Hampshire businessman swaps McDonald’s for the classroom
Hampshire-based businessman, Adie Twining, swapped his corporate career at McDonald’s for the classroom to start a new venture with an in-home and online tutoring company, Tutor Doctor. Reshaping his career during the pandemic, he has already made a profound impact in his local community covering Southampton and Salisbury.
After almost three decades of working for multinational company McDonald’s, Adie wanted to do something that improved the life chances of young people and enabled him to retain his involvement and active fundraising with local charities, Simon Says and Ronald McDonald House Charities, both of which are very close to this heart. Nine months after launching his business, Adie is now working with many families across the region and achieving a better work-life balance with a sense of pride and satisfaction that he has always dreamed of.
“Working in the community means the world to me. Having moved to Southampton from Cornwall, I feel my roots of 30 years are here. I have a lot of love and pride for the region, and it makes you feel great to be making a difference for local students. I’ve been able to already help so many local families and children. Schools are doing a great job, but with the learning loss from the pandemic, they are under pressure, and we can help support students, families and schools with this catch-up. As a local resident, that means a lot to me.”
Prior to joining Tutor Doctor, Adie’s career began at McDonald’s. After graduating with a Business Studies degree from Southampton University, he started working for the fast-food giant and worked his way up the corporate ladder to become Director of Franchising. It was not until the pandemic hit, coupled with his family commitments, that he left his successful corporate life of 28 years to run his own business.
“I underestimated the feeling of reward I would receive from this work and the satisfaction and sense of partnership you get from being part of a team, working with tutors, students and their families. As my career progressed, I really missed being part of a team - my fondest memories at McDonald’s are from the early when I worked in their restaurants! My priorities have also changed over the years, and the pandemic allowed me the time to reflect on what matters most – giving back whilst also having a successful business so I can provide for my family now and in the future.”
Adie and his wife, Tracy, feel they are very lucky to have both been brought up by parents who understood the value of a good education and supported them to fulfil their potential. The couple have tried to do the same with their three children, each of whom has benefitted from private tuition in the past to build upon the learning they have received in school. They have seen first-hand the difference that this has made to their academic achievement and self-confidence. So at Tutor Doctor they are using the skills they have developed in their previous careers to further enhance the learning experience for students and change the trajectory of their lives.
“We have worked hard to attract an outstanding group of local tutors. They share our vision and are fully committed to delivering an outstanding learning experience for the young people whose parents entrust us with their education. Not only do they provide support on specific curriculum content, but they also help their students to build confidence and develop the skills required to become lifelong learners.
Adie has ambitious goals for his business and would like to expand into other towns and cities over the next five years, but only when he feels he know the business inside out. He would also like to bring his wife into the business, making use of her HR and training skillset, and once retired for one of his children to take on his legacy.
“The education sector and our clients have embraced me with open arms, and I’m so pleased that I made the move when I did. I’m really excited about my future and being able to empower as many students as possible to achieve their full potential – being able to equip them with all of the tools they need to succeed in school, in work, and in life is how I will measure the success of my business.”