Michael's Snap decision was the perfect one to make
One evening in Pretoria, one of three South African capitals, Michael Pitschlitz would make a life changing decision to leave his beloved homeland, following a home invasion by an armed intruder.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, but for a man with a young family it was quite a scare and sadly South Africa had become too dangerous to stay.
“It was a big decision, but the right one. Pretoria like so much of South Africa faced issues of crime and violence, the government was doing nothing, so it was time to leave.”
Working as a senior manager in Industrial Automation, Michael was able to arrange for a 5-year working contract in Australia, moving his family as he sought out a new life ‘down under.’
Whilst he always enjoyed his work, one passion Michael had was to be his own boss, to run a business his way, so as his 5-year contract neared the end, he started to look for business opportunities.
This drew him toward a Franchise and Michael looked at plenty.
“We looked at multiple Franchises, Tatts, Wendy’s, Subway, Degani, and then I came across an opportunity that intrigued me for a Snap Franchise.”
What drew Michael to Snap was the fact that his brother, who had now joined him in Australia had experience as a printer, but as important was the Monday-Friday 9-5pm lifestyle.
“I had young twins and wanted to spend time with them before they grew into their teenage years and Snap would provide that opportunity to spend time with them on weekends and in the evenings.”
So, Michael and his wife Joanne made the call and purchased Snap Essendon in 2016 and with the support of the team at Snap was soon up and running at his new Franchise.
“The support was fantastic, training was brilliant at head office, with the support continuing back in the store and the mentoring network of other owners was fabulous, if you had a new product or issue, they were happy to step away from their own business to give you a hand.”
So successful was the Snap Centre in Essendon, Michael then decided to purchase a second store in 2018 in Abbotsford and shortly after the centre in Tullamarine, owning three Centres, which he runs with the help of his brother.
“The decision to buy a Snap Franchise has been a great success for me and my family, the real difference in joining Snap is that you are not treated as only a ‘Franchise’ owner, you become part of a family.”
Snap’s National Franchise Systems & Development Manager Peter Fiasco says that stories like Michael’s is what makes Snap such as special place to work at.
“Michael, like so many Franchise owners represents the Snap difference, when you take up a Franchise you are becoming part of an Australian icon that has been in business for over 120 years, it is a special place to work and people such as Michael and his family only enrich our values further.”
As for Michael, would he ever make a return to South Africa?
“My family loves Australia, we love Melbourne; this is our home, and we are so glad we found it.”
One thing is clear in talking to Michael, South Africa’s loss is Australia’s gain!
First Published 31st May 2021