Sharon - The Cat Butler Franchisee in Molesey

Introduction

• Your name and age: Sharon Bonner (52)
• Name of your The Cat Butler Territory? The Cat Butler Molesey
• When did you launch your The Cat Butler business? 9th October 2023
• How long did it take you to break even (make back your franchise fee)? 3 months
• What did you do before you owned your The Cat Butler business? I was a senior marketing manager for a fragrance distribution company
• How many Cat Butler staff do you employ? 4 (as of February 2025)

Why did you decide to leave your previous job?

I’d spent over three decades working in the fragrance and cosmetic industry which has been amazing, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing, but I knew that the company that I had worked with for 24 years would be closing as its owners retired, so the time had come to think of myself and my future dreams and aspirations.

What made you think about caring for cats?

It was a lightbulb moment when I saw a Facebook advert for the franchise. I had just been told that I was being made redundant and to be honest I had felt a little unfulfilled for quite a while so I was at a crossroads in my career. I saw the advert and thought wow, that is meant to be. I have always had cats and love them, my two Bertie and Gertie are coming up to 16 and have some health issues and I know how much it would mean to me if I could find someone that I could trust to look after them the same way that I do. I thought I could be that person for someone else who needs me and that was the start of my The Cat Butler journey. 

Why did you decide to buy a The Cat Butler franchise rather than set up on your own?

The franchise package is amazing, just looking at the website it felt like a professional operation, and then after my initial call with the franchisor, Sandra, the whole set-up felt purr-fect. I feel that customers have the reassurance that The Cat Butler is a company that they can trust. Just look at all the 5-star reviews!!! Clients know that we are trained, and vetted and can feel confident that The Cat Butler only takes on the best people.

How was the support setting up your The Cat Butler franchise?

Outstanding! I was given guidance and shown proof that the franchise worked for the other franchisees. The franchisees spoke so highly of Sandra and the franchise which made me feel reassured that I was doing the right thing in investing in my own The Cat Butler franchise. The training was incredibly detailed and I was impressed with the level of knowledge that was passed on to the franchisees, from first aid training to customer service and systems. The other franchisees are always on the end of the phone, as is Sandra, so even though it's my business I never feel alone, and know I'm part of a great team.

3 months in, how is your business going? Is it everything you were hoping it would be? Are you making a profit?

3 months in and I’m very nearly at break even, it’s been more than I could have imagined and the whole experience has been positive. 

I certainly hit the ground running when I launched with over 20 enquiries on my first day and I haven’t really stopped since! I am already looking to expand my team and looking to recruit Cat Butlers for my area in the next few months so that I can cope with the busy summer months.

What have you found most challenging and how have you overcome it?

The main challenge is getting clients but the marketing package that you receive at launch really starts your business off amazingly. The PR launch was great and I even managed to introduce my business on the BBC Surrey breakfast radio show which was great, I got 3 months of Google ads as well as help with leaflet deliveries in the local area which saw the enquiries flooding in. The Cat Butler HQ also manages the Facebook and Instagram posts and I have an amazing Facebook group in my local community where I have made so many friends. So even the challenges have been great and I can't wait to get The Cat Butler Molesey's name out in the area for 2024!!

What has been your biggest success as a new business owner?

Apart from almost breaking even in 3 months and having so many bookings for 2024, my biggest success so far has been the fact that I have already had so much repeat business which must mean I'm doing something right! In a customer service-driven environment it's great to know that people trust you with their most precious things….their precious fur babies AND their homes. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying a The Cat Butler Franchise?

DO IT, you will never regret it, the business feels like a gift and you will never feel the stress of a 9-5 again, your life is yours to direct and you will never look back. It really is the BEST job I the world!