What is the history of your personal journey that lead you to ChemStation?
My original career path was in broadcast airtime sales between NBC and CBS affiliates. Selling an intangible (air time) you have to focus on the value of the program you’re selling in order to get the rate for the airtime. Having to describe why thirty seconds on 60 Minutes is worth more than thirty seconds of The Maury Povich Show makes you get creative. This transitioned into “selling the system” with ChemStation. We have a very tangible product AND it has the sizzle of the system to go with it.
What is your long term goal as a ChemStation manufacturing center owner?
My long term goal is to make sure we work smart and hard, take care of the client and create success. We are a small group; I take pride that we engage each other like a family.
What are the biggest strengths ChemStation – Corporate offers franchisees?
Corporate provides the backbone. From product support to insurance and the buyers group we are now operating as a large organization for the benefit of the individual Manufacturing Center. Corporate has always been there when I’ve asked for support. Even when requesting for people on the ground at my Manufacturing Center they have always been happy to assist. They are also fun to work with; it goes back to being in a family business but on a much larger scale.
In your opinion, what makes a successful franchise?
A franchise will be successful because of its employees. Period. These operations are larger than one person, it must have great people to run it smoothly. Sales triggers operations, operations trigger accounting and so on. All pieces must fit to make it run smooth. When any one piece gets bent the entire machine stops. Hire good people and show them you appreciate them.
WHAT’S YOUR HISTORY? I.E. WHERE DID YOUR CAREER/INTEREST START AND HOW DID YOU END UP BECOMING A FRANCHISEE?
I was fortunate enough to find ChemStation at a career fair at Miami University and started working for ChemStation International (Corporate) upon graduation. I went into the Manager in Training Program and learned all aspects of the business. The thing that interested me the most about ChemStation when I was job searching was that I had the ability to someday get my own franchise. As I did a variety of positions with ChemStation International (Corporate) the desire to own my own Franchise became stronger and stronger.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CHEMSTATION TO BECOME A FRANCHISEE?
The uniqueness of the business and the ability to build something from scratch while having the support of others to help you along the way.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST STRENGTHS CHEMSTATION – CORPORATE OFFERS A FRANCHISEE.
Great overall support in all aspects of the business. The support of the environmental side (Refillable Tanks, Bio-Degradable products), and equipment side has been a huge advantage to have.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CHEMSTATION TO BECOME A MANUFACTURING CENTER OWNER?
ChemStation offers a very unique “Go to Market” strategy which amazingly still holds true 30+ years later. In my 10 years of previous experience, I spent time calling on and developing relationships with other chemical suppliers. ChemStation’s “system” which includes custom formulation, refillable tanks, and local service is tough to beat. ChemStation’s market diversification including Industrial Cleaners/Degreasers, Food Sanitation, Release Agents, Parts Washing, Vehicle Cleaning and Odor Control is very attractive. The broad product portfolio lends the opportunity for success in several fields.
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL GOAL WHEN FIRST BECOMING A CHEMSTATION MANUFACTURING CENTER OWNER?
Create an environment to which our employees both commercially and operationally come ready to positively impact customers, prospects and each other on a daily basis.
WHAT IS YOUR LONG TERM GOAL AS A CHEMSTATION MANUFACTURING CENTER OWNER?
Provide unparalleled products and systems in a safe and healthy manner while protecting and promoting the security and welfare of our customers, employees, the community and the environment.