D1 Athlete Transitions from Physical Therapist to Patrice & Associates Franchisee

Princess Wells transitioned from a 14-year career as a physical therapist to franchising, driven by a desire to explore new career opportunities while continuing to help people. Guided by a career coach and inspired by conversations with industry professionals, she saw franchising as the perfect blend of independence, flexibility and personal growth. 

Wells looked for a brand that aligned with her values and offered substantial support, and found the perfect match with Patrice & Associates, the leading hospitality staffing and executive search franchise. 

Wells took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss her franchising journey with Patrice & Associates and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Princess Wells: I was a physical therapist for 14 years, working in health care. I helped a wide range of people with rehab. I started thinking about the next step in my career and wanted to branch out of health care a bit while still helping people every day. After several conversations with [Vice President of Franchise Development] Jason [Miller] and working with a career coach, I found franchising to be the perfect opportunity to continue building relationships and leveraging my background.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Wells: I didn’t know much about franchising initially. Many people suggested I should own my own business, but it never interested me at the time. However, with guidance from my career coach, I began to see the appeal of having control and building something myself. I realized the independence and flexibility franchising offered would suit my needs well, making it a great opportunity to pursue.

1851: What made you choose this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Wells: The level of support, training and mentoring Patrice & Associates provides, along with their core values, drew me to this brand. The opportunity to help people is central to their mission, which resonated with me. Conversations with [CEO] Brian [Miller] and Jason, along with the vetting process, confirmed that this was the right fit for me.

1851: What’s your biggest accomplishment in this job?

Wells: My biggest accomplishment is taking the leap and pursuing this opportunity. Even my brother didn't believe I was serious when I said I would do it. Quitting my job and committing to this new path is something I'm very proud of.

1851: What’s your big goal THIS YEAR?

Wells: My biggest goal is to be productive and learn the system thoroughly. I aim to help as many people as I can by becoming more efficient and better at what I do.

1851: What’s the No. 1 thing about your story you want us to know?

Wells: I’m also a people person, sometimes to a fault, as I always strive to help others, even if it means sacrificing myself. This drive to help others led me to health care and continues to influence my work now. I also played D1 basketball at Furman University. Being an athlete gives you a competitive edge and internal motivation. Athletes often dedicate a lot of time and effort to getting better, which is essential for owning a business. 

1851: What advice do you have for aspiring franchisees?

Wells: Consider franchising as an option. Research it thoroughly because there are many opportunities you might not be aware of. If you're considering it, keep an open mind and explore all the possibilities available to you.

ABOUT PATRICE & ASSOCIATES:
Patrice & Associates is a recruiting franchise that helps thousands of managerial and executive level candidates every year find rewarding jobs in the hospitality industry and beyond. With strong brand recognition, a flexible business model and a growing footprint, Patrice & Associates has established itself as a leading franchise opportunity in the staffing industry.

Today, with over 175 units in the U.S. and Canada, Patrice & Associates is the largest hospitality executive search firm in the country.