Uniglobe Experience Travel

UNIGLOBE Travel employs 35 people at the corporate level and operates more than 700 locations in 60 countries. Evans sums up their work environment in four words:  fun, freedom, belonging and power. 'It really comes right from the top - right from the founder,' Henry says. 'There is a tremendous sense of family and a tremendous sense of loyalty along with interactions between us and our franchisees. For most of them it is a hug, not a handshake.' Many of UNIGLOBE's franchisees have been operating between 20 and 30 years. 'There's a tremendous amount of loyalty and it really works in both directions,' Henry explains. UNIGLOBE makes for an attractive investment because franchisees are provided with a structured business, an existing network of contacts, and the opportunity to create their own success. 'It is an intellectual franchise,' says Evans. 'It uses your head, not your hands so much. That really distinguishes it from a lot of the businesses you can get into.' 'You can go out and actually use your mind to create business,' he adds. When UNIGLOBE looks for a new franchisee, they look for enthusiastic individuals with an outgoing personality. An ideal UNIGLOBE operator is someone who communicates effectively and has 'a big heart,' Evans says. 'You have got to care about people in order to go and make relationships last a long time. You can't be cold about anything.' 'They have to have a culture match with the rest of UNIGLOBE. You fit right in if you like to have fun,' he adds. 'We don't sell franchises, we award them.' Franchisees receive three or four days of personalized training at two different locations. One is at a centre in California where franchisees receive operational support on how to get their business started. The other training is held on a timely basis at their international management academy in Vancouver. 'There's an experience there to be had that is really valuable and gives you a global perspective on a personal basis,' Evans says. Franchisees are also offered ongoing support year-round. No matter the issue or support they need, the company finds ways to assist them. 'We're going to help them get the resources they need to succeed,' Henry says. - See more at: http://www.businessworld-magazine.com/business-profiles-and-featured-articles/service_industry/uniglobe-travel/#sthash.SdCYFLgp.dpuf