Mr. Quickie franchisee talks about work-life balance

Veteran radio broadcaster Salvador “Zaldy” Vilches is now a proud and satisfied entrepreneur. It was in 2012 when he bought and started operating his own Mr. Quickie store in Binondo, Manila. He admitted that venturing into a business was something new for him. But he didn’t expect it to be easy and enjoyable at the same time.

However, Vilches did not become an entrepreneur to pursue money. At first, he thought he just needed something to work on. He initially looked into several food businesses but he was held back by lack of familiarity with the industry. It was then that he learned about Mr. Quickie.

“It helped me recover and move on,” says the 52-year-old widower. Vilches recalls that he was mourning over his late wife’s demise in 2011 when he decided to try entrepreneurship through getting a franchise of Mr. Quickie. He adds that personally supervising his store has been making his mind busy and free from sad thoughts. It was his first time to handle and manage a business, but so far it has been working.

Busy but happy

He seems to be juggling a number of things in his hands these days, which he hinted as somehow therapeutic for him. At home, he is a loving father to two children, who are now starting to have lives of their own as young adults. By profession, he is still an active radio broadcaster, currently co-hosting a daily radio show over DZIQ 990 AM—Radyo Inquirer (Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon).

It is during his free time that he drops by Lucky Chinatown mall to check on his  Mr. Quickie store. In his profession, he usually gets to know his schedules ahead of time. “But with Mr. Quickie, I’m at random. I just drop by (the store) anytime, look at the sales reports, and leave,” he discloses.

As a hands-on manager and owner of his franchised Mr. Quickie store, Vilches often goes to the company’s headquarters in Pasig City to personally pick up supplies for his store’s operations. “They can deliver the materials but I prefer to come here,” he emphasizes.

This is why he knows almost everyone in the company’s office. In jest, he says he frequents the place to enjoy people’s company and free coffee. “So far, so good. I’m satisfied with the people here. I can easily communicate with them. I can even text them late at night if I need to ask something.”

Benefits of owning Mr. Quickie franchise

Vilches is all-praises about Mr. Quickie. When asked about the advantages of owning a franchise, he readily asserts he is very satisfied with the service and support he gets. “Maganda ang after sales service nila (Their after sales service is excellent). They quickly respond when I report problems in the store.” He reiterates that in this industry, it is important for a service provider to act quickly. There is a need to live up to the brand’s name.

Secondly, Vilches is happy about what he describes as Mr. Quickie’s “superb customer practice.” He finds satisfaction as well as the thought that he helps a lot of customers who need to fix personal belongings from shoes to bags. “I am glad to be part of their attachments to their beloved items,” he says.

As for the investment, he admits that although the store may seem “meek and small,” the franchise is actually “more than how much you think it costs.” But he also emphasizes, “After all, this is not a mediocre type of business.”

Insights shared to others

Overall, Vilches’ satisfaction and contentment over owning and operating his own Mr. Quickie franchise emanates from the good experience he has been enjoying since he started operating the franchise. That is why he is currently planning to open another Mr. Quickie store in the near future. He discloses that he may open his second  store next year, if not later this year.

He has this advice to all other Mr. Quickie franchise operators like himself: “Be hands on with your business. It will pay off to learn so much about this business. Have an open mind to gain greater exposure.” He adds, “You should personally supervise your store.”

To other would-be entrepreneurs, Vilches has this to share: “Try to come up with a budget first before making investments. Check out websites, like Entrepreneur.com.ph, to look for promising opportunities. Compare potential businesses according to consumers’ needs.”

Just like Vilches, you, too, can be an entrepreneur and still strike an ideal work-life balance. Check out the opportunity to buy and operate your own Mr. Quickie franchised store here.