Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Wilson, President of Legacy Franchise Ventures, located in Orlando, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Legacy Franchise Ventures is a full-service franchise consulting and development firm that has developed a proven method for helping our clients identify and research franchise opportunities. Our clients range from individuals looking to have an additional stream or utilize a franchise investment to leave Corporate America to business owners looking to turn an existing business into a franchise. Lastly, we also assist franchisors with their franchise development efforts.
Tell us about yourself
Years ago, when I was working a traditional corporate job, I'd split my time between spending long hours at the office and traveling extensively to visit clients. As a result, I was on a plane more than I was at home. I just kept thinking, 'there has to be more." I wanted a shot at not just paying the bills, living paycheck to paycheck, but being able to create generational wealth through multiple streams of income. That's when I started researching franchises with whatever free time I could manage to round up.
As luck (or fate) would have it, during this process, I was laid off not once, not twice, but three different times. Although I knew layoffs were common occurrences in the Tech Sales industry where I worked, this level of unreliability was no longer viable for me. I was beginning to see the writing on the wall. The first time I was laid off, I almost cried because of the uncertainty. I knew the time had come to put a plan in place. I was in the middle of formulating that plan when I got laid off again. By the third layoff, I smiled because now my franchise was up, running, and profitable.
I now had options. I no longer needed to depend on a corporate job outside of my control. I took the reigns of my own destiny and made it happen. Naturally, I started consulting people in my network on navigating business ownership through franchising. Legacy Franchise Ventures was born from my desire to help others realize their dreams. In my current role as a Franchise Consultant, I connect you, as the potential investor, with a franchise company that meets your lifestyle and financial goals.
With thousands of franchise opportunities available, you can get inundated and overwhelmed very quickly. As a current franchisee, I've been where you are and have a good idea of the questions you are probably asking yourself. My job is to save you time and energy while guiding you along the process of finding your perfect franchise. There is nothing more fulfilling for me than helping clients find a franchise opportunity that exceeds their expectations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There is a certain joy you get when you build a successful business from the ground up and turn nothing into something. I've done that three times for considerable returns on the investment. However, I think my biggest accomplishment to date would be navigating business ownership during a global pandemic. 2020 and the following years had many challenges, but I was able to keep the businesses afloat, provide a safe work environment for employees and continue to offer an amazing product to our clients.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The unknown! Business and life, in general, would be so much easier if we had a crystal ball that showed us exactly what was coming around the corner. Unfortunately, it's not that easy, and business owners are placed in situations where they have to make important decisions without all of the facts being readily available.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have clearly defined goals.
- Have a realistic budget, especially for marketing and advertising.
- Don't do it all yourself. Outsource certain tasks to professionals (accountants, lawyers, etc.)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://legacyfv.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegacyFV/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfvconsultants/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lfvconsultants
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisvwilson/
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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