Since opening in 2019, Quest North Sydney has become firmly embedded into the fabric of the local community. Here, business owner Joshua Harkness shares how the support of franchisees and the broader Quest family played a pivotal role in setting him up for success.
Tell us about your experience of being part of the Quest Apartment Hotels network.
I’ve been very fortunate with my Quest journey. I worked with great franchisees in Adelaide who supported me through the Quest accelerator program, so I was able to fast track into a franchise role and I was able to bring my partner, Samantha, into the network. That has been a real point of enjoyment. We’d worked in the industry for seven years collectively, in management, and now we’ve experienced the whole transition to Quest North Sydney together. I remember greeting our first guest, from one of our national accounts, on the first day.
How did your career in hospitality start out?
I started fresh out of school. Hospitality is one of those industries that, once you sink your teeth into it, you’re locked in. At the time, I was looking for an environment where new challenges, opportunities and excitement could happen every day. The hotel industry is definitely that space where anything can happen daily, and we can jump into gear and get things sorted.
What drew you to Quest and how did you start with the business?
I was working for a competitor brand, and Quest had an excellent opportunity in an all-around management role. I remember my interview with the franchisee, who clearly laid out what it’s like to work at a Quest property. The franchisee is heavily responsible across multiple departments, and having this exposure early in my career development was invaluable. I would never have been able to access all the key areas of our business on the ground elsewhere.
It was at Quest King William South in Adelaide that I gained the confidence to pursue franchising with Quest. I remember sitting at the pub after Friday drinks, and my franchisee at the time said, “You can do this.” Having that confidence from your employer and the support to embark on your own business journey was something I hadn’t experienced before. The accelerator program became an integral part of my connection with my current business partners and our decision to take on Quest North Sydney.
Before even deciding to become a franchisee, I was in love with the brand, the style of operation, and the people within the group. I knew that even though I was young and enthusiastic, the support was there to help me on my way.
The hospitality industry can be challenging. What’s your take on the ups and down?
Whether it’s the hard times of the pandemic or the financial pressures of inflation, you can still enjoy the fact that these are your rooms, your teams and your guests. It is that constant reminder as you walk around and you’re proud. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my journey so far and I’m really excited to see how the business grows over the next couple of years. There’s a lot to look forward to. And I’ve got great business partners here as well that have supported us in our journey.
I wanted to create my own wealth and establish a work-life balance that could support my family.
Josh Harkness, Quest North Sydney
What makes Quest such a strong franchise opportunity?
Quest is a strong franchise opportunity due to its proven franchise model, which has been tested and refined over the years, providing new franchisees with a reliable blueprint for success. The brand’s strong recognition in the hospitality industry helps attract customers and build trust. Quest offers comprehensive support and training, including initial programs and ongoing assistance from the corporate office, ensuring franchisees have the resources needed to succeed. The company’s adaptability to market changes, demonstrated during challenges like the global pandemic, ensures resilience and the ability to thrive in difficult times.
Quest North Sydney is a prime example. Our business opened four months before a global pandemic and was able to trade through it. With the support of the local community, our partners, and our customers, we battened down during a two-year hiatus of travel and came out the other side stronger and ready to meet the demand. Quest has proven its ability to adapt to changes in the market, and seeing the brand development under our leaders in the corporate office is helping our franchisees reap the rewards.
I strongly believe we are the hotel of choice for the customers of North Sydney, and now, even at five years, we are embedded into the fabric of our community. Currently, the market poses new challenges, but with the pipeline for North Sydney, I see a prosperous future for our suburb.
What advice would you give to someone who is contemplating becoming a franchisee?
Do it. Get your financial advice in order and then jump two feet in. If you’re looking to build your own team, have your own business journey, have the freedom to create your own culture, your own marketing strategies and your own brand within a brand, that’s the glory of Quest. We’re small business owners.
Tell us about your involvement in community and environmental initiatives?
Our environmental awareness has been a really important part of the journey. We work with Envirobank, which recycles bottles, and the funds from that go to surf-lifesaving clubs on Sydney’s North Shore. We’ve signed up to be part of the Hotels for Trees initiative -– within the first month our efforts resulted in 50 trees being planted. Guests think it’s awesome. And then there’s Quest’s You Can Stay partnership with Sony Foundation, which we’re a part of. It’s our biggest community engagement initiative. This supports regional youth with cancer who come to the city for treatment. We’ve contributed a significant number of room nights over four years and offer that home away from home. And we’ll continue to have that as part of our business – we’re very proud of it.
Ready to start your journey as a Business Owner at Quest Apartment Hotels? Find out more here.