly. If you’ve ever had to plan ahead, juggle different tasks, or see a project through from start to finish, you already have project management skills.
Our Business Support Centre takes care of the essentials like booking appointments, managing calendars and sending brochures, so franchisees can focus on what they do best. The design visit is all-important, that first impression with a customer, where listening, advice and attention to detail set the tone for the whole journey. From there, franchisees manage the project through to installation, making sure every shutter is measured, designed and fitted with care.
Adaptability & A Learning Mindset
What really sets successful franchisees apart is their willingness to learn. You don’t need to know shutters from day one, our comprehensive training, ongoing updates and regular conferences give you everything you need.
If you can put together flat-pack furniture, you can fit shutters. It’s about following clear instructions, being hands-on and taking pride in the finished result. Add to that a curious, adaptable mindset and you’ll quickly pick up the technical side of the business.
As long as you bring our shared values, trust, quality, people and passion, you’ll find yourself right at home with Just Shutters and well supported as you build your business.
Ready to See Where Your Skills Could Take You?
Whatever your background, you may well already have what it takes to run a thriving Just Shutters franchise. With the strength of the UK’s largest independent retail shutter specialist behind you, you can build a business that offers financial freedom, personal independence and the reassurance of proven support.
If you’re ready to explore whether franchising could be your next step, the best journeys start with a phone call. You can speak with Nick, our Franchise Operations Manager on 01202 233 744, to find out how your skills, combined with our support, could be the start of something life-changing.
