From Second Chance to Business Leader: Shawano’s Franchise Journey
When Shawano joined the ChipsAway network in 2023, aged just 29, he was stepping into business ownership at one of the most difficult points of his life. Recently released from prison after serving more than seven years, he suffered the devastating loss of his mother just six days later. Faced with grief, uncertainty and limited employment prospects, many would have struggled to find direction.
Instead, Shawano made a conscious decision to rebuild.
“I had every reason in the world to go off the rails,” he reflects. “But I chose to honour my mother and knuckle down. I believe in positivity and hard work, and with that mindset, I know I’ll always be on the right path.”
Choosing Structure Over Circumstance 
Shawano discovered the ChipsAway franchise opportunity online. What drew him in was not just the service itself, but the structure. After years without stability, the framework of a proven business model offered clarity and control.
Yet he doubted whether he would even be considered.
“I was worried they wouldn’t accept a newly released prisoner,” he says. “I explained my situation and that I couldn’t get a van because I had no credit history. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d hear from them again.”
Instead, he was met with openness and practical support. The willingness of the network to look beyond his past became a defining moment.
“When they came back and said they were willing to help me get back on my feet and achieve my aspirations, I was delighted. The level of trust they put in me really showed the core values of the business.”
That early vote of confidence cemented his loyalty and fuelled his determination to prove it was well placed.
Building Skills and Belief
Starting with no technical experience, Shawano immersed himself in ChipsAway’s training programme. He quickly developed the skills required to deliver high-quality repairs, but just as importantly, he embraced the business education that came with franchising.
“It’s been amazing. You see direct results from the work you put in. You’re constantly learning about business. ChipsAway gave me all the tools, now it’s up to me what I make of them.”
For Shawano, franchising provided something he had lacked in his younger years: visible cause and effect. Effort led to income. Discipline led to growth. Consistency built reputation. The link between action and outcome became both motivating and grounding.
His work ethic soon became recognised across the network. He regularly works long hours, often late into the evening, driven by pride in his results and a desire to build something sustainable.
Accelerating Growth
Just 18 months into his journey, an unexpected opportunity arose: the purchase of the Guildford Car Care Centre.
He took on the challenge while continuing to operate his Dulwich territory. Demonstrating notable maturity, he retained the previous owner, Andy Cornell, to oversee administration and bookings, ensuring continuity and operational stability during the transition.
The decision reflected a key shift in Shawano’s development – from technician to leader. He recognised that sustainable growth requires systems, experience and collaboration.
Today, he successfully runs both operations, combining hands-on delivery with strategic oversight.
Creating Opportunity for Others
While commercial success is important, Shawano’s ambitions extend beyond turnover. Central to his business philosophy is people development – particularly for young people and those leaving custody.
He has trained one of his close friends, who now operates independently in a van covering the Dulwich territory – a tangible example of mentorship leading to financial independence.
He also works closely with probation services. In one case, he trained a young man whose community service recommendation was prison; the individual’s progress led to probation granting clearance for him to continue working. In another instance, Shawano wrote directly to a solicitor supporting a release on bail, offering employment. The individual was released and worked with Shawano until his tag period ended.
Not every story has been seamless. “It was disappointing when one lad just disappeared,” he admits. “But I’m not going to let that stop me. Someone gave me a chance, so I’ll always try to do the same for others.”
His rule is simple: “Whatever I teach or do for you, you have to do for someone else.” A pay-it-forward model that reflects both accountability and belief in collective progress.
Scaling with Purpose
Shawano is now focused on securing insurance partnerships to further strengthen turnover and is developing plans to open a ChipsAway ‘Pit Stop’ Car Care Centre within London. This next stage is not solely commercial; it is logistical and social.
“A huge barrier for the guys I want to help is travel,” he explains. “At the moment, I can only help people who can get to Guildford. Once the London centre is up and running, I’ll be able to do so much more.”
Having experienced first-hand the barriers faced after release – from finance to transport – he understands that access often determines outcomes.
Redefining Legacy Through Franchising
Shawano speaks candidly about his earlier years. “I have a relentless personality. If I’d had someone to point me in the right direction when I was young, things might have been different. Now I’m trying to be that person for others.”
Above all, his motivation is rooted in family and legacy. “The biggest motivation in my life is to become a solid father in all aspects. I want my future kids to see me as a superhero, so I’m laying all the groundwork now to do things right.”
In under three years, Shawano has progressed from a single-territory franchisee with no experience and no credit history, to a multi-site business owner, employer and mentor. His journey illustrates one of franchising’s greatest strengths: when structure and support meet determination and accountability, transformation is possible.
For Shawano, franchising was not just a business decision. It was a second chance, and a platform to ensure others receive one too.
