When most people think about business ownership, they often imagine starting from scratch, building something entirely new.
But there's a powerful alternative that many former corporate executives are discovering—one that combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the proven systems of an established brand.
I recently sat down with my client Bob Hackett to discuss his journey from 25 years in corporate America to successful franchise ownership. His experience offers valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path.
Let’s dive in...
Bob's story starts like many others—an accomplished professional looking for more control over his future.
“I spent 25 years in corporate America,” Bob shared. “It was fantastic, but it's not the same as doing something for yourself and your family.”
Initially, Bob had a strong bias toward buying an existing business (a resale).
But after exploring the resale market extensively, he couldn’t find the right combination of business type and value.
What ultimately sold him on franchising was discovering a system that aligned with his background:
“It was almost a perfect skill set match. It's a supply chain business, and I have a career in supply chain.”
As he connected with the franchisors and founder, it became clear he’d get the support he needed.
Bob wasn't without reservations. Like most prospective franchise owners, he wondered:
To overcome these concerns, Bob took a methodical approach:
"If the process, training, and support enable me to hit my goals in one year rather than two or three because I step on fewer landmines, then looking at the financial math, it was almost a no-brainer."
The franchise discovery process isn't just about finding any opportunity—it's about finding the right fit for your skills and goals.
Bob appreciated the structured approach we used, particularly the profile assessment that helped identify franchises where people with his profile had already succeeded.
"I've seen a billion profile tests over the years, but none of the other franchises or folks in the industry used something like that. Because of that, you put SupplyPoint in front of me, whereas I had never even seen that opportunity in the vast sea of franchise options."
When I asked how franchise ownership has changed his life, Bob's response was immediate and profound:
"I'm more energized about what I'm doing on a day-to-day basis. I'm trying to run and build a business that is for me and not doing it for somebody else."
The benefits extend beyond just business ownership:
Reduced Stress: "My wife says my stress level is a fraction of what it used to be. That doesn't mean I'm working less—it just means I have more energy around the things I'm doing."
Greater Flexibility: "It's going to allow me to flex my schedule to go see kid events and do stuff with my family."
Strategic Growth: "I see a path to building an infrastructure that allows me to shift from day-to-day operations to focus more on high-level strategy as I grow the company."
Here’s what Bob recommends to others considering this path:
"Do some personal discernment around what your values are, what you want to get out of it, and what you're willing to do to get it up and off the ground."
He emphasizes the importance of finding a franchise where at least one aspect of the business aligns with your background:
He emphasizes aligning at least one part of the business with your background:
“If you can do that, you're putting yourself on the right footing with any business you select.”
Just like Bob, are you ready to explore if franchising could be your path to business ownership and financial freedom?
Let's hop on a quick, no-obligation call. In just 15 minutes, I'll help you uncover the best franchise opportunities tailored to your goals, avoid common pitfalls, and take the first step toward building a business that energizes you.
Click here to schedule your call now—spots are filling up fast!
