Franchising is big business in South Africa. To date, national franchise group Cash Crusaders has a family of over 200 franchises (210 at last count) across southern Africa. The recession-proof business model and close relationship the company has with its franchisees make the secondhand giant a highly sought-after business opportunity for potential franchise owners who range from entrepreneurs and retirees to couples and families. More than 13 franchisees are women.

Leandra Pietersen became the official franchise owner of Cash Crusaders Mossel Bay in 2011 after working as a buyer, then manager, before finally taking over the business. Through her wealth of experience and thorough knowledge of the business, she has seen the franchise grow from strength to strength.

Leandra is no stranger to franchising. She worked for many years in the automotive industry, which she admits was predominantly a man’s world. Nevertheless, she learned some valuable lessons in her radiator franchise. Her sage advice for female business owners? “Knowledge is power,” she says.

Leandra firmly believes being a woman gives her the upper hand in her store, where she has to interact with customers on a daily basis. “I can have a conversation with anyone,” she says. “The buyshop keeps your feet on the ground and you need to have empathy with a client’s situation. I honestly believe that’s one of the reasons I do my job well.”

For Leandra, working for herself and forming relationships with her customers has been a life-changer. “I love being part of Cash Crusaders, it’s become part of my identity,” she says.

Leandra’s is one of many success stories as more and more women franchisees join the Cash Crusaders ranks.

First-time franchisee Puleng Mofokeng opened Cash Crusaders Tembisa earlier this year. She’s always felt a connection to the brand. “I always enjoyed shopping at Cash Crusaders stores and loved the variety of items you could find at reasonable prices. The anticipation of finding something different every time I visited kept me excited. My family had to drag me out of the store every time. The friendliness of staff created a great shopping experience.”

When Puleng decided to start her own business it seemed like a match made in heaven. “Being part of the Cash Crusaders family, and the immense support I received assisted me to launch the business. I am grateful to be part of the proven business system that ensures my growth and the growth of my business,” she says.

Running her own business has become a passion for the entrepreneur. “Being able to interact with the surrounding community on a daily basis and noticing the positive impact the business has on the community is quite rewarding. We can say I am doing what I love doing – spending time in a Cash Crusaders store!”

As a businesswoman, Puleng says she has to constantly challenge herself and has some advice for anyone wanting to follow in her path. “The continuous training and education of staff contributes to the success of the business. It’s also important to reinvest in your business to help it grow.”

Business trends show that woman’s entrepreneurship is on the rise. As a proudly South African company, Cash Crusaders is ready to help the next generation of entrepreneurs be in business for themselves.

Reference: BizCommunity www.bizcommunity.com