Sarah Matthews – Lincoln
Sarah Matthews has spent much of her life in the education sector and had relatively limited commercial experience prior to buying Driver Hire Lincoln. She did have family connections with the business though, and the self-belief and motivation to quickly become one of the network’s high-flying new franchisees.
Sales in 2011/12 topped £750,000. Says Sarah, “When I took on the Lincoln franchise in late 2009 it had been neglected. I had to set about rebuilding customer confidence and putting Driver Hire Lincoln back on the map. This meant getting out and about in the area, visiting prospective customers and finding out how we could help them. I didn’t have any previous sales experience but I learned a lot on my franchise training course and I do enjoy a challenge!”
Graham Duckworth, Driver Hire’s Franchise Sales Director, adds, “Sarah’s story demonstrates that success is all about training, support and, most importantly, attitude. Sarah is determined, hardworking, organised and highly motivated.
“She has invested in building a great team around her and expects everyone that she works with, to live up to her own very high personal standards. This marries very well with the market-leading quality standards that Driver Hire offers all of its customers. Another thing that we love about Sarah is that she takes full advantage of the sales, marketing and other support that is available from Driver Hire.”