In this section I will provide some details on how our initial training program works, and also write about the on-going support built into the Hickory Dickory Decks system.
Our initial training program is for four weeks for the owner and three weeks for their lead carpenter, held at our head office in Hamilton, Ontario. One of the four weeks is sales and marketing and is done in a classroom environment. Our trainers are experts in design, sales, building, and business operations, with all segments being interwoven into a complete training system.
There are three weeks of deck building during the day with our experienced and licensed crafts person. One of these weeks is usually spent inside our 6,000 square ft wood shop/training facility. During training, the new franchisee will spend time in real life situations with our professional team. Over the training period many long term relationships will be built that can be of assistance in the future. Our training manuals cover sales, building and operations, and are constantly being updated and improved. Our philosophy is that training never stops.
Once the initial four week period is complete, the new franchisee will be in daily conservations with a franchise manager. These managers have experience in all of the fields of running a successful deck business and are available daily for questions and support. Some of the things a franchise manager does with a new franchise is helping with:
Hickory Dickory Decks offers training for the existing franchises as well, with two hour sessions weekly and full day training sessions held during the off season. We also have a two day pre-season training convention that is packed full of what's new each year. Our business has grown by building a strong team of quality oriented members. Our entire team, both franchisees and head office staff, are there to support each member.
