How I Made It: Recycling Franchise Proves A Licence To Print Money

Times Online:

Gerry Smyth, Franchisor, Cartridge World
IN 1999, Gerry Smyth was just another thirtysomething emigrant returning after years in Britain and looking for something to do. Noreen, his wife, was expecting their first child and the couple wanted to settle near their home town of Straide, Co Mayo.

Seven years on, the former bank official’s Galway-based franchise business now has annual sales of €14m, 39 stores and nine more in the pipeline.

“It turned out that shortly after I came home I had plenty of time to consider my options even if it was touch and go that I would ever get the chance to try them out,� Smyth said. “As a result of a serious car accident, I spent six months in a body cast and my wife had to look after two ‘babies’.�

During his recuperation, Smyth, who is now 38, went back to London for a break. To cheer himself up, he treated himself to a digital camera and a photo printer. He had never heard of Cartridge World, a franchise specialising in ink cartridge refills, until he happened on a store around the corner from the place he was staying.

“To be honest, I was struck more by the environmental benefits (of refills against disposables) than the financial possibilities at the beginning and I immediately went online to find out more about the company,� he said.