The Great Franchisee | Former NYC Corrections Officer Opens Flooring Franchise in Huntington to Create Career Opportunities for Locals

Anthony Torres began his career as a mortgage broker but turned to law enforcement after feeling burnt out. After ten years as a corrections officer on Rikers Island, he’s again ready for a new path. Torres was always interested in the home service industry, so when he discovered Footprints Floors*, the franchise that specializes in installing hardwood floors, tile floors, backsplashes, and laminates, he knew it was the right fit for him and the Huntington area.

Torres opened Footprints Floors in the Huntington area on November 1. As a business owner, he knows the importance of hiring a great team of skilled employees. Torres wants to grow his business to create more local career opportunities.

1851 Franchise spoke with Torres to learn more about his franchising journey with Footprints Floors.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Anthony Torres: I was a corrections officer in New York City on Rikers Island for almost ten years. Before that, I was a mortgage broker, but I got burnt out in that industry, so I went into law enforcement. I went to corrections as a way to reboot myself. Eventually, I wanted to go into business for myself again, but this time with a franchise. I like the franchise model because the blueprint is there, and it gave me a better starting point.

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?

Torres: Initially, I didn’t see the benefits of franchising. I now know that franchising provides a model and a level of open communication.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Torres: At the end of the day, I put the customer's needs before my own. I’m not the type of person to talk someone into doing something just because it’s more beneficial for me.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Torres: I loved how fast the brand is growing. I saw opportunities to expand with the company, which was important. I could also sense the support I would be getting from corporate.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Torres: I just want to grow. I want to hire full-time staff and create careers in the community. I went into self-employment with creating local jobs at the forefront of my mind.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Torres: I would say that if you have a goal in mind — but you might not get to that goal as fast as you originally thought. You will ultimately get to where you want to go. I would also suggest going into an industry that you are passionate about. It needs to be something you want to do for the rest of your life.