Kyle Heitkamp, David Maenke and Rich Westerberg
These guys had already hit a homerun once.
In 1996, Kyle Heitkamp and David Maenke were among four co-founders of a computer and wireless device repair business. When they sold it to Teleplan Wireless seven years later, they had revenues of over $50 million and 700+ employees.
Kyle and David weren’t ready to retire at such a young age nor were they looking for desk jobs.
Prior to being referred to The Entrepreneur’s Source, Kyle and Dave had already started to explore existing businesses that were for sale. After investigating several businesses, they discovered that most lacked discipline and structure - and had plenty of skeletons in their closets to boot. In light of this, the proven systems of franchises held some appeal for them.
“After selling our company, we thought we would take a break and enjoy life for awhile. Once we realized we needed to get back into the game, we contacted Carolyn. We originally went into the process on a fact finding mission. Carolyn made the process so comfortable that we continued step by step until we found the company that fit our needs.”
Over the course of a couple of meetings, they crystallized their goals and expectations for any new business venture they might consider. At the top of that list was to work the business actively, but on a part-time basis rather than full-time. Flexibility in their schedule was extremely important to them. They also wanted a business that would offer a growth opportunity and provide a challenge that would take them out of their comfort zone.
“Carolyn took the time to sit down for hours of conversation to truly understand not only our business needs, but also our personal needs.”
Based on their business experience and their interest and ability to build “something from nothing”, Carolyn introduced them to the concept of Master Franchise Development. A Master Franchisee owns the rights to develop multiple stores or territories in a large region, such as a major metropolitan area or an entire state. The Master Franchisee, to a large degree, plays the role of the franchisor within their territory. They are responsible for recruiting new franchisees and supporting their existing franchisees.
As it turns out, this was the ideal path for them to pursue. After conducting an initial validation of a handful of Master Franchise opportunities, they began to zone in on one franchise that met their goals and business criteria.
“The E-Source process made sure we did not jump ahead or make preconceived judgments regarding any of the opportunities that were presented. We did not feel pressured at any point throughout the process. It made me feel comfortable that I knew we could take a break or even discontinue the process at any time and Carolyn would have been fine with our decision.”
In the process, they recognized the need for another partner to effectively develop the territory. They brought in former colleague and sales and service pro, Rich Westerberg. As Rich worked with Kyle and Dave to complete their investigation of the business, they each identified their respective responsibilities within the newly forming organization.
Today, as Master Franchisees for Dry Cleaning Station, Kyle, Dave and Rich own the rights to develop the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. They opened their environmentally-friendly plant facility to coincide with the opening of their first franchisee’s store in late December, 2004. They project the growth opportunity of their market to accommodate up to 75 stores.
“We have enjoyed the relationship with The E-Source and Carolyn so much that it has now grown into an ongoing business relationship. We are now using The E-Source to assist us in building out the Twin Cities’ market for the Dry Cleaning Station.”
And the flexibility they desired? Kyle was able to attend nearly every Gopher football game this year – including road games. Dave has been traveling to warmer locales this winter to work on his golf game. And Rich had time to continue serving as the 8th & 9th Grade Commissioner of the Eden Prairie Baseball Association while harvesting a bumper crop in his garden.
Play ball!
In 1996, Kyle Heitkamp and David Maenke were among four co-founders of a computer and wireless device repair business. When they sold it to Teleplan Wireless seven years later, they had revenues of over $50 million and 700+ employees.
Kyle and David weren’t ready to retire at such a young age nor were they looking for desk jobs.
Prior to being referred to The Entrepreneur’s Source, Kyle and Dave had already started to explore existing businesses that were for sale. After investigating several businesses, they discovered that most lacked discipline and structure - and had plenty of skeletons in their closets to boot. In light of this, the proven systems of franchises held some appeal for them.
“After selling our company, we thought we would take a break and enjoy life for awhile. Once we realized we needed to get back into the game, we contacted Carolyn. We originally went into the process on a fact finding mission. Carolyn made the process so comfortable that we continued step by step until we found the company that fit our needs.”
Over the course of a couple of meetings, they crystallized their goals and expectations for any new business venture they might consider. At the top of that list was to work the business actively, but on a part-time basis rather than full-time. Flexibility in their schedule was extremely important to them. They also wanted a business that would offer a growth opportunity and provide a challenge that would take them out of their comfort zone.
“Carolyn took the time to sit down for hours of conversation to truly understand not only our business needs, but also our personal needs.”
Based on their business experience and their interest and ability to build “something from nothing”, Carolyn introduced them to the concept of Master Franchise Development. A Master Franchisee owns the rights to develop multiple stores or territories in a large region, such as a major metropolitan area or an entire state. The Master Franchisee, to a large degree, plays the role of the franchisor within their territory. They are responsible for recruiting new franchisees and supporting their existing franchisees.
As it turns out, this was the ideal path for them to pursue. After conducting an initial validation of a handful of Master Franchise opportunities, they began to zone in on one franchise that met their goals and business criteria.
“The E-Source process made sure we did not jump ahead or make preconceived judgments regarding any of the opportunities that were presented. We did not feel pressured at any point throughout the process. It made me feel comfortable that I knew we could take a break or even discontinue the process at any time and Carolyn would have been fine with our decision.”
In the process, they recognized the need for another partner to effectively develop the territory. They brought in former colleague and sales and service pro, Rich Westerberg. As Rich worked with Kyle and Dave to complete their investigation of the business, they each identified their respective responsibilities within the newly forming organization.
Today, as Master Franchisees for Dry Cleaning Station, Kyle, Dave and Rich own the rights to develop the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. They opened their environmentally-friendly plant facility to coincide with the opening of their first franchisee’s store in late December, 2004. They project the growth opportunity of their market to accommodate up to 75 stores.
“We have enjoyed the relationship with The E-Source and Carolyn so much that it has now grown into an ongoing business relationship. We are now using The E-Source to assist us in building out the Twin Cities’ market for the Dry Cleaning Station.”
And the flexibility they desired? Kyle was able to attend nearly every Gopher football game this year – including road games. Dave has been traveling to warmer locales this winter to work on his golf game. And Rich had time to continue serving as the 8th & 9th Grade Commissioner of the Eden Prairie Baseball Association while harvesting a bumper crop in his garden.
Play ball!
posted by Carolyn Herfurth, The Entrepreneur's Source at Monday, February 07, 2005
