Ask Nicholas Darrah how he launched his career in franchising and he will tell you he was born into it. “My grandfather was one of the original franchisees in the Jiffy Lube system, so I basically grew up in that business,” noted Darrah, referring to himself as the only third-generation grandkid stubborn enough to get involved in the family business. “I helped after college and remained until we sold in 2019.” By Jessica Petrucelli
For almost two decades, Beth McMillan and Dennis Schooley have helped businesses across the U.S. and Canada save money and improve their services. After years of purposefully “slow” and “methodical” growth, the duo has built the largest independent cost-reduction consulting firm in North America. By Brianna Bohn
Family businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. Families have distinctive traits that are essential to building a business, and family members take a lot of pride in their business. Family enterprises are built with a sense of purpose, and going on the journey with someone you trust adds to the appeal. By Rose Mango
Butch Mogavero, CEO of Boulder Designs, is building the company after rising from the ashes of a rough childhood in his single-parent household. By Rose Mango
by Jill Abrahamsen
Heidi Morrissey never planned on joining the family business. In fact, she worked as an elementary school teacher and ran her own home-based business for 11 years until her dad’s years of convincing persuaded her to join his enterprise.
Her father, Dave Haglund, founded Kitchen Tune-Up® in 1986 with the mission of giving wood surfaces a fresh, updated appearance. The tune-up is an inexpensive, convenient way for customers to get a new look in their kitchens (and bathrooms) without the hassle and expense of a major overhaul.
The business was an immediate success, and in 1988, Kitchen Tune-Up sold its first franchise. Over the years, the Kitchen Tune-Up system expanded to include cabinet refacing, redooring, custom cabinets, storage solutions, and more. Morrissey joined in 2003, taking on marketing and sales as well as a major rebranding of the company.
Morrissey’s leadership impressed her dad so much that she eventually took his place at the helm of the company. Her passion for the brand—and the franchise opportunity—has led Kitchen Tune-Up to be a major player in the industry.
“People don’t even believe it when I tell them about the ease and value of this opportunity,” Morrissey says. “Franchisees can run the business out of their homes and grow it at their own pace.” The company offers extensive training, including working with the home office team for the first 12 weeks, plus ongoing webinars and support. “We are here for our franchisees every step of the way,” she adds.
With more than 30 years in business, Kitchen Tune-Up offers investors a great opportunity with a well-known name. There is no carpentry background or heavy lifting needed to own this business, but an eye for design doesn’t hurt. “We are looking for partners who are self-starters,” Morrisey says. “Women are our customers and female owners have a natural connection from the start.”
For more information, contact franchise@kitchentuneup.com, 800-333-6385, or visit www.ktufranchise.com.
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by Jill Abrahamsen
Heidi Morrissey never planned on joining the family business. In fact, she worked as an elementary school teacher and ran her own home-based business for 11 years until her dad’s years of convincing persuaded her to join his enterprise.
Her father, Dave Haglund, founded Kitchen Tune-Up® in 1986 with the mission of giving wood surfaces a fresh, updated appearance. The tune-up is an inexpensive, convenient way for customers to get a new look in their kitchens (and bathrooms) without the hassle and expense of a major overhaul.
The business was an immediate success, and in 1988, Kitchen Tune-Up sold its first franchise. Over the years, the Kitchen Tune-Up system expanded to include cabinet refacing, redooring, custom cabinets, storage solutions, and more. Morrissey joined in 2003, taking on marketing and sales as well as a major rebranding of the company.
Morrissey’s leadership impressed her dad so much that she eventually took his place at the helm of the company. Her passion for the brand—and the franchise opportunity—has led Kitchen Tune-Up to be a major player in the industry.
“People don’t even believe it when I tell them about the ease and value of this opportunity,” Morrissey says. “Franchisees can run the business out of their homes and grow it at their own pace.” The company offers extensive training, including working with the home office team for the first 12 weeks, plus ongoing webinars and support. “We are here for our franchisees every step of the way,” she adds.
With more than 30 years in business, Kitchen Tune-Up offers investors a great opportunity with a well-known name. There is no carpentry background or heavy lifting needed to own this business, but an eye for design doesn’t hurt. “We are looking for partners who are self-starters,” Morrisey says. “Women are our customers and female owners have a natural connection from the start.”
For more information, contact franchise@kitchentuneup.com, 800-333-6385, or visit www.ktufranchise.com.
Share this story