Connecting Franchise Buyers and Sellers

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jimmy St. Louis, CEO of Franchise 123, located in Tampa, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a digital platform for buying and selling franchises—Zillow for franchising.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a businessman, former competitive athlete, and family man. I'm currently the CEO of Franchise 123, a leading global marketplace for franchise growth. In addition, I am an operating partner of Ayon Capital, as well as the prior CEO of VIP Care Dental and VIP Care Pharmacy. I was the founder and CEO of Regenerative Medicine Solutions, a leading medical company with a focus on cellular therapy and a mission to treat the untreatable. Under RMS, I founded the Lung Health Institute and the Cognitive Health Institute, leading them both to success, before recently merging with a publicly held company.

My business career includes five years as COO and managing partner of the Laser Spine Institute, an organization that grew from 9 employees to over 1000 and an annual revenue of over 200 million per year. Following LSI, my partners and I started Advanced Healthcare Partners, a healthcare management and consulting agency for specialized medical services and technologies. From AHP, I followed my passion for advancements in medicine and started Regenerative Medicine Solutions.

In addition to my business endeavors, I played football professionally for the NFL's Tennessee Titans as a tight end, was a three-sport athlete at Auburn University, and most recently, was a member of the 2016 United States rowing team. My accomplishments include USAA Collegiate All-American, four national medals in the men's double, men's quad, men's pair, and men's 4, as well as a third-place finish in the 2016 Olympic trials. As an early adopter of new procedures, medical treatments, and overall advancements in health and wellness, I am a lifelong advocate of a life dedicated to wellness.

In my personal life, me and my wife, Jillian, reside in Tampa, Florida, with our eleven-year-old daughter Brooke, who is in fifth grade. As a family, we spend personal time outdoors and traveling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Have had three successful sales of companies that I have founded.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Managing the rollercoaster of emotions. It will always be something that worries you. From managing cash flow to investor relations. From customer feedback to sales. The challenge is new each day, and it is important to be prepared for the journey and have the mental stability to drive forward.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Give one more minute each day. Literally, when you are ready to hang it up, give it one more minute.
Develop your vision, mission, and values and be firm in them. They provide clarity as to why you are pursuing this endeavor.
Hire a strong operating partner, or number 2. This gives you someone to fight the fight with you. Give this person equity and pay them well. You will get a 1+1 =3 from this.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://franchise123.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Franchise123TM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franchise1_2_3/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/franchise1_2_3
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/franchise123/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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