Our Franchise Business was Founded in 1980 by Martin McMahon and Donal Healy, Munster Tool Co imports and distributes high quality, specialised tools to the automotive industry across Ireland . In 2004 they embarked on a project to create a sustainable network of franchise businesses to serve customers nationwide under the advice and guidance of Eamon Curtin of HJM Business.

We caught up with one of their longest serving franchisees, Aidan Sheedy, as he celebrated entering his fourth year of business. We asked him about how his life has changed since starting his own business with the Munster Tool Co franchise opportunity.

Quality of life has certainly improved. I went from working behind a desk all day every day, to being out on the road, meeting new people and basically working for myself. There is so much leeway compared to normal nine-to-five jobs. For instance with two small children, this business means that I can spend much more time with my family.

If we asked him about the challenges he faces every day, he is quick to point out that the onus is on each franchisee to generate his own business. Its great that there is no-one behind you cracking the whip or giving you orders, but you have to keep reminding yourself, the more sales I make, the more money I make. In saying that, the satisfaction you get from making your own sales is all the motivation you need to have.

Then he went on to describe the ongoing support package being offered by Donal, Martin and all the crew at Munster Tool Co franchise. The thing that stands out for me is their product knowledge, its invaluable. I can ring the guys in Mallow at any time and they are always ready with advice. Then there is even more product training at the quarterly meetings, not to mention sales tips and techniques. Getting together with the other franchisees at the quarterly meetings is also great, we all have a chat and share tips and advice.

Then asked him had the experience so far, lived up to his initial expectations. In the beginning, the guys in Mallow show you these figures and tell you about all the sales you will make, and I remember thinking to myself, it can't be that easy. I had never sold anything before in my life, and I had my doubts, but because these products are of such good quality and coming from reputable companies, they sell themselves.

Also we talked about his hopes for the future, and he responded by saying, In ten years time, if I'm still with the Munster Tool Co franchise business, pushing the products even further and continuing to make the sales, I'll be very happy indeed. The thing about this career is that it has the best of both worlds, you are basically running your own business in Ireland , but you can still avail of all the support being offered. I would certainly recommend it to others, as long as they realised that you must be prepared to work, to listen to the advice from the lads in Mallow, and to motivate yourself. If none of these is a problem, then there are great opportunities here with this Irish franchise opportunity.

We spoke about all that he has learnt in his time so far with Munster Tool Co. I have gained many skills, but what stands out for me, is the ability to relate to customers. I didn't think I would be able to interact with new people every day and create relationships with my customers, but it has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far. Having the chat with customers and listening to their problems and dealing with their queries is what it's all about.

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