Garry Francis
Owner of Garry Francis Officiating Services
Garry is a Registered Licensed Wedding Officiant. He has vast experience Officiating Weddings for Civil, Religious, Non-Religious, and Culturally Diverse Ceremonies from the engagement to the wedding day. He has the training to navigate and guide the journey of relationships as a licensed facilitator with Enrich Canada.
Why did you think you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
In 2008 the economy crashed, I was already skilled as a clergy with 25 years experience and I thought I could do it for couples outside the church. I found I enjoyed serving the public. My value proposition to couples is…I provide exceptional service keeping in mind that it may be the first time they are walking through a significant life milestone event.
What success are you most proud of?
I am happy with the website which I launched in January 2015 – it has boosted sales.
I am also pleased with my inclusion of ‘Garry’s gift’, an added value I offer to the ceremonies – it is an experience I create for the couple which they do not know about until the time of the ceremony. An example is how to have a W.O.W. – Whisper Oneness Winks – wedding.
How did BACD help you?
I met with Patrice Esper at the BACD, this meeting helped me to organize and plan my business better – it gave me a path to run on.
What was the most impactful piece of advice you received from BACD?
Patrice shared with me The Business Model Canvas. It is a great template and helped me organize my business plans.
What has worked for you in marketing your business so far?
The Website for sure and working with other officiates, treating them as colleagues and collaborators instead of competition, working together, sharing tips. This helps with referrals.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
You got to have lots of passion and roll with the punches
What was more difficult than you thought it would be?
Scheduling conflicts and the need to be “all things to everyone!”
Has technology impacted how you conduct business?
Yes it certainly as – a website is important, punctuation/grammar is important. Contract is fillable online.
What do you do to keep abreast of the changes in your business and in your industry?
I am part of www.weddingwire.com and listen to the advice of my website developer
What is the future for this type of business?
People are still getting married and I also offer service for funerals.
