Two Entrepreneurs Chose Service Franchises as the Path to Personal and Financial Success

Whether you’re looking to become your own boss, create a work-life balance or pursue other entrepreneurial goals, the decision to invest in a service franchise business offers a versatile pathway to success. The realm of service franchises spans numerous industries and provides a canvas for passionate entrepreneurs to carve out their own fulfilling journeys and define their success.

Brad Schneider and Larry Lloyd both serve as examples of entrepreneurs who ventured into the realm of service franchises as a means to fulfill their ambitions. But how did they find out about service franchises? 

Brad Schneider’s Experience

Schneider has been a franchisee of The Growth Coach of Central Ohio North since 2015. Before diving into the world of franchising, Schneider held various corporate positions and specialized in training and organizational development. Despite his corporate success, he yearned for a different kind of business ownership — one that would allow for a better work-life balance and more quality time with his family.

“I didn’t want another job that would take up all my time and take me away from my family,” Schneider said on the “Eye on Franchising” podcast. His desire for autonomy and flexibility led him to explore franchising, a concept he had never considered before.

Schneider’s journey to find the right franchise started with a simple Google search. Due to his previous experience, he knew he wanted to work with people. Upon conducting online research, he discovered The Growth Coach, a small-business coaching franchise that aligned with his values.

“I wanted to be partnered with somebody that wants to have an impact on business owners,” he said. 

The service-oriented nature of The Growth Coach resonated with him, allowing him to work with people and set his own hours.

One key factor that drew Schneider to The Growth Coach was the franchise’s commitment to supporting its owners. The brand hosts regular coaching circles and has a strong network of franchisees, which is an invaluable resource to its owners. As a result of these offerings, Schneider believed he found the perfect platform to refine his skills and achieve success.

Today, Schneider is not just a franchise owner; he’s a business coach who listens to his clients, identifies their needs and tailors coaching programs to address those needs. In 2021, he achieved earnings that exceeded twice his corporate salary before venturing into franchising.

For individuals considering starting their own service franchise, Schneider believes it’s crucial to find a brand that will be there to support you and act as a reliable resource along your journey.

“There’s no price on being able to have freedom and control over what you’re doing,” he said. “The freedom and flexibility are great.”

Larry Lloyd’s Experience

Lloyd’s path to franchise ownership took a different route. Lloyd is a former teacher and Realtor, who previously owned a Keller Williams franchise. However, he wanted his next business venture to be one that he could utilize to spend more time with family while making a meaningful impact on his community.

With that in mind, Lloyd began researching a number of brands and conducting his due diligence. Through this process, he discovered Sola Salon, a salon studio franchise with over 600 locations. Lloyd was impressed with the brand’s business model and met with Sola Salon representatives during a trip to Arizona, which he said solidified his decision. He told Franchise Canada Chats that he was drawn to the brand as a result of its culture, emphasis on training and transparency. Most of all, Lloyd recognized that it was the perfect opportunity for him to be able to work with his daughter. 

“The journey took a little time, but as I went through it, there wasn’t one situation that showed any kind of red light for me,” said Lloyd.

As such, Lloyd and his daughter went into business together and have officially opened a Sola Salon franchise in Oshawa, Ontario. They also acquired the rights to develop two additional locations in Ontario’s Durham region.

But why did Lloyd choose a service franchise as his next business venture?

Above all else, Lloyd wanted to provide a valuable service to his community, and he found that through Sola Salon. He fell in love with the concept and the opportunity that Sola Salon provides to individual beauty professionals. Because the brand rents out salon studios to entrepreneurs, it’s not just a place for hairstylists and estheticians to offer their services; it’s a platform that empowers them to run their businesses independently. This is exactly the kind of impact Lloyd wants to have in his community.

“Money is money,” said Lloyd. “Making a difference in people’s lives means way more than trying to optimize every dollar.” 

For individuals who want to take a stab at business ownership, Lloyd believes there’s nothing more important than finding a brand that aligns with your own values.

A Lucrative Opportunity

As both Lloyd and Schneider’s stories prove, regardless of your background and experience, there are service franchise opportunities out there for just about anyone. These types of franchises can offer entrepreneurs a lucrative opportunity to make an impact on the community while giving them the flexibility to run their businesses their own way. If you’re actively considering franchise opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of some of the hottest service franchises currently on the market, which you can find here.