Inspire: A Chat with John Erkkila
Date and Time
Wednesday Nov 1, 2017
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM NZDT
Doors Open at 6.30am
Location
Ember Restaurant
62 Church Rd, Pukete,
Hamilton 3200
Fees/Admission
Free
Description
I can visualize the end product of all of these things, with crystal clarity. Then bring together the resources required to facilitate the construction. I am extremely positive, and don't see barriers to the end goal. My main skill is in casting a vision and then motivating and coaching people to achieve the outcome.
After completing a science degree at Waikato, I ran businesses in the hospitality industry for 6 years, before following in my father’s footsteps and joining the insurance industry.
In 1996 I recognised a dramatic shift in New Zealander’s financial needs. Banks were providing increasing amounts of debt for their customers, but failing to provide a mechanism for families to manage that debt. This to me was an obvious opportunity. So in late 1996 NZ Home Loans was born, with the opening of our first franchised branch in Wellington.
The growth of NZ Home Loans was totally a function of having a clear vision for our clients’ debt management needs. We developed a unique business model to attract, train and retain franchisees and consultants to deliver the product to an ever-increasing client base. The success we enjoyed in the business was an outcome of never losing focus on either the vision or the ongoing development of all facets of the business, especially our unique sales system.
In 2006, Kiwibank commenced a 6-year buyout. At the final point of the sale in 2012, NZHL had a mortgage book of over $4 billion and 68 franchises throughout NZ employing 250 staff.
During the NZHL years, I also completed a number of interesting “building” projects, which were immensely fulfilling. Boat building is in my blood and between 2000 and 2010, I project managed the construction of two 60ft sailing catamarans, out of a shed in our back yard. Our current boat project is restoring my great, great grandfather’s gaff rigged racing ketch, Pastime, originally built in 1886.
Since exiting NZHL, I have developed Franchiseworks Ltd – providing start up capital, strategy, governance and mentoring for businesses, using the franchise model. We currently have 3 companies in our stable, with The Barbershop Company being the first to launch, in 2014. The Barbershop Company group now turns over in excess of $5million with 11 outlets in Auckland, 1 in Tauranga and 2 in Hamilton.
My other current roles are Deputy Chair of St Peters School Cambridge, Chair of the Waikato Hospice Foundation and Distinguished Alumni of Waikato University. Other business interests are in tourism, agriculture and mining. I am married to Christine and we have 2 children, Alexandra 19, and James 17. We enjoy boating, diving, fishing, skiing and travelling together.