After spending 30 years in the U.S. Army, Col. Michael Ball retired from his years of service in 2021 and was deciding where his next chapter in life would take him. Through the military’s Transition Assistance Program, Ball was introduced to the possibility of owning a franchise. By Kelsi Trinidad
After spending 30 years in the U.S. Army, Col. Michael Ball retired from his years of service in 2021 and was deciding where his next chapter in life would take him. Through the military’s Transition Assistance Program, Ball was introduced to the possibility of owning a franchise.
That’s when he found Ace Handyman Services. This franchise opportunity spoke to him because it aligned with his love of DIY projects and woodworking, and it would utilize the construction skills he developed in the military. “When you deploy somewhere, we have to develop or build structures for housing and the foreign base,” said Ball.
Before making his decision, Ball was able to talk to Ace Handyman Services’ franchisees, some of whom were veterans as well, to answer his lingering questions about their experiences and make a better-informed decision. In the end, it was Ace Handyman Services that stood out to him as a franchise because it offered a model that matched his skill set, would integrate him within his tight-knit community and was backed by the trustworthy and well-known name of Ace Hardware.
Additionally, he was drawn to how the franchise model had exclusive territories, and instead of forcing competition among franchisees, it encouraged collaboration and support. “It is more of a team effort in terms of everyone, all franchise owners, out there trying to help each other grow their businesses and form those relationships and connections,” explained Ball.
Ball opened his franchise in Niceville, Florida, in October 2021, and since then, has built out his team of craftsmen and office administrators so that he can spend the majority of his time meeting clients and networking in his small community.
For Ball, the company’s franchise community and the corporate team’s investment in his business make Ace Handyman Services a rewarding experience. “My franchise consultant and I talk weekly, look at the business and where I am at that point in time and discuss how we grow,” said Ball. “The amount of interest dedicated to you to being a successful owner – it’s gratifying.”
Kelsi Trinidad