The recruitment leader

He has been an expert in recruitment industry, with 31 years of know-how, Doug Bugie has so far helped 700+ franchisees to open in 50+ countries. Under his mentorship 60K+ people were placed in jobs through businesses where he held a leadership role. The name Doug Bugie is synonymous with recruitment franchising internationally. In an exclusive chat with Ekta Verma, Doug Bugie, President, Antal International Network shares expansion plans for Antal International.

How does it feel to be back with Antal International as President?

It feels great. It’s been almost 31 years in the recruitment business and I am still very enthusiastic and passionate to help those franchisees who aspire to be an entrepreneur. Antal’s culture is very open and there is a lot of healthy idea sharing.

What are Antal’s strategies in terms of franchise expansion in 2014?

Over the years I have assisted many international recruitment business brands and have built teams to help aspiring entrepreneurs to build profitable businesses with solid capital wealth value. We want to double our number of offices in the next two years and we will surely double the revenue rate in coming 12 months. I look forward to driving Antal International Networks to increase the success of franchise owners and to achieve Chairman, Tony Goodwin's vision of 600 offices by 2020.

Who can partner with Antal as a franchisee? Any prerequisites?

Becoming Antal’s franchisee will surely be rewarding for the investors. We have a transformational performance development programme for our franchisees. There will be benefits like streaming and training on 1000’s of subjects in recruitment via full time top class global trainers. A prospective franchisee must have the ability to attract new employees. He/she must be passionate and hard working.  They should first decide if he/she really wishes to be in the executive recruitment business or not. As in any business one has to be prepared to face the challenges that one may face.

Can you talk about the challenges faced by a franchisee in this trade?

Indian recruitment market is 10 per cent the size of the American market. It will take less than 10 years to cover the gap. I am sure Indian market is bound to grow. Going into this business is not easy. The major challenges are that establishment is very tough and one has to jump and search for opportunities. The scenario and prospects are expanding at rapid speed. You have to try harder to succeed, even if it’s difficult, one has to accept the challenge and go for it using the Antal tools which are the best deep rooted systems developed over 20 years in 30+ countries, processes and practices which are appreciated by both our clients and candidates

What are your expansion plans and target cities?

Our mission is to target talented people, top 10 per cent performers who make a difference, people who make good companies great.We place them at the right time, at the right place with the right company.

Currently we have 39 franchise offices in 13 cities across India. In India, we are looking forward for a pan India expansion especially in tier II cities. We are looking at opening atleast 20 new Antal offices in India this year.