Franchisee Profile: Jarrod Johnson

When it comes to life, Jarrod Johnson has one motto: “Sometimes you just do crazy things.”

At the age of 37, Johnson has already had his fair share of experiences. He served in the Marine Corps. He patrolled the streets of Houston, Texas as a police officer. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Now, he’s set to open his first Smoothie King in Georgia—and he’s just getting started.

For 11 years, Johnson helped keep the streets of Houston safe as a police officer. During the small amount of free time he had, Johnson kept himself buried in books and homework, studying away to earn his master’s degree in business. But when his wife accepted a job in Rome, Ga., Johnson decided to leave his career as a cop behind to start a new life in the South.

“When we finally got to Georgia, my wife was off to work at the local hospital every day and I suddenly found myself without anything to do,” Johnson said.

Johnson quickly picked up a new hobby—CrossFit. Five days out of his week were spent at the gym, but when it came time to pack up and head home, his search for a quick and healthy post-workout meal yielded few results.

“I realized that Rome was a small town and they didn’t really have any healthy options. As longtime Smoothie King fans, my wife and I immediately realized how great that kind of option would be here,” Johnson said. “At that point, it was like a light bulb went off. I needed something else to do and the town needed a healthier food option.”

Johnson found a vacant lot right across from the hospital his where his wife works. Realizing the potential of the location, he quickly filled out the paperwork and laid claim to his Smoothie King’s future home.

“There is a Wendy’s, Arby’s and Bojangle’s by the hospital, but there isn’t a single healthy option,” Johnson said. “I decided that my goal in opening a Smoothie King was to help change the way the town eats.”

Johnson explained that when the town caught wind of his plans to open a Smoothie King, he started receiving random Facebook messages from locals. They were eager to know when the location would officially open, mentioning that they had recently tried Smoothie King for the first time and were excited to have one in their hometown.

“Smoothie King is something I’m passionate about,” Johnson said. “I believe introducing this healthy option will truly help the town. Seeing people so excited about this opening made me realize I made the right decision.”

Johnson is hoping to open his first Smoothie King location by early 2016. He added that by the time he turns 40, his goal is to open a second location. That’s in 26 months—but who’s counting.