Jeff & Trish Johnson
When Jeff’s work as a computer systems contractor ended with Honeywell, he became a stay-at-home dad for their two boys, which he’s been doing for the last several years. Then, when Trish learned that her technical analyst job was being eliminated, they decided to use it as an opportunity to explore business ownership.
They were open to whether one or both of them would work the business but knew the long-term goal would be to work together once the business got into full swing. Of highest importance was for one of them to have flexible hours so that they could tend to their boys and be available whenever the need arose.
Both are extremely friendly, customer service oriented and enjoy working with people. Their preference was to avoid retail hours, start with few or no employees and avoid a business that would require heavy cold-calling. They live in Avon, Minnesota, a small town that is within a stone's throw of St. Cloud, a larger city.
Prior to learning about The E-Source they had been looking online and trying to sort through list after list of franchise opportunities. They admitted it was overwhelming and didn’t know how to narrow down which franchises to explore.
“Without your process, we would still be looking for a business today. If left to our own devices, we would have only explored similar businesses that held emotional appeal and not given ourselves contrasting business models to consider. We would still be spinning our wheels.”
Instead, Jeff and Trish were able to select a business within just a few months.
They chose CertiRestore, a full-service furniture restoration business that offers a non-chemical removal system and a unique restoration system that allows them to guarantee their work for 50 years. They serve businesses such as restaurants, moving companies and churches. In addition, they help consumers who are simply looking to restore Grandma’s old rocking chair or the dining room table.
The hours are flexible and there is no real need for employees quite yet, as Jeff can both sell and perform the restoration until the business builds up. Trish will be able to join Jeff once the business is ramped up or when they add an additional territory, should they choose to expand their business even further.
I visited Jeff at the Home Show in St. Cloud this past weekend. The franchisor supplied Jeff with a professional trade show display and samples of restored furniture. Jeff exhibited his natural, friendly style and wove it into the knowledge he’d gained in training. He literally looked and sounded like he’d been in business for several years.
You’d never guess that he was only halfway through his training (yes, you read that correctly - halfway). Not only is that a testament to the power of franchising – it is a testament to finding the right franchise to suit your strengths and goals. What a great foundation for building a solid business. Congratulations, Johnsons!
They were open to whether one or both of them would work the business but knew the long-term goal would be to work together once the business got into full swing. Of highest importance was for one of them to have flexible hours so that they could tend to their boys and be available whenever the need arose.
Both are extremely friendly, customer service oriented and enjoy working with people. Their preference was to avoid retail hours, start with few or no employees and avoid a business that would require heavy cold-calling. They live in Avon, Minnesota, a small town that is within a stone's throw of St. Cloud, a larger city.
Prior to learning about The E-Source they had been looking online and trying to sort through list after list of franchise opportunities. They admitted it was overwhelming and didn’t know how to narrow down which franchises to explore.
“Without your process, we would still be looking for a business today. If left to our own devices, we would have only explored similar businesses that held emotional appeal and not given ourselves contrasting business models to consider. We would still be spinning our wheels.”
Instead, Jeff and Trish were able to select a business within just a few months.
They chose CertiRestore, a full-service furniture restoration business that offers a non-chemical removal system and a unique restoration system that allows them to guarantee their work for 50 years. They serve businesses such as restaurants, moving companies and churches. In addition, they help consumers who are simply looking to restore Grandma’s old rocking chair or the dining room table.
The hours are flexible and there is no real need for employees quite yet, as Jeff can both sell and perform the restoration until the business builds up. Trish will be able to join Jeff once the business is ramped up or when they add an additional territory, should they choose to expand their business even further.
I visited Jeff at the Home Show in St. Cloud this past weekend. The franchisor supplied Jeff with a professional trade show display and samples of restored furniture. Jeff exhibited his natural, friendly style and wove it into the knowledge he’d gained in training. He literally looked and sounded like he’d been in business for several years.
You’d never guess that he was only halfway through his training (yes, you read that correctly - halfway). Not only is that a testament to the power of franchising – it is a testament to finding the right franchise to suit your strengths and goals. What a great foundation for building a solid business. Congratulations, Johnsons!
posted by Carolyn Herfurth, The Entrepreneur's Source at Saturday, April 08, 2006
