From Corporate to Cleaning to Tech-Enabled Home Services, the Evolution of Chris Wootton and Itzhome

If you're seeking proof that a single decision can transform your life, Chris Wootton's journey is one to remember. From a structured career in engineering to becoming the driving force behind Itzhome, a modern home services platform, Chris’s evolution is a story of bold moves, deep learning, and purpose-driven innovation. 

But long before apps and digital platforms became part of the plan, there was a young graduate with an engineering degree, a solid job at Jaguar Land Rover, and a quiet realisation that something was missing. 

The Early Career: Safe, But Unsatisfying 

Back in the 1980s, Chris Wootton followed a familiar script: earn a strong degree, land a reputable job, and climb the corporate ladder. At Jaguar Land Rover, he worked on high-level engineering projects and was, by most definitions, on a successful track. 

Still, he felt increasingly disconnected. Projects he invested months into were paused or cancelled for reasons beyond his control. He wanted more freedom—and more impact. 

“I realised I wanted to be in charge of the work I was doing,” Chris recalls. “I didn’t want to spend my days on things that might never leave the drawing board.” 

First Steps Toward Business Ownership 

That desire for autonomy led Chris to co-found a tech consultancy. It gave him a taste of entrepreneurship, as he worked closely with business clients to build and install technical solutions. 

Then came a defining moment: a client engagement with a Poppies cleaning franchisee on the Wirral. What started as a routine software installation became something more. Chris observed the business in action and was struck by its simplicity, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency. 

A conversation with Poppies founder Sue Rorstad gave him clarity—this was a business that made sense. Soon after, Chris joined the brand as a franchisee. 

“It was clear that the model worked. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was solid and real,” he says. 

A New Direction in Domestic Services 

As a Poppies franchise owner, Chris flourished. He applied his technical mindset to streamline operations, strengthened customer relationships, and quickly built a thriving local business. His success caught the attention of others within the network, and he began mentoring and supporting fellow franchisees. 

By 2018, following the passing of Poppies founder Sue Rorstad, Chris was ready to lead. He took over the entire franchise operation—preserving the company’s legacy while preparing it for the future. 

Enter Itzhome: Merging Tech with Trust 

By 2024, the shift in consumer behaviour was undeniable. People expected instant, app-based services for everything from food delivery to plumbing. Chris saw the opportunity to bring that same digital convenience to home services—without compromising on the reliability and structure that defined Poppies. 

That’s when Itzhome was born. 

Itzhome allows users to book trusted home services—cleaning, repairs, maintenance—straight from their phone. It’s fast, intuitive, and designed around modern consumer habits. But its foundation is different from most apps: It’s built on real-world business experience, not just Silicon Valley theory. 

It carries the same DNA as Poppies: trust, consistency, and operational clarity. 

Enabling Entrepreneurs to Thrive 

One of Chris’s core motivations for launching Itzhome was to help others enjoy the same autonomy he’d worked so hard to achieve. The platform is designed with franchisees in mind—people who want a business that’s modern, flexible, and scalable. 

With Itzhome, franchisees get full access to an advanced platform, automated systems, customer support tools, and digital marketing—all without needing premises or costly equipment. It’s ideal for those wanting to work from home, manage their own schedule, and grow at their own pace. 

“It’s about control, balance, and opportunity,” says Chris. “You don’t need to burn out to build something meaningful.” 

And early results are promising. Following a successful pilot in 2024, Itzhome is already expanding across the UK, with new franchisees achieving strong, sustainable growth. 

Where Experience Meets Innovation 

What sets Itzhome apart isn’t just the technology. It’s the insight behind it. This is a business built by someone who has lived and breathed every level of the home services industry—from frontline franchisee to national network leader. 

That experience shapes every part of the Itzhome model. Franchisees are supported from day one, guided through each step, and given tools that actually make their work easier—not harder.