Success Stories in Franchising: (1)

There are countless success stories in franchise business. The successful people in their franchise businesses are making incredible success in their wealth and well-being with their passion and dedication. Particularly impressive is the story I am going to introduce to you below about a 75-old man who believes success has a lot to do with attitude. You can definitely make another success story by taking one of the many opportunities listed in http://www.franchisant.com.

Make Your Own Success Stories

Coverall Cleaning Concepts: The King Brookins Story

(Franchise Prospect: http://www.franchiseprospector.com)

By Amy Covington 

For the past however many years, you've honed your skills in a specific trade, in a particular industry. You're thinking about starting your own business. But how do you go from being an employee to running your own business? How will the skills you learned over the years translate to a new business venture? Buying a franchise is a great way to enter into the world of entrepreneurship.

A franchise system is designed to bring you up to speed quickly and provide ongoing support, as well as a proven infrastructure even if you go into an entirely new field. All that's required: strong business acumen and a good work ethic. No one knows this better than King Brookins, who became a Coverall Cleaning Concepts franchise owner in 2002 after a career as a professional boxer, taking on Joe Louis in the 1950s, a marine and Federal police officer. He also worked as a trainer for Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield. At 75, he is a testament to the growing number of 50-plus first-time franchise owners.

"I started out boxing when I was 13 then went on to medical school but had to drop out to care for my mother," Brookins said. "I started boxing again while I was in the service and got out in 1957. I retired from the Marines in 1962 and began coaching for the Olympic boxing team. I had 143 fights of my own, was never knocked out. I only lost 7 fights out of 143. I was a Federal police officer for 30 plus years. I've been a busy man all my life. Work has always been my thing, I love to work."

So why a Coverall Cleaning franchise? Brookins first tried to start a commercial cleaning business on his own but found it to be too competitive as an individual business owner. "I decided on a Coverall Cleaning franchise because I was out on my own and the big wigs would come in and outbid me. A friend told me about Coverall. I dropped the other things I was doing on my own. I like Coverall better [than working on my own] because you don't have to fight with the bigger companies. I wanted to find something where I didn't have to work as much as I have all my life."

What's more, Coverall Cleaning Concepts required a small initial investment, only $1,500, yet provided the advantages of a recognized brand. "I like Coverall because they do the bidding for you and get the contracts for you."

Owning a Coverall franchise allows for flexibility as well. Brookins currently works out of his house; however, he has plans to expand his business into an office. He has four employees and sees a lot of opportunity for growth. Of course, not all franchise businesses are successful. What is the perfect formula? Choosing a franchise company that offers ongoing support, which can come in the form of administrative, technical or sales support, is one way to better ensure your chances of success. Brookins attributes his success to combination of my background and the resources Coverall provides, such as securing contracts on his behalf.
Despite Brookins satisfaction with his janitorial franchise, it does take a lot of hard work and foresight to make it happen. "My advice would be to get in there and work," Brookins said. "Don't expect everything to happen overnight. Make a plan and follow that plan. If things get tough don't run away, that's the worst thing you can do. Just think about what you're doing wrong. They are certain things that the company can't do for you that you have to do for yourself."

According to Brookins, success has a lot to do with attitude. "Some franchisees want contracts in the area where they live," he said. "There are other Coverall franchisees in the same business that live right down the street. Coverall tries to keep jobs close so you don't have to drive far [but that's not always the case]. Some people can't see too far ahead and they miss out."

At 75, many Americans are retired, thinking about their next vacation rather than work. Not Brookins. "I've worked hard all my life," he said. "A lot of people look at me and say how do you do it. I do it."

Make Your Own Success Stories