A chance encounter at a home show in their native Louisiana paved the way for a new business for Jay and Lori Johnson, as well as long-term financial security. That was in 2018 when the couple met Butch Mogavero, owner of Boulder Designs and Border Magic franchises. By Rose Mango

A chance encounter at a home show in their native Louisiana paved the way for a new business for Jay and Lori Johnson, as well as long-term financial security. That was in 2018 when the couple met Butch Mogavero, owner of Boulder Designs and Border Magic franchises.

Jay Johnson had spent his career as a police officer and was thinking about life after retirement and ways he could invest in his family’s future. He and his wife were instantly drawn to Boulder Designs’ product examples. The craftsmanship, uniqueness and affordability for the consumer impressed them, and they immediately began talking to Mogavero about franchise opportunities.

Now, as owners of Boulder Designs by LJ & LJ Enterprises with two franchises, the Johnsons are building a business that supplements their pre-retirement income while providing the long-term financial security they were seeking for themselves and, more recently, for a nephew. In addition to these benefits, the Johnsons are able to use their complimentary skills and interests in new ways.

“Lori retired early to focus more on our business and she handles all the marketing, she speaks to every customer and handles all the accounting,” Jay says.

“We’ve been in business for two years and we love it,” Lori adds.

Through their business, they’ve also been able to help a nephew whose job was jeopardized as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Jay and Lori learned of his situation, they guided him to Boulder Designs, where he saw the opportunity of owning his own business. They came up with a plan to buy a second Boulder Designs franchise with their nephew. One call to Mogavero set the purchase in motion, resulting in Boulder Designs by LJ & LJ Enterprises becoming a true family affair.

“Butch Mogavero was terrific in his willingness to help, and that emphasized to us that we couldn’t have picked a better company to partner with,” Jay says. “It feels like we’re all family.”

The Johnsons were initially drawn to Boulder Designs because they wanted a business they could build on the side and supplement their current income while working toward a full-time business ownership opportunity. If this appeals to you, contact Boulder Designs today at boulderdesigns.net and get started on building a future that is rock solid.

– Rose Mango