Myran Valks is a person who has worn many hats, including (but not limited to!) franchise owner, international franchise executive, area manager and most recently dad of 3! 

Myran and wife Bianka have just welcomed baby Anika, born on the 29th April, little sister to Milana (9) and Oliver (4).

Myran grew up in the country music capital, Tamworth. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing Management, he moved straight to Brisbane and began his job hunt.

“I ended up just buying a Pizza Hut”

Myran initially struggled with the move, saying “I actually couldn't get work because I didn't have any experience. I ended up just buying a Pizza Hut. 

I’d worked at Domino's and Eagle Boys through uni. I borrowed money off my dad, brother and mate. I took a leap of faith and they did too. I got in and bought my first store in 2008.” 

So at the age of 22, Myran’s first job fresh out of uni was running his own franchise business.

After looking at other franchise competitors, he decided Pizza Hut was the stand out. 

“It just felt right. The opportunity was good. So I went for it.”

Business ownership not all smooth sailing

According to Myran, the transition to being a business owner wasn’t the easiest, taking 8 months to get into a steady flow. 

“Between interviews, training, lease agreements and whatnot you have to be prepared for things to take time. 

There is 8 weeks training, for about 6 days a week …which was difficult for me being young. I was a fish out of water. 

I probably wasn’t ready but I always throw my everything into what I do.” 

Myran learned quickly the realities of being a business owner, but he remembers the moment it started to click. 

“I started focusing on the systems, tools and people. If your focus is on the customer and these things, then it falls into place.”

Multi-franchise owner to Area Manager

In 2010 Myran bought his second Pizza Hut store. Taking learnings from his first, he was able to hit the ground running and see great success.

Yet, all the while, still looking for new challenges and wider experience, Myran began his transition away from owning and running his own Pizza Hut stores.

This started with delving into a period as a Franchise Trainer for the brand within his own stores for a period, before selling his stores in 2014 to move into a corporate role with Pizza Hut.

This change of career course started with becoming an Area Manager with Yum Brands who owned Pizza Hut at the time. He was seconded to Johannesburg, South Africa to open 10 stores before coming back to Brisbane to manage 28 stores.

Before he knew it he was relocated to Singapore in a restaurant excellence role looking after the Indonesia and Singapore markets, rolling out new Point-of-Sale (POS) systems and operations.

Myran recalls one of the highlights of his role.

“We developed a champions league where Pizza Hut stores would compete in competitions internationally. We built a section in the heart of the Grand Hyatt Hall in Bali. 

The best team members from each country would send a team of four people. They have half an hour to make as many orders as they can, and get judged on quality of product and customer service.”

A corporate career built on franchise owner foundations

Myran attributes his corporate success with Pizza Hut from his time on the ground as a franchisee.

“I had a unique influence. Being on the ground, I know what franchisees are dealing with. I’m a hands-on person. I try to be in the field at least three days a week and speak to franchisees every day.”

Myran’s journey in franchising has been unique and very successful. And has proudly followed in his father’s footsteps in the way of his motivation and positivity.

“My dad always used to say, ‘think positive!’. 

He’d also always say, ‘don’t ask, don’t get’. 

This has helped me have the boldness to ask for what I want.” 

Sadly Myran lost his dad Peter in March this year, but he was blessed to have 5 years with him after he was only given 6 months after becoming ill. The inspiration and motivation inspired by his beloved Dad is very much present in Myran.

“I want to keep fit, stay focused and stay motivated. Dad was really proud of what I've done. He was an inspiration to us. His optimism was infectious. He always focused on the positive. He was the one who told me to back myself and take a shot at buying a Pizza Hut franchise. 

He always supported my journey and helped me succeed."

As for the future, Myran is open to opportunities, saying, “I would definitely own a franchise again, but for me right now, I'm very happy with the challenges of growing the business at a corporate level. 

The good thing about Pizza Hut is it's such a big brand. You never know what opportunities can come your way.”