Gary Simmonds Email & Phone Number

City Of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

I take the lead in the development of Franchising’s short and long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with company short-term and long-term objectives.I ensure I stay informed regarding market trends and competitor activities.Identify target markets and growth opportunities.Secure and manage enquiries into the Brand and Franchise opportunities, and present the company concept and brand to possible franchisees.I maintain positive relationships with existing franchisees. and manage franchise agreements and contracts.I source AAA sites and negotiate landlord contributions, rentals, and escalations.I network with landlords and developers negotiating tenant arrivals with landlords/developers to reduce the setup cost of new stores.Support new franchisees in the develop of financial business plans.Efficiently and effectively manage the handover of new sites to franchisees.

City Of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Identify potential store owners and locations, assessing their suitability for the business modelDevelop and implement strategies for enterprise growth and expansionNegotiate lease and supply agreements with landlords and potential store ownersTrain and support new store owners in all aspects of the business, including operations, marketing, and financeDevelop and execute marketing plans to attract new store ownersConduct market research and analysis to identify new growth opportunitiesDevelop and maintain strong relationships with store owners and other key stakeholdersEnsure compliance with all supply agreement regulations and guidelinesProvide regular reports and updates to senior leadership on enterprise development activities and results

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

Growing the Franchise footprint of SkinPhD as well as growing the brand as a whole.Financial analysis of existing Franchisees.Assessing of potential Franchisees and Franchise sites and development of financial projection model.Overseeing of project costing model in association with designers and project managers.Supervision of marketing activities including but not limited to:Digital MarketingPromotional ActivitiesTaking the lead role in the Franchisee Forum ensuring good communication between the Franchisor and Franchisees.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Area

Development of the Landscape and Retail footprint in the region providing Specialist advice to accredited installers and retailers of artificial grass products. Development and maintenance of networks within the sector. Consumer education into the use and benefits of the product as well as the installation and maintenance procedures involved.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Establishment and management of Franchisee network, maintaining existing relationships as well as expanding the Franchisee/customer base.Targeting the growth of square meterage of the artificial grass products in the landscaping sector.Providing technical and marketing support to the existing and new Franchisees as well as budgeting, financial and general small business practicesDevise strategies to achieve sales targets, brand promotion and the growth on the installer base across the country as well into neighbouring states.Providing input into marketing strategies and activities to promote the artificial grass brand in line with the overall marketing strategy of the organization.

Umhlanga Rocks, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Facilitating the sale of all types of businesses by liaising with buyers, sellers, Franchisors, Landlords and Financial Institutions.Providing specialist advice regarding the packaging of the business for sale to the seller and a valuation of the market value of the business.Initial screening of all prospective buyers received through the Maxprop network as well as other advertising sources.Producing advertisements, marketing literature and presentation brochures which are provided to prospective buyers.Liaising with attorneys regarding the sale process ensuring all aspects of a business sale are covered and driving the process in terms of agreed upon time frames.

Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Facilitating the sale of Franchises, Restaurants and general business by liaising with buyers, sellers, Franchisors, Landlords and Financial Institutions.Providing specialist advice regarding the financial structure of a transaction prior to the lodging of an application for finance to the relevant financial institution.Initial screening of all enquiries received through the relevant websites on which businesses are advertised for sale.Producing marketing literature and presentation brochures which are provided to prospective buyers and prospective franchisees.Providing a specialist Franchise advice to current businesses wishing to franchise their existing operation.

Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa

Sourcing and assessing new business prospects and structuring deals. Screening of loan applications, financial analysis and finance committee reports.Providing input and specialist advice to approval documentation prior to being tabled to relevant Finance Committee.Marketing of the GroFin SME solution, intermediary relationship management and advertising.Compiling and management of marketing budgetEstablishment of referral network

Westville, Durban, South Africa

Sourcing and assessing new business prospects and structuring deals. Compiling of loan application, financial analysis and approval documents.Monitoring client relationships, their accounts and managing risks that may threaten the relationshipCompiling and management of budgetsEstablishment of referral networkSpecialising in Debtor Finance & Trade Finance.Member of Departmental Marketing Task Team.

Umlazi, Durban, South Africa

Senior Business Consultant: Tourism01 January 2000 to 31 July 2006Providing a consultancy service and evaluating loan applications and enquiries in the Tourism sector. Compiling comprehensive viability studies and loan approval submission documentation, including technical, marketing and financial analysis, obtaining loan approval and project management.Providing expertise, advice and feedback to other portfolio managers and branch office staff on tourism related projects.Networking with role players by maintaining and enhancing stakeholder relationships, building referral networks including representation on Tourism KwaZulu-Natal’s Product Development Forum, Cruise Ship Strategy Task Team and the Product Development Strategy Evaluation Committee.Development of personalised marketing strategy through the evaluation of trends and developments, identifying market niches and strategies and implementation._______________________________Senior Business Consultant01 June 1996 to 31 December 1999Providing consultancy service for foreign investors by identifying client needs, selling comparative and competitive advantages of the area through presentations and one on one discussions, assisting in evaluation of feasibility studies.Sectors and markets - Peoples Republic of China, Republic of China on Taiwan and India_______________________________Business Loans Analyst01 April 1993 to 31 May 1996Analysing client needs providing business advice and guidance and cross selling of SMME loan products._______________________________Small Industries Advisor01 April 1991 to 31 March 1993Post establishment advisory and consultancy services to Small Industrial clients.