It is wonderful to hear about teachers who have successfully created their own business. We caught up with Teacher and Pastoral Lead, Dan Siskin, The Outdoor Project’s new franchisor to hear about his journey from teaching.
What Franchise Do You Own?
I own the Wycombe & The Chilterns Outdoors Project
What’s Your Background?
I grew up in North West London and studied Portuguese & Spanish at the University of Leeds before returning to London.
After 9 years in schools as a teacher and pastoral working, I decided to take up the opportunity of being a franchisee with The Outdoors Project. Along with my previous career as a teacher, I have enjoyed running after school clubs, international summer camps, Cub Scouts and as a qualified football coach and referee.
My language skills also allowed me to travel and work abroad, with my time in favelas in Brazil being the most memorable.
Why Did You Want To Leave Teaching?
My desire to work with young people has never been stronger, but wanted to find other ways of doing this.
The Outdoors Project presented the opportunity to do this in the purest form possible; outdoors, away from screens and focusing on the important things; fun and creativity.
Whilst I really wanted to rediscover my enjoyment of working in schools, the last few years were taking me further and further from this reality. After numerous months of deliberation and reluctantly making my way back into work, I knew it was time for a change.
Why Did You Pick A Franchise?
Once I had decided that I was leaving teaching, I considered that I had two principle options. Work for someone else, or work for myself.
I really liked the idea of working for myself however having spent my entire life in education (as a student and then immediately as a member of staff), the prospect of starting up a business was very daunting. Becoming a franchisee has provided me with what feels like a ‘hybrid’ solution.
I do work for myself but have a well-grounded organisation around me that has helped me kick-start this new chapter. It gives me great confidence to know that I will continue to have this support as I look to expand my business.
What Does Your Week Look Like?
On the back of a successful launch of Summer Holiday camps, I will be taking it a bit easier over the coming weeks. My attention will then turn to getting stuck into setting up some After School Clubs in the area and putting plans in place for our next season of Holiday Camps.
What Did You Wish You Knew Before Starting A Franchise?
I was concerned that being part of a franchise was going to involve lots of navigating around corporate systems and cultures that I just wasn’t interested in. It has been nothing like that at all. I have learnt that the success of the overall franchise very much depends on the success and happiness of all of its individual franchisees.
What Support Did Your Franchise Give You?
I’ve been really impressed with the training. It’s an experienced and supportive team. The website they’ve created, the booking system, all the marketing options.
All these things are going to be super useful as I look to build my own business. Also being able to speak with the other franchisees gave me an insight into what life was going to be like as a franchisee and how I should approach my launch.
What Skills Did You Use From Teaching?
All of them! From the obvious ones such as working with children and communicating with parents to more refined skills such as training up staff and working with other professionals (such as venue schools).
Even the aspects of the business that are newer to me such as the marketing side of things have been made easier by the behind-the-scenes admin that I had to do as a teacher.
What Are Your Top 3 Tips For A Teacher Looking For A Franchise?
- Take your time and find the right fit for you. There are lots of opportunities out there. I took nearly 2 years to make my decision. Do your research and ask to talk to existing franchisees.
- Trust in yourself that you can transfer all of those skills from school life into a new environment.
- Try to enjoy the process. For whatever reason you are looking to leave teaching, allow yourself to be excited by being to choose what you do next.
Thank you so much Dan for taking the time to share your journey with us.
Did Teach CEO Katie Stickley had the pleasure of attending one of Dan’s sessions, if you would like to learn more then please watch this video of her time with Dan.
If you would like to learn more about The Outdoor Project you can visit our Nature Page or their website: The Outdoor Project
