Taking Control of Her Career While Filling a High-Demand Market Niche
Shannon Bubel worked in the tourism and non-profit industries for years. She said, “I grew up on a family farm and was not only used to that kind of work ethic, but I also missed it! Getting up early and working to see something come to fruition was our way of life. Working in an office just doesn’t feel the same!”
Searching for the Right Business
Bubel began her franchise search by searching for franchise opportunities on Google. She clicked on the link for FranchiseSolutions.com and officially began her search for a business to own. “FranchiseSolutions.com was very easy to find and then once on the site, I found it very easy to navigate and search for the business I was interested in,” she explained. Bubel knew she was interested in a dry cleaning franchise; “The competition in my area had blown it on customer service one too many times. We knew we had a niche to fill.” Once on FranchiseSolutions.com, Bubel spotted the listings for Lapels Dry Cleaning and requested additional information.
Bubel chose Lapels because it was the best fit for her. She explained, “They offer an ego friendly, supportive program. I just felt at home from the start. Plus, Lapels is one of the Top 500 franchises on Entrepreneur’s list, so I was impressed.”
A Supportive Home Office Makes All the Difference
A great franchise concept is the first ingredient in a successful franchise business. The franchisee must develop a strong relationship with their franchisor and the franchisor must offer a proven business system, comprehensive training, and strong support whenever the new franchisees needs advice or guidance. For Bubel, Lapels Dry Cleaning offered all of this and more. Bubel commented, “The support has been amazing. Michael Eisner has been our main contact at the home office and anything we needed, he has been there to provide for us. He has gone to great lengths to help us, including coming from Massachusetts all the way to Texas to be with us through the entire signing process.”
She continued, “I didn’t know the first thing about the dry cleaning business but I am 100% confident that after training, I will be fully prepared to open the doors of my new location. The home office is just so wonderful and supportive.”
Transitioning Into Business Ownership
Lapels marketing really makes the brand different and gives franchisees the competitive edge they need. Lapels locations offer discounts, punch cards, customer friendly service, and the dry cleaning is done in a green manner. Bubel and her husband will also have the advantage of being able to transition into their new roles as business owners. “This business gives us the opportunity to keep our jobs for now while we get our business up and running,” said Bubel. Their Texas location will be opened for business shortly.
