Adam Ward worked in construction for more than 20 years – helping to build roads, offices and schools – and becoming an expert with heavy equipment and the building trades. By Patty Horansky
Adam Ward worked in construction for more than 20 years – helping to build roads, offices and schools – and becoming an expert with heavy equipment and the building trades.
He was on the job six or seven days and nights a week, away from his wife, Emily, their two young children and their home in Hankinson, North Dakota.
When Adam noticed a Boulder Designs advertisement on Facebook in the summer of 2020, his interest was piqued. “I’ve always had a passion for the decorative concrete industry,’’ he said. He also dreamed of someday owning his own business.
Adam and Emily soon connected with the Boulder Designs team in Waco, Texas, and by February 2021, were trained and rocking their franchise, Boulder Designs by Infinite Edge.
The Wards create customized boulders of all sizes, shapes and colors, using Boulder Designs’ proprietary admixture. The boulders are popular with restaurants, tourist attractions, schools, homes and more.
Adam sells, designs, builds and paints boulders, and he uses the Boulder Designs equipment package, along with his heavy-equipment experience, to deliver them. Emily, a hairstylist and former salon owner, designs and paints boulders and handles the back-office work, such as bookkeeping. While the boulder business is year-round, North Dakota winters are best for attending indoor shows, networking, meeting people, emailing and signing up clients for spring.
As franchisees, the Wards have found a better work-life balance. “I’ve taken advantage of being home with our kids,” Adam said.
“It’s allowed him to be home every single night,” Emily added. “It’s improved our family life.”
Here’s a glimpse into a day in the life of a Boulder Designs franchisee:
5 a.m. Adam gets ready for the day and begins multi-tasking to prepare.
7-8 a.m. Adam enjoys time with his 7- and 9-year-olds and takes them to school.
8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Throughout the day, Adam completes invoices, emails, cold calls and deliveries. Emily designs the boulders and constructs them.
6 p.m. The husband-and-wife team goes home to enjoy dinner with their children.
8-9 p.m. Adam may stop back at the shop to check on the boulders in process.
10 p.m. With their children in bed, Adam and Emily are off to sleep.
Patty Horansky