Surefire Franchise Developments
Surefire Franchise Developments
Chris and Belinda Dunn are the dynamic duo behind Surefire Franchise Developments, a company committed to propelling businesses to the next level of success through franchise development. With a combined experience of over 50 years in the franchising industry, they have helped countless businesses expand their reach and establish their brand through franchising.
Chris Dunn’s name is synonymous with franchising brilliance, and alongside him, Belinda has been an unstoppable force in transforming the industry. Together, their passion, expertise, and relentless drive have ignited a legacy of innovation and empowerment that continues to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide.
In 1983, Spur Steak Ranches headhunted Chris from the UK to serve as Regional Franchise Director, entrusting him with expanding the brand across Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Natal. With unmatched vision, he brokered countless franchise agreements, sparking the rise of Spur outlets that became South African icons. His influence extended to shaping Panarotti’s Pizza & Pasta, laying the groundwork for its enduring success. By 1989, Chris was leading Spur’s Off-Shore Division as Managing Director, and in 1991, he took the helm as Group Commercial Director, steering the brand to new heights.
In 1993, Chris founded Surefire Franchise Management Services, a trailblazing venture that revolutionized franchise development. That same year, he secured the Master Licence for PostNet, launching the first store in Benmore Gardens in 1994. Over the next four years, Chris’s strategic genius fuelled the growth of approximately 115 PostNet stores, cementing its place as a cornerstone of business services. In 1995, he co-introduced Cash Converters, a pre-owned goods retail concept, and established 12 thriving stores. By 1999, Chris launched the 3@1 Business Centres Franchise, while empowering brands like Primi Piatti to soar as market leaders.
Enter Belinda, whose own journey in franchising is equally inspiring. In 1993, she kicked off her career with Kwik Copy Print, an American franchise, honing her sales prowess across retail, FMCG, property, and corporate sectors. Her expertise led her to RAI International, where she drove exhibition sales for major events, including the South African Franchise Association’s Franchise Show, Eskom’s Small Business Show, Marketing and Advertising Show, and MediaTech’s broadcasting exhibition. Traveling across Africa, Egypt, Amsterdam, and New Orleans, Belinda researched and introduced innovative exhibition concepts, contributing to numerous franchise and business sales globally.
In 2004, Belinda joined 3@1 Franchising and Surefire Corporation, becoming a powerhouse in franchisee procurement, site selection, lease negotiations, and franchise resales. Over the past 22 years, she has been instrumental in expanding 3@1 into a franchising juggernaut. Under her leadership, 3@1 grew from a promising concept to over 80 stores across South Africa and beyond, with a presence in countries like Namibia and Mauritius. Belinda’s meticulous approach to matching franchisees with opportunities, securing prime locations, and negotiating favourable leases has empowered countless entrepreneurs to succeed. Her ability to identify resale opportunities has further strengthened the brand, ensuring its longevity and profitability.
Together, Chris and Belinda are more than franchise pioneers—they are architects of dreams. Chris’s bold vision and Belinda’s strategic execution have transformed Surefire and 3@1 into beacons of opportunity, proving that franchising is a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment. Their story is a clarion call to aspiring entrepreneurs: with passion, knowledge, and unwavering commitment, you can build a legacy that lights up communities and changes lives.
Chris Dunn’s journey in the world of franchising is a masterclass in passion, innovation, and transformative leadership. In 1983, Spur Steak Ranches recognised his extraordinary talent and headhunted him from the UK to serve as Regional Franchise Director. Tasked with spearheading expansion across the then Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Natal regions, Chris didn’t just meet expectations—he redefined them. With a keen eye for opportunity and a relentless drive, he brokered countless franchise agreements, fuelling the rise of new Spur outlets that became household names across South Africa. His influence extended beyond Spur, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the early development of the Panarotti’s Pizza & Pasta chain, laying the foundation for its success.
In 1989, Chris’s visionary leadership propelled him to Managing Director of Spur’s Off-Shore Division, where he expanded the brand’s global footprint. By 1991, as Group Commercial Director, he was steering Spur’s strategic growth with unmatched expertise. But Chris’s ambition burned brighter still. In 1993, he founded Surefire Franchise Management Services, a powerhouse dedicated to revolutionizing franchise development. With Surefire, Chris unleashed a wave of innovation, introducing game-changing concepts to South Africa’s franchising landscape.
One of his boldest moves came in 1993, when Chris secured the Master Licence for PostNet, a U.S.-based postal, business, and communications concept. Under the Surefire banner, he launched the first PostNet store in Benmore Gardens in 1994. What followed was nothing short of remarkable: between 1994 and 1998, Chris’s strategic genius and hands-on guidance helped establish approximately 115 franchised PostNet stores, transforming the brand into a cornerstone of South African business services.
In 1995, Chris co-introduced Cash Converters, a revolutionary retail concept specialising in pre-owned goods. His expertise in franchising and brand-building led to the successful launch of 12 stores, each a testament to his ability to spot and nurture winning ideas. Never one to rest on his laurels, Chris established the 3@1 Business Centres Franchise in 1999, further expanding his legacy. Along the way, he lent his unparalleled knowledge to iconic brands like Primi Piatti, empowering franchisors to elevate their concepts into market leaders.
Chris Dunn’s story is more than a resume of achievements—it’s a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey teaches us that success in franchising demands more than business acumen; it requires a burning passion to innovate, a commitment to empowering others, and the courage to turn bold visions into reality. Through Surefire, Chris didn’t just build businesses—he ignited dreams, transformed communities, and left an indelible mark on the franchising world.
Belinda started her sales career in 1993 with franchise group, Kwik Copy Print, an American Franchise Concept. She has extensive sales experience in various fields including the Retail, FMCG, Property and Corporate sales.
Belinda joined RAI International and was responsible for exhibition sales on numerous and simultaneous business shows including the South African Franchise Association’s own Franchise and the Eskom backed Small Business annual show, Marketing and Advertising show, MediaTech annual broadcasting exhibition. This position also included International and SADAC travel for research, development and introduction of new and improved exhibition application, ideas and concepts.
Belinda contributed to numerous business and franchise sales in Africa, Egypt, Amsterdam and New Orleans. She joined 3@1 Franchising and Surefire Corporation in 2004. Belinda is responsible for, amongst other things, the franchisee procurement process, site source and selection, lease negotiations and resale of existing franchises.