Money Monday: A Life You Love Living!

What's missing from your life? When I was a corporate ladder climber, my soul gradually got sucked out of me. These were the things I found MISSING FROM MY LIFE:

• A good night's sleep

• Waking refreshed and eager to go to work

• Work/life balance

• Acknowledgement and appreciation for my efforts

• Enjoyment of simple pleasures

• Enjoyment of most anything eventually

• Friends - my job took me to different cities and I didn't have time to grow roots

These are the UNWANTED THINGS IN MY LIFE instead:

• Office POLITICS

• People pleasing, boss pleasing

• PERSONAL SACRIFICES of time, sleep, and peace of mind

• STRESS and frustration

• Being arm's length from decisions affecting my work and career

• LACK OF CONTROL over who I work with and what projects I worked on

• Not the best bosses

• LIMITS ON INCOME regardless of how well and hard I worked

With the cumulation of these factors over time, I decided to EXIT the CORPORATE WORLD. My next career move was ENTREPRENEURSHIP!

I decided it was time to LIVE A LIFE I LOVE. This meant BEING IN CONTROL of the decisions affecting my personal and work life. My decision: If it was to be, it was up to me.

For the past twenty years as an entrepreneur, franchise advisor and podcaster, I have modeled HAVING TIME FREEDOM AND MONEY FREEDOM as I help people live lives they love.

The Heartwarming Story Behind National Kids and Pets Day

Hey everyone! Did you know there's a special day dedicated to celebrating the beautiful bond between kids and pets? It's called National Kids and Pets Day! This day is all about recognizing the pure love and joy that children and animals bring into our lives.

As a pet parent late in life, I can attest to the wonderful difference having pets in our family means to each of us, my husband and two college-age sons. We have two rescues, a miniature labrador, Annie, and a darling beagle, Katie.

The genius behind this heartwarming celebration is former E.M.T. Colleen Paige, who discovered her passion for animals at a young age. She's not just an animal lover; she's a writer, photographer, and expert in all things pet-related! Colleen created this day to highlight the importance of choosing the right pet for our little ones and to raise awareness about pet safety.

I’d love to hear about your pet in the comments below. If you have a photo to share that will be grrreat!

An Early Mother’s Day

I know it’s not May 12th yet but my son, Sloan,  has me celebrating it early. He sent me two texts Tuesday night that started the special day early for me. The texts are in the photo. They are actually a celebration of him and his teammates on their Senior Project Georgia Institute of Technology. My mighty mother’s pride kicked in. It’s truly shameful how powerful that feeling is.

Here’s the story about this special recognition. Sloan Wilds spent his final semester taking no classroom courses.  He worked with his team of 7 other students in the Georgia Tech H. Milton Stewart School of ISyE on their senior project. It is known in advance to be a demanding and challenging project so he finished his coursework by this last semester.

Each of 27 Industrial Engineering senior project teams worked on real-world projects for real businesses. Each team presented their findings in a competition on Tuesday.  To Sloan and his teammates COMPLETE SURPRISE, they won FIRST PLACE! 

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GOOD WORK AND RECOGNITION FOR IT!

On Time and Within Budget

When a home services business owner does work ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET, expect to see THE COLOR OF MONEY.

During today’s Franchise Minute podcast at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, I interview the founder of a dynamic FRANCHISEE CENTRIC franchise.

What sets it apart is that it integrates TECHNOLOGY in the BOOMING home services category. Before you yawn or conclude that that doesn’t sound too interesting, let me encourage you to spend 15 minutes to have your mind do a complete 180-degree turn on those PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS.

In the podcast, you’ll learn why it is simply NOT TRUE that it’s hard to get and keep good subcontractors.

You’ll gain insight on how integration of TECHNOLOGY differentiates TODAY’s FEATURED FRANCHISE in a sea of commodity home services.

If you want to see 💰THE COLOR OF MONEY💰 from being a BUSINESS OWNER, join me at 11:30 a.m. EDT.

Money Monday: Can You Make Money With A Green Business? YES!

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Let’s talk about applying SUSTAINABILITY to ENTREPRENEURSHIP.

- People Want It: Customers love to support businesses that care about the PLANET.
- Save Money: Did you know that being green can actually save you money? Things like using less energy or reusing materials can lower costs and make businesses more profitable.
- Stand Out: Being green differentiates businesses.
- Think Long-Term: Being ECO-FRIENDLY is a smart move for the future 🌟.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP + ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS = $$$GREEN

So, if you've been thinking about starting a business, there's no better time to start than today, on EARTH DAY! Let's make a positive impact on our planet while also building successful businesses. 🌎💼💸

Download and read our #FranchiseAlert about Eco-Friendly Franchises and remember to tune in to my #FranchiseMinute PODCAST discussing it!

Happy National Exercise Day!

As a franchise advisor, what’s ironic to me is that for so many years, the single biggest growth area of franchising is fast food. After that comes the general categories of HEALTH, WELLNESS, FITNESS, AND BEAUTY. They have opposite appeals to investors and consumers both.

The pandemic taught us lots of things. One important takeaway for me in my work is that fitness and taking care of one’s health is integral to many people's LIFESTYLES.

Year in and year out, I continue to see strong demand for health, wellness, fitness, and beauty franchises from people looking to make a SMART BUSINESS INVESTMENT. They understand that these businesses are NOT TRENDS, rather, they are fueled by lifestyle choices.

From an INVESTOR standpoint, what makes these brick-and-mortar businesses so VERY APPEALING is that they are MANAGER RUN. They lend themselves beautifully to “MANAGE-THE-MANAGER” or SIDE HUSTLE businesses. The role of the owner or franchisee is to manage the managers of each location. Most franchisees CONTINUE to have FULL-TIME JOBS while growing a NICE BUSINESS ON THE SIDE.

The managers are responsible for daily operations and dealing with the employees and customers. The owner works “on” the business and makes sure the KPIs are in line.

My message to you is twofold: on this National Exercise Day, let's lace up our sneakers, break a sweat, and commit to making exercise a regular part of our routine! And, if you are ready to explore what a franchise can do for you, reach out to me on LinkedIn.

Scottie Scheffler: He Looks Good in Masters Green

At Augusta National, history was made as Scottie Scheffler clinched his second Masters victory in three years. His unwavering focus and unmatched skill shone as he dominated the course, showcasing consistency and mastery in the sport.

Scheffler's journey to victory was remarkable, maintaining a one-stroke lead amidst the world's best golfers after 54 holes. His performance was a blend of precision and grace, leading him to golfing glory.

The final round demonstrated Scheffler's resilience as he joined the elite few with multiple Masters titles, finishing at 11 under par with a final-round 68.

Scottie Scheffler's win reminds us of the beauty of sportsmanship and golf's spirit, shared with enthusiasts worldwide. Congratulations on your well-deserved victory, Scottie. Your second green jacket symbolizes hard work, dedication, and the heart of a true champion.

Fun Franchise Fact!

Did you know that the Singer Sewing Machine Company pioneered the first modern franchise system in the 1850s?

Back in the mid-19th century, Singer didn't just revolutionize the sewing industry with their innovative machines; they also transformed the way businesses expand!

Instead of just selling sewing machines, Singer granted individuals the right to sell and service their machines in specific territories. These individuals, known as "franchisees," operated under the Singer brand, benefiting from its reputation while contributing to its growth.

From sowing the seeds of entrepreneurship, Singer's franchise model set the stage for the dynamic world of franchising we know today!

SLAM DUNK Franchise!

With March Madness just concluded, it’s timely to use a basketball analogy for today’s podcast franchise feature - it is a SLAM DUNK! This franchise is truly ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES of all the thousands of franchises I’ve worked with and known during my 20 years in franchising!

Why do I say this franchise is a Slam Dunk?

- It’s owned by a 100-year-old household brand
- It’s recession-resistant
- Always in demand essential service
- Both residential and commercial customers
- Lifestyle business, FAMILY FRIENDLY
- It’s got all the benefits of a service franchise
- Low startup and operating costs
- Fat, juicy margins
- Rapid ramp-up
- Quick break-even point

Learn its playbook and watch the replay of Franchise Minute podcast on our YouTube channel. Hear directly from the Founder how this mature, established franchise grew by 100 territories last year!

JUST STARTED AS A FRANCHISEE: WHAT'S NEXT?

When you're asking "What now?" the answer lies in franchise Training and Support. These invaluable services come into play the moment you sign the franchise agreement and pay your fee.

They're the backbone that sets franchises apart from other business ventures.

As a new franchisee, you gain access to:

🔹 A proven business model
🔹 Training to master operations and
🔹 Ongoing support throughout your franchise term.

For those diving into service-based franchises, getting scheduled for training is a priority task. Meanwhile, for retail-focused franchisees, training typically occurs post-site acquisition and before the Grand Opening.

Thank you Gwen Pipatanagkura for your trust in my knowledge and expertise to guide you in finding the right business.

Remember, each franchise offers its own unique blend of training and support. Make sure to thoroughly evaluate these crucial aspects during your research phase.

To delve deeper into Training and Support, take a look at this Franchise Alert!

LUCRATIVE World of PET Services FRANCHISES!

Did you know that the Pet Services Franchise industry is BOOMING?  With over $137 BILLION IN REVENUE generated annually, it's an incredibly LUCRATIVE market to tap into.

Millennials lead the pack as the largest percentage of current pet owners, making up 33%, followed closely by Gen X (25%) and baby boomers (24%). In 2022 alone, pet expenditures jumped an impressive 11% from the previous year.

What's more, essential dog expenses tally up to an AVERAGE OF $1,533 annually. This shows how easily pet owners pull out their wallets to ensure their furry friends’ well-being.

The pet industry has experienced EXPONENTIAL GROWTH over the years. Employment SOARED by over 90% from 2005 through 2015. From $48 billion in 2010 to a WHOPPING $110 BILLION during the pandemic, the industry's upward trajectory is undeniable.

Why the remarkable REVENUE POTENTIAL? Well, with pets increasingly considered part of the family, pet owners are INVESTING more in their furry companions' well-being. Plus, as busy lifestyles become the norm, the demand for convenient, reliable pet services continues to skyrocket.

So, whether you're an aspiring ENTREPRENEUR looking to tap into a booming market or an INVESTOR seeking LUCRATIVE opportunities, the pet services industry offers a paw-some path to success!

Download and read our #FranchiseAlert about Pet Services. remember to tune in to my Franchise Minute PODCAST discussing it!

Here’s my Katie snuggling with my husband on the sofa.

Who Will Win the Green Jacket? Predictions for the Masters Golf Tournament

The Masters Golf Tournament is on the horizon, and the buzz is all about who will emerge victorious at the hallowed greens of Augusta National Golf Club. With a lineup of golf's elite, the predictions are as thrilling as the game itself!

Tiger Woods: The Legend Returns
Tiger Woods, an icon with 82 PGA Tour wins, is set to grace the field once again. His storied past and indomitable spirit make him a perennial favorite. Can he capture another green jacket?

Rory McIlroy: Chasing Glory
Rory McIlroy is on the cusp of making history. A win at the Masters would complete his career grand slam, a testament to his enduring talent and determination. Nearly a decade since his last major win, could this be Rory's year?

Jon Rahm: Defending Champion
Jon Rahm, last year's Masters marvel, is back to defend his title. With a game that's both powerful and precise, Rahm is a formidable force on the course. Will he make it two in a row at Augusta?

Scottie Scheffler: He is currently the world number one, first reaching the position in the Official World Golf Ranking in March 2022. He has held that ranking for over 50 weeks. He has won one major championship, the 2022 Masters Tournament. Will he do it again this year?

Conclusion: A Green Jacket Awaits

As the anticipation builds, so does the speculation. With such a stellar field, the 2024 Masters is set to be a showcase of golfing greatness. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted green jacket? Only time will tell.

Personally, I’m rooting 📣for Irishman Rory McIlroy.

Pay Attention To What Pays

It's time for Spring Cleaning! You might think recommending a cleaning franchise is dull, but hold on! Before you dismiss it, consider these four key points:

ROLE OF THE OWNER: Your job is to grow and manage the business, not to scrub floors yourself.

REPEAT, LOYAL CUSTOMERS: Think about all the things people need regular cleaning for - cars, carpets, swimming pools, pets, clothes, houses, offices, exteriors of buildings, parking lots, BBQ grills... the list goes on! There's a demand for all of it.

IMMEDIATE PAYMENTS: Customers pay in cash or with credit cards on the spot. Cha-ching!

IMMUNE TO THE UPS AND DOWNS: No matter what's happening in the economy, politics, technology, or the world, people still need clean spaces. They're not going to Amazon for this service! In this post-COVID world, which way is the trend for cleaning and disinfecting moving?

These services are essential in our daily lives, and customers happily fork out for them.

What’s Your Last Name Mean?

What’s Your Last Name Mean? Did you know that behind every Irish last name lies a captivating story? Many Irish surnames boast Gaelic roots, offering a glimpse into ancestral lineage.

Ever wondered about those "O'" and "Mac" prefixes? They signify "descendant of" and "son of," respectively. For instance, "OCallaghan" traces back to “descendant of”  or “son of” Callaghan. Patrick O’Callaghan was my great-grandfather. It’s interesting to note that the Callaghan lineage started with a famous King of Munster who died in 951.

Embracing Clan Connections: Irish last names often carry the legacy of ancient clans and regional affiliations. Callaghan is a common surname in Cork, where the clan ruled over a large territory in the north country until 1650.

Global Influence: Through waves of immigration and cultural exchange, Irish surnames have left an indelible mark on the world stage. From New York to Sydney, Dublin to Tokyo, Irish last names serve as a reminder of the Irish diaspora's enduring legacy. It's like a global family reunion, with every name carrying a unique chapter of the Irish story.

So, whether you're sipping a pint of Guinness in Dublin or crunching numbers in New York City, take a moment to appreciate the story behind your Irish last name. It's a connection to a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and humanity.

Feel free to share your Irish heritage in the comments below. Who knows? We could be related!

Adding Value To Real Estate

An industry that continues to be in demand for investors is REAL ESTATE. Let me share with you an interesting service franchise that ADDS VALUE to a home just prior to it getting a FOR SALE sign in the front yard.

Anyone who has sold a home knows how exhausting it can be to get your house ready for sale. There are so many things to do all at once:

- Clearing out unwanted items
- Painting interior and exterior surfaces
- Putting in landscaping
- Updating flooring (carpet removal and new installs)
- Conducting a thorough move-out cleaning

Both homeowners and realtors alike need these services. And, they usually need them right away. Wouldn’t it be great to have all those services provided by one company? Well, there’s a franchise for that.

This flexible business model provides the ROLE OF THE OWNER to be either HANDS-ON working “in” the business OR to serve in a MANAGEMENT ROLE.

This franchise has a NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP with SHERWIN WILLIAMS. Their expertise and training are there to guide personnel in how to ADD VALUE to homes as they get ready for quick sales.

From Military Service to Franchise Consulting

It was an honor to serve in the United States Air Force. I’m so glad I pursued my dream of being in the Armed Forces. From active duty service, I transitioned into entrepreneurship like many MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS do.

After starting my first business from scratch, I explored franchising and got hooked. As a franchise consultant, I help people live their dreams of TIME AND MONEY FREEDOM as BUSINESS OWNERS.  It has been so rewarding helping people become ENTREPRENEURS from owning franchises.

Here’s a big thank you to my recent Franchise Minute podcast guest, Charming Ihekoronye. He shared  his expertise in all things financial, insurance, and investment services. He, too, is a veteran who is dedicated to helping people gain FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND.

I do appreciate your kind words about my work. It is gratifying to be recognized for my dedication to help people live their dreams.

So, if you're considering doing something on your own like a business of some kind, know you have a resource. When you are ready to explore the possibilities, don’t hesitate to send me a message on LinkedIn🌟

Spring into Entrepreneurship: Planting Seeds of Success

Have you thought about starting a new career?
Does being your own boss sound attractive?
Need an exit strategy from the corporate grind?
Longing for better work/life balance?
Is control lacking over your time, the money you make, and your financial future?
Always dreamed of owning your own business?
Worried about having enough income during retirement?
Wanting to create generational wealth?

To explore and educate yourself on entrepreneurship, visit the extensive resources on my website Select Franchises. The link is in the Comments below.
Educational Content:
- Videos
- FAQs
- Podcast series
- E-newsletters
- Blogs
- Testimonials
- Franchise funding companies
- YouTube channel

Success doesn't come to those who wait, it comes to those who take action. So, seize the moment, embrace the challenge, and make your dreams happen

Money Motivation!

If you are money-motivated, take steps to own your own business. Many of the very WEALTHIEST PEOPLE are BUSINESS OWNERS. When it comes to ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS, go straight to FRANCHISING. There are thousands of proven business models in over 70 different industries.

There is a franchise that is right for you. The key is to select the one best-suited to you, to your talents, to your interests, what role you want to play in the business, and to your long-term goals.

Franchising is BIG in America. Last year, there were 805,500 franchise establishments. They generated $860 billion in economic output.

Although we consumers are very familiar with fast food restaurants, they represent just 26% of all franchises. If there is a successful business, there is most likely a franchise version of it.

Eager to explore the boundless opportunities within franchising? Let's connect, strategize, and unlock your path to long-term wealth creation!

Money Monday- Dreaming of Entrepreneurship

If you want to BE YOUR OWN BOSS AND desire to LOWER YOUR RISK of owning a business, then a FRANCHISE might just be your golden ticket! Here's why:

Profit Potential: With a PROVEN BUSINESS MODEL, you're tapping into a system that demonstrates its ability to MAKE MONEY.

Financial Stability: Franchises often have predictable revenue streams, providing STABLE INCOME  with GROWTH POTENTIAL.

High Returns: Many franchise opportunities offer ATTRACTIVE ROI, allowing you to see significant returns on your investment.

Generational Wealth: By following a successful franchise business model, you're setting yourself up for FINANCIAL SECURITY and long-term PROSPERITY.

Smart Investment: Franchising is not just about starting a business; it's about creating LONG-TERM WEALTH and making a SMART INVESTMENT in your future FINANCIAL SUCCESS.

Ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into financial reality? 💼💰 Send me a message on LinkedIn for some great educational information.

Celebrating International Women's Day!

Today is a worldwide recognition of the incredible achievements and contributions of women throughout history.

As a woman, a female veteran, a lady boss and business owner, a mother, a spouse, an aunt and a cousin, I find inspiration in the stories of those who paved the way and broke barriers. International Women's Day serves as a vital platform to advocate for women's rights, empowering us to overcome social, economic, cultural, and political challenges.

For my small part, I help people become business owners through owning franchises. Naturally for entrepreneurial women, this allows them to forge their own financial futures. It also helps these business owners create jobs.

Here’s a big shout-out to some amazing women in business:

• Oprah Winfrey - Media Mogul (OWN: OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network)

• Sheryl Sandberg - Facebook (COO)

• Sara Blakely - Spanx (Founder)

• Meg Whitman - Quibi (Former CEO), eBay (Former CEO)

• Beyoncé - Entrepreneur and Musician

• Mary Barra - General Motors (CEO)

• Abigail Johnson - Fidelity Investments (CEO)

• Ginni Rometty - IBM (Former CEO)

• Whitney Wolfe Herd - Bumble (Founder and CEO)

• Denise Morrison - Campbell's Soup Company (Former CEO)

Let's unite in the pursuit of equality, fostering an environment where every woman can thrive. Together, we can amplify our voices, challenge biases, and build a world that celebrates diversity.