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Meet Our Franchisees – Scott Gambell

Today, we’re talking to Scott – the owner and operator of The Leather Doctor Newcastle North in New South Wales. We sat down and had a chat to him about why he joined the business and what he loves about running his own business. Here’s what he had to say:

What was it that attracted you to join the Leather Doctor business?

It was a coincidence, as I was driving home from my previous job thinking about a career change…I saw a Leather Doctor van in front of me and had a light bulb moment.

Hmmm… I thought… ‘I wonder what he does’?… So I gave him a call and next thing we are on the side of the road talking about his job.

This led to me to do some homework on The Leather Doctor and I thought ‘I can do this job’ as I have a similar trade background in Auto & Marine upholstery many moons ago. After many months of doing my sums and discussing it with my wife, I decided to take the plunge.

What did you do prior to becoming a leather dr?

I have had a few different careers – my last job was in business development and I also have a trade background in auto and marine upholstery.

What territory do you operate?

I am the Leather Doctor for Newcastle North in New South Wales. I manage the Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley area.

What have you been able to achieve via your time as A Leather Doctor?

I have been lucky enough to achieve several goals as a Leather Doctor. Job satisfaction is first to come mind and with hard work I have managed to put on a contractor to look after the Hunter Valley region, this allowed me time to put back in to building the business closer to home.

I have also invested in a small workshop which has allowed me to set up a dedicated workshop to produce better results and free up my home garage.

What advice would you give to someone looking to purchase a franchise/operate a franchise?

  • Do your homework understand your expenses
  • Ask the neighbouring franchise if you could catch up and ask them the hard questions
  • Get a good accountant
  • If you can, get help from a partner or a trusted person to look after your bookings so you’re not on the phone all day

What’s the most interesting job you’ve worked on to date?

Not sure where to start with this one… I have done some really interesting jobs, met interesting people and been to interesting places.

Two stand outs are:

  1. Helping an elderly lady that was struggling to get out of a lift chair due to a broken frame. Seeing the delight on her face when it was repaired was fantastic!
  2. The other was one of my first major restoration jobs with a large lounge suite, requiring multiple internal and external repairs. The customer was delighted and it led to plenty of work through word of mouth as a result

What do you love most about being a Leather Doctor?

  • The ability to put smiles on customers faces when they think that their furniture is ruined or just exceeded there expectations
  • Being able to plan my working week around our busy family life so that we have a reasonable work life balance
  • Controlling my own destiny
  • Winning over customers dogs when they say that this dog is scared of strangers
  • Regular customers that like to fatten me up with homemade cookies and coffee

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I was once asked by an Olympic Archer to take up professional Archery as I found it easy to hit bullseye consistently at a work function.

Describe your ideal weekend?

My ideal weekend starts by having the ability to make it a long weekend, followed by heading out for an early morning fishing trip with my son on our boat. Catching up with friends and family for a BBQ feast and a few drinks with good company and music,  followed by a relaxing Sunday at the beach with my family and a bit of surfing.

If you live in the Newcastle, Port Stephens or Hunter Valley areas, and need Scott’s help to restore, repair or clean your leather furniture or accessories, please contact him on:

The Leather Doctor Newcastle North

P: 0473 833 677

E: scott.gambell@theleatherdoctor.net.au

 

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14 Comments. Leave new

  • Steven Carruthers
    April 24, 2020 4:10 pm

    We had Scott Gambell come to clean our cream leather corner lounge that was in dire need of attention, Scott was able to not only clean the lounge but to bring it back to like new condition. We couldn’t be happier and highly recommend Scott to anyone requiring to give their lounge a new start.
    Steve & Gail Carruthers
    Corlette

    Reply
  • Richard and Gwenyth Max
    May 2, 2020 12:02 pm

    Scott Gambell recently renovated our Moran Chesterfield lounge suite which had been stored (in not ideal conditions) for over fifteen years. He has brought it back to near new and we are ver happy about the service he offered us. We were impressed by his professionalism and would have no hesitation recommending his services to anyone.

    Reply
  • Scott did a great job getting a hair oil stain out of my leather lounge. I highly recommend his work and the colour matching was awesome. Thanks again Scott you did a great job.

    Reply
  • Megan Kooyman
    December 2, 2020 9:39 am

    Hi Scott,
    I am hoping to make contact with you as recommended by Sandra @ Moran Melbourne!
    Regards
    Megan

    Reply
  • Hi, just wondering if you are still repairing leather lounges?

    Reply
  • Tony Morales
    May 19, 2023 4:27 pm

    Hi. I left a number on your answering machine but I thought I would also send a e mail inq. I have a new leather lounge which I stuffed due to my OCD. Its dark blue but due to my stupidity I have managed to rub some of the colour off the leather. I Hope there is someway to fix this issue. Please call me on 0412458617 to discuss matter hopefully fix.

    Many Thanks
    Tony Morales ( Thornton )

    Reply
  • Tony Morales
    June 25, 2023 10:17 am

    I had a brand new leather lounge which I managed to damage in the first week. I was so upset about my stupidity and had little hope of getting the damaged section back to its former state. Scott came around and after after doing his magic he brought the lounge back to its former state, I could not tell where the damage was. Its great to have a tradesman who specializes in such specific work.

    Reply
  • Would like to get my leather lounge cleaned please
    If you could contact me we you are back at work

    Reply
  • Moya O’Rourke
    January 16, 2024 2:51 pm

    Scott cleaned my leather lounge and did a great job. He was very professional, friendly and punctual. I would highly recommend him to everyone.

    Reply
    • Sarah McGowan
      January 16, 2024 3:57 pm

      We’re so glad to hear how happy you are with your freshly cleaned lounge! Thank you for your kind feedback.

      Reply
  • Can you mend a tear in a leather lounge?

    Reply
  • Judy Thwaites
    July 9, 2024 7:01 pm

    What an amazing outcome. My 7 year old white lounge looks brand new. Highly recommended.

    Reply

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