Everybody’s got a story.
Some feel really good about their stories … and some do not.
Some people feel very trapped, living out a story that they don’t like and don’t see a way out.
With that said, we all have moments that define our narrative and set the trajectory for our future. For us, our moment was born from a mixture of success, sacrifice, and a deep yearning for something more.
We were what many would consider “successful.” Mack was deeply involved in ministry, while Sharon was dedicated to her teaching career and raising 4 children. From the outside, our story seemed idyllic. Yet, beneath the surface, we felt the strains of careers that constantly demanded our time and energy, often at the cost of our family life.
A Day We’ll Never Forget
The turning point, a moment etched in our memories, came when our college-aged daughter needed us during a particularly painful period in her life.
Mack was called away multiple times due to his pastoral commitment , thinking each time that he could make up for it later. But when he returned, our daughter was already preparing to go back to school.
The weight of that missed opportunity hung heavy on his heart. It was a stark realization that his inability to prioritize our family had cost us precious moments.
It wasn’t just Mack who felt this way. Sharon sensed the same disconnection, watching from the sidelines as our story became one of missed opportunities and growing distances. We began to understand that our careers, as fulfilling as they were, often came at the expense of the relationships we cherished most.
That understanding led to an impulsive announcement: Our retirement.
And anytime a pastor retires, oh man, do the rumors start flying!
Did he have an affair?
Was there a scandal?
Did he steal money?
Has something gone terribly wrong?
Alas, the truth was much simpler: We yearned for a better story, one where we could be present for each other and our family.
Franchise Ownership = Freedom
In our search for a fresh start, we stumbled upon the world of franchising. It offered us a chance to redefine our roles, to work together, and to create a new narrative on our terms.
To be honest, the idea of working side by side was both exciting and daunting. We had never collaborated professionally and were unsure of how our dynamics would play out. But our shared purpose and commitment to forging a better story for our lives propelled us forward.
Entering into that arena (did you know there are more than 4,000 franchise concepts to choose from!) felt overwhelming at first – especially without a trusted guide to help us.
Thankfully, we found the help of an amazing Franchise Consultant, and that proved pivotal in guiding us to the ideal franchise that fit our desired lifestyle, financial situation, geographic location and so many other factors.
Franchise Success – And Stories
It’s been a wild ride, filled with tons of fun and (of course) some frustration, and we’ve learned SO much about what it takes to succeed AND keep your sanity as a couple running a business together.
Mack likes to joke that Sharon fired him 5 times a week in the early days … he’s kidding, of course.
It was more like 3 times a week. lol
What we found was that we had to match our unique talents, passions and skills to the key roles needed to successfully own and operate your own franchise.
Mack’s people skills helped us attract and retain top talent, along with winning new business. My analytical approach helped ensure our franchise’s strategy and systems were aligned at all times as we grew and expanded our business footprint.
As a result, our franchise was able to generate over a million in Year 1, helping us rank 1st out of 140 franchises in our space.
We had so many lessons (and laughs) along the way, and we’ll share more of those in future articles.
Are You Ready To Write a Better Story?
Today, as Franchise Consultants, we stand at the intersection of our past experiences and our passion for helping others. Our journey has taught us the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and has given us the insights to guide aspiring entrepreneurs, curious corporate executives, and anyone looking to explore the possibilities of franchise ownership.
Our message to you is simple: It’s never too late to rewrite your story.
If you’re feeling trapped in your current narrative, know that there are paths available that can lead you to a more fulfilling chapter. We’re here to guide, to share, and to help you embark on a journey towards a better story, just as we did.
Ready To Explore Franchising? Let’s Talk!
These days, we are on a mission to help others go from “Start” to “Success” when it comes to franchise ownership.
If you’re curious about exploring franchising as a career pivot, investment vehicle or lucrative side hustle, let’s talk!
You can book a free, no obligation call with Mack here and/or a free call with Sharon here.
As Franchise Consultants, there’s no fee for our services.
Rather, our role is to serve as a trusted guide and educational resource, and we’re compensated by franchisors only if and when you decide to move forward with (and are approved for) franchise ownership.
Lastly, you can learn more about our story and how YOU can follow in our footsteps via the Franchise Together Podcast.
We look forward to connecting with you soon!