Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in investment but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Weaver, Founder of Franchise Your Freedom, located in Glenwood Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Franchise Consultant, I get to help senior-level executives find what's next after a great run in corporate America. I help them investigate the franchise space like a business investment so that they don't shop for a franchise like a consumer. I guide my candidates through a defined educational process to select the right franchise opportunity for their goals and skill set and work to set them on a new path to success as business owners. Together we create a defined investment strategy tailored specifically to what they want and need from a franchisor and focus on the brands that match that investment strategy.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a family business; both parents owned companies. I started my career, like most, in corporate roles and quickly realized that there is more for me outside of the corporate box. I have worked in several roles and industries prior to becoming a franchise consultant and franchise investor. Today, I share my own experience as a franchise owner with those that haven't done it yet. I get to help people that have always dreamed of being business owners and put a foundation under that dream. I believe in the American Dream, and business ownership is a huge part of that. This country is about independence, and I get to help people create more of this in their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have owned several different companies over the years. I think the biggest accomplishment is building teams that drive the success of the organizations. Starting, building, and successfully exiting a company is a long journey, one that is not easy to do. That feels great once you have done it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Building a solid business is not easy, but the challenge is a lot of fun. I think the 2 things any business owner needs to do well are
- Find and attract great customers that want to come back over and over again.
- Find and attract great employees that want to take care of those customers. If you can do these two things, well, all else falls into place.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't wait to start. Too many of us wait for the right opportunity, the right economy, and the right time in life to start the journey. If you know that you work harder and do a better job than your peers and you want to own a business, then you should take steps to make it happen today.
- Owning a franchise (since I am a franchise guy) is simple but not easy. Focus on executing the business model, be committed to the process, and be disciplined about the program that you bought into.
- Scale and growth are my primary focus at the beginning of any business venture, push through to business maturity, or when the business model unlocks and/or begins to give back to you as the owner. You must have a plan that has a start, growth, and exit. Too many don't start with a defined plan for what they want or expect from the business or what they are going to do with it once they achieve that goal or execute that plan.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.franchiseyourfreedom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.weaver.589
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddweaver/
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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