TOP FRANCHISE INDUSTRY HONOUR FOR JAN MITMAN
Jan Mitman, co-founder of the renowned national Drain Doctor franchise, has been named a Companion of the British Franchise Association (BFA) for her contribution and dedication to franchising.
The highest honour for individuals given by the BFA, Jan Mitman becomes just the 19th recipient of Companionship since the Association’s formation in 1977.
After co-founding Drain Doctor in 1993 with husband Freddie Mitman, she franchised the business a year later and spent over two decades growing the brand from a standing start to its current position. The business has become a respected national brand thanks to Jan’s focus on customer service and meticulously finding, nurturing and supporting the right franchisees.
When they sold the Drain Doctor master licence back to parent franchisor the Dwyer Group in October 2015, Jan and Freddie had grown their network to around 80 franchisees and turnover approaching £20 million.
Operating in a heavily male-dominated industry, Jan has been described in the past as ‘the most powerful woman in plumbing and drainage’. By demonstrating an unerring commitment to ethics and the community she has become a central figure in franchising, well-known for championing the franchise business model and inspiring more women to become involved in the sector. She has won several awards over her career and has held several governance roles within the BFA, including serving as forum chair and a member of several committees.
Jan said: “I was thrilled and delighted to be made a Companion of the British Franchise Association. I have been a member of the BFA for 22 years and served as a regional chair as well as supporting various board committees. I am passionate about franchising as I firmly believe it is the safest way for people to go into business.
“Having sold our Drain Doctor master licence I still intend to be involved in the franchising world. I have been a keynote speaker and have been approached by several other franchise companies with a view to helping them. Over the years I have gained a lot of knowledge which I am happy to share.”
BFA chair Simon Bartholomew presented Jan with her honour at his recent Chairman’s Charity Dinner in Birmingham.
Launched in the UK in 1993, Drain Doctor Plumbing quickly grew to become the country's largest combined emergency plumbing and drain repair service. Drain Doctor now delivers full-service drainage solutions to national restaurant, hotel, catering and leisure businesses as well as households. It provides a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year service across the country with each franchise run as an independent business.
- Drain Doctor Plumbing - 0800 70 71 72
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