1851

Last year, after more than 30 years in the construction industry as a development and project manager, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypeterson503/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-tony-peterson-footprints-floors-portland-2716776" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tony Peterson</a> decided it was time for a change. Peterson, whose job required frequent travel, wanted to spend more time with his family, and he decided to finally pursue a lifelong interest in business ownership.&nbsp;So, how did Peterson leverage his impressive construction resume into a new career as a business owner? By becoming a franchisee with <a href="https://footprintsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-tony-peterson-footprints-floors-portland-2716776" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Footprints Floors*</a>, the 50-plus-unit residential and commercial flooring and tile installation franchise.Peterson says <a href="https://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors/info">Footprints Floors</a> offered the perfect opportunity for him to continue working in an industry he knows and loves while taking back control of his time and lifestyle. We talked to Peterson to learn more about his journey to franchise ownership.<h4>1851 Franchise: Tell us your story — what did you do before franchising?</h4>Tony Peterson: I’ve been delivering technical construction solutions and managing commercial projects for 30 years serving primarily the industrial concrete market.&nbsp;<h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?</h4>Peterson: Business ownership has always been intriguing to me and my wife Krista but seemed out of the realm of possibility primarily due to time constraints and current demands. When I finally decided to make a career change&nbsp; it was unknowingly right before Covid. I began to look at a variety of opportunities, including employment with new organizations, but business ownership quickly piqued my interest. We were finally at a time in life to consider a radical change.<h4>1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?</h4>Peterson: I wanted the freedom and flexibility to work more independently as an owner. I was looking at what can be achieved by starting my own business. I began by examining the market, brands and initial startup costs. Immediately, Footprints Floors was checking off the boxes of what was most important to me; limiting travel and returning to my roots in residential construction.&nbsp;<h4>1851: How did you perform your research?</h4>Peterson: I was directed to Footprints Floors by people within my circle. Many of them, including business and franchise owners, encouraged me to take a look at a variety of franchises, including Footprints Floors. I started by researching via the internet, reading customer reviews in different markets and attending weekly owner calls. And because the research was so positive we traveled to visit the corporate team and Footprints’ Discovery Day.&nbsp;<h4>1851: Why did you pick Footprints Floors? What excited you most about the potential?</h4>Peterson: I chose Footprints Floors because of the quality of the organization, markets served and brand strength. Also, we had an opportunity to be part of their early growth and success. Finally, as lifelong residents of Portland, being the first Footprints Floors franchise in the area sealed the deal. Residential construction is economically resistant, and there is room in the market for additional services. It’s exciting to continue working in the industry that I've always been a part of, where I can leverage my relationships and construction background.<h4>1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?</h4>Peterson: We’d like to make Footprints Floors the go-to for flooring installations in the Portland area. We want to grow revenue, reach and referral business. I look forward to adding new services and employees, and building a sustainable business.&nbsp;<h4>1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4>Peterson: Be very thorough in your investigation. When working with a broker, don’t let them set the terms, timing and speed of your research. Seek out the help of other trusted professionals (legal, financial, insurance, potential partners) and franchisees for guidance.&nbsp;<h4>1851: What do you do in your personal time?</h4>Peterson: I am very family-oriented. My wife Krista is a marketing professional, and we have two kids going to college. We spend a lot of time outdoors. I enjoy chasing a golf ball, am a big soccer fan and can deliver a decent brisket.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.

The Great Franchisee: Tony Peterson, Footprints Floors, Portland

1851 Franchise

The construction industry veteran is opening his first business with the fast-growing flooring franchise.

the-great-franchisee-tony-peterson-footprints-floors-portland

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Franchisee Spotlight with Billy and Anita Clark and Seniors Helping Seniors

Heart and Purpose: Couple Launch Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Northern Arizona

heart-and-purpose-couple-launch-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-in-northern-arizona

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

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

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

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

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Franchisee Spotlight with Armando Cordova and Jorge Molina with Crust Pizza Co. Logo

Texas-Sized Ambition: How a Shared Dream Turned Into Three Crust Pizza Co. Locations

crust-pizza-co-armando-cordova-jorge-molina-georgetown-launch

Health Care Professional in the Non-Profit Space Brings TruBlue to North Pittsburgh

health-care-professional-in-the-non-profit-space-brings-trublue-to-north-pittsburgh

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

The Great Franchisee: Tony Peterson, Footprints Floors, Portland

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS