1851

<a href="https://www.garageliving.com/f/about-us/richmondva?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-anti-franchise-entrepreneur-has-a-change-of-heart-because-of-garage-living-2723618" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chase Schmidt</a> is no stranger to entrepreneurship. He spent the majority of his professional career in the construction industry and has started two successful small businesses from scratch. However, when it came to expanding, Schmidt had always been “anti-franchise” due to a misconception about the industry. That is, until he discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://garageliving-franchises.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=former-anti-franchise-entrepreneur-has-a-change-of-heart-because-of-garage-living-2723618" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Garage Living</a>, a garage remodeling franchise, which changed his perspective entirely.1851 Franchise recently spoke to Schmidt to learn more about his journey and why he now boasts the benefits of franchising.<h2>Journey Into Franchising</h2>As soon as Schmidt was out of college, he went to work for a small home-building company in North Carolina. Through this opportunity, he realized his passion for the construction industry and quickly developed big aspirations. While he loved the job, he wanted to be his own boss one day. So, when a new opportunity arose to be a self-employed contractor and consultant, he took it. Over the next several years, Schmidt worked long hours and eventually landed another job that allowed him a greater work-life balance.Throughout these experiences, Schmidt developed quite the resume. With more than 20 years of industry experience, he built homes from the ground up, executed renovations for residential and commercial properties, and even built his own real estate investment and property management company, as well as a furniture resale business. Despite all this, he wanted to do more.“I was not satisfied with the internal feeling of knowing I worked for someone else’s dream,” said Schmidt.With that in mind, Schmidt met with a friend, who happened to be a franchise owner. The pair discussed franchising, and Schmidt, who admits he was hesitant at first, became inspired to look into it.“Early on, I didn’t understand why anyone would choose a franchise,” said Schmidt. “As a self-starter and confident in my ability to build a business and complete the work, it didn’t make sense to pay a large franchise fee and royalties.”&nbsp;Regardless, he “couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks.”Throughout his research and due diligence, he discovered Garage Living, which aligned with his checklist of requirements. He decided to attend a Discovery Day at the brand’s headquarters in Toronto, Canada. It was this meeting that pushed Schmidt to open his very own Garage Living franchise in Richmond, Virginia.While being introduced to the brand and its leadership team, Schmidt didn’t feel like the garage remodeling franchise was overly selling itself. Instead, he believed he was organically drawn to and ultimately sold on the brand’s products and services. Schmidt came to understand that being a franchise owner entails more than just financial commitments like fees and royalties; it provides access to vital support and backing typically unavailable to independent businesses.“They want us to succeed and support our efforts,” he said. “How else can you have full teams in marketing, logistics, finance, IT and product development on day one? You can’t without the franchise system. They are there to answer questions, help you set up your systems and strategize for growth.”<h2>Advice and Lessons Learned</h2>Before pulling the trigger on his own franchise, Schmidt wanted everything to be “perfectly ready and in place” before he took his first step. However, reflecting on that mindset, he wished he had taken a different approach and understands now that there’s no better time than the present to embark on such a journey.“Looking back, if I had waited for everything to be ‘perfect,’ there would have been so many changes along the way and/or I would still be waiting to take the first step,” he noted.For aspiring first-time franchise owners, Schmidt advised understanding your interests and selecting a franchise that aligns with your goals and values. If you don’t choose something that you’re passionate about, he believes you could be at risk of eventual burnout.“Once you find one and the market will support it, don’t hold back,” he advised. “Take the first step, and keep on going.”He also believes it’s vital to have a support group to guide you through the process. For Schmidt, his wife serves as his support system. Schmidt confirmed she has been fully on board with his decision to franchise from the beginning, and as such, has proven to be “invaluable” throughout his journey.<h2>Plans for the Future</h2>Looking to the future, Schmidt’s dream is to own multiple Garage Living locations and build out a few successful locations that service multiple markets. But in the short term, he’s just focused on achieving his dream of business ownership with a healthy work-life balance and spreading the word about the benefits of franchising.&nbsp;“If you’re within 20 feet of me, you’ll hear my list of benefits of going with a franchise instead of ‘bootstrapping’ on your own,” he said. “I can’t stop telling family and friends about the benefits of franchising.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Anti-Franchise Entrepreneur Has a Change of Heart Because of Garage Living 

1851 Franchise

Despite being reluctant to operate in the franchise space, construction expert Chase Schmidt took a chance and opened his own Garage Living franchise in Richmond, Virginia. 

former-anti-franchise-entrepreneur-has-a-change-of-heart-because-of-garage-living

Busy Bee Jumpers

Busy Bee Jumpers Buzzes into Franchising: Three New Franchisees Signed in First 30 Days

busy-bee-jumpers-buzzes-into-franchising-three-new-franchisees-signed-in-first-30-days

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Reports Strong Midyear Momentum 

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Reports Strong Midyear Momentum with Revenue Gains, Record Membership, and Strategic Expansion

fitness-premier-mid-year-growth-2025

Woodhouse Spas

image of a woodhouse spa franchise buildings exterior 

Woodhouse Spas Continues Strong Momentum With Double-Digit Growth in Q2

woodhouse-spas-q2-2025-growth-expansion

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-Mountain-State-Devo-June-2025

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Eyes Expansion in Mountain States

laynes-chicken-fingers-franchise-mountain-states-expansion

ServiceMaster Restore

ServiceMaster Restore Powers Into the Second Half of 2025 With Growth and Purpose-Driven Impact

ServiceMaster Restore Powers Into the Second Half of 2025 With Strong Growth and Purpose-Driven Impact

servicemaster-restore-powers-into-the-second-half-of-2025-with-strong-growth-and-purpose-driven-impact

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Former Anti-Franchise Entrepreneur Has a Change of Heart Because of Garage Living

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS