For many new business owners, entering the automotive repair sector can be a daunting prospect. For Revive! Luton & Stevenage franchisees Dane Bell and Giles Goudge, however, the journey began with more than three decades of combined industry experience and a shared ambition to build something of their own.
Dane brings 17 years of bodyshop experience, while Giles spent 15 years running his own detailing business before making the move into vehicle repair. Their paths first crossed when Dane repaired a friend’s vehicle, leading to a conversation that ultimately encouraged Giles to pursue a career in the bodyshop sector.
Over the years, Dane developed expertise across multiple areas of the industry, including running his own bodyshop. He also spent time as a Revive! technician during the company’s earlier “man-in-a-van” days, giving him a unique insight into how the business has evolved into today’s management franchise model.
Giles later joined the bodyshop where he worked alongside Dane for two years. During that time, both recognised the opportunities that came with business ownership and began looking for the right route into franchise ownership.
Getting off the tools
While both enjoyed the practical side of the industry, they knew long-term success meant stepping into leadership roles.
For Giles, the decision was partly driven by the physical demands of detailing work.
“The constant vibration from machine polishing takes its toll over time. I knew I wanted to move into a position where I could use my experience differently and help grow a team.”
Dane shared similar ambitions.
“It became a really attractive option to come off the tools and run my own business with a great support network behind me.”
For Dane, investing in a Revive! franchise represented a long-term opportunity for both himself and his family.
Both men were impressed by the strength of the Revive! brand and the support available through Head Office.
Giles was particularly encouraged by the quality of the products and supplier partnerships used throughout the network.
“The brands Revive! works with are all top quality. It’s great to be joining a business that’s committed to using the very best products.”
The training programme also exceeded expectations.
“Even areas I wasn’t directly involved in, like social media and marketing, were eye-opening. It really showed how much support is available to help you grow.”
Having experienced first-hand the challenges of building a reputation from scratch, Dane recognised the value of joining an established national brand.
“Starting a new business on your own is tough. With Revive!, I’ve felt supported every step of the way.”
Building a team for the future
Although both franchisees are automotive enthusiasts at heart, their ambitions extend far beyond owning their dream cars.
For them, success is about building a strong team and creating a sustainable business that can continue to grow.
“If you haven’t got a good team, you haven’t got a good business.”
With strong demand for mobile cosmetic vehicle repairs across the area, the pair have ambitious plans for the future. Their goal is to expand from two vans today to six vans within the next five years, while creating opportunities for talented technicians to develop their careers within the business.
Longer term, Dane and Giles also hope to establish a rapid repair centre, allowing Revive! Luton & Stevenage to offer an even broader range of repair services to customers across the region.
With decades of industry experience, a clear growth strategy and the backing of the UK’s leading SMART repair franchise, the future looks bright for Revive! Luton & Stevenage.
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