My Journey from Childhood Roots to Franchise Ownership and Ultimately a Franchise Consultant

Some of the most successful business partnerships don’t start with handshakes in boardrooms, they begin around dinner tables, on construction sites, or while managing family schedules. For me, the seeds of entrepreneurship were planted early, growing up surrounded by family-owned businesses. What I didn’t realize then was just how deeply those experiences would shape my own path to ownership and my passion for helping others do the same.

Family Legacy Started with Al and George

In 1967, my dad, Al, and his best friend, George, launched a trucking and excavating business. It was more than a job, it was a family affair. Their wives handled invoicing and balanced the books, while their sons, Kevin and Jim, joined right out of high school. The business became a living example of teamwork, trust, and shared goals.

That legacy continued into the next generation. Today, Kevin runs a landscaping company in Arizona with his son. Watching that continuity unfold confirms that entrepreneurship isn’t just about income, it’s about impact, shared purpose, and family pride.

Finding My Own Way

Even with those early influences, I knew my own path wouldn’t involve heavy equipment on job sites. I took the traditional route; college, a steady job, and the pursuit of corporate success. I even got to work alongside my sister, Lorraine, which made those years feel special.

Still, the dream of owning a business faded into the background, until the company I worked for suddenly closed. That disruption gave me the space (and the push) to ask a different question: What if we built something of our own?

So I turned to Lorraine and said, “Let’s start a business together.”

And we did.

Building Something Together

We chose a Sandler franchise, grew it together, and eventually sold it after years of meaningful impact. That experience confirmed what I always believed deep down: there’s something uniquely powerful about going into business with a family member. You already trust each other. You share values, know each other’s strengths, and likely have a history of solving problems together, whether it was a school project, a home renovation, or just navigating life.

Today, I See It Every Week

Now, as a franchise consultant, I talk with families, often parents and adult children who want to invest in something together. Sometimes it’s to launch a new chapter. Other times, it’s to provide a runway for the next generation. Always, it’s fueled by love and a desire to spend meaningful time while building a lasting impact.

One theme I hear again and again:

"Leaving them money is one thing, but helping them achieve success? That’s the legacy I want to build."

There’s something special about building a business with someone you love. It goes beyond profits or titles. It’s about time together, shared purpose, and growing something you’re both proud of.