1851

Raised in a middle-class household, Travis Thomas was introduced to entrepreneurship at a young age, watching his father manage a lawn care business and rental properties. Inspired, he started his own neighborhood venture, mowing lawns and raking leaves with his younger brother at the tender age of nine. His early business adventures helped fund his education in finance, leading him to corporate roles at Blue Cross and General Motors, all while managing his own rental properties. Soon, he decided it was time to finally take the leap and follow his entrepreneurial dreams with the purchase of a local&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.edible.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-entrepreneur-is-selling-happiness-with-new-edible-franchise-in-michigan-2726490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Edible®</a> franchise in Woodhaven, Michigan. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/edible/info">Edible</a>, the innovative e-commerce hub uniquely supported by locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe, excited Thomas with its robust profit margins and its model that celebrated both special and everyday occasions. He saw Edible as a means to sell not just products, but happiness, through gift arrangements, dessert boards, floral bouquets, bakeshop products and a wide array of other offerings. Moreover, Thomas is committed to giving back to his community, particularly to the high school and college students working at his franchise. He plans to establish scholarships to support their higher education aspirations.1851 Franchise spoke with Thomas to learn more about his background, his decision to franchise with Edible and his plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising?Thomas:&nbsp;I’ve always been an entrepreneur since I was nine years old. I’ve been a self-starter&nbsp; — someone that wants to work hard.&nbsp;1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Thomas:&nbsp;I've always been fascinated by franchising and the idea of being my own boss. I've always done my own research and delved into various businesses, initially thinking that it was too expensive. But, after enough research, I realized that securing financing with a certain down payment was feasible. It seemed like an opportunity to enter the world of business ownership gradually.You want to buy something that has been around for a while. It's difficult to start on your own and make it last. But a proven franchise with a track record — you can see their growth and how they overcame challenges. That is the type of thing I want to build my financial foundation upon. It has longevity, brand awareness and support.&nbsp;The Edible location I purchased was open for at least 10 years, so it was definitely proven.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick Edible? What excites you most about the brand?Thomas:&nbsp;While doing my research, I really liked the profit margins of Edible and decided to contact the team. I looked a little deeper into the numbers and I loved that it was a celebration-based business — there is always something someone wants to buy for someone else, whether it is just an ordinary day or a holiday. I also like that you were selling happiness in a way. Most of the sales that we do are for celebrations. It's also a very easy product to sell — it sells itself. So the work is more about getting out into the community and putting your energy into the franchise. As long as I came with that hustle, I knew it was something that could be very prosperous, for both me and the company at large.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Thomas: The&nbsp;sky’s the limit. We want to increase sales at this location, consistently grow the business and eventually purchase more locations in the area. I have the energy and the will to continue to grow the business. Woodhaven is a great community and there are a lot of growth opportunities. We are nestled right in the middle of everything.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Thomas: I was lucky — I had a previous owner who schooled me and taught me the ropes. If you are interested in franchising, don’t jump too quickly. For years, I knew what I was looking for. So, when I saw Edible pop up, I knew it was something I was interested in. Edible stood out as a franchise that combined a proven business model with a strong brand name — it was something I could be proud of. I knew what I was doing before I purchased it. Just keep looking for the right fit. Call up brokers, talk to business owners who might be selling, etc. Do your due diligence, and you might find that Edible is the right fit for you, just as it was for me.The total investment necessary to begin operation of an Edible Franchise ranges from $240,000 to $531,000. This includes the $53,400 - $98,800 that must be paid to the franchisor or affiliate. For more information on franchising with Edible®, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.edible.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=edible-franchisee-of-the-year-2725952&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-entrepreneur-is-selling-happiness-with-new-edible-franchise-in-michigan-2726490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchise.edible.com</a>.About Edible®&nbsp;Founded in 1999, Edible® has revolutionized the gifting industry, uniquely leveraging the synergistic power of an innovative e-commerce hub and locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe. Edible's platform seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with a vast retail footprint that services over 80% of U.S. households within an hour. Expanding beyond its iconic fruit arrangements, Edible has a range of offerings, including delectable dessert boards, cookies, brownies, cakes, farm-fresh flowers and more – perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://edible.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-entrepreneur-is-selling-happiness-with-new-edible-franchise-in-michigan-2726490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">edible.com</a>.

Meet the Edible® Franchisee Transforming Celebrations in Michigan

1851 Franchise

Travis Thomas, a native of Ann Arbor, is thrilled to be helping his community celebrate and honor their loved ones with his new gifting business.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Young Entrepreneur is ‘Selling Happiness’ with New Edible® Franchise in Michigan

young-entrepreneur-is-selling-happiness-with-new-edible-franchise-in-michigan

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

image of a benjamin franklin plumber employee franchise

Top 5 Reasons To Invest in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Right Now

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-5-reasons-to-buy

Mister Sparky Electric

image of mister sparky cars franchise authority brands

Wired for Success: 5 Powerful Reasons To Invest in a Mister Sparky Franchise Now

mister-sparky-franchise-5-reasons-to-invest

image of Mister sparky electric employee working with customer

On-Time, Every Time: How Mister Sparky Delivers the Electrical Service Homeowners Can Count On

mister-sparky-electric-service-franchise

image of mister sparky electric on time elctricians from franchise mister sparky

The Electrician You Can Count On: How Mister Sparky Delivers Power, Punctuality and Profitability

mister-sparky-franchise-power-punctuality-profitiability

image of a benjamin franklin plumber employee helping a customer

The Punctual Plumber That Wins: How Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Redefines Home-Service Reliability

benjamin-franklin-plumbing-home-service-reliability

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 Development Website Builder

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

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

planet-fitness-texas-flood-relief

McDonald’s Is the Latest Franchise To Bet Big on Beverages with 500-Store Premium Drink Test

mcdonalds-is-the-latest-franchise-to-bet-big-on-beverages-with-500-store-premium-drink-test

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Subway - John Fitzpatrick Named CEO - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Subway Names Jonathan Fitzpatrick as New CEO, Effective July 28

jonathan-fitzpatrick-subway-ceo-leadership-change

AI Is Reshaping Franchising: $100 Billion Valuations and Hyper-Localized Advertising

ai-is-reshaping-franchising-100-billion-valuations-and-hyper-localized-advertising

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

Why This Real Estate Broker Decided To Bring Caring Transitions to Central Texas

caring-transitions-san-marcos-kyle-chad-hardin

Sola Salons Franchisee Grows Salon Freedom Into a Multi-State Powerhouse 

sola-salons-franchisee-grows-salon-freedom-into-a-multi-state-powerhouse

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

Young Entrepreneur is ‘Selling Happiness’ with New Edible® Franchise in Michigan

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS