When we first started IV League Drips, we had just one location: Mascot, NSW. However, as our business grew so did the demand for IV vitamin drips — especially from patients in rural and interstate areas — which meant we needed a scalable way to expand access to our services. Rather than opening new locations ourselves, we decided to transition into a licensee model, establishing it as a separate business named Academy by IV League.
By leveraging our existing business framework, we created a structured model that like-minded professionals could use to replicate our success.
The most important factor behind our success
Building a successful licensee model comes down to consistent brand values – and instilling these values into every licensee who joins our network. When a licensee genuinely cares about the well-being of their clients and committed to providing exceptional service, they can make a real impact in their communities and, ultimately, build a successful business.
Choosing the right licensees
Selecting the right people is critical to maintaining the integrity of our brand. However, qualifications alone are not enough. We also seek individuals who demonstrate resilience, determination, and the drive to establish themselves in a new market.
Overcoming challenges
One of the biggest challenges we faced in expanding through a licensee model was introducing this type of healthcare into the Australian integrative health sector. Since there was no established roadmap, we had to pioneer our own path by prioritising education, both for our licensees and the broader market. By focusing on education and credibility, we successfully built trust and established our licensee model as a leader in the industry.
Maintaining consistency
Consistency is key in ensuring the success of any brand or business but it can also be more difficult to achieve as there are different people behind each branch of the business. So we provide ongoing support to our licensees through direct access to our Account Managers and Head Nurses. We also conduct regular check-ins, including weekly or fortnightly meetings and monthly in-service training sessions. This continuous support system helps maintain a high level of professionalism and ensures that all licensee locations deliver the same exceptional experience to clients.
Supporting licensees to stay aligned
We maintain an open line of communication with our licensees. By creating a strong community of like-minded professionals, we ensure that our licensees remain aligned with our brand’s mission and values.
Advice for entrepreneurs considering a licensee or franchise model
My advice for business owners looking to expand into a licensee model is to surround yourself with the right team, whether they’re your in-house people – business partners, employees and coaches – as well as external experienced professionals such as solicitors, accountants, and marketing experts. Your team is key in providing valuable guidance and helping build a solid foundation for success.
Additionally, be flexible and willing to adapt. If your business model is pioneering a new space, expect challenges along the way. The key is to remain open to pivoting and refining your approach as needed. With perseverance, the right team, and a commitment to quality, you can successfully scale your business.
Our journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. By staying true to our core values and focusing on the well-being of our clients, we’ve been able to build a successful and sustainable licensee business — one that continues to make a real difference in people’s lives.
