The Winning Franchisee | Electrician Has Sparked Interest by Bringing Men in Kilts Business to Florida

After growing tired of working for corporations, Canadian electrician Darius Matis decided to combine his passions for working outdoors and business ownership and open Men in Kilts in Lakeland. 

The avid traveler, originally from Romania, is ready to move one last time to bring the home service franchise to the area, with plans to expand in the next five years. Matis is excited to bring new job opportunities to the area and get to know his new community.

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

Matis: I’ve been a licensed electrician since 2018, working on high-voltage projects in Ontario, Canada. I came to Canada in 2004, but I’m originally from Romania. So I’m very used to moving around and making big life changes. So I think when I realized that working for other people wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, that was when I looked into the Lakeland area. Working for someone else doesn’t give you flexibility, and I always felt tied down. I think owning my own business was always on my mind because of that. It seemed like the perfect place for someone like me who likes to be outside and work.

1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Matis: I’m still figuring it out as I go. I’m still new, but I love the idea of it. I was thinking of opening my own business by myself, but ultimately franchising seemed like the right choice for me. I know it's easier to expand and get support. So I feel like it is easier to be successful.

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

Matis: My social skills. I love talking to people. When you move around frequently, you have to be adaptable, and I think that will show through when I get my location opened. This franchise is all about interacting with people, so I think it's important to have this skill. I’m excited to learn everyone’s story in the community I will be in and how I can better serve the community.

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

Matis: Men in Kilts is a brand that we have in Canada. So I’m somewhat familiar with it. I know that as a brand, they stand out in the community because of its business model and leadership. So I felt comfortable working with them and investing in them. I also love the outdoors, so this seemed like a great chance to combine my passion for the outdoors with my passion for owning my own business.

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

Matis: My goal is to get it up and running smoothly and to expand within the next five years. I also want to buy new territories and equipment in that time frame. My main goal for myself is to build something I can be proud of.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Matis: If you really want something, just go for it. You have to take risks to gain anything. I’ve definitely had that as the main takeaway with all my career moves. Even so, I was always standoffish about buying and being an owner because I was scared to take the leap. But I feel confident in my abilities now and know I have great support from a great brand.

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

Matis: Do your homework. Make sure that the brand you choose follows a passion of yours. If you are doing something you love, it’s not really work. And make sure if you have a business partner, you are both on the same page because you will be relying on each other to get your business started and make sure it’s successful.