work-life balance

31 07, 2021

Network In Action: A Calling to Lead

2021-07-31T20:17:10-04:00July 31st, 2021|Tags: , , , |

Entrepreneurs with a vision for changing their community will find a perfect fit as a Network in Action (NIA) group leader. Scott Talley, the founder of NIA, stated: “Everything we do is built around adding value for our members, as opposed to just putting on a show for the guests.” By Elice Morgenson

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30 05, 2021

Daily Jam: Mimosas and Fresh Ingredients Make a Menu Unique

2021-05-30T21:02:09-04:00May 30th, 2021|Tags: , , , |

At Daily Jam, the innovative brunch concept that serves omelettes, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches and more, you’ll find seven different types of mimosas. Infused with strawberry and basil, or steeped in grapefruit and sage, the flavorful champagne-based beverages are made with locally sourced fruits and other high-quality ingredients. By Jessica Jones

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2 09, 2020

A Day in the Life of a Jabz Boxing Franchisee

2020-09-02T18:37:36-04:00September 2nd, 2020|Tags: , , |

As a busy mom of three, wife, and Jabz Boxing franchisee, Jennifer August knows all about finding a work/life balance. Prior to becoming a Jabz owner, August had dedicated 10 years in law enforcement to the city of Philadelphia, until she and her husband agreed that one of them should be home more for their family. By Cindy Charette

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31 05, 2020

A Day in the Life of a FASTSIGNS Franchise Owner

2020-06-01T14:52:41-04:00May 31st, 2020|Tags: , , , , |

For more than a decade, Brent Walker worked as a contract ICU nurse, traveling from Michigan to Southern California, offering his services in 14 different hospitals. He was burned out and looking for a career transition when a friend started talking about an entrepreneurial opportunity. By Jessica Jones

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31 07, 2019

August 2019: Dream Vacations

2019-08-01T12:04:38-04:00July 31st, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Jumping in Feet First

by Rose Mango

Tiel McKee

Tiel worked for a Dream Vacations franchise as a way to earn extra income. She began to build her business on a part-time basis for two years. Her company began to take off, and she was at the infamous crossroads of change. Faced with making a pivotal decision, she mulled over remaining as a teacher or building her part-time business into a full-time career. She leaped and retired from teaching to develop her own franchise alongside her husband Jeff. That has proved to be an intelligent decision as her sales have tripled to over $1 million annually.

Tiel has spent her life traveling. In college, she was asked by a friend to take her to Costa Rica. Tiel and her family lived in Puerto Rico until she was the age of seven. Her family then moved to Costa Rica and spent five years there. When they discussed a trip together to Costa Rica, something clicked in Tiel. She began to think of ways she could do what she loved, which is to travel the world and make a living doing it.

With a Masters in Education and being bi-lingual, Tiel knew that she could do more than teaching. She knew she could build a business for those who want to see the world and assist both English and Spanish speaking travelers.

In February 2016 Tiel and her husband Jeff jumped in feet first, and with unshakable confidence, they purchased their own Dream Vacations franchise. Tiel already knew the franchise well and had no doubt the Dream Vacations franchise would support her and steer her to a successful business. She mentioned the support is incomparable. It is 24/7 and they answer any and all questions immediately. Tiel applies the same principle for her own franchise offering 24/7 support for her own clients. She wants to make sure they are supported during their travels and makes sure she answers the call. That is one of the benefits of partnering with her travel agency, Dream Vacations. If you come into a problem, she is there to guide you through it. Tiel hopes to help those who have booked their own vacations and have had less than a beautiful experience. She also wants people to know that “If you can dream it, we can make it happen.” With her life long traveling experience, Tiel and her husband know first hand what you need and equip you with it assuring that your vacation will be a Dream Vacation. Owning a Dream Vacations franchise has allowed them to raise their children and show them the world all the while spending as much time with them as possible. Dream Vacations has turned out to be their dream job.

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Jumping in Feet First

by Rose Mango

Tiel McKee

Tiel McKee, Co-Owner of Dream Vacations, was a former elementary school bilingual teacher for ten years.

Tiel worked for a Dream Vacations franchise as a way to earn extra income. She began to build her business on a part-time basis for two years. Her company began to take off, and she was at the infamous crossroads of change. Faced with making a pivotal decision, she mulled over remaining as a teacher or building her part-time business into a full-time career. She leaped and retired from teaching to develop her own franchise alongside her husband Jeff. That has proved to be an intelligent decision as her sales have tripled to over $1 million annually.

Tiel has spent her life traveling. In college, she was asked by a friend to take her to Costa Rica. Tiel and her family lived in Puerto Rico until she was the age of seven. Her family then moved to Costa Rica and spent five years there. When they discussed a trip together to Costa Rica, something clicked in Tiel. She began to think of ways she could do what she loved, which is to travel the world and make a living doing it.

With a Masters in Education and being bi-lingual, Tiel knew that she could do more than teaching. She knew she could build a business for those who want to see the world and assist both English and Spanish speaking travelers.

In February 2016 Tiel and her husband Jeff jumped in feet first, and with unshakable confidence, they purchased their own Dream Vacations franchise. Tiel already knew the franchise well and had no doubt the Dream Vacations franchise would support her and steer her to a successful business. She mentioned the support is incomparable. It is 24/7 and they answer any and all questions immediately. Tiel applies the same principle for her own franchise offering 24/7 support for her own clients. She wants to make sure they are supported during their travels and makes sure she answers the call. That is one of the benefits of partnering with her travel agency, Dream Vacations. If you come into a problem, she is there to guide you through it. Tiel hopes to help those who have booked their own vacations and have had less than a beautiful experience. She also wants people to know that “If you can dream it, we can make it happen.” With her life long traveling experience, Tiel and her husband know first hand what you need and equip you with it assuring that your vacation will be a Dream Vacation. Owning a Dream Vacations franchise has allowed them to raise their children and show them the world all the while spending as much time with them as possible. Dream Vacations has turned out to be their dream job.

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30 06, 2019

July 2019: Home-Based Franchising

2019-07-02T12:21:03-04:00June 30th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , |

ON THE COVER

When Less is More

Phillip Howe finds the sweet spot for his Renew Crew franchise

by Jill Abrahamsen

As a Renew Crew fanchisee, Philip Howe enjoys more time with his wife, Kelli, and their sons, 10-year-old Cannon and 8-year-old Hunter.

Renew Crew™ franchisee Phillip Howe knows that bigger doesn’t always mean better. At one time, he owned a booming portrait studio. He loved the work but put in more hours than he wanted, especially on the weekends. Howe’s wife, Kelli, also had a demanding job, and the combination just wasn’t family-friendly. “Something had to give. One of us needed a more flexible schedule,” Howe says.

Between the changes in the photography industry and his lack of work-life balance, Howe looked at franchising as a next career step. “I knew I could run a business, and I liked the support system that comes with franchises. So all I needed to do was find a good fit,” he says.

Howe wanted a flexible schedule but not a huge staff. “There’s a ton of headaches that come with managing a lot of employees,” he says. So in 2002, Howe invested in Renew Crew and became the second franchisee in the system. The outdoor surface cleaning company rejuvenates decks, fences, patios, siding, and walkways at homes and businesses.

Renew Crew Truck

Phillip poses with his father and partner, Wayne Howe.

Originally branded under a different name, the franchise was renamed Renew Crew in 2012 when Outdoor Living Brands purchased it. “With the acquisition came more streamlined procedures, an investment in technology, and better marketing and support,” Howe says. “I couldn’t have been happier.”

Howe grew his Olathe, Kansas, business to four vans and eight to 10 employees, which he considers the perfect size. He could have easily continued scaling up, but explains that “it’s a lot easier to find 10 great guys than 40 great guys. You could actually make more money with a smaller crew. There are fewer problems and it’s easier to manage. Sometimes less is actually more.”

He has no regrets. “I haven’t worked for anyone since 1996 and never will again. With Renew Crew, I have the perfect work-life balance. Now I can spend more time with my family. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”

For more information, visit www.renewcrewfranchise.com.

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ON THE COVER

When Less is More

Phillip Howe finds the sweet spot for his Renew Crew franchise

by Jill Abrahamsen

As a Renew Crew fanchisee, Philip Howe enjoys more time with his wife, Kelli, and their sons, 10-year-old Cannon and 8-year-old Hunter.

Renew Crew™ franchisee Phillip Howe knows that bigger doesn’t always mean better. At one time, he owned a booming portrait studio. He loved the work but put in more hours than he wanted, especially on the weekends. Howe’s wife, Kelli, also had a demanding job, and the combination just wasn’t family-friendly. “Something had to give. One of us needed a more flexible schedule,” Howe says.

Between the changes in the photography industry and his lack of work-life balance, Howe looked at franchising as a next career step. “I knew I could run a business, and I liked the support system that comes with franchises. So all I needed to do was find a good fit,” he says.

Howe wanted a flexible schedule but not a huge staff. “There’s a ton of headaches that come with managing a lot of employees,” he says. So in 2002, Howe invested in Renew Crew and became the second franchisee in the system. The outdoor surface cleaning company rejuvenates decks, fences, patios, siding, and walkways at homes and businesses.

Originally branded under a different name, the franchise was renamed Renew Crew in 2012 when Outdoor Living Brands purchased it. “With the acquisition came more streamlined procedures, an investment in technology, and better marketing and support,” Howe says. “I couldn’t have been happier.”

Renew Crew Truck

Phillip poses with his father and partner, Wayne Howe.

Howe grew his Olathe, Kansas, business to four vans and eight to 10 employees, which he considers the perfect size. He could have easily continued scaling up, but explains that “it’s a lot easier to find 10 great guys than 40 great guys. You could actually make more money with a smaller crew. There are fewer problems and it’s easier to manage. Sometimes less is actually more.”

He has no regrets. “I haven’t worked for anyone since 1996 and never will again. With Renew Crew, I have the perfect work-life balance. Now I can spend more time with my family. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”

For more information, visit www.renewcrewfranchise.com.

Share this story