How a sandwich shop boss turned trauma into triumph

Following lifesaving surgery, Cassandra Bodington sold her business and bought an ActionCOACH franchise. She’s not looked back since

In 2013, as Cassandra Bodington attempted to run her sandwich shop from a hospital bed, she realised things had to change.

When she was well enough to get back to her business, two goals were set: getting the business to a point where it could operate without her and, when it reached that point, ensuring other business owners didn’t have to go through the same stress.

Cassandra says: “I was misdiagnosed with an internal rupture, collapsing one day, and ended up needing eight hours of lifesaving surgery.

“I focused on getting myself fit for work and spent a lot of time putting in foundations to ensure the business wasn’t dependent on me.

“After 18 months, both me and the business were healthy again and the time came to sell. I realised that I had to share my story and make sure other business owners wouldn’t face the same kind of ordeal.”

Making the moves

Drawing on her experience in customer service and running her own business, Cassandra thought about what she would do next.

She was intrigued by ActionCOACH, after getting a recommendation from her accountant, and began to research the opportunity further.

“I’d never heard of ActionCOACH before, but it was exactly what I was looking for,” Cassandra says.

“Yes, I was my own boss again, but it was nothing like before - I’d be able to build a successful business that wouldn’t fall apart without me and I’d get to help other business owners achieve the same.

“I worked hard for the first two years, securing a handful of clients. And then, in 2017, my daughter arrived, flipping my whole world upside down as a single parent.

“When I was ready to return from maternity leave, I had a serious conversation with myself. If I was going to do this, I was going to be damn good at it.”

Becoming triumphant

“It was almost like a switch had been flicked. I received a sudden burst of motivation and set myself an immediate goal of getting 15 clients who connected with me on a personal level, intending to double my monthly client income to £20,000.

“As a single mother, I’m passionate about helping those who are facing the same challenges as I did. I love being a mum and my daughter provides constant motivation - she’s my daily reminder of why I love what I do.

“The support I receive from ActionCOACH to be a mum while building a successful business is amazing.

“I knew this was a benefit of a franchise, but I’ve got to be honest and say I didn’t quite expect this level of support. It’s exceeded everything I ever imagined.

“ActionCOACH has given me the flexibility to properly enjoy my downtime, working just three days a week.

“When I switch off from my business, I feel a sense of great satisfaction around the difference I’ve made in my local community.”

At a glance

Established:

1993 in Australia. 2001 in UK

Number of franchised outlets:

200-plus in the UK

Location of units:

UK-wide

Investment range:

£69,000

Minimum required capital:

£20,000

Contact:

If you want to build a business with scalability and longevity, make a difference in your local community and you’re the kind of person who:
A. Loves learning and developing yourself;
B. Has enjoyed success in your career or sport; and
C. Is willing to invest if you see substantial rewards can be made…
Then find out more by watching the overview video at actioncoach.co.uk/overview