Chris Elms, director of BabyBallers on Oz expansion, inspiration, and motivation.
GF: What does success look like to you?
CE: Success is about making sure you are successful with the little things each and every day; these daily wins all go together to make the big success possible. Long-term success for us is having a business model that is relevant and profitable today and in five years’ time, 10 years’ time, and beyond, with happy customers, franchisees, and employees all over the world.
GF: What most interests you about franchising?
CE: I love growing a brand, and if you get the model right, I love the way franchising has the power to grow a brand all over the world at an incredible rate. Not only that, but I love the fact that franchising allows you to work with and support other entrepreneurs in growing their businesses; it’s a win-win for both parties.
GF: Where do you see BabyBallers in five years?
CE: We have come so far in the first five years, so we’re very excited about the next five. Our international plan will hopefully see us open in many cities and suburbs
throughout Australia, continue our growth plans throughout Europe, and hopefully, enter into Asia in the next five years.
GF: What are the biggest challenges facing your industry today?
CE: For our clubs and industry, it’s still the coronavirus pandemic. It has impacted the confidence of the parents and finding suitable locations, but the challenge is thankfully easing every day.
GF: What inspires you and why?
CE: I have always been inspired by entrepreneurs and the journey they have taken to get where they are. This inspired me to start my first business and I soon got that excitement and motivation of creating something from scratch and working hard day- in day-out to make that grow into something to make my family proud. That motivation and excitement of growing a business is still there and I still look forward to going to work every day; however, my inspiration comes from my wife and children now. I want to make them proud, provide for them, and give them the best opportunities in life.
