Young Ones: Jon-Anthony Lui

Name: Jon-Anthony Lui Rank: 7 Age: 27 Position: Franchisee Company: Tutor Doctor

If Jon-Anthony Lui believed everything he read, he probably wouldn’t be successful as a franchise in the Tutor Doctor system. When Lui was in college, his text book gave him a two-lined paragraph definition on franchising. Thankfully, he had his father – a franchise sales veteran who taught Lui more than just the basics. In college, the depth of understanding wowed his classmates. Today, it wows his colleagues. And this is just the beginning for the 27-year-old, who says “I don’t just want to be successful, I want to be significant.” I GOT INTO FRANCHISING: I was exposed to franchising at an early age. My father was in franchise sales for the majority of his career. I worked for him in the summer opening files and learning about the sales process. I also learned about business systems and what it took for companies to start franchising. One memory I have is when we were discussing the concept of franchising in my college business class. I proudly shared my franchise knowledge which far surpassed the two-lined paragraph definition in the textbook. This definitely made an impression on my classmates and the professor. Before joining Tutor Doctor in 2009, I was the Director of Learning Solutions for an eLearning consulting firm. I was responsible for selling our solutions to senior level management of corporations, non-profits, government, and post-secondary institutions. I learned a lot, and after 5 years, and 10,000 hours of cold calling, I had the entrepreneurial itch that just had to be scratched. I dabbled in a few things, but soon was introduced to Tutor Doctor. It was easy to fall in love with Tutor Doctor because of the positive impact they have on students and families. They really were making a difference. Originally, I started selling the franchise, however that was very close to what I was doing before – telephone sales. The results of other franchisees’ began to intrigue me, and I accepted a position from my VP to manage his territory as a general manager. After a few progressive months, I decided that I wanted ownership and bought out my VP. He is now a close friend and mentor. Later that same year, I purchased a second territory, and the year after purchased two more. Our office is now supported by 7 employees and 150 tutors. I LOVE FRANCHISING: There are a few reasons why I choose to stay in franchising. I believe I’m making an investment in a brand and concept that is about to explode. Tutor Doctor is truly a ground floor opportunity and no time is better than the present. The right concept in the right time coupled with the right team allows us to take full advantage of the power of leverage. For me, this creates an appropriate balance between working independently and working with a team. I enjoy working independently on the daily operations, and I cherish being a part of a network focused on creating systems and processes that benefit the whole organization. Together we will help hundreds of thousands of students the world over. IN THE FUTURE: My wife always tells me that I must be careful of what I think about, because it happens. So far I’m on the right track. I will continue to grow in my experience. I don’t just want to be successful, I want to be significant. DO YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITY: Entrepreneurism is encouraged and even idolized. However, many young people have the dream, but fail to execute. More weight is given to the million reasons why we can’t do something, instead of the one good reason why we can. Franchising is a good way to get a start in business, because of the support and the systems in place. Unfortunately the initial investment may be what causes some young people to shy away. FUTURE FRANCHISORS SHOULD: Being a franchisor is completely different from running your own successful business. Many business owners view franchising as the next phase of their growth, but fail to realize that it takes a completely different skill set to be a franchisor. Franchising can’t be viewed as a way to make a quick buck. You have to want to create something of substance, a legacy. It will take years of investment, planning, and execution. Be willing to support your franchisees and they will support you. Be willing to create a family. FUTURE FRANCHISEES SHOULD: Execute. If you make plans, see them through. If you set goals, do everything in your power to achieve them. Don’t give up. Persevere. --Nick Powills