BUILDING A BUSINESS WITH QUALITY, CONNECTION, AND PASSION
Interview with Trish Ronan , Distributor of ENJO Canada, published in the FRANCHISE+ newspaper, Netherlands
When Trish Ronan started ENJO in Canada in 2004, e-commerce barely existed and social media played no meaningful role. The business model was simple: visit people in their homes, let them experience the product, and build real relationships. More than twenty years later, the world has changed, but ENJO’s core has not. “New platforms have come along,” Trish says, “but in the end it still comes down to experience, education, and human connection.” Today, she represents all of Canada, from coast to coast, as the national distributor and franchisee. With a team spread across the country, she has built one of the largest ENJO organizations in the world.
A franchise that leaves room for entrepreneurship
Trish sees herself as a franchisee. From Austria she received the foundation: a proven system, high-quality products, and clear core values. “You’re handed a package. Make it your own for your country and culture, but stay true to the core: quality, connection, and passion.” According to her, that is exactly ENJO’s strength. The organization provides structure, logistics, and ethical entrepreneurship from Austria, while local entrepreneurs are given the freedom to develop their own market. For prospective franchisees, this means: running your own business, but not alone.
A workday centered around people
About 80% of Trish’s time is spent working with people. She supports managers, coaches team members, and maintains customer relationships. Every week there are online meetings via Zoom and training sessions through the “ENJO Uni” education platform. ENJO is not a traditional product company, she emphasizes. “It’s an education-driven product. We change habits. We show people that cleaning can be healthier and easier.” The products, handmade in Austria and produced sustainably, clean using special fiber technology, often with just water. You have to experience that yourself to truly understand it.
The biggest challenge: getting people to experience the product
The biggest bottleneck? You need to have the product in your hands to feel its value. An ENJO fiber lasts an average of three years in a household. Customers form a bond with it, sometimes so strong that they find it hard to part with a worn-out one. That is why the team uses, among other things, in-home demonstrations, side-by-side comparisons (old vs. new), scientific substantiation, and a patented color indicator on the label (from black to blue = time to replace). But above all, relationship management comes first. The average ENJO advisor stays active for about four years, significantly longer than in many other direct sales organizations. That says a lot about engagement and the connection within the community.
Market change: from group demos to family visits
Since the pandemic, it has become harder to enter people’s homes. Comfort levels have changed. Where group demos with multiple guests used to be common, the team now more often works one-on-one with a family. That is more personal, but also more time-intensive. “The world has changed. People are looking for comfort. But at the same time, they also crave real connection. That’s our superpower.” ENJO therefore remains a distinctly person-to-person business. Digital tools support the process, but they never replace personal contact.
The future: digital innovation with a human core
In the coming years, ENJO is looking for the right balance between e-commerce and personal guidance. Online ordering will be further developed, but always in cooperation with the local team. According to Trish, social media is losing strength. Communities and targeted digital platforms, on the other hand, can create new opportunities, provided they stimulate real interaction. The strategy remains clear: invest in digital support, keep the relationship between advisor and customer at the center, and find new ways to reach more households.
Advice for new franchisees
What would Trish advise people considering an ENJO franchise? “First use all the products yourself. Deliberately look for weak points. Then let ten people experience the products. When you see their reaction, you understand what this business is built on.” Over twenty years, she estimates she has given about 3,000 demonstrations. And every time there is that same moment, when someone can remove, for example, butter using only water and a fiber. The amazement. The “wow.” “If that excites you, then you have a business.” According to her, you do not need to worry about product quality or the company structure. Those are rock-solid. The difference is made by passion.
More than income: a way of life
ENJO is not a “get rich quick” concept, Trish says. It is an opportunity for people who believe in sustainability, education, and human connection. “It’s an incredible way to shape your life, not just to generate income.” For those who believe in the product, are willing to invest in relationships, and draw energy from personal growth, ENJO offers a strong and meaningful franchise model. And perhaps that is the biggest lesson from twenty years of entrepreneurship: success does not start with sales figures, but with conviction.
Are you the new franchise partner for ENJO?
Or do you know someone who is looking for a new business idea?
Let’s talk about your future with ENJO – call us on +43 (5576) 777 77 or send us a message on WhatsApp.
