The Great Franchisee: Nate Yarusso, Footprints Floors, Washington

Nate Yarusso spent two decades as a jet pilot for the Navy, a career that took him all around the world. While all that globe-trotting was exciting, after years of flying, Yarusso says he was eager to put down roots. During his final deployment in Afghanistan, Yarusso learned of a friend’s career as a franchise broker, a more localized profession that piqued his interest. 

Yarusso pursued that interest, eventually becoming a franchise broker himself with the Franchise Brokers Association. In that role, he helped aspiring business owners fulfill their dreams through a range of franchise brands across sectors. It was in that role that Yarusso came across Footprints Floors*, the 100-plus-unit flooring franchise. Something about the brand spoke to Yarusso, he says. So he decided to make yet another career pivot, becoming a franchisee himself — the brand’s first in Northwest Washington. 

We spoke to Yarusso to learn more about his path to franchising and his experience with Footprints Floors.

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?

Nate Yarusso:  As a kid, I liked anything that moved — whether it was a skateboard, bike, and when I was old enough to drive, my own car. I remember seeing jets fly in the sky and thinking that’s exactly what I wanted to do — so I did. I served in the Navy for 20 years, and for the majority of my military career, I was a naval aviator. I traveled throughout the country but settled in Whidbey Island in 2000, flying EA6B-Prowler, which is a twin-engine, four-seat, mid-wing electronic-warfare aircraft derived from the A-6 Intruder. I retired from the Navy in 2012 and worked as an airline pilot and then again as a government contract pilot. During the past year, I began looking for an alternative job where I didn’t have to be away from my family as much. I found a career as a franchise broker with the Franchise Brokers Association.

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising? 

Yarusso: When I was flying as a contractor overseas, our group was based in Afghanistan and we were an extremely close-knit group. In our free time, we would brainstorm about work that was closer to home. One of the guys I was with had a friend that was a franchise broker and that’s what initially piqued my interest. I connected with his friend and learned more about the business and what exactly a franchise broker was. I learned I could do that while still pursuing my love for being a pilot. Once I learned even more about the industry, I found that I also wanted to become a franchise owner.

1851: Why did you pick franchising over starting your own business?

Yarusso: When you start your own business, you’re on your own. With a franchise, all of the mistakes that a startup would make have been ironed out. With a franchise, they have established processes for SEO, lead generation, marketing — all the things you need. On day one, you flip on the switch, and you're already years ahead of someone who just started. Being a broker, I know that my chances of succeeding with a franchise are significantly higher than if I went out on my own. 

1851: What types of brands did you look at?

Yarusso: I briefly looked at some other home improvement and handyman-type franchises. I wanted to open a business in my community, and I know where I live there’s a need for the services we offer.

1851 Franchise: Why did you pick Footprints Floors? What excited you most about the potential?

Yarusso: There are multiple factors that led to my decision to become a franchisee, and specifically a franchisee with Footprints Floors. One reason is that I enjoy working with wood. Since I was a child, my dad and I would build furniture and complete home projects together. I think wood floors are a beautiful attribute to any home. The fact that I will now get to bring that beauty to others’ homes is very exciting for me. 

A year ago, I had no idea this is what I’d be doing. This wasn’t something I had been planning, and the idea developed and came to fruition rather quickly. I jumped on board and I’m glad that I did. The culture Footprints Floors has created, with a family-like feel, is unlike any other brand I’ve come across.

The potential with Footprints Floors is endless. In the past ten years, the population in every zip code in my territory has increased by at least 10%. We’re seeing a trend of people relocating here and the current residents are taking more pride in the homes and maintaining their interiors. I have contractor contacts who tell me how they’re swamped with residents who wanted to update their homes and I’m thrilled to be able to help meet that growing demand.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Yarusso: My dream is to have a thriving business that helps people within their homes and provides a living for me and my family. In the future, we hope to expand. I’m also excited to be able to use this experience of opening my first franchise location to become a better franchise broker. I’ll be able to truly relate to potential candidates and introduce potential franchisees to the Footprints Floors model.

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Yarusso: Be confident in your decision to own a business and take that confidence to make a decision to invest in yourself.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Yarusso: Over the years, my family has become involved in winter sports. We’re all skiers. Growing up my kids were both involved in extracurricular activities so we spent a lot of time doing that. We still like to do as much as we can as a family. My wife and I enjoy cooking. My wife is a fashion consultant.

ABOUT FOOTPRINTS FLOORS:

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.