Francesco group's md talks business

 

Ben Dellicompagni is managing director of Francesco Group, the fast-expanding and hugely successful salon group which offers a blueprint for effective franchising and internal training.

What are the biggest issues affecting you right now?

Adapting  to the current financial climate and ensuring all salons have a robust financial and performance plan in place so they can  emerge from the recession, not only more profitable, but in a position to be aggressive about growth.

We have achieved this by working very closely on a one-to-one basis with all franchisees, recognising pressures on the salons' cash and putting into action plans to ensure the franchisee protects their profitability during the down turn.

Who do you admire in business and why?

I have one person that I look up to in particular, Peter Dellicompagni, joint shareholder and chairman of Francesco Group. He has mentored me for the past couple of years and before that directly trained me to be able to be the best managing director I can be for the Francesco Group. Whilst we don't always see eye to eye, which I believe is healthy for any business, Peter has nurtured the qualities in me that will ensure our family business continues to grow,  not only with increased salons but with on-going improvement in standards in every area of the business.  Most importantly he has taught me how to value the team around me and ensure we work together to drive the business forward.

What's the best career advice you have been given?

Without question it was from my father who said one must never let people down, always do what you say you are going to do and do it with belief.

Despite being successful, what ambitions do you have left?

It is my passion that Francesco Group in the next five years builds a reputation as strong as anyone in the industry for the highest quality of commercial hairdressing. and that we become a national brand.

Personally to see Mount Everest, an awe-inspiring mountain that puts us humans into perspective.

 

Has there ever been a crossroads in your career, what were your choices and did you make the right one?

I almost joined the Army, to be exact the Stafford regiment as an officer. I made it as far as being accepted for the officer core but decided it wasn't for me. I absolutely made the right decision.

What's the best part of your job and why?

Without question it's seeing salons put a plan together, with Francesco Group, see it through to fruition  then reap the benefits of their work and see franchisees enjoy the fruits of their success.

What's the worst part of your job?

Seeing people, for whatever reason, fail. Fortunately it hardly ever happens.

If you could give yourself advice as a 20-year-old what would it be?

Choose your career with both your head and your heart, then do everything with a willingness to learn and with the passion to be the best.

If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be?

I'd like to see an increase in the quality of learning experience for all of our youngsters who put their future in our hands.