A former soldier from Lanarkshire now working his personal chimney sweep franchise has made the finals of the celebrated Scottish Ex-Forces in Enterprise Awards.
Kris McLernon left the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) throughout the pandemic after 14 years of service.
And it was solely in August final 12 months that he determined to purchase his native Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise and launch a completely completely different profession.
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The 33-year-old from Forth has had nothing however excessive reward throughout a really profitable begin to his new job, and he's recommending to others like him to comply with the identical path.
Kris now seems to be ahead to the finals of the awards after his nomination within the New Service Leaver class.
He informed Lanarkshire Dwell : “I cherished my time within the military however determined to depart throughout the pandemic; everybody suggested me in opposition to it however, I listened to my intestine and made the transfer.
"I got here house to Lanarkshire, did a number of driving jobs initially, then I discovered Wilkins Chimney Sweep.”
Speaking concerning the franchising sector Kris believes that folks misunderstand it.
He added: "Though the corporate educated me to do the job and they're readily available if I've any questions, it's 100 per cent me on the market day-after-day, sweeping chimneys, becoming cages, getting sooty then going house to work on social media posts and promoting campaigns.
"I haven’t purchased myself a job, I’ve invested in a model with an excellent repute, an current presence on the web, a big community of different franchisees and an skilled franchisor to ask recommendation from, however the success of my enterprise is totally right down to me.
"Because the saying goes, I’m in enterprise for myself however not on my own.”
He continued: “In contrast to a daily 9-5 job, if you run your personal enterprise, you by no means swap off, however equally I've a lot extra flexibility in my life.
"If I need a while off to be with my daughter or attend a particular occasion, I can, that could be a main plus level for me; my diary and my day are my very own.
"I'd completely suggest anybody who's leaving the forces to contemplate a Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise.”
The awards spotlight the achievements of ex-military personnel, their success since leaving the forces and the organisations which have supported them.
The New Service Leaver class recognises women and men who left the army lower than three years in the past and are already reaching nice issues in a second profession.
Corp Colonel, Colonel Jason Phillips ADC REME mentioned of his former restoration mechanic Kris: “It’s incredible to see Kris obtain a lot since leaving the REME and in such fast time.
"He's clearly a decided, dynamic and proactive particular person. We're proud that our Corps has been an essential a part of his journey and proud to see him attain the finals of the Scottish Ex-Forces in Enterprise Awards.
"Better of luck within the closing Kris, you'll want to hold us knowledgeable of your successes.”
Following intensive coaching by the franchisor, Kris now sweeps open chimneys, wooden burning stoves, Agas, Jetmasters, Rayburns and biomass boilers and suits cages caps and cowls to properties and companies throughout Lanarkshire.
Operations supervisor Richard Bryan who educated Kris mentioned: “I knew he was going to be good from the very begin of coaching. Kris is organised focussed and disciplined.
"He picked all of it up in a short time. He often makes use of our firm WhatsApp group, choosing the brains of the opposite franchisees, who've been working their very own companies and sweeping chimneys for a few years.”
Franchise supervisor Lisa Kimber added: “After simply six months, Kris is doing an unimaginable job, far in entrance of the place we might count on him to be at this stage.
"He's very impartial, frequently developing with new concepts to market and promote his enterprise. He thinks for himself however at all times checks with head workplace first, which is nice.
"Kris could be very pushed and his clients actually charge him. It often takes some time for a sweep to get phrase of mouth referrals however simply six months in and he's receiving them often, an enormous testimonial to the service he offers.”
Kris will discover out if he's profitable at a glitzy awards bask on the Hilton in Glasgow on Might 25.
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