Jerry and Lorena Kropman came from the restaurant business, but this year they realized it was time to do it on their own. That's why they chose WOW 1 DAY PAINTING -- not because it's in the painting industry, but because they wanted to work with a system that would capitalize on their years of experience and different skill sets.
We sat down with Jerry and Lorena to chat about what the journey to business ownership has been like, especially during a pandemic.
Q: What made you want to own a business?
Jerry: For us, it was important that we would be able to leverage the resources of a franchise to build our business. I have been in the restaurant business for many years, and this year it felt like the right time to take the dive into entrepreneurship. After loads of research, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING was the best fit for what we wanted to do.
Lorena: We really do want to "wow" people while working together: we have a different set of assets, so we pooled them together to build something for our business.
Q: But why now...what was it that made you take the leap?
Jerry: There's never a perfect time to start a business. Five years ago, I changed companies -- we were considering taking the leap back then but it didn't feel like the right time. This time, everything's different. In the middle of what's going on globally right now, the thought of another move or transfer just wasn't attractive. Plus, the WOW 1 DAY PAINTING business model fits perfectly with what's going on in the world right now: going into a house in and out in one day has become hugely valuable, and we recognized that.
Lorena: We wanted to do something for ourselves, but we didn't want to invest all of our retirement money. This was a great opportunity for us to work together and also to develop a different kind of business for our family.
Q: In your opinion, what are the benefits of joining a franchise system?
Jerry: The support, training and guidance. The path for growth and profitability -- it was something that I was looking for. I'm very familiar with budgets and financial statements, so I was really looking for an organization that was solid when it came to the resources.
Lorena: For me, it was also about the other tools they provide for you to grow with them. You're not just handed a franchise and that's it. WOW 1 DAY PAINTING gives you all the support that you need from the very beginning.
Q: Why WOW 1 DAY Painting...what made this the right fit?
Jerry: The team we met was very knowledgeable and professional. We met with other franchises, but didn't find this level of professionalism and enthusiasm. During the Discovery Day, it felt like I was applying to a job. We were selling to WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, just as much as they were selling to us.
Lorena: I felt really good about it. They make you feel like you belong, like you're a part of the family and the conversation. I felt very comfortable, from the first interview call to closing the deal. They're always there for you.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about being a business owner?
Jerry: For me, it's about having something that is completely dependent on us to make it successful, rather than an outside entity. We will be able to take complete control of our business, and its success will be based on what we put into it -- rather than other forces and other people. Plus, it doesn't hurt to be putting away money for our retirement fund.
Lorena: Being able to secure something for ourselves, for our family. We work together really well -- it's so powerful to know that we are going to be our own bosses, and as Jerry said, growth will be dependent on our hard work.
Q: What are your passions / interests / hobbies - what makes you happiest and motivates you?
Jerry: Cooking is a big one for me. It's how I relax, and it's what makes me happy. This business opportunity is going to give me a lot of freedom to do these things.
Lorena: My passion is flowers. I love exploring nature, and going out to the lake.
Q: Tell us about your territory, what makes it unique?
Jerry: We moved to Denver 3.5 years ago. We know the area pretty well -- our territory is mostly upper middle class. The tools WOW 1 DAY PAINTING sent us to analyze the different zip codes was perfect, it gave us an idea of where we wanted to purchase.
Q: How has the virtual element of the process been - the fact you haven't been able to visit the Junktion etc.?
Lorena: It's been a challenge for me: I'm more hands on, and definitely prefer meeting people face to face. That being said, overall WOW 1 DAY PAINTING has pivoted quite successfully given the circumstances.
Jerry: It's not much of a challenge for me as I'm used to remote conference calls. A lot of the training in my former life was via videos, so this is actually quite conducive to my working style.
Thanks Jerry and Lorena, and congratulations on your new business!
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