1851

Matthew Horist, a former opera singer and IT professional, is pursuing his entrepreneurial dream by opening the first <a href="https://footprintsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-matthew-horist-footprints-floors-western-michigan-2714570" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Footprints Floors*</a> franchise in Western Michigan, a growing area growing with an increasing demand for home-improvement services.&nbsp;After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in music, Horist established a career as an opera singer for eight years before moving back to Michigan to work in IT.Horist decided to go into franchising after his friend shared with him the tremendous success rates the backing of franchisors provides. After exploring a wide variety of brands, Horist ultimately chose <a href="http://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors">Footprints Floors</a> to enter the increasing demand for home improvement services due to more people spending time at home. Horist is launching the first Footprints Floors territory in Western Michigan.<h4>1851 Franchise: What did you do before franchising?</h4>Matthew Horist: I was born and raised in Western Michigan. I went to school at Indiana University where I studied music and was an opera singer for eight years after college. I then moved back home and fell into the IT world. I consulted in the tech industry for a&nbsp; few years and then received a permanent position. After that, I bought a small business, a physical security company. After my partner was involved in an accident, I founded Lakeshore Resources, an IT staffing company. I’ve spent the past 10 years running Lakeshore.&nbsp;<h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising?&nbsp;</h4>Horist: I had a buddy who has done really well for himself through franchising. I read a book on franchising called “The E Myth” by Michael E. Gerber that raved about how franchising actually works. Rather than reinventing the wheel, go with something that works.&nbsp;<h4>1851: Why did you choose Footprints Floors? What excited you most about the potential?</h4>Horist: I started looking at franchises about two to three years ago and looked at everything under the sun from ice cream to fitness to fast food. I wanted to go into home improvement because it’s showing huge growth right now. I worked with a broker to find the right brand for me, and when he introduced me to Footprints Floors I knew it was a perfect fit.<h4>1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?</h4>Horist: We’re redefining this market. I want to really raise the bar in terms of flooring in Western Michigan. Bryan Park, the CEO is infectious. I have learned so much&nbsp;about flooring and want to do great work at a good price. This brand has given me a passion for people having an affordable option without sacrificing quality.<h4>1851 Franchise: What value do you see your business providing to Western Michigan?</h4>Horist: West Michigan is growing — everyone is leaving the coast and moving inland. It’s a nice, tight-knit community. We’re bringing something that works to the area. There’s a lot more demand than supply for home improvement in general.<h4>1851 Franchise: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4>Horist: Read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Most-Businesses-Dont-About/dp/0887303625?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-matthew-horist-footprints-floors-western-michigan-2714570" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">“The E Myth”</a>, and find your passion.&nbsp;<h4>ABOUT FOOTPRINTS FLOORS</h4>Upon his return to Littleton, Colorado after serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bryan Park noticed that Denver’s flooring industry lacked a higher level of customer service and sophistication. So, in 2008, he founded Footprints Floors, which today specializes in installing hardwood floors, carpet, tile floors, backsplashes and laminates. With more than 50 current locations, Footprints Floors offers franchisees a robust support system including a call center, flexible hours for work-life balance and a low cost of entry with outstanding economics.

The Great Franchisee: Matthew Horist, Footprints Floors, Western Michigan

1851 Franchise

Western Michigan’s first Footprints Floors franchisee was a professional opera singer and an IT tech before arriving at the flooring brand. 

the-great-franchisee-matthew-horist-footprints-floors-western-michigan

United Water Restoration Group

United Water Restoration Group: Maximizing Revenue with Emergency Services 

United Water Restoration Group: Maximizing Revenue with Emergency Services — Be There When Your Community Needs You

united-water-restoration-group-maximizing-revenue-with-emergency-services-be-there-when-your-community-needs-you

Right at Home

Right at Home 2025 Caregiver of the Year Award

Right at Home Honors Caregivers Worldwide:  Celebrating the 2025 Caregiver of the Year Awards

right-at-home-honors-caregivers-worldwide-celebrating-the-2025-caregiver-of-the-year-awards

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner & President’s Club Member Matt Bloom, Norwich, CT.

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: From Venture Capitalism to Printing

minuteman-press-franchisee-continues-tradition-of-success-in-norwich-ct

Paris Baguette

Photo of array of Paris Baguette pastries

Paris Baguette Redefines Morning Routines With Fresh Breakfast and Premium Coffee Strategy

paris-baguette-breakfast-strategy-growth

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue’s Home Maintenance Plans: Peace of Mind for Homeowners

trublues-home-maintenance-plans-peace-of-mind-for-homeowners

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

Subway Pushes Global Growth Despite U.S. Closures 

subway-pushes-global-growth-despite-us-closures

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Amy Lepke and family and Papa Murphy's logo

After 14 Years as a Stay-At-Home Mom, Amy Lepke Returned to Papa Murphy’s — This Time as an Owner

papa-murphys-franchise-amy-lepke

Franchisee Spotlight with Micki Waters and Papa Murphy's Logo

Work Mom: How Micki Waters Became a Mother Figure to Her Entire Papa Murphy’s Team

work-mom-how-micki-waters-became-a-mother-figure-to-her-entire-papa-murphys-team

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

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

The Great Franchisee: Matthew Horist, Footprints Floors, Western Michigan

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS