Cutshop Hawke’s Bay Turns One
It’s hard to believe that it has already been a year since we opened our franchise in the Hawke’s Bay region, so we thought we’d check in with Andy Ross to see how it went.
Owning a business is no easy feat, but when Andy was asked if owning a Cutshop franchise was something he’d consider, he jumped at the opportunity.
Andy owns the Cutshop factory in Napier - it is one of four franchises across the country, and the only one of its kind in the region.
Earlier this month he and his wife, Sonia, celebrated their first year in business.
They had a new edge bander delivered to mark the occasion, allowing the husband- wife business duo to cut costs and time spent on any given project.
“We’re known for our efficiency, but with this new piece of equipment we’ll be able to get work done even faster.”
Andy says the year has been “a bit of a blur”. The opening of the franchise attracted a lot of interest from the get-go.
“We really took off with all guns blazing.”
While consumer demand hasn’t let up, Andy is pleased some of the challenges he’s faced in the last year are behind him.
“Three weeks after opening we went into lockdown. That was pretty scary, but I was able to use the time learning more about the business side of things, including new computer systems.”
Andy previously worked as a warehouse logistics manager for a brewing company.
He was already working with Simon from Cutshop Mt Wellington sourcing kitchens through him when they started the discussion about becoming a franchise.
Reflecting on one year in business, Andy says he’s glad he made the change.
“It is nice to be able to make decisions that benefit the business directly and having family working within Cutshop is an added bonus.”
