After selling my business and talking a short sabbatical, I started looking for another business to settle into. I was looking for a franchise that had a great reputation, with a proven support structure, a proven track record and expertise in their field, and integrity. Not only did I experience what I was looking for from Warrior but much more. I was assisted in the setting up of the store, the shop layout and design, training for my staff and myself as well ongoing daily support.

8 years later, as a very, very happy franchisee I am looking forward to another 8 years of great head office service, support, innovation, creativity and growth!!

I was looking for a franchise in 2009. Found a few franchises worth looking at but because of the economy being in a bit of a recess was not too sure which one to choose as it was a big decision to make having worked for an employer all my life.

The franchise presentation from Warrior Paints looked very good and speaking to their management I found that they were very positive about growth in a tough market as a paint franchisor. I was a little worried about the fact that I was more of a technical guy with an electrical and instrumentation background but they assured me that I have nothing to worry about, they will teach me everything I have to know about paint retail.

We opened our shop on 1 February 2010 with the assistance of Warrior. They helped and assisted us in every possible way even the store layout, suitable stock amounts and promotional prices to start with. The first week the sales manager came through every day from Pretoria to Witbank and assisted us to get off the ground. Slowly as we went on we found more confidence and realised that we were in the right business as we found the market for paint is exciting if you are selling a good product at a good price. Customers really value good advice and that is one of Warrior’s key values that they apply through their stores.

Now we are in the same place and it is eleven years later and I can honestly say our business have grown such that our turnover has increased threefold. We are still building on our customer base but also find that we have so many of our old customers returning.

As a franchisee it is really exciting and assuring to be part of the Warrior Paints group. We look forward with much optimism and confidence and we know that the paint retail market needs us. Our customers really talk about Warrior Paints as ‘affordable lasting luxury’.

When we bought Rynfield Hardware (otherwise known as Gary’s Hardware) 22 years ago Gary requested Warrior to come and see him regarding stocking the Warrior Paint Brand. In the first few months we saw an immediate improvement in our paint sales, so much so that when the shop next door became vacant we immediately took the chance and rented it. That is when we became known as Rynfield Hardware and Paint Centre.

We joined the Warrior family and never looked back. We have been selling Warrior with absolute confidence since 2000 and can honestly say that in 21 years we have received excellent service, training and their stock levels are exceptional.

I do not use the term family loosely, but Warrior and their staff have been part of our family, always supportive, ready with advice and ideas, and especially encouraging and helpful after the passing of Gary 4 years ago.

Technical advice is only a phone call away and always on point. If advice is needed on site with a preparation or problem, their backup assistance is truly amazing.

Warrior really looks after their franchisees like they are their own stores.

As a franchisee with Warrior Paints for the past 20 years I can attest to the expertise, support, technical abilities and all round professionalism of Warrior Paints as franchisor as being of the highest level in all regards.

Many companies have attractive slogans but we often find that they don’t always live up to the promises printed in big bold letters on company walls and documentation…

I was pleasantly welcomed by the almost tangible honesty, mutual respect and high standard of business ethics meeting the directors and management team for the first time. A golden thread I learned later that runs from the top down connecting all departments of the company and embedded in the company culture. These solid foundations, an appreciation for developing and manufacturing always available quality products, competitive pricing, excellent after sales service, the backup from the Technical Teams and laboratory and a “make it happen” Logistical Team completes this Premium proudly South African brand.

Some might call it old school but at Warrior Paints the directors and management team lead from the front ensuring that the company lives up to what they claim and promise.

A Proudly Warrior Paints Franchisee