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

Comfort Keepers

How This Comfort Keepers® Franchisee Grew From One Acquisition to a Powerhouse

how-this-comfort-keepers-franchisee-grew-from-one-acquisition-to-a-powerhouse

Caring Transitions

What Makes Caring Transitions the Premier Franchise Choice for Senior Move Management

what-makes-caring-transitions-the-premier-franchise-choice-for-senior-move-management

Jollibee

Photo of Jollibee mascot and two smiling people in Jollibee pajamas

How Jollibee’s Culture Fuels a Global Brand People Love

franchise-culture-brand-success

petbar

petbar franchise logo tenth 10th anniversary

10 Years Strong: How petbar Turned One Dallas Boutique Into a Fast-Growing National Franchise

petbar-10-years-strong-franchise-growth

Griswold

Beaumont Enterprise: Local Woman Brings Griswold Home Care Franchise to Greater Beaumont, Texas

griswold-home-care-greater-beaumont-opening

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

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

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

FAT Brands Nears Bankruptcy as Creditors Demand Repayment of $1.3 Billion Debt

fat-brands-nears-bankruptcy-as-creditors-demand-repayment-of-13-billion-debt

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

keith-sizemore-radiance-holdings-cdo

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

image of manar landis and maha zirn kashoor from griswold franchise in oklahoma city

Sisters Channel Humanitarian Experience Into New Griswold Franchise Serving Oklahoma City Families

griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

What Makes Mellow Mushroom a Strong Franchise Investment? Insights From the Panos Family’s Metro Atlanta Portfolio

mellow-mushroom-franchise-panos-restaurant-group-metro-atlanta

image of stephen westerman and matthew westerman, owners Fort Walton Beach Two men and a junk truck

Twin Brothers Move From Managers to Owners with New TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Franchise on the Gulf Coast

twin-brothers-two-men-and-a-junk-truck-fort-walton-beach

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

the-top-15-pet-supplies-and-retail-franchises

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

The 15 Top Pet Grooming Franchises To Consider for 2025

the-15-top-pet-grooming-franchises-to-consider

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS