Navy Veteran Charts New Course with Granite Garage Floors Franchise
Diehl's six years in active duty for the U.S. Navy has prepared him to navigate franchising, and he plans to open his unit in the Coastal Carolina region next month.
Michael Diehl, boat captain and U.S. Navy veteran, was looking for an opportunity that would set him up for success after leaving the service as a Lieutenant in 2014. After considering his options, he decided that franchising with Granite Garage Floors, the home services franchise that installs commercial coating systems that, once complete, “Look and Last Like Granite,” was the right choice. He felt it gave him the best shot at building a successful business, while still having time for his family.
“To say I could be gone a lot was an understatement,” explained Diehl. “I was looking for greater consistency for my family as we have just welcomed our first child. I explored a lot of options and franchising appeared the best opportunity to establish a successful business and have a great support network to learn from at the same time.”
After doing some research, Diehl landed on the brand that specializes in revamping garage floors with epoxy or polyaspartic coatings. As he started his journey into franchising, he soon realized that his background as a veteran has given him all the skills he needs to be a successful business owner.
Transferable Skills
As a U.S. Navy veteran who served for over six years on active duty, Diehl has acquired a great deal of experience in decision-making and facing challenges. However, Diehl says the most valuable skill he learned in the service was how to be adaptable.
“Not just to changing situations but also with regards to learning and growing as a person,” he said.
This skill has served him well, as he faced a major lifestyle change in returning to civilian life and again in welcoming his first child. Now, his adaptability will be necessary once more in his career change as he starts his own business with Granite Garage Floors.
Diehl is not intimidated, however, and looks forward to learning more about business ownership. One thing he already has figured out is that the customer comes first.
“Attention to detail will be key to our success and will help ensure customer satisfaction,” he said.
In addition to skills such as adaptability and confidence, the military also taught Diehl to effectively receive, understand and execute a plan, which is important in franchising. Granite Garage Floors provides a simple-to-follow business plan that guides franchise owners like Diehl towards success.
“I was really drawn to the idea that many of the business processes would be established for me which would allow me to focus on the primary purpose of my business,” commented Diehl.
He appreciates the support the franchise provides and the tried and true process that is put in place for him to follow.
Why Granite Garage Floors
For Diehl, selecting Granite Garage Floors was easy. From day one, he felt comfortable with the corporate team and was eager to contribute to the brand’s growth.
“When I visited during my discovery day, I didn’t feel like I was being sold to, but that Granite Garage Floors was more interested in finding the best candidates to add to their team,” explained Diehl. “Getting to spend time with the founder, Alan Mishkoff, reinforced this feeling, as well. I found it most exciting, that even though it is an established franchise, it continues growing and I get to be part of that. I am looking forward to contributing towards building our brand presence and perfecting our methods.”
The brand offers a strong business model and an excellent opportunity for profitability. With residential and commercial customer segments, the brand has a broad reach in local communities, and while the brand has seen steady revenue growth, the buy-in cost is relatively low as a storefront is not required.
In addition, the brand is backed by parent company Threshold Brands, which brings in-depth industry knowledge and comprehensive support for franchise owners and is situated in the booming home improvement services market.
Establishing Security While Building a Legacy
Diehl hopes that he will achieve a sense of security and stability for his family, while building a legacy that he can pass down one day. He aims to accomplish all of this by providing excellent customer service and anticipating the needs of his territory, while benefiting from the support offered by the corporate team.
Diehl is anticipating a December 2023 opening, but he is already looking beyond that and is exploring future expansion opportunities within his area and the surrounding territories.
For other veterans who are looking for opportunities and considering business ownership, Diehl couldn’t recommend franchising enough.
“It is a great idea, and remember, you are not alone,” he said. “There are lots of terrific resources to help you find the best path and fit for you. Ask for help and don’t be afraid to seek assistance.”
For more insights into franchising opportunities and the diverse leadership that defines Threshold Brands, please visit https://www.thresholdbrands.com/
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