Franchising can give owners the opportunity to build more than a day-to-day income stream. A well-run business may also become a saleable asset with equipment, customers, local reputation, booking history and systems behind it.
Dean’s journey with Diggermate is a useful example of that pathway. Over the past four years, he expanded into multiple territories, built established local operations and later sold two businesses within the network. His experience highlights how Diggermate ownership can be about both operating a business today and building long-term asset value for the future.
Building a Multi-Territory Powerhouse
Dean’s adventure with Diggermate began in September 2020 with the launch of Diggermate Aldinga Beach. He quickly expanded with a keen eye for business opportunities, opening Diggermate Mount Barker in November 2021 and Diggermate Victor Harbor in October 2022.
Managing three thriving territories at once was challenging, but Dean’s ability to scale efficiently demonstrated how lucrative the Diggermate model can be. His rapid expansion underscored the demand for Diggermate’s services, proving that a well-placed franchise can generate substantial and consistent revenue. However, it also became clear that the opportunity for strategic exits comes with great growth.
With this expansion, Dean also experienced a shift in how Diggermate operated. The road frontage premises brought a new dimension to the business, attracting a steady flow of walk-in customers throughout the week.
This increased visibility transformed Diggermate from being perceived as a driveway-based operation to a full-scale equipment hire hub, elevating its standing alongside industry leaders while maintaining its locally owned, trusted, and accessible reputation.
Selling for Profit: The Smart Franchise Model
One of the most significant advantages of Diggermate is that it’s not just a business you run; it’s an asset you can sell. Dean recognised this early on, and in March 2023, he sold Diggermate Mount Barker to Tom Mehrtens. More recently, in February 2025, he sold Diggermate Aldinga Beach to Brett Watkinson for $199,000.
That sale is a useful example of the future potential built into the Diggermate model. A well-run location can become more than a weekly income stream. It can become a business asset with equipment, customers, local reputation, booking history and systems that may be valuable to a future buyer. Sale prices vary between businesses and a sale price is not the same as owner profit, but Dean’s Aldinga Beach exit shows how a Diggermate territory can create value beyond day-to-day trading.
Dean’s story is not the only resale example in the network. Diggermate North Lakes later sold for $400,000 in October 2025, after building strong local proof including more than 200 five-star Google reviews. Like Aldinga Beach, this should be treated as a historical sale price rather than a guaranteed result, profit figure or forecast.
Dean reflected on his decision: “Being in two places at once, twice a day, 35 km apart, was stressful to manage. I even stopped advertising one location, hoping to slow it down, but the bookings just wouldn’t stop. Selling allowed me to focus on the local community, maximise efficiency, and still profit from the sale.”
What Dean’s Story Shows Future Franchise Buyers
Dean’s story is valuable because it shows that a Diggermate business can be more than a day-to-day income stream. Over time, a well-run location may build equipment value, customer history, local brand recognition, booking data and operating systems that could be attractive to a future buyer.
That does not mean every Diggermate business will sell, sell for a profit or achieve the same outcome. Resale value depends on many factors, including the territory, equipment mix, revenue history, profitability, customer database, local demand, owner involvement, finance structure and how well the business has been operated.
For someone researching franchise ownership, Dean’s journey is best viewed as a real-world example of what can be possible when a franchisee builds a saleable local business asset over time.
Stronger Together: The Power of Neighbouring Franchisees
Another key strength of Diggermate’s model is the ability to collaborate with other franchisees. Having multiple owners in close proximity isn’t competition – it’s a strategic advantage.
Dean benefited from this network, as did the buyers of his former territories. Neighbouring franchisees can share advice, cross-hire equipment to maximise utilisation, and collaborate on local marketing efforts to strengthen the brand’s regional presence. This built-in support system is one of the reasons Diggermate franchises retain strong market value and appeal to buyers.
Scaling Up with a Stronger Fleet
Though Dean scaled back on the number of locations he manages, he has significantly expanded his fleet to keep up with demand. Over four years, he has built an impressive lineup of 9 assets (excluding trailers & attachments), reinforcing his commitment to providing top-tier excavation services.
Dean has operated more efficiently by investing in equipment rather than overextending geographically while still capturing substantial revenue. His expanded fleet allows him to take on more jobs, maintain high service levels, and remain a leader in his market.
Fully Booked & Diggermate Bingo
With a refined focus, Dean has continued to thrive. His business remains in high demand, often fully booked, highlighting Diggermate’s brand’s strength and operational excellence.
To celebrate this success and build camaraderie among franchisees, Dean introduced Diggermate Bingo – a fun internal challenge where franchisees earn a “Bingo” when they’re fully booked for the month. This friendly competition drives motivation and reinforces the strength of the Diggermate network.
Conclusion: A Profitable Model for Running & Selling
Dean’s journey showcases the full potential of owning a Diggermate franchise. Not only did he build a profitable multi-territory business, but he also leveraged the demand for Diggermate franchises to sell two locations at a substantial profit.
This is what can make the Diggermate model powerful: an owner may be able to run a local business while also building an asset that could be attractive to a future buyer when the time is right. Plus, with a strong support network of neighbouring franchisees, the business remains sustainable, scalable, and attractive to future buyers.
Whether you want to grow multiple territories like Dean or position your Diggermate business for a profitable sale, this franchise model offers an incredible opportunity for financial freedom and business success.
Want to Build a Business That Creates More Than Just Income?
Dean’s story shows how a Diggermate business can become a real local asset over time. If you are exploring franchise ownership and want to understand how Diggermate fits into a longer-term wealth creation plan, start with the free Wealth Creation Roadmap.
Important Note About Results: This article shares historical examples from one Diggermate franchisee’s experience. It is general information only and does not guarantee earnings, profit, resale value, finance approval or business performance. Results vary depending on territory, owner involvement, equipment mix, finance structure, local demand, operating costs and how the business is run.
Prospective franchisees should review the current disclosure document and seek independent legal, accounting and financial advice before making a decision.
Related Diggermate Franchise Resources
If you are researching whether a Diggermate business could become a saleable asset, these articles may help:
- Learn what can affect Diggermate franchise worth, including equipment, customer history, territory demand and local reviews.
- Understand the current Diggermate franchise cost and what can influence your total setup investment.
- Read more about how much Diggermate franchisees can earn and the factors that affect revenue and profitability.
