Meet our newest franchise owner, Keshan Nahar.
Get to know Keshan in our Q&A.
What motivates you?
My family, I have come from an entrepreneurial background and grown up being a self-starter. My wife is my driving force and inspiration.
How do you see this working around your family life?
It’s not a problem for me. My wife is self-employed and most of my family members are self-employed and it provides me with flexibility.
What does your working background look like?
More practical than academic, I’m more of a doer. From the age of 12, I started my first paper round, and my mum had a grocery shop that I helped out in. I started doing fruit markets with my uncle from the age of 15 till around 17 maybe 18 and that taught me a lot of discipline as it means getting up early all months of the year and long days.
After that, I did a bit of waiting and decided that I wanted to start my own business. My wife and I opened a crepe business, which then lead to a highly successful doughnut business.
What attracted you to easyProperty?
The brand. I found easyProperty on a franchising website and was just drawn to the appeal of the easyGroup. Also, talking to Jo and Kelvin in the recruiting team, they had answers to all of my questions and really knew their stuff. It was Kelvin that really encouraged me to take the plunge and I gelled with him straight away.
What are you excited, nervous and worried about?
I’m excited about getting launched and get into something new. I don’t really feel nervous as I know I have the backing from the team who have a lot of experience, so I can lean on them when I need to. I’m a trouble-shooter and always find a solution. I’ve got a black belt in trouble shooting. For me, there’s no need to be worried, as I’ve had some valuable life experiences, and no one said business was easy. You learn from your mistakes. My mantra is never take more than you give.
What did you make of your training?
It was really well delivered. I learnt a lot about the systems, processes and ethos of the company which prepares you to become a representative of easyProperty. To be honest, I really hated doing the floor plans initially, but I stuck with it and rose to the challenge until I had it nailed. Jo and Kelvin made the training really enjoyable, and we had a lot of fun along the way. I’m now feeling confident to just get out there and do it.
What would you say to anyone else thinking about an easyProperty franchise who has no estate agency background?
If I can do it, anyone can. I never saw myself as an agent before and had little experience in relation to property. But with strong training and brilliant systems to help, it’s a no brainer and there’s not enormous overheads.
What surprised you most about the training?
How intense it was. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but you must be focused. Make sure you do your homework, immerse yourself in it. I wouldn’t recommend anyone do this as a side-line or on a whim. You have to be committed.
The key to being a successful owner of an easyProperty franchise is?
Well, if I was to look into my crystal ball in a year’s time, I want my business to be booming and have met some great people and perhaps have a small team in the pipeline. Also, business has got to be fun. Life is too serious, and you’ve got to enjoy what you do.
What advice would you give to others thinking of taking out a franchise?
Do your homework, learn about franchising, weigh up the benefits obviously with easyProperty you’re buying a brand so don’t try to do your own thing. Understand the commitment required and make sure you’re all in.
