How I Chose My Franchise: Why These Two Entrepreneurs Chose Their Respective Franchise Concepts

Franchising offers a proven and reliable path to something many Americans only dream about: entrepreneurship. But there are thousands and thousands of franchise concepts out there, and knowing how to choose the right one can sometimes be the biggest roadblock of all. There are several factors that should go into making the decision — passion, finances, values, support, demand, etc. Here are the stories of two recently-signed franchisees and how they landed on their respective franchise concepts.

In 2019, Obie Pilkington was battling cancer while on active duty in the Army. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit one year later in 2020, Pilkington unexpectedly found his next calling. 

“The experience of going through chemotherapy taught me many things, one of which was how seniors and veterans were being treated poorly in the healthcare system,” said Pilkington. “I met a lot of seniors who were also getting chemo, and many of them were alone or needed support, and I knew there had to be a better way. I also watched my mother-in-law suffer from Lewy Body dementia, and her health deteriorated very quickly. I realized health care and home care was where a lot of the problems are for seniors in this country, and I wanted to do something to help.” 

Around the same time, Pilkington was coming to the end of a 20-year career in the military and was ready to set his own hours and become his own boss. “I was tired of having to listen to anybody else — that is really what set me down the path of business ownership,” he said.

When Pilkington discovered TruBlue Total House Care, the franchise that provides subscription-based home maintenance and handyman services for seniors and families, he saw a way to support those in need while taking control of his destiny through business ownership. Additionally, Pilkington said he saw a growing demand for these services in his community of Colorado Springs and all over the country. 

“Many seniors’ homes get neglected as they are going through the process of aging in place,” said Pilkington. “Let's be honest  — families don’t always want to deal with it, and often they also aren’t in the local area. With TruBlue, I saw a way to get after the problem while also having fun with it.”

Pilkington officially signed on with TruBlue Total House Care in March this year and is planning to open in the fall. 

Dustin Hughes is another veteran who recently entered into the franchising world. He served for four years before returning home and taking on managerial roles for maintenance companies. But as someone from a family of entrepreneurs, Hughes says he always knew he wanted to open a business of his own one day. 

“My dad is a business owner himself — he owns a hot tub, chemical service and repair company,” said Hughes. “My mom comes from the financial side and works for the banks. My aunt is also an entrepreneur. I’ve always known business ownership was my goal, but I just didn’t know how to get there.”

When Hughes’ aunt visited him last year, he says the two began talking about business ownership. “She suggested a franchise, and I had always thought of franchising as just big fast-food chains,” he said. “She already had a relationship with a consultant at FranNet and introduced us.” 

That consultant helped Hughes narrow down his options to three concepts, one of which was the moving and junk removal franchise College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving. “At first, I had never in my life thought about a moving or junk removal company,” he said. “But the more I talked to the team, the more I saw the brand aligned with my values and my background. A franchise offers you a support system already in place. Their support system is incredible. What I was really looking for is the ability to work for myself and be my own boss while also having that support behind me.”

Hughes officially signed a franchise agreement with College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving in February of 2022 and hopes to open his Denver operation in July. 

Both Pilkington and Hughes’ stories showcase the importance of trusting your instincts while also following up with the proper due diligence to ensure a franchise is a right fit for you and your future.