Five minutes with Troy Tappenden

Troy Tappenden, founder and chairman of Dream Doors

How did Dream Doors come into being?

Around ’95-’96, I wanted to be my own boss. Come Sunday night, I was fed up about going back to work on a Monday. But there’s no point moaning about it – you’ve got to go and do something about it.  So I started researching franchises…

I took up a business opportunity doing kitchen makeovers. It was ultimately a sales job.

I placed an ad in the local paper, and waited for the calls – it took a couple of weeks and after a while we were getting plenty of jobs.

Did you know what Dream Doors would become?

I was wet behind the ears! So no, I didn’t know I’d eventually have 80 or 90 franchisees and be turning over 50 million a year! What I was trying to do was find a business model that made me money locally and where I’d be my own boss.

Why franchise?

I knew about franchising because I’d looked into it as a business proposition.

I started in April ’99. By mid-2002, I knew the model was absolutely bulletproof; I’d opened a showroom and had a few fitters working for me.

I thought that if I had looked for three years for a business opportunity, then there must be other people still in that position, and I know Dream Doors is franchisable across the country.

What was it like to go from businessman to franchisor?

I remember going to my first exhibition to recruit – it was an eye-opener! You never stop learning. I’d never been shown how to recruit and look after franchisees, how to train them, make them hungry to succeed. I had to learn on my feet – and quickly! 

What is your career highlight?

The earliest one, and one that made me extremely proud, was when we won Brand Builder of the Year in 2008. It was our first major national award, and I was at the Dorchester Hotel with my then-new partner Vicky to accept it. I was so proud to receive recognition from the franchising world.

Who’s your bestie in franchising?

Alex Waite [Dream Doors’ franchise recruitment manager] – he’s been with me on this incredible journey for 15 years, giving each other strength and support. He’s not just a close friend but has been there all the way, growing Dream Doors. We’re the dream team.

What would you do differently?

I’d have done some things sooner, but that’s easy to say with hindsight! A CRM system, for one…

How do you relax?

I have a villa in Rhodes and we go every four weeks in the summer, 10 days at a time. I go there to recharge my batteries.

What’s in the future for Dream Doors?

We’re now at 84 franchisees, and we’re homing in on 100 by 2019. We want to keep growing, pushing and supporting the brand, further our national brand awareness, and make our franchisees happy.

What’s your team?

Tottenham, absolutely! Spurs is my team. I’ve got my Tottenham shirt on the wall here in my new offices. It’s a pure love affair (although it would be nice to win a trophy!).

Who would you have to a dinner party?

My wife, Vicky, Ray Winstone, and Peter Jones from Dragons’ Den – I think he’s brilliant! The music is provided by my final guest – Frank Sinatra singing ‘My Way’.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Ray Winstone – he’s the only one that could play me!

How would you like to be remembered?

As a character. He liked a bit of banter and was full of fun, but deadly serious when it came to business and his franchise network. Straight down the line, honest and trustworthy. Incredibly driven… but likes the craic.

What’s your poison?

A screwdriver – vodka and orange. I also like Alfa, a Greek lager.

What’s your one vital piece of business advice?

Whatever you do, research thoroughly, take your time and get it right, make sure you’re well funded, and be strong and resilient – you’ll need broad shoulders and skin like a rhino. As long as you have an attitude to learn and work alongside us, then we can teach the rest.