How I Found The Right Franchise Fit For Me: Rick Thomson of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage

With myriad information sources and thousands of different business options to choose from, choosing which franchise opportunity to invest in is a challenging decision. Talking to an experienced franchisee can be an extremely valuable step in the process of researching and choosing the right franchise, so 1851 Franchise spoke with Rick Thomson, owner of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Nashville. Thomson provided some perspective on how he determined the right franchise fit for him, what the trigger moment was that led him to invest in UNITS and the advice he has for those also looking to explore franchising. 

1851: What led to your decision to invest in a franchise?

Thomson: After 25-plus years in corporate finance, I was dissatisfied with the bureaucracy that was ingrained in the large company culture. I began looking online for local businesses for sale, which led me to various franchise business sites. A franchise business was appealing because I didn’t want to necessarily “reinvent the wheel.”  I liked the idea of opening a business with a proven process and a concept that was in-demand. 

1851: What were you looking for in a franchise? What type of research did you do? How many brands did you explore?

Thomson: I wanted something hands-on with the potential for large growth and the ability to withstand an economic slow-down or recession. I explored several options, like cleaning services, painting, HVAC services and hair-cutting franchises. None of these appealed to me because I just could not see myself getting excited to go to work every day in these fields.   

My brother-in-law has multiple self-storage facilities, which also do well regardless of the economic cycle. In good times or bad, people store their items during upgrades, home renovations or downsizing. 

When I started looking into the local options for portable storage, I wasn’t impressed with the level of local customer service. I believed that if I found a franchise system with a superior product and delivery system to combine with my customer service skills, I could offer a significant upgrade to what was currently available in Nashville. That’s when I was introduced to UNITS Moving and Portable Storage.

1851: What was the trigger moment that led you to decide UNITS Moving and Portable Storage was the right franchise fit for you?

Thomson: I can’t really say there was one specific trigger, but rather a combination of several things. I think it started with my comfort level with the franchise consultant who introduced me to UNITS Moving and Portable Storage. I trusted him based on his own experiences with owning franchises in the past. The UNITS franchise model requires a significant capital investment, but after running the numbers and estimating the market share I could obtain, I felt confident I could reach profitable levels quickly. Finally, the staff requirements to operate the business are minimal. I manage my business with three total people, myself, my wife and my driver, which I really like.

1851: What was your discovery process like?

Thomson: I spent several hours speaking to my franchise consultant and eventually spoke with Michael McAlhany, founder CEO of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage. But the most important and valuable part of my discovery process was taking part in validation calls with existing owners in various parts of the country. My discovery day at UNITS’ corporate office was also very valuable, as I met the local franchise people in person and saw the process first-hand.

1851: What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are exploring franchising? 

Thomson: Absolutely don’t get into something just to make a buck. If you are looking to get away from corporate life, then you owe it to yourself to find something you can be (or get) passionate about. It’s an exciting journey that can test your nerves at times, but it has been a wonderful challenge and extremely satisfying to do something every day that I enjoy. I find myself working long hours, but it is what I choose to do and what keeps me going. I enjoy the challenge of growing this business and taking more market share from the competition.