Shack Shine Blog

Category Archive: Tips

1. Why A House Detailing Business Was A ‘No Brainer’ For This Franchise Partner

   November 22, 2019 4:47 pm Leave a Comment

   

   After 15 years of running a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise with her husband, Yvonne de Boer is going it alone… but keeping it in the O2E Brands family, of course. Here, she explains why owning a Shack Shine Franchise was a ‘no brainer’, what motivates her to build a business at the age of 50, and what makes her territory unique (hint: it’s not Justin Bieber).

   So Yvonne – what made you want to own a business?

   Well, we actually already own a business, my husband and I. He owns a 1-800-GOT-JUNK franchise. So I’ve been familiar with that brand and the people behind it, the same people behind Shack Shine, for 15 years. Originally we weren’t going to buy another business until our kids were completely out of the house, but they were like, “What are you nuts? We want to be involved!”. We’ve got a 21-year-old, 19-year-old, and a 16-year-old, and they’re all involved in our junk business – they work on the trucks! 

   So will join your Shack Shine team, too?

   Well, two of them probably. One of them is looking to move on to different areas – I mean they have their own lives too, right? But my 16-year-old has already started helping me field market.

   That’s amazing. So what was it that appealed about Shack Shine as opposed to any other business?

   My husband kind of came up with the idea, actually. We always thought that I would take over more of the junk business and he would start something else. But then he was talking to somebody who was already involved in Shack Shine and it got him curious – so he came and told me about it, and we discussed it, and I said, “yeah, that doesn’t scare me at all, it sounds really cool.” I’m a homeowner, so I really saw the value in a business that unites these services together. I knew that I could sell it myself because I believe in it myself. Also, O2E Brands has been really good to us, through our experience with 1-800-GOT-JUNK, so it was kind of a no brainer to invest in another of their franchises. 

   What would you say is your main motivator in life and in business?

   Oh, my family. My kids are incredible, my husband’s incredible, and I do this for them. But also for myself, you know, because I can do this – there’s a sense of pride in building something yourself… which can happen at the age of 50, believe it or not! 

   What advice would you give to anyone looking at franchise options?

   Go for it. Because you have systems in place for you that are already tried and tested, and you own a business, but a business in which you are supported. I only have experience with O2E brands, but I’ve heard that compared to a lot of other franchises, they’re just incredible – they really want to see you succeed. I think Brian Scudamore especially really does care about all of the Franchise Partners – and that’s pretty unique and pretty special in a franchise system.

   What would you say makes your territory, London, Ontario, unique?

   I love the fact that it’s probably the largest small town in Ontario. It’s huge, there’s a lot of people in it, but it still has a small town feel to it. We’re far enough away from Toronto that we’re not 24/7, we’re not go, go, go. The city kind of shuts down a little bit on Saturday afternoon and Sunday is a little quieter again. But the people are what make it, for sure.

   And it spawned Justin Bieber.

   Yeah, that’s kind of cool too, I guess. [laughs]

   What are your passions outside of work? 

   Oh boy, I love traveling. That’s probably a big one right now. You probably hear that from a lot of people, right? I’m doing a little bit in the community through a church that we’re a part of, too, and we really enjoy that. We’re also involved in things like the Santa Claus parade, a lot of different little community things.

   Find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

2. The Business Partners Who Hired Shack Shine… Then Became Franchise Owners Themselves

   November 14, 2019 11:57 am Leave a Comment

   

   Looking for a new opportunity after 12 years of a family-run operation, these business partners discovered the innovative category of ‘house detailing’ – and they haven’t looked back. Meet Ed Summers and Idania Obarrio, Shack Shine Franchise Partners in Pinellas County South, Florida.

   What made you want to own a business?

   E: Well, I’ve been a business owner for the past 12 years, but we were looking for a new opportunity. 

   I: We decided that we needed a change, because the industry was changing. So we started looking into franchises. One day Ed was driving around his neighbourhood, and he saw a Shack Shine sign, so he googled it. We saw that they were looking for franchises, and that’s where it started. 

   E: Yeah I saw that Shack Shine van in my neighbourhood, and I was just really impressed, thought to myself, ‘wow that looks like a pretty good operation’. So we started doing some research, we talked to Zach – who is the Franchise Partner in the territory where I live – and then I hired him to do my house. He did an awesome job, really great – and that was the moment that it really started rolling, when we decided Shack Shine was the opportunity for us. 

   What are you looking forward to most about owning a Shack Shine franchise?

   E: The satisfaction of us having our own business, and being able to hire. Everything.

   I: I think also, having people that you can call and ask questions – having that support network. That’s a great thing. It’s not like they just sell you a franchise, they want to support you and make sure that you fit with them, and that you are happy. They want you to succeed.

   What is it about franchising that appealed to you?

   E: Franchising is new to us, because our other business was a family-run business – we did restoration on homes that had been damaged by fire, water, or mould. So still home services, but not a very pleasant atmosphere. Shack Shine is all about making somebody’s house look nice, whereas before we were going in and tearing a house up. This is a lot more fulfilling – it’s the good side! But yeah, franchising appealed because of the structure part. Running the other type of business, we didn’t have the structure and the help that Shack Shine gives us.

   I: It’s also nice that in the Tampa Bay area there’s now going to be 3 Shack Shine franchises, so the exposure is going to be like ‘oh my god, this must be a huge company’. We all have dinner together, and we’re planning to meet once a month or once a quarter to brainstorm. I’m really looking forward to that. 

   How do you think owning a Shack Shine franchise will change your lives?

   I: I’m hoping to hire the right people and get it going, make it a success over the next few years so that we can retire early. That’s my goal. 

   E: Yeah, I have two teenage boys, so you know as they get older, I would love to turn it over to them, once we get the business going. I want to build that legacy.

   What are you passions outside of work?

   E: Football games, hockey games.

   I: We have season tickets to the Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

   E: Yeah we do a lot of that. And then fishing and skiing in the winter. Anything outdoors!

   I: I’m also a big fan of trivia. I love Jeopardy, I record Jeopardy just to watch it!

   What would you say are your main motivators in life and in business?

   E: Obviously family, But I also like having control of my own schedule. That’s a big part of why we’ve always wanted to own our businesses, to have that control. 

    I: We’re going to be super busy at the beginning, as we start and grow our Shack Shine business, but as it builds, and we get the right people in place, it’s definitely going to give us more time. I love to travel. So that’s the motivation for me, you know? Being able to take that time off. 

   What makes your territory unique?

   E: Our territory is more of an island!

   I: A lot of islands.

   E: A lot of islands – it’s very different, lots of palm trees, lots of beaches… and we have a lot of driveways!

   I: A lot of very large driveways!

   E: But it’s a unique situation in Florida because we’re all close to the water, so whenever the wind blows, the salt’s blowing in and it’s getting on the windows – so we’re hoping to have business all year round, and a lot of repeat customers. The seasons won’t affect us either because we can keep working all year round, we don’t get snow. 

   I: And a lot of people have their holiday parties outside, so they want lights, patios cleaned, everything in winter. 

   Want to learn more about Shack Shine Franchise opportunities? Contact us to find out if you’re a suitable candidate today. 

3. Should I franchise or start a business from scratch?

   December 4, 2018 3:09 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Image Credit: William Iven

   If you’re ready to take control of your own future and make the dream of owning a painting business reality, you’re probably wondering which is easier — starting from scratch or franchising. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of both, looking at costs, resources and time commitments.

   FRANCHISING

    

   Research

   Choosing a franchise business means that a lot of the legwork has been done for you, so that you can hit the ground running and be operational fast. From the very first step you’ll be supported, with access to resources to investigate your market and understand the competitive landscape of the home services industry in your territory.

   Costs

   There are always costs associated with starting your own business. Franchise ownership requires an initial investment, then regular franchise fees. With this comes an entire team of people and processes to support you on your road to success. As a franchise partner you’re a member of a family – and you’ll never feel alone because you have a network to fall back on.

   Operations

   Franchising eliminates the guesswork that is an inevitable part of start-ups, with a proven operations and management system already established. Shack Shine Franchise Partners have everything they need to launch their business — ongoing support throughout their entrepreneurial adventure. This includes training on day-to-day operations, resources to recruit and train employees, and access to a centralised sales centre, which allows you to focus on growing your business, rather than getting bogged down in time-consuming admin and setting up appointments.

   Marketing

   Unlike starting a business from scratch, becoming a franchise owner means that you are a valued part of a trusted, recognized brand, backed by a centralised Marketing and PR team on both a local and a national level. Owning a franchise is essentially being handed the keys to a fully branded business, ready for your hard work and ambition to create your success story.

   Time Commitment

   One reason people decide to start their own business is that they want greater flexibility and the freedom to set their own schedule, so that they can spend more time with family. Franchising offers this, and offers it faster: thanks to the support and established systems that allow you to be operational and booking jobs in just a couple of months. Shack Shine’s centralised call centre also helps, because you can enjoy family time secure in the knowledge that your jobs are being booked, even as you play with your kids. Work hard, play hard has never been more true!

   STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS FROM SCRATCH

    

   Research

   The first step of building your business from the ground up is research, research, research. You’ll need to investigate the current market to determine demand, what kind of services your competition offer, how you will reach potential clients, and more. This will help you put together a strategic business roadmap, laying out what kind of business you want to start, sales territory, and the level of investment capital required. This roadmap should also take into account vendors, lead generation opportunities (i.e. marketing) and define critical business roles.

   Costs

   You’ll need more than just supplies when it comes to initial investment. Also on your list should be software (for CRM, payroll etc.), office supplies, and branded assets such as vehicle logos, uniforms, lawn signs and business cards. Additionally, you should account for potential legal costs associated with setting up your company – you’ll need a business license, liability insurance, an employer identification number and taxpayer identification number, for starters.

   Operations

   It takes time and effort to set up the operations and management side of any business, and there’s always going to be a period of ‘trial and error’, so it’s good to be prepared. From systems and technology, to recruitment and the customer journey, you need to have all bases covered. For example, finding reliable employees can be a challenge, and there are several things you need to think about when hiring. Ideally you should develop a recruitment handbook, create a company vision, and construct adequate training procedures that won’t disrupt daily workflow.

   Marketing

   When starting a business from scratch, you need to think hard about branding and marketing. What will make your business stand out? How will you generate leads, and establish a customer base? How will you book jobs and handle customer service? Branding is just one part of your overall marketing strategy – to generate awareness and business you need to think about ad buy, social media, seasonal campaigns and more. In fact, managing your marketing and reputation can be a full time job in itself.

   Time Commitment

   It’s important to go into business ownership with your eyes wide open, and with the knowledge that it can be a very slow process to get things moving or start seeing revenue turn into profit. You’re building something from the ground up – that takes time and effort. Recruiting takes time. Brand recognition and building a customer base takes time. Establishing a working system of processes takes time. Staying realistic and managing expectations is key.

   WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

    

   Contact us – we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Shack Shine offers franchises across Canada and the United States, with the scale, brand, and critical support to help you build your business fast, so that you can start making money as soon as possible.

4. 9 Signs You’re Ready To Start Your Own Business

   November 4, 2019 3:07 pm Leave a Comment

   

   If you’re among the almost half of U.S. workers and 75 percent of Canadians who are actively seeking another job or opportunity that offers you more, it could be time to take your first step towards independence. Here are nine signs you might be ready to start your own business.

   1. YOU DREAM OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES

   If you find yourself dreaming about doing something bigger and better, something that really motivates you – it could be time to switch directions and create your own opportunity. It may not seem like it now, but it is possible to wake up feeling excited about work, and to go to bed with a sense of fulfillment, after a productive and rewarding day.

   2. YOU WANT TO GROW YOUR WEALTH FOR THE FUTURE

   What you put into your career is what you get out of it, and business ownership is no different. As a business owner you trade a capped monthly salary for a ‘sky’s the limit’ mentality – and if that excites you more than it scares you, it sounds like you might be ready to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Yes, you’ll have to grind at the beginning – it wouldn’t be rewarding if you didn’t – but satisfaction lies in the knowledge that your hard work is for you, and that you’re investing in your own future.

   3. YOU CRAVE FREEDOM

   With business ownership comes freedom. The freedom to set your own goals, and to choose your own future. Being your own boss means that you own the crucial decisions, and it allows you to choose where, when, how, and with whom you want to work – so that you can create a lifestyle that revolves around the things that matter most to you.

   4. YOU HAVE YOUR OWN VISION OF SUCCESS

   Success means different things to different people, and for some, real fulfillment comes from being a leader. If you’re ambitious and hard-working, but you want to leverage your leadership and business skills to write your own founder’s story, then it’s time to think seriously about working for yourself.

   5. YOU HAVE A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM

   A solid support system is crucial when it comes to business ownership. At Shack Shine, franchise partners know this, because they’re backed by a culture of founders, back-end systems, and tried-and-true marketing. In other words, they’re supported every step of the way.

   6. YOU WANT TO BUILD SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN PASS DOWN

   Ask yourself if you agree with this statement: “Life isn’t about benefits, pensions and slaving away until retirement; it’s about doing what you love to build a future for yourself and your family.” Business owners build legacies, and if you want a career that is personally and professionally rewarding, but also something you can pass down, business ownership might just be the perfect choice for you.

   7. YOU’VE BEEN FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

   If you’ve been plugging away at your existing career and have saved up enough capital to invest in a new business, it might be a great time to start looking into your options.

   8. YOU HAVE GOOD PEOPLE SKILLS

   You understand people and the way they work. You’ve been told you are a leader. Good interpersonal skills are crucial to business success, especially when it comes to building your own team, working with clients, and even networking within your industry.

   9. YOU THRIVE ON NEW EXPERIENCES

   If you’re the kind of individual who thrives on personal development and experiencing new people, places and things, then you might be ready to take the leap. Starting a business won’t be easy. It takes hunger, hard work, and an element of risk-taking to succeed. But if you’re up to the challenge, you could write your own founder’s story, and change your life.

5. How to Start a Franchise with No Money

   2:49 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Investing in a franchise can be a smart option for anyone looking to be their own boss by starting a business. But not everyone has the start-up capital required to kick-start that entrepreneurial journey, and make their dream of business ownership a reality.

   That doesn’t mean that starting a franchise is off-limits! Just because you may not have thousands of dollars sitting in your bank account ready to invest, doesn’t meaning you can’t start a franchise. In fact, there are several ways to generate capital. Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting a business… even when you don’t have the funds you need right now.

   TO START A FRANCHISE, WORK OUT WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

   Before you start seriously considering different franchise options, you need to know exactly what you can afford. This means having an excellent understanding of your current finances – including your net worth. Compile a balance sheet that lists all of your assets and liabilities, and figure out what you can realistically invest. That way, you know how much you still need. It’s often worth seeking advice from a financial advisor at this point, so that they can help you determine what you can afford – and what you can’t. Starting a franchise is always going to require a certain amount of risk, but make sure you’re only taking a smart risk – and not over-stretching yourself financially.

   THEN, FIND THE RIGHT FRANCHISE FOR YOU

   Franchise costs vary massively depending on the business and the franchisor. Do your research, and look for franchises that are a realistic fit with your financial situation. OK, so you don’t have half a million dollars to sink into a retail-based franchise – that doesn’t mean that starting a franchise is off the table for you. Service based franchises like Shack Shine are more affordable because there’s no retail rates associated. You can base your business from home, and they’re low inventory, low overhead – meaning a lower initial investment and faster ramp-up time – so that with hard work and determination, you can start making money, and earning back your investment, fast.

   NOW, CONSIDER YOUR CAPITAL OPTIONS FOR STARTING A FRANCHISE

   There are a number of ways you can go about securing the funds you need to start a franchise. Not all of these will be right for you, so look into each option carefully.

   Start saving

   It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Yes, you might want to ditch the suit and start creating the life you’ve always wanted NOW – but sometimes, patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a necessity. Devise and commit to a solid savings plan, and work towards your goal of business ownership. It may be a long road, but you’ll know in your heart if it’s worth it.

   Borrow From Yourself

   It’s possible to borrow from your retirement savings to start a franchise, through something called Rollover as Business Startups, or ROBS. This allows you to use money from an IRA, 410(k) or 403(b) to pay the initial and/or ongoing costs of a Franchise business. However, while there are generally no penalties or interest, you will incur a tax liability on any money you withdraw from a retirement account. If you are a homeowner, another option is to take out a home equity loan on your property. Before tapping the equity in your home, make sure you appreciate the risks. If you default, the bank can seize your home.

   Apply For A Small Business Loan

   The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans for new businesses in the United States. New businesses and franchises can access SBA-backed loans by applying through their lenders. To qualify you will need a good credit score, and usually around 20-30% of the loan amount as a downpayment. If you are going down this route, it’s a good idea to choose a Franchise that has been registered and approved by the SBA, as you can benefit from a fast application process.

   Ask Friends or Family to Invest

   Walking up to someone at a BBQ and asking if they’ll lend you $20,000 to start a franchise probably isn’t going to work. Take the time to put together a legitimate sales pitch, laying out your business plan, and return on investment – for example, when you’ll pay them back. If you do secure an investor, ensure you have a contract drawn up by a legal professional, stating the terms of the agreement, and signed by both parties. Everything should be watertight, and everything should be above board.

   Find a Business Partner

   A problem halved is a problem solved, as the saying goes – and the same is true for an investment. Going into business with someone else means you can split the costs (but also the profits!). It’s also a big undertaking to work with someone day in day out, especially when it comes to agreeing on the big decisions that come with owning a business – so take that into consideration.

   A lot to think about, right? Weigh your options carefully, discuss with those closest to you, and consider all angles before making any decisions. Just don’t give up on your dream of business ownership!

   Ready to take the leap? Find out more about our franchising opportunities here.

6. Starting Your Own Shack Shine Franchise: Our Process

   October 15, 2019 11:45 am Leave a Comment

   

   Your entrepreneurial story starts now. But what does the path ahead look like? We’ve broken down the journey to franchise ownership step-by-step, so that you know exactly what to expect.

   Stage 1: Introductory Call

   It all starts with a screening phone call. This is a call with one of our Franchise Development Managers (think of them as our talent scouts), who will ask you some questions to help us determine whether or not there could be a fit. If so, we’ll also discuss markets that are available. 

   Stage 2: Market Study 

   If we decide that we’d like to move forward, we’ll have some further, more in-depth calls – which should lead to the due diligence stage. This involves creating a market study, where you’ll explore customer demographics, and develop a thorough understanding of the industry potential within your territory.

   Stage 3: Budget and Financial Forecast 

   During this stage, a number of things happen. We work with you to build a realistic business plan and financial forecast. You will also review our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and we’ll discuss your plans and your available options for funding and financing. 

   Stage 4: Speaking To Our Franchise Owners

   One of the best ways for us to ensure we’re finding the right new owners is to have them speak to our existing Franchise Partners. It’s also a perfect time to learn more about their experiences, their opinions on the business, and what it takes to be successful. 

   Stage 5: Final Interview Day

   You will visit our head office in Vancouver, Canada, to meet with the leaders behind O2E Brands, see the teams that will be supporting you in your business, and witness operations first-hand. It’s also when we finalize your business plan and territory. Note: for the duration of travel restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are hosting virtual final interview days. Check out this video for a tour of ‘The Junktion’ – our HQ! 

   Stage 6: Franchise Awarded 

   When you reach this stage, it’s time to celebrate! Your corporation will be established, you’ll pay your franchise fees, and we’ll have your franchise agreements ready for signing. You’ll then start your on-boarding and training. 

   As you can see, it’s not a quick process, but that’s because this is a huge, life-changing decision – and we need to make sure that you’re right for us, and that we’re right for you. 

7. The 4 Things All Successful Franchise Owners Have In Common

   October 11, 2019 11:42 am Leave a Comment

   

   ‘How much money will I make?’, is one of the first questions most people ask when they start looking into buying a franchise. The answer? How successful you are as a franchise owner really depends on you. 

   Yes, the franchise model, back-end support, systems and operations are all important – but while these elements set you up for success, achieving that success is something only you have the power to do. 

   Over the course of our 30+ years experience at O2E Brands, we’ve identified not only what makes a great franchise partner, but what makes a successful one: and there are a number of traits that they all have in common. 

   What are they, and do you have them? Read on to find out. 

   Hungry  

   If you’ve decided you want to be a business owner, then you have to be all in. And to be all in, you have to really want it. You have to want to be your own boss. You have to crave taking control of your future. You have to be committed to changing your life by building something that is yours. You have to know that you’ll do whatever it takes to get there.

   Hard-Working 

   Running a franchise requires a strong drive and motivation for success, and that’s what we look for in our Franchise Partners. People who aren’t afraid of hard work. People who understand that sure, it might be tough at first – but that putting in the work now means reaping the rewards later. Successful franchisors are the ones who look at the big picture, not just the ‘right now’, and have a clear idea of where they want to take their business. They don’t just head into year 1 asking: ‘when is the money going to start rolling in?’ – they think about year 2, year 5, year 10: and work towards big goals. 

   Hands-On 

   What it really comes down to, is this: you get out what you put in. Successful franchisors are those who want to dig in, roll up their sleeves, and be involved at every level of their business – especially in the early years. You’re building something from the ground up, you’re building a legacy, you’re building something you can be proud of – to do that, you have to be hands-on. If your team can see that you’re 100% committed, then they will be too. 

   Happy 

   Obviously, nobody is relentlessly happy all of the time (that would be impossible, and a little bit terrifying). But what makes a good Franchise Partner is someone with great interpersonal skills and a positive outlook, combined with a ‘yes I can’ attitude. This is key when it comes to interacting with employees and customers, because creating loyalty, value and trust is the foundation of any successful business. 

   If you think you have these 4 integral qualities, and you’re interested in learning more about Shack Shine opportunities, schedule a 15 minute intro call with us today. 

   LEARN MORE

8. This Former Retail Manager Took Control And Became A Business Owner

   October 16, 2019 2:31 pm Leave a Comment

   

   He’s a self-proclaimed die-hard sports fan with a ‘Type A’ personality and ambition by the bucketload. Meet Brian Bensema, Shack Shine Franchise Partner in Southwest Chicago, and discover why he chose franchising, what he loves about Shack Shine, and his plans for a million dollar business.

   Hi Brian, welcome to the Shack Shine family! Let’s start things off with the big one: what made you want to own your own business?

   I’ve been in retail management for close to a decade, maybe a little bit more – everything from store manager to operations manager. And the thing I found was that the more you work for other people, and the more hours you put in to make them a lot of money, the more you start to think ‘why not make that money for myself instead?’. For me, I knew how to run a business from the perspective of management, and so running a business as an owner felt like the logical next step.

   Looking back at those initial thoughts that kick-started all this for you, how does it feel to be a business owner now?

   The process has been exciting, nerve-wracking, terrifying, fun – if you have an adjective it’s probably the right one! It’s been almost 6 months since I first started that process – and it’s just so good, because you really learn about them, they learn about you, and they make you feel like family by the end of it. If it wasn’t like that I probably wouldn’t be here.

   Now I’m just ready to get going. It’s a big thing to wrap your head around: that the buck stops with you. It’s your show, you win or you lose, it’s all based on you, not what people above you tell you. It’s big, but it’s liberating and it’s exciting.

   So why Shack Shine? 

   I actually found Shack Shine when I was looking to get 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to pick up some stuff for me, and I saw at the bottom of the website that the same company has other brands. I discovered that there were franchise opportunities at these other brands, and Shack Shine jumped out at me. That’s how it started!

   The thing about Shack Shine is that unlike a lot of other businesses, it’s all about repeat business. So it’s not a model where I have to constantly keep finding new customers. Instead, as we build up over the years people will stick will us – they’ll remember the great customer experience, they’ll remember the first class work we did, and they’ll book with us again and again and again. That’s what really intrigued me to begin with.

   It was definitely good to go out to Vancouver and see everything that’s behind Shack Shine too, at the head office ‘The Junktion’. To be honest, I was just relieved to see that it wasn’t somebody in a basement pretending to be a company! here are franchises like that in the world, I know people who went on a visit, and all of a sudden it’s just two people in a basement, so this obviously wasn’t like that at all. Instead it’s a huge office, so many people, so many great, friendly faces, such an amazing culture.

   Why Franchising?

   The big thing about Franchising is you’re not doing it alone. I have a lot of experience with the managing of a business: running a team, hiring a team, all that kind of stuff, but building from the ground up is a whole different ball game, you know? Knowing how to go about everything from funding to getting all your paperwork in line, I didn’t want to shoulder all of that myself. With franchising there’s a process already set up, and it’s a turn-key operation. I’m not starting from level zero, I’m starting from level one or two. It knocks that beginning of the learning curve down a little bit.

   What are you looking forward to most about owning a Shack Shine Franchise?

   Control. [laughs] I like being in control of situations. If I need to take a day off, I have to make the decision if I can afford it or not, but it’s on me – it’s not you know, “sorry we need you in today, too bad”. For me it’s all about family, too, and having that ability to work around my schedule if I need to.Being type A, I’ll probably work 6 or 7 days a week anyways, at least for the first year. But I have the option. It’s all about control, and flexibility, and having time to spend with family.

   Where do you want to be in 5 years?

   I plan on being a million dollar business in 5 years.

   Amazing. What would you say motivates you most in life?

   I’m type A, I motivate myself! I don’t like not being number one, so that’s my motivation: to be the best at what I do, because that’s how I reward myself. I’m very competitive.

   Any passions outside of work?

   I do a little bit of everything! I’ve been home-brewing beer for about 20 years now, so I have a pretty nice set up. I’m also a big reader – my goal is to read 52 books a year. Haven’t quite made it yet, 48 is my current record. That’s the goal. My mum reads one or two a day, so she kind of makes it hard to not aim high [laughs].

   Finally, what makes  your territory Chicago unique?

   It’s where I’m from. It’s family. It’s friends. It’s the whole reason I went back, to be close to friends and family. It’s about being back to my roots and with my mum and my sister, and her family. I would never leave Chicago if I didn’t have to, that’s who I am. I’m a hard-working die-hard sports fan just like everyone else here – and now I’m going to make their houses beautiful!

   Are you interested in learning about Shack Shine Franchise opportunities in your area? Contact us to find out more.

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9. Meet The Couple Who Drove 30 Hours To Launch Their Franchise

   October 1, 2019 2:28 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Justin and Kennady both had dreams of owning a business. But it was meeting each other that really lit their entrepreneurial fire, and after a 30 hour drive (!) they’re on the road to success, living and working in Pinellas County, FL, as the proud owners of a Shack Shine Franchise.

   So, Justin and Kennady – what made you want to own a business?

   K: Individually we wanted to own businesses before we met each other, and then meeting each other we kinda just lit a flame and went for it! Then we met the consultant, and just flew from there. 

   J: Yeah, we reached out to a franchise consultant and she gave us a few options – but it was Shack Shine that stood out. It was more practical, and a lot more put together than most other businesses. It seemed like there was going to be a lot more support, which was key for us. 

   Why Shack Shine?

   K: To be honest, it wasn’t until we came up to Vancouver to meet everyone that it really sealed the deal for us. Visiting O2E Brands and just seeing that it’s like a huge family, super organized, super systematic. That’s what did it for me personally. 

   J: Yeah there’s a lot of support here. And we never owned a business before. As first-time business owners, we wanted a brand that would support us and help when we did start up, because we don’t know what’s going to be thrown at us. Shack Shine did a great job of proving that there was going to be that support. 

   What was your background before this, what did you both do for work?

   J: So I was in the military years ago. I went from there to Best Buy, and then I worked in HR for Best Buy for a couple of years before we decided that we wanted to move to Florida – and that starting a business was probably the best option to do that. 

   K: I actually just graduated college two years ago! After graduating I moved to Minneapolis for an internship, but started working in a tanning salon. Then I started managing that tanning salon. Then I started managing multiple of them. I also did a lot of coaching  – strengthening and conditioning was my priority career base, and I worked with a lot of athletic teams. I wanted to own a gym originally, actually, but I don’t think we would have had as much support running a gym versus working with Shack Shine. 

   What are you looking forward to most?

   K: I think the family feel to it all, really. We have two other franchises around us already, in our area, which is a really good thing for us. 

   J: Honestly just owning a business. We wanted to own a business we just didn’t know what, or how. So even getting to own our own business and having something that we can call our own, that’s just amazing. We want to actually do something with our lives and help out our community in some way. 

   K: Yes, pride of ownership was a big thing. 

   How are you involved in your community?

   K: Honestly, we just moved from Minneapolis to Florida via a 30 hour drive, so right now we don’t have a lot of ties to the community. But I’m getting in touch with a couple of high schools, as with my athletic background I would love to be able to help athletes again, so that might be an extra thing for me. Tutoring.

   You drove 30 hours?

   K: Yes. 30 hours. We slept for 4 hours, woke up and did it again. 30 hours with a 4 hour break! That’s how excited we were to get down there and launch our franchise! [laughs]. 

   What are your passions outside of work?

   K: We love to go to breweries, honestly! We’re very much foodies, so if we have the opportunity to explore a new area it is very much based on food and drinks. We love exploring together. 

   J: Pretty much anything outside, we love anything outside. We kind of plan – once we are more established – we plan on starting up a friendly competition with the franchises in our area, our neighbouring franchises. It would be really fun to bring everyone together to play a kickball or soccer tournament or something. 

   What would you say are your main motivators in life and in business? 

   K: I mean, success in general drives me, but you can’t really measure success… there’s no cap. Basically, I’m always willing to try something new, and this is very much out of my comfort zone. But it does help somebody feel better, not about themselves, which is what my experience is in, but as a family. That’s something that really drives me. 

   J: I was always taught that you are a reflection of your work, so what you put into your work reflects back on to you. That’s always driven me. 

   Interested in learning more about owning a Shack Shine Franchise? You can do that right here. 

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10. QUIZ: What Type Of Business Owner Are You?

    September 24, 2019 10:37 am Leave a Comment

    

    You’ve thought about starting your own business. You’ve looked into buying a home services franchise.

    You know that you have what it takes to be a leader, and that you want the freedom to call your own shots, make your own money, and take control of your own life.

    What you might not know is what type of business owner you are, based on your skills, personality, background, and means. Take this quiz to find out just that!

     

    Now learn more about business ownership opportunities with Shack Shine! 

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