Episode #417 - Scaling with Simplicity: A Conversation with Steve Witt

In this engaging episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent sits down with Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, to explore the journey and growth of this unique travel franchise business. Founded in 2001, Not Just Travel has become one of the fastest-growing franchises in the UK, with a network of home-based travel consultants. Steve shares valuable insights into their business model, growth strategies, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

Key Discussion Points:

Business Model & Background:

Not Just Travel offers personalised travel booking services through franchised home-based consultants.

The company shifted to a franchise model in 2008, allowing for rapid scaling without the cash flow challenges of hiring employees.

Scaling Through Franchising:

The franchise model has enabled Not Just Travel to add around 200 new franchises per year.

The company places a strong emphasis on training, support systems, and cultivating a positive company culture, including daily team huddles and success recognition programs.

Leadership and Strategy:

Steve emphasises the importance of documented processes and systems, and having a clear "North Star" vision.

They've learned from hiring mistakes, now prioritising cultural fit over technical skills.

A strategic decision to reinvest profits has fueled growth, with a focus on long-term success rather than short-term gains.

Steve Witt's journey with Not Just Travel is a testament to the power of a simple, scalable business model and a strong company culture. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, there's plenty to learn from Steve's experiences and insights.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

You can get in touch with Kevin here:

kevin@biz-smart.co.uk

 

Kevin's Latest Book Is Available!

Drawing on BizSmart’s own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up.

More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/

 

Steve can be found here:

https://www.the-travel-franchise.com/

https://www.notjusttravel.com/

 

Resources:

Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/think-and-grow-rich-vermilion-life-essentials-napoleon-hill/978298?ean=9781785042416

Entrepreneur On Fire Podcast - https://www.eofire.com/podcast/

Seth Godin Books - https://www.sethgodin.com/

Mastering the Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/mastering-the-rockerfeller-habits-what-you-must-do-to-increase-the-value-of-your-growing-firm-verne-harnish/6296518?ean=9780978774950

Evernote - https://evernote.com/