Steve Schumacher
Steve worked in the non-profit world for two decades. Frustrated with the tight financial environment of non-profits, Steve knew it was time to move on and was determined to go to work for himself. He was raised in an entrepreneurial family and was itching to try his hand at his own thing.
Steve was seeking the independence to make his own decisions and not have to get approval through a committee. He wanted the flexibility to be at home with his three daughters to get them off to school at their varying start times. He also enjoys working with people and partners to make things happen.
Although he and his wife, Penny, had plenty of concerns, they did a terrific job of acknowledging and discussing each issue. This took some doing because they didn't always agree.
For example, Penny thought that one of the business models that we were considering was "dumb". Steve and I had a long talk about respecting her opinion without defeating his search. We agreed that he would research the business and we'd talk again in a week.
The next week Steve said, "I've had a complete turn around."
He had spent the week diligently speaking with the franchisor representative, several franchisees and potential clients in his area. What he learned is that the business model met his lifestyle and financial goals. He also recognized that he'd probably be pretty darn good at it!
"Carolyn made me really think about each opportunity and helped me to make sure I saw things from many perspectives."
Ultimately, Steve chose that "dumb" business called Our Town America. He partners with area businesses to deliver gift certificates for complimentary products and services to new residents. His territory includes most of the suburbs west of Minneapolis.
Steve already started making sales just two days out of training. This is a testament to his skills and abilities, the training provided by the franchisor and to the strength of the programs that he's offering. If you know a business owner who might benefit from such a program, give Steve a call at 763-545-8988 to learn more!
Steve was seeking the independence to make his own decisions and not have to get approval through a committee. He wanted the flexibility to be at home with his three daughters to get them off to school at their varying start times. He also enjoys working with people and partners to make things happen.
Although he and his wife, Penny, had plenty of concerns, they did a terrific job of acknowledging and discussing each issue. This took some doing because they didn't always agree.
For example, Penny thought that one of the business models that we were considering was "dumb". Steve and I had a long talk about respecting her opinion without defeating his search. We agreed that he would research the business and we'd talk again in a week.
The next week Steve said, "I've had a complete turn around."
He had spent the week diligently speaking with the franchisor representative, several franchisees and potential clients in his area. What he learned is that the business model met his lifestyle and financial goals. He also recognized that he'd probably be pretty darn good at it!
"Carolyn made me really think about each opportunity and helped me to make sure I saw things from many perspectives."
Ultimately, Steve chose that "dumb" business called Our Town America. He partners with area businesses to deliver gift certificates for complimentary products and services to new residents. His territory includes most of the suburbs west of Minneapolis.
Steve already started making sales just two days out of training. This is a testament to his skills and abilities, the training provided by the franchisor and to the strength of the programs that he's offering. If you know a business owner who might benefit from such a program, give Steve a call at 763-545-8988 to learn more!
posted by Carolyn Herfurth, The Entrepreneur's Source at Monday, November 20, 2006
