Buy a Franchise
Jim Belcher, a Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream franchisee, shares practical strategies to help other owners achieve a balance between running a business and spending quality time with their family.
Franchising can often be a demanding but rewarding career path. For many franchise owners, finding the right balance between work and family is key to both enjoying their personal life and achieving success in their business.
1851 Franchise spoke to Jim Belcher, franchise owner of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Clemson, South Carolina, for some practical tips for franchise owners looking to maintain that balance.
Operating a franchise can often mean long hours and busy days, but it’s essential to set aside consistent, quality time with your family. One effective way to achieve a work-family balance is to establish weekly or monthly family time.
“For us, it’s important to dedicate regular time with our family, especially when running a business as it can often be hectic,” said Belcher. “What makes our situation unique is that all four of our children work in the store. However, it can get quite busy working with family. We prioritize our Sunday Sabbath, where we spend about five hours together to relax, connect, and enjoy a good meal without the stress of work. This weekly ritual has been vital for our family.”
If your franchise model allows, involving family members in the business can be a special experience. Belcher’s entire family, including his four children, work at his Handel’s location.
“Our kids are learning how to run a business while also treating our fellow staff members like family as well,” said Belcher. “The idea to open Handel’s came from my daughter, who worked at the Handel’s in Pasadena when we lived in California.”
Involving family can strengthen bonds while fostering a shared sense of purpose and responsibility within the business.
For franchise owners who prefer not to involve their family in the business, maintaining a healthy work-family balance is still achievable through clear boundaries and effective communication. To prevent work from intruding on family time, it's essential to establish firm limits between business and personal life. Set designated times when work-related calls, emails and tasks are off-limits, and be fully present with your loved ones during those moments. Prioritizing these boundaries will help ensure both your business and family life thrive.
For franchise owners, future growth and succession planning can involve family members. Belcher mentions their goal of expanding the business with their children’s involvement. “We hope to eventually pass the business on to them as we plan to open two more stores in Greenville between 2025 and 2026,” he said, “with aspirations for each of our kids to manage their own Handel’s in the future.”
If family members are interested in taking on leadership roles, consider involving them in growth plans early on to prepare them for future responsibilities.
Achieving a balance between work and family looks different for everyone. For franchise owners, it can be challenging to juggle both, but with thoughtful time management and strong community support, a healthy work-life balance is within reach.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
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