Franchisee Stories
From military veterans to lifelong entrepreneurs, these franchisees have found purpose, passion and profit through franchising — all while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
The allure of entrepreneurship can be a powerful driving force, and franchising offers a uniquely supportive avenue through which people can achieve this dream. Combining independence and entrepreneurship with the support of established systems of a larger brand allows for a smoother launch process and sustainable growth.
Beyond the business success found in franchising, the model also creates a platform for franchisees to overcome challenges, achieve personal dreams and make a clear impact on their communities. From veterans finding a new mission in home care to entrepreneurs building havens for celebration and wellness, these successful franchisees highlight the diverse and inspiring world of franchising.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Pease transitioned from a surface warfare officer to business owner. Throughout his service, Pease earned an MBA which equipped him with the skills he would need to run a successful franchise. Now, he continues to serve in the reserves while running his Right at Home* franchise in Philadelphia.
Pease’s decision to enter the home care industry was deeply personal. After witnessing his mother’s challenges with care for his grandparents, and his own experiences caring for his father, he knew there was a need for quality, reliable in-home care. Right at Home has given him a platform to continue serving his community — now in a new way.
“I wanted to find something that would allow me to provide a good service to people who really needed it,” he said.
Though Pease and his teams serve the broader community, he has also focused on creating a space where fellow veterans can thrive. Taking proactive efforts to educate veterans in the area about VA home care benefits and employing veteran caregivers to pair with veteran clients, he has built a strong ecosystem that supports both members of the community and a steady, scalable business.
Cedric Bridges’ entry into franchising with Workout Anytime began when he was introduced to the concept by a friend. After over 35 years as an aviation maintenance technician, Bridges' lifelong commitment to physical fitness and deep-rooted faith supported his pivot to franchising.
Bridges opened his first Workout Anytime location in Indianapolis in 2016 with a partner before establishing his own location in Calera, Alabama. “I felt a calling from God telling me it was time to return home to Alabama,” he said.
The Calera location, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, has become a welcoming, supportive environment for community members. In addition to the resources Bridges is able to provide through standard operations, he also hopes to partner with local churches to offer free memberships to individuals facing health challenges as he continues to grow and support the community.
Bridges offers encouragement for anyone considering a similar path: “If you have a dream, follow it. My faith in God brought me this far. I had no prior business experience, but I surrounded myself with people who were smarter than me and learned from them,” he said. “It’s a grind — you get out what you put in. This never feels like a job to me. Aviation was a job; this is my passion. If you’re getting into franchising just for the money, it’s not going to work. You have to truly care about it.”
Fatany is a seasoned entrepreneur with a strong background in franchising. He has successfully opened and operated five The Halal Guys franchises in the Houston area.
As his entrepreneurial drive pushed him to grow, Fatany, a Texas A&M alum, discovered franchising with Layne’s Chicken Fingers. He opened the brand’s first franchised location in Katy, Texas and has continued steady growth throughout the community.
In addition to the simple menu and brand’s popularity in the area, Fatany was drawn to Layne’s because of its people.
“The corporate team is fantastic. It has been incredible to see how supportive they are and how much they want to see franchisees succeed,” he said. “Post-pandemic, the simple menu has been thriving, and the brand has retained their young audience. Knowing it is good food at a good price, I am hoping we can cater to the nearby college students.”
LaBracke’s journey with Melting Pot is a clear testament to the power of connection and community. He began his career with the company in 2011 as a prep cook, but he was quickly exposed to — and fell in love with — the company culture. By 2015, he took over the Fort Collins, Colorado Melting Pot location.
Under his leadership, the Fort Collins restaurant has become more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for members of the community to celebrate life’s special moments. The restaurant is known as a go-to place for birthdays, anniversaries and other special events.
“Being in the business of giving people lasting memories is really fun, and I saw that even when I was working as a prep cook,” LaBracke said. “I love it, but I also see how much people love it. When I’m getting my hair cut, going to the store or just making small talk out and about, I see people’s faces light up when I tell them that my career is Melting Pot.”
While franchising offers a shared model, each successful franchisee has a different story, and one of the most rewarding aspects of investing is often the ability to make a positive impact. Whether it’s providing essential care to those in need or creating warm spaces for celebration, these franchisees demonstrate that success can be measured by the lives they touch and communities they enrich.
Every great franchisee had help. Franchisees turn to Growth Club to leverage its 100+ years of franchise experience to help navigate the difficulty of finding the right franchise opportunity. Visit www.1851growthclub.com and see what we can do for you.
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