Franchising has proven the path to freedom for speed freak Craig Allison, franchisee with Enzed Hose Doctor. A toolmaker by trade, Allison has built up his business to allow him to work 50 hours a week, most of them flexible, and to enjoy modified drag racing in his spare time. He is now running third in the national championship.

Allison came across Enzed when he operated an excavation company and was impressed with the service.

"On closer inspection it soon became clear that the potential was virtually limitless as the business was a lot more than just providing a hydraulic hose and fitting repair service to operators of mobile and fixed equipment, plus it offered flexible working hours which was important to me and my young family."

Two years ago he bought one of four franchises operating out of Enzed's Western Sydney Service. He said "we all pull together to help each other if someone gets sick or goes on holidays".

"It's been a great move. But like most things in life you get out what you put in, so I've pushed it pretty hard and have now got it to the stage where I'm working for some great customers, earning good money, working flexible hours while getting great job satisfaction at the same time."