1851

<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bruckner-1b15a33/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-eric-bruckner-wireless-zone-pennsylvania-2715317" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Eric Bruckner</u></a> has worked in the phone service industry since the late ‘90s. After establishing and growing his own brand, <a href="https://wirelessmadesimple.net/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-eric-bruckner-wireless-zone-pennsylvania-2715317" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Wireless Made Simple</u></a>, Bruckner is now expanding his reach by converting nine <a href="https://www.tccrocks.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-eric-bruckner-wireless-zone-pennsylvania-2715317" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>TCC</u></a> locations into <a href="https://wirelesszonefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-eric-bruckner-wireless-zone-pennsylvania-2715317" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Wireless Zone</u></a> stores throughout Central Pennsylvania.&nbsp;</p><p>Wireless Zone is the nation’s largest wireless retail franchise, and by partnering with the brand, Bruckner aims to tap into the franchise’s expansive support and resources. We spoke to Bruckner to learn more about his path to franchise ownership with Wireless Zone.</p><h4>1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?</h4><p>Eric Bruckner: I’ve been in this industry for a long time, starting after I graduated from Penn State in 1996. After college, I worked at a phone kiosk in the mall before branching out to work in outside sales. In 2004, after spending nearly 10 years in this business working for various other companies, I decided to take the knowledge and experience that I had acquired from my other jobs to launch my own business, Wireless Made Simple. At first, I didn’t have a retail store, and I offered small business support for companies in the area. Eventually, as word began to spread and my company became more successful, I was able to grow the retail side and opened the doors to my very own brick-and-mortar store.&nbsp;</p><p>I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to grow my business to include multiple locations over the years, and I have a number of employees who have worked with me since 2014. I’ve always been a big believer in servant leadership. I think that it has really shaped my success over the years. Put simply, as a leader, it’s your job to help the people around you who need help and provide constant support. If you do that from the start, you will build a strong team on a firm foundation of trust.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?</h4><p>Bruckner: It honestly wasn’t so much that I found out about franchising as much as my attention was caught by the opportunities that Verizon was able to provide. As our model continued to grow, it was immediately clear that Wireless Zone provided more support and tools for owners than other companies, and I knew that I wanted to stay on that path.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?</h4><p>Bruckner: This business really pulled me in and it seemed like the natural path from the trajectory I was already on as my own business began to grow. I wanted to have the independence over my business and the leadership to run things the way that I wanted but with the support and backing of a larger network.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: Why did you pick Wireless Zone? What excited you most about the potential?</h4><p>Bruckner: I’ve always been a big Verizon supporter, and Wireless Zone offers the best opportunities in the area. We live in a tricky coverage area, and Verizon is truly the best in terms of coverage and customer support as well as the options and features that they provide to owners. The Verizon name carries a lot of recognition and respect, and I was excited to pair that reputation with my own experience and business acumen.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?</h4><p>Bruckner: After successfully converting our 9 stores to Wireless Zone, we are looking forward to expanding in more areas and adding additional stores.&nbsp;</p><p>As for the future of the business, we are big into community involvement, and I’m excited to continue working with and giving back to our community. We sponsor several local teams and donate to charities in the area. We also provide two paid days off a year that our employees can use to volunteer at the charity of their choice. It’s a program that I would love to continue to grow and find new ways to help businesses and other organizations in our area.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4><p>Bruckner: It should always be customers and employees first — that’s really the only way to find success as a franchise owner. You have to view your employees as family and have an all-inclusive mentality rather than simply looking out for yourself. If you respect your employees, it carries through in every aspect of the business and customers pick up on it. It truly drives success.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What do you do in your personal time?</h4><p>Bruckner: I love to scuba dive, and my daughter recently got certified. Once we can travel again, we are looking forward to traveling to Florida to do some diving. Other than that, I love spending time with my family, and we are truly a family business. My wife works with us as Director of Communications and Recruiting, and it’s been an incredible experience being able to work together.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>ABOUT WIRELESS ZONE</h4><p>Founded in 1988 as "The Car Phone Store", the Wireless Zone® system has become the nation's largest wireless retail franchisor, was ranked the No. 1 franchise in its category by Entrepreneur magazine and #118 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 in 2021. Each of the over 400 stores are independently owned and operated, exclusively offering Verizon Wireless products and services. The Wireless Zone® system has been honored with Verizon's “Best Customer Service” award for five consecutive years and is franchised and operated by Wireless Zone LLC. For more information, visit www.wirelesszone.com.</p>

The Great Franchisee: Eric Bruckner, Wireless Zone, Pennsylvania

1851 Franchise

The phone-service veteran is converting nine TCC stores to new Wireless Zone franchises.

the-great-franchisee-eric-bruckner-wireless-zone-pennsylvania

World Gym

World Gym - Overcoming Gym Plateaus Setbacks - 1851 Franchise

No Excuses: Overcoming Common Gym Plateaus and Setbacks

world-gym-overcoming-plateaus-setbacks

Right at Home

Ben Aydin on Building a Right at Home Franchise: Hard Work, Growth and Making an Impact

ben-aydin-on-building-a-right-at-home-franchise-hard-work-growth-and-making-an-impact

Why Strength-Focused Gyms Are on the Rise: The World Gym Difference

why-strength-focused-gyms-are-on-the-rise-the-world-gym-difference

The World Gym Mentality: How Strength Training Builds Confidence

the-world-gym-mentality-how-strength-training-builds-confidence

Griswold

Celebrating Women Franchisees: The Empowering Stories Behind Griswold’s Female Leaders

celebrating-women-franchisees-the-empowering-stories-behind-griswolds-female-leaders

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 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

Tariff Tensions Threaten U.S. Restaurants with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

tariff-tensions-threaten-us-restaurants-with-rising-costs-and-supply-chain-disruptions

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

the-top-quick-service-restaurant-franchises

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

The Great Franchisee: Eric Bruckner, Wireless Zone, Pennsylvania

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS