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““I joined Specsavers in September 2014 after working for a company for 15 years where I was constantly told to treat my business as if it was my own, but it never truly was. The Specsavers business model offered that opportunity in an environment where I could be constantly learning and growing while providing great clinical service.

Once I joined Specsavers, my host partners were nothing short of awesome. They had a clear plan of my training needs and I was supported by not just them but the entire team. I was completely immersed within their business and was included in the decision-making process from day one. I learned that feedback was a gift that only made you better.

The biggest challenge for me was starting at the bottom and not having all the answers. Through the support of my host partners, I knew I had made the right decision and five years later I am the retail dispensing partner at two stores.

The opportunity to learn, absorb and see how different partnerships work are the greatest benefits of the program. I had the opportunity to support several stores during the PID program. All the host partners I came across were great support and from that I made relationships that I will continue to have."”

Katie DalyRetail Partner at Specsavers Penrith Westfield and Nepean (NSW)

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“"I joined the Specsavers PID program in November 2014. I've always dreamed about owning my own business and utilising my skills as a leader / retail manager and I'd heard great things about the Specsavers partnership. I was amazed that there was a company that would pay me a wage to train and support me to realise my own dream.

I had the pleasure of being a part of both the Wynnum and Browns Plains stores in Queensland. Going from leader to newbie was tough and humbling. I wanted to contribute and add value to the store immediately, which was difficult in the beginning without the optics knowledge. The experience has given me invaluable insight to what every new team member feels and I have adapted my own onboarding process as a result.

If there is one tip I would give to a new PID, it's that you control the pace of your learning. Ask lots of questions and if you feel you are missing gaps, speak up early and ask for help - the support is there.

After we all felt confident with my knowledge of the business, I was offered the Palmerston store in the NT. This was a huge decision (even bigger than changing careers) and wasn't taken lightly, but I saw the potential in moving to a growing remote location and was excited for a lifestyle change. I’m now a very happy, successful partner in a growing store and have never looked back."”

Luke IveyRetail Partner at Specsavers Palmerston (NT)

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“"After working in retail for over 10 years, I found myself wanting to take the skills I had learned and apply them in a different environment where I would be given the opportunity to build something for myself.

Researching Specsavers as a respected brand in the community and the business model of a JVP which had worked successfully for so many years, I knew I wanted to be part of it.

I was given the opportunity to take on the PID journey in May 2014, where I commenced my induction and optical training in Rouse Hill and Stanhope Gardens. I had amazing support from the partners there that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone of a day-to-day manager and step into becoming a business leader. From there I continued my journey working in Warringah Mall and then onto Hornsby, developing and building my skills in the lead up to taking on my own business.

Throughout my PID journey I was in contact with the partner recruitment team, regional support team and host partners who constantly liaised with each other to ensure I was getting the most of my journey and to support me along the way.

In April 2015, I was asked to take on an acting partner role in Parramatta where I was able to bring together what I had learned over the past 11 months and see what I could bring to a business in a thriving area. By October 2015, I had committed to taking on the role as Retail Director for Parramatta. Now with the support of greatly matched business partners, the Local Regional Support team and the Support Office in Melbourne, we have taken the business from strength to strength. Now we are looking forward to expanding this year by opening a second site and launching Audiology in our area, giving more people in our community much greater affordable healthcare.

In addition to my role as a Retail Director, in May 2019 I was nominated by my colleagues and Regional Support Team to take on a joint role in the NSW/ACT Regional Advisory Group, which focuses on topics such as strengthening regional performance, competitive landscape, operational consistency and introducing key business initiatives. This role also gave me the opportunity to have a voice in Specsavers as a brand where I attended the Annual Planning workshop to brainstorm on topics planning for the next three years.

Now coming into my sixth year with Specsavers, I believe my journey is only just beginning and I’m looking forward to the many chapters ahead."”

Dylan DissanayakeRetail Partner at Specsavers Parramatta (NSW)

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“"My career goal has always been to own my own business. I found myself in a position where I was ready to explore options that worked best for myself, my family and would help achieve my career aspirations. After looking at many different business models and weighing up the risks and rewards, no other company stacked up in terms support, fees, brand recognition and turnover. Plus, Specsavers was a business, that at the end of the day, helped people with a fundamental human need – their eyesight. A big factor in why I chose this business was being able to help people.

Starting out, my host partners introduced me to optics and the running of the day-to-day business. I always felt supported and knew what was expected of me to succeed in the program. Had it not been for my host partners’ in-depth and decade worth of experience at Specsavers, I would never have been able to hit the ground running like I did in my new store.

The PID journey can be a rollercoaster with many ups and downs, but the result is well worth the challenge."”

Ryan GibsonRetail Partner at Specsavers Glenfield (NZ)

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“"I started my retail career at an early age with a fastmoving consumer goods brand, where I spent over a decade with the company, honing my skills as a retailer as I made my way up the career ladder. I reached a point in my life where it became necessary to consider a career change in order to build a foundation for my young and growing family.

The opportunity arose to become a business owner in a company that was fast becoming known as the leader in its field and I jumped at it. I joined Specsavers as a Partner in Development (PID) five years ago and have never looked back.

The PID program is a structured development course for experienced retailers who understand the intricacies of running a retail business but have no prior optical knowledge. I was afforded the luxury of being able to experience multiple store settings during my 12-month program, which greatly enhanced my learning journey.

What made the PID program special for me was being paired with two extremely successful franchise partners, Helen and Bernard Chung. My host partners were focused on my development, teaching me every facet of the optical business, so I could become well versed at dispensing glasses. Combined with a range of training courses facilitated by the support office, I was well equipped for JVP in my own store.

I spent the next four years as Retail Partner at Broadmeadows and it was a remarkable experience. The standout was being able to develop the close relationships I had with team. Together with my Optometrist partner Christina Pizzuto, we took the store to new heights in terms of customer volume, customer experience and sales growth. The opportunities to grow the store were endless and included store renewals, expansions and relocations.

Even then as the leader of the business, Specsavers still maintained a big emphasis on my personal development and frequently checked in on my wellbeing. As well as the core development program, there are also courses available to continually develop your leadership capability. A couple of years in, Specsavers gave me the opportunity to complete a Certificate IV in optical dispensing at RMIT which then took my technical ability to new a new level.

Career progression is important to me and Specsavers ensured that I was supported with continual development opportunities. Having felt accomplished with my achievements at a large-sized store, I was now ready to embark on the challenges of an extra-large store. At the end of 2019, the support office team helped me facilitate the sale of my share at Broadmeadows and the purchase of shares at the flagship Highpoint store.

I have so much gratitude for the people who have supported me at Specsavers over the years and it is a truly remarkable company. I still wake up every day thinking that the opportunities I have been given are too good to be true and I am just so thankful to be a part of the Specsavers team."”

Johnny TangRetail Partner at Specsavers Highpoint (VIC)

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“"The main attraction of Specsavers was the chance to work in an exciting, dynamic industry with a company that lives by genuine values, and values that I have a strong connection with. After some initial research I was genuinely excited at the prospect of joining the Specsavers team. The opportunity to have ownership of my results and be a partner in a store was something I could not experience anywhere else.

I was lucky to be hosted by the amazing team at Hollywood Plaza in South Australia. The entire team embraced me, and they had a strong understanding of what was required of me and the development required for my success. The program allowed me to learn about optics without the day-to-day challenges of running a retail store, I was supported by the store team and especially the Partners, Ben and Yusuf. Along with the on-the-job training, I attended the extensive off-the-job training -no stone was left unturned to ensure I was given every opportunity to succeed. Once I have developed my optics knowledge Ben and Yusuf focused on the business side of my development so I could get the best results possible in my own store.

After nine months, I was given the opportunity to run a store as a Partner. This was a fantastic test of the knowledge I gained at Hollywood. . After a successful six months at the Kilkenny store I was offered a partnership opportunity at the Munno Para store, where I enjoy a very strong and successful partnership with my optometrist Partner Lynne.

The PID journey was challenging, but extremely rewarding. The learning curve of optics is a steep one, but this program allows you to focus on the optics. No question is too much for anyone at Specsavers and you will always find someone willing and able to assist you along your learning journey and beyond. I could not be happier with my career change. I enjoy the challenges and I get great fulfilment from my day-to-day work.

If you are considering or have started a career as a PID at Specsavers, my advice to you is this; trust the program, focus on the optics, live the values and enjoy the ride."”

Michael RobertsRetail Partner at Munno Para and Gawler (SA)

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““I joined Specsavers as a PID after almost 10 years as a passionate retailer. I wanted to take the next step in my career and own my own business. I was looking for a company that valued their customers, their staff and development, and had great company culture.

My biggest learning curve was optics as a whole as I had no prior experience in the industry. The great thing about the PID program is that it supports you to gain the knowledge and skills required in optics, so you become confident in this area.

Overall, my experience with the PID program has been excellent. I see an exciting and amazing green-blooded future for both the company and myself at Specsavers. Joining Specsavers has definitely been the most rewarding career move that I have ever made!””

Oli AtanasovskaRetail Partner at Broadmeadows (VIC)