Franchise Hero: Paul Boniface
Published: 10 January 2020
Paul Boniface is the franchise director of leading mobility and stairlift retailer, AbleWorld.
What is your career highlight?
Having left school at 16 with five O-levels, no A-levels and no degree, each of my four professional qualifications has been a highlight. More recently, it was helping Ableworld become the largest mobility retailer in the UK.
What was your childhood dream job?
My mum, uncle and grandfather were all in the Royal Navy, so when I was young I saw myself as a sea captain. Unfortunately, I can’t swim very well so it's best that I stayed on terra firma.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
A couple of people who patiently taught me to be a management-skills trainer. Those skills changed my life.
How do you relax?
A long walk in the country and a slow pint afterwards in a traditional English pub.
Tell us a little-known fact about you…
I’m a part-time local radio DJ and once had tea and cake with rapper Dizzee Rascal!
Drink of choice?
I’m a member of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), so I’d have to say beer.
Holiday destination?
Almost anywhere where the walking is good, the weather is warm and the wine is drinkable. This autumn it was Portugal – and all three elements were excellent.
Dream dinner party guest(s)?
Ex-England cricketer and bon viveur David Gower, Michelle and Barack Obama, walker/broadcaster Julia Bradbury, and a couple of my like-minded friends.
Who’s providing the dinner party soundtrack?
I’ll do a mixtape of great pop music from the 1960s to the 2010s – just like my Sunday morning radio show.
Who’d play you in the film of your life?
David Niven (you’ll need to dig him up though).
Do you support any sports teams?
Cricket is my favourite sport. Hampshire (where I learned to play) and England are my teams.
One piece of advice you’d give to anyone starting out in business?
Work out where you want to go and how you’re going to get there; have a five-year plan, 12-month plan, quarterly plan, weekly plan, daily plan and a to-do list. And never take your eye off the ‘numbers’.
Personally, I am always striving to achieve a good balance in my life; having a clear idea of my priorities helps. Tolerance and humour are also very important to me. My philosophy towards others is to try wherever possible to leave them feeling a little taller or a little happier after our encounter, even if it’s only a friendly smile or a brief email.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good dad who knew how to have fun.
