Flooring Professional Charts New Path at 62 With Footprints Floors Franchise in Conroe, Texas

With over 25 years of experience in the flooring industry, Brett Butler had gained plenty of experience and connections. As his career progressed, though, he found himself disenchanted with his work due to all of the factors that were entirely out of his control as an employee. So, he decided to become a business owner.

Butler opened his Footprints Floors* franchise in Conroe, Texas, in March. He plans to build a strong team as he grows to allow for more flexibility and time to do the things he loves.

1851 Franchise spoke with Butler to learn more about his franchising journey with Footprints Floors and his goals for the future.

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

Butler: I have been in the flooring industry as a manufacturer’s rep for the last 25-plus years. I traveled quite a bit throughout all of those years, and there was so much out of my control. I just wanted to be in control of my own time and future. 

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

Butler: I looked at purchasing an independent business, but that was too much. The owner wanted me to lease buildings out and purchase equipment, and I wanted something that was in my area of expertise but not as big. With a franchise, I could get into a business that had already established a model that I liked, so I could focus more on growing the business than trying to figure out how to build or take ownership of a business with no guidance. 

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

Butler: I’ve been in the industry for a long time, so I knew several other people that are affiliated with Footprints Floors in one way or another. I spoke with some guys at the National Wood Flooring Association, and I got in touch with a few people who had recently decided to open up their own franchises. The streamlined model was already attractive to me, but knowing that Footprints Floors had the respect of industry professionals that I respect was encouraging, too.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Butler: I want to grow it to the point where I have a couple of people and can grow my territory. If I can add salespeople and project managers, I can step back to the point where I’m basically just managing and enjoy some more free time.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Butler: There are people who have bought into Footprints Floors who don’t have any flooring experience whatsoever. You don’t need to, because the support and training is so strong, but I do. I have experience working with, teaching and training contractors, so this isn’t entirely new to me.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Butler: I think it’s a great idea. Anybody looking for a franchise should look for what fits them. Owning your business is definitely different from working for somebody, which I’ve done all my life, so it’s a learning curve. But Footprints Floors has been very helpful in working with me and other owners to help us reach success.

ABOUT FOOTPRINTS FLOORS:

Upon his return to Littleton, Colorado, after serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bryan Park noticed that Denver’s flooring industry lacked a higher level of customer service and sophistication. So, in 2008, he founded Footprints Floors, which today specializes in installing hardwood floors, tile floors, backsplashes and laminates. With more than 150 territories, Footprints Floors offers franchisees a robust support system, including a call center, flexible hours for work-life balance and a low cost of entry with outstanding economics.. For more information about the Franchise Times Top 500 brand, visit https://footprintsfranchise.com/.