Roxanne Power & Anita Wells discuss the benefits of franchising for local economic recovery

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[00:01] SPEAKER_01: Come to Lethbridge and join an innovative community for entrepreneurs.
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[00:12] SPEAKER_01: energy.
[00:13] SPEAKER_01: We'll help you to kickstart, innovate, and grow.
[00:17] SPEAKER_01: We'll lethbridge.
[00:18] SPEAKER_01: Southern Alberta's help for innovation and technology.
[00:21] SPEAKER_01: It's the bright choice for business builders.
[00:24] SPEAKER_01: Go to chooselethbridge.ca slash entrepreneur and we'll help you moving grow in Lethbridge.
[00:32] SPEAKER_02: Welcome to Canada's podcast.
[00:37] SPEAKER_02: Okay ladies, great to see you both on a sunny, God-Ford-Britain 20 degree weather that we're
[00:46] SPEAKER_02: having in March and in the Greater Toronto area.
[00:51] SPEAKER_02: Let's get into it and Roxanne, you know, looking through your bio, I saw you in East Coast
[00:58] SPEAKER_02: it.
[00:59] SPEAKER_02: So as I tell you a bit about yourself, what the heck are you doing in Ayeshrawick,
[01:03] SPEAKER_02: this is being used as coast and why you're an entrepreneur basically.
[01:10] SPEAKER_02: Give us a five minute review.
[01:14] SPEAKER_00: Oh wow, five minutes, that's a long time.
[01:19] SPEAKER_00: So basically, yeah, from Newfoundland, lived in Newfoundland for 21 years.
[01:24] SPEAKER_00: Finished high school, went to St. John's, did college, went back home.
[01:29] SPEAKER_00: My mom and dad are both entrepreneurs.
[01:33] SPEAKER_00: My second, the second, third business my mom opened was a bar in Newfoundland, so I helped her open that and then realized not really for me.
[01:44] SPEAKER_00: And then decided to move to Ontario and see what the world had to offer.
[01:49] SPEAKER_00: Move here with my mom's sister stayed with her for a year, started working.
[01:54] SPEAKER_00: Let's see, I have a Toronto Sun newspaper, worked there for 13 years, and then started a family.
[02:03] SPEAKER_00: I was in sales, the traveling, the hours were really, really long.
[02:09] SPEAKER_00: And I wanted, we don't have family in Newfoundland, me and my husband, or sorry in Ontario, he's from Newfoundland as well.
[02:17] SPEAKER_00: So we decided I would change careers and I opened up a daycare center, ran that for seven years and then you know had three kids in that time, third one started school.
[02:32] SPEAKER_00: And basically I said I'm done with the daycare, I need something for me that's going to make me happy for the rest of my life and something that I would like truly enjoy that I wouldn't want to leave.
[02:48] SPEAKER_00: So I took some to sold the daycare very quickly and took some time off to some research didn't know what I wanted to do.
[02:56] SPEAKER_00: Every time I, and I tell the story over and over again, every time I went on Google, the little hand in stones, logo popped up that I would just bypass it.
[03:07] SPEAKER_00: I had been to an hand in stone before in Whitby because we lived close there.
[03:14] SPEAKER_00: And one day I just clicked on it, like I literally just clicked on it and within 10 minutes, I got a call from Brent Farving.
[03:25] SPEAKER_00: And had a wonderful conversation and he said, what don't you pop by, we'll sit down, have a coffee and did that the week after fell in love with the whole concept brought my husband the next time.
[03:39] SPEAKER_00: And he fell in love with it. And basically here we are open one in Ajax and just open one and Joshua.
[03:48] SPEAKER_02: Not terrific, terrific. Yeah.
[03:50] SPEAKER_02: So that's really cool. So indeed, let's sort of bring you in.
[03:55] SPEAKER_02: You're really here, you're sort of director of marketing for the franchise.
[04:05] SPEAKER_02: And we won't ask you for your story, but you've got multiple franchise owners across the country.
[04:14] SPEAKER_02: You know, they're all entrepreneurial. Is there any kind of unique qualities, similarities you see from these people that are taking on the franchise and running their own businesses?
[04:31] SPEAKER_05: The business concept itself is really a people's business. And so from the employees to the clients who come in, the service providers, the registered and such therapist, the institutions, it's all very hands on with respect to their work.
[04:49] SPEAKER_05: And so from all of those individuals, the person who's running the franchise really needs to be a people person.
[05:00] SPEAKER_05: They need to be able to manage and motivate and get their team working together.
[05:06] SPEAKER_05: And so what we're looking for and the quality that seems to stand out the most from those who are successful are really those that have the
[05:18] SPEAKER_05: people personality who are really engaged with their team and can get out into the community as well and promote their individual franchise the franchise business out to the individual clients who are coming into the business.
[05:37] SPEAKER_05: And so it's really critical to have that interpersonal skill as one of the top things, your characteristics when looking at the franchise and of course the employee management and business management side as well.
[05:55] SPEAKER_02: Tom, what's the, I mean, you know, you, you, you, you, you grew up in entrepreneurial family, helped your mom open, open a bar didn't want to do that, came and worked in the sun and selling what probably I don't know what you were selling for them, probably advertising.
[06:12] SPEAKER_02: And then you sort of decided they care now this why take what why is there some kind of thing you learn from your mother about not being scared or diving in I mean what is it what why decide on being an entrepreneur, you know what,
[06:40] SPEAKER_02: what is something else.
[06:44] SPEAKER_00: Well, I've done that I've worked for somebody else and I don't you don't get the freedom the flexibility.
[06:53] SPEAKER_00: You when you work for yourself, you're you can schedule yourself the way you want to you can like I worked from home when I came my kids are on a PA day today, so I'm home working.
[07:03] SPEAKER_00: I don't have family here I don't have help with the kids or anything so it's I need it to be very flexible my husband's an entrepreneur as well he owns his own business he works a lot of hours.
[07:19] SPEAKER_00: So I like that I like being able to make decisions and create ideas and get them out to the community the people that I work with I love the team environment, the family when you work for someone else you don't get to make those choices those decisions.
[07:37] SPEAKER_00: You kind of just follow what what's happening.
[07:42] SPEAKER_00: But I want to create an environment where people want to come see us I want my staff to be happy I want to see their smiling faces every day I want to come home knowing that I'm a call like I accomplished something today and every day.
[07:56] SPEAKER_02: But you know franchises no disrespect it's it's something that everyone looks at you know as an author.
[08:06] SPEAKER_02: So you open your own daycare when you left when you left the sun and you sold that.
[08:14] SPEAKER_02: What made you decide on a franchise you've already seen your mother owner on pub you know you've already opened your own daycare successful because you managed to sell it.
[08:26] SPEAKER_02: You know why you know why choose a franchise well you know I mean you've already proved your independence kind of yeah I and I didn't go out looking for a franchise it didn't work it didn't start that way.
[08:44] SPEAKER_00: It kind of fell into my lap and one of the things I really did like about it when I went to the corporate office and had that meeting it was that I felt that family orientation there as well which made me very comfortable and it just kind of felt right.
[09:02] SPEAKER_00: And the thing with the franchise I mean yeah you're working with other people and you got to follow the rules and the protocols and all that which are fine and they're all established so we know that they were.
[09:14] SPEAKER_00: I like the networking with the other owners I know a lot of the other owners I've become friends with a lot of them and we share a lot of ideas.
[09:23] SPEAKER_00: They give me ideas I give them ideas and it works really well together so it just felt right.
[09:32] SPEAKER_02: Now I've been asking everybody you know especially with just hitting the Europe of COVID you know how how's any level get you to do this one because you can give us the kind of national picture.
[09:44] SPEAKER_02: How's that impacted your business this bar business I mean what's it done to your franchise hold it.
[09:54] SPEAKER_05: So when the front is had to close which was initially back in March and April we didn't reopen again until June the entire business was shut down and so head office really pivoted and started creating product new protocols.
[10:12] SPEAKER_05: And because it's such a personal touch business we had to ensure that all the safety and sanitation disinfecting protocols were in place for reopening.
[10:28] SPEAKER_05: And so the franchise ease we had training materials that were created for them for their team so that when they did open they were able to provide that safe environment for both their employees as well as clients coming in the door.
[10:45] SPEAKER_05: And so it has been an up and down road over the last 12 lines with so many regions opening and closing for different elements and but since we reopened in June our registered massage therapists are considered regulated health professionals and so that part of the business in the massage line of business has been open consistently throughout since June reopening.
[11:13] SPEAKER_05: And so we're really having to modify how we're performing the in particular the aesthetic side of the business because in the majority of the franchise locations they cannot perform facials without the mask on the client.
[11:32] SPEAKER_05: And so our sales have declined however it's not the gap that I think we would have expected to have seen given the fact that we pretty much lost an entire line of business for the spa's and I mean I just give a shout out to all the franchise ease and how they rallied and have gotten through this with all of the stresses dealing with the employees and the financial side of things.
[12:00] SPEAKER_05: And they really have come through it on top even though I mean it's been a tough year for everybody not just our franchise ease but everybody and their employees as well.
[12:15] SPEAKER_01: Tech Connect, a center for entrepreneurship and innovation and lethbridge has been spring-blooding entrepreneurs to success for 10 years and counting.
[12:24] SPEAKER_01: Our spirit of innovation is a way of life we have an incredible environment our innovators are not afraid to stand apart because they know that in Lethbridge we are brighter together.
[12:36] SPEAKER_01: We are Lethbridge come and join us go to chooselethbridge.ca slash entrepreneur and we'll help you move and grow in Lethbridge.
[12:48] SPEAKER_02: So you know Roxana I'll ask you this you know with all of these changes I mean what do you see you know in the future of the business I mean is it is it going to go back to as it was is it is these other things that you can do.
[13:06] SPEAKER_02: So you see that little little stay that you didn't have before what would you think.
[13:13] SPEAKER_00: I think it will eventually go back.
[13:17] SPEAKER_00: I feel like when you know everything gets somewhat back to normal and we start moving forward in a positive direction I feel like business is going to it's going to boom.
[13:29] SPEAKER_00: If the last year is taught anybody anything it's basically to take care of themselves.
[13:35] SPEAKER_00: We have so many people coming in that are stressed you know anxiety depression everything what everyone's gone through this year and they just feel like this.
[13:46] SPEAKER_00: This self care this wellness industry is what they need right now so and that's how we.
[13:52] SPEAKER_00: We try to explain it to them and teach it to them you know like do this on a regular basis and we have a membership program a monthly one.
[14:02] SPEAKER_00: And it's membership base so when they come in every month they realize every time they walk in the door you just see their faces it's like oh my god thank you for calling and letting me know it was time to come back in right.
[14:15] SPEAKER_00: And you know they spend more time there we have clients you know they just want to like sit relax they're like I could stay here all day.
[14:25] SPEAKER_00: But they're all stuck in their houses nobody's been able to do anything go anywhere so getting out like I've seen clients come out and cry they're so happy.
[14:36] SPEAKER_00: Like they needed it so much just to take care of themselves and that feeling it's like it I can't even describe it it's beyond words just you know just I need it this so much.
[14:54] SPEAKER_00: Yeah once once we get back to normal I mean a lot of the protocols will still I think will still stay.
[15:01] SPEAKER_00: I don't think it's going to go back to the way it was but I mean that's not a bad thing either people want to be safe they want to know that they're safe know that they didn't before but.
[15:11] SPEAKER_02: It's the past year of being the biggest challenge you've had you've had in life oh my gosh yeah yeah it's been it's been a struggle for sure.
[15:23] SPEAKER_02: Anything you've learned that you can pass on to others in terms of overcoming it.
[15:30] SPEAKER_00: Just just keep going just always think positive and you know like I'll say I worked every day even through the closures there wasn't a day I did not.
[15:41] SPEAKER_00: I worked I tried to come up with ideas I tried to do online stuff reach out to the community let them know that we're still going to be here when it's all over it you just got to keep going.
[15:53] SPEAKER_05: You were donating to the last.
[15:56] SPEAKER_00: Yeah we donated to yeah the blood donor clinics like we go around to all the essential workers I got a group of staff together we did essential boxes we were giving away free free massages facials.
[16:10] SPEAKER_02: Just you know community of entrepreneurs and seeing them all kind of let's see I will kind of hit a wall that they've had they've had to scramble around.
[16:26] SPEAKER_02: Any observations in terms of that how people have managed to you know to break through and come come you're hopefully we're starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
[16:38] SPEAKER_05: I think the franchise is again as they've said they've just been so resilient and I think just wanting to make whatever difference they can to their clients to their employees and just taking one step at a time and being as positive as they can I've been so impressed by their resilience and getting through everything that they have in the last year it's been pretty incredible.
[17:05] SPEAKER_05: I have a great great group of franchise.
[17:09] SPEAKER_02: You know it looks like again you know you're pretty entrepreneurial.
[17:15] SPEAKER_02: What's the best piece of advice that you've been given that you keep on using?
[17:25] SPEAKER_00: Well the best advice I ever got was from both my parents just work hard and keep moving forward.
[17:33] SPEAKER_00: Don't let anyone like don't let anyone take from you what you've worked so hard for.
[17:38] SPEAKER_03: I need a what about you?
[17:42] SPEAKER_05: Having a positive attitude and figuring out how to make things work with whatever challenges are put in front of you there's always a way through.
[17:55] SPEAKER_05: Absolutely.
[17:58] SPEAKER_02: So let's let's let's light now for a bit.
[18:04] SPEAKER_02: I'm talking about you.
[18:14] SPEAKER_02: Let's start with Roxanne then you give your answer.
[18:19] SPEAKER_02: This is what I can tell my rapid fire questions.
[18:22] SPEAKER_02: If you weren't doing what you were doing now what would you be doing instead Roxanne?
[18:29] SPEAKER_00: Oh my gosh.
[18:33] SPEAKER_00: I have no idea I have so many hobbies and things I love doing.
[18:41] SPEAKER_00: Well I'm really into woodworking believe it or not my dad's a carpenter and when I finished college I almost went back and did a carpenter.
[18:52] SPEAKER_00: So I do that on the side like that's my stress relief byad with my girls.
[18:58] SPEAKER_00: And I'd probably be doing something in the history ofwood.
[19:04] SPEAKER_05: Is something in the fashion industry I think like my shoes my clothes I think it was or interior decorating somewhere along those line.
[19:19] SPEAKER_02: I'm not every 1.1H4.
[19:21] SPEAKER_02: Why are you right, Sam?
[19:22] SPEAKER_00: I'm a morning person not up at four, but six.
[19:29] SPEAKER_02: Cross and stick to it with you.
[19:31] SPEAKER_02: If you had to describe, pick one word to describe yourself.
[19:36] SPEAKER_02: What would it be?
[19:39] SPEAKER_02: And why?
[19:42] SPEAKER_00: I'm going to say passionate, because anything I do, I give 150 percent.
[19:50] SPEAKER_00: It does not matter what it is.
[19:52] SPEAKER_00: If I don't like doing something, I just don't do it.
[19:54] SPEAKER_00: I just move on.
[19:56] SPEAKER_00: But if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it with everything in me.
[20:00] SPEAKER_02: I need a one about you.
[20:02] SPEAKER_05: She stole my words, so I've got to pick a memory.
[20:08] SPEAKER_05: That is exactly who I am.
[20:10] SPEAKER_05: I will do whatever it takes to get something done.
[20:14] SPEAKER_05: I will give it my all.
[20:15] SPEAKER_05: It takes 16 hours a day to get it done.
[20:18] SPEAKER_05: I will put it all in.
[20:20] SPEAKER_05: And I'm probably in another word I could use as a perfectionist.
[20:25] SPEAKER_05: I want things done right.
[20:29] SPEAKER_05: And if it's not, I will continue working on it until I feel 100 percent
[20:34] SPEAKER_05: that it's good enough.
[20:36] SPEAKER_05: If it's good enough for me, I feel 100 percent confident
[20:39] SPEAKER_05: that I can release whatever it is that I've done.
[20:42] SPEAKER_02: What's keeping you up at night these days?
[20:44] SPEAKER_02: I need it.
[20:48] SPEAKER_05: Support for the franchisees, making sure that we're doing enough
[20:51] SPEAKER_05: and to support them and be the best that we can be in Canada or the brand.
[21:01] SPEAKER_05: Love the brand and
[21:02] SPEAKER_05: but to do whatever we can for the franchisees and our clients.
[21:06] SPEAKER_02: So Roxanne, you got a chance to think about it.
[21:08] SPEAKER_02: What about you?
[21:10] SPEAKER_00: Me, it's just getting life back to normal.
[21:14] SPEAKER_00: Getting the kids back to normal, getting business back to normal.
[21:18] SPEAKER_00: Just being able to enjoy life again and people.
[21:22] SPEAKER_02: Okay, that's about it.
[21:25] SPEAKER_02: That was really fun.
[21:26] SPEAKER_02: That was fun.
[21:27] SPEAKER_02: Thank you, Philip.
[21:28] SPEAKER_02: That was fun.
[21:29] SPEAKER_03: Thank you.
[21:30] SPEAKER_02: Now people listen, look, whatever.
[21:34] SPEAKER_02: And I always ask this, how can they get a hold of you
[21:37] SPEAKER_02: if there's something that you spark that they want to talk to you about?
[21:43] SPEAKER_05: They can go to our website, handinestone.ca
[21:48] SPEAKER_05: and they can contact head office,
[21:51] SPEAKER_05: see if they're interested in the franchise, through franchise opportunities
[21:55] SPEAKER_05: or through the info at email address and it will get to one of us.
[22:01] SPEAKER_02: All right.
[22:03] SPEAKER_02: Okay.
[22:03] SPEAKER_02: That's great.
[22:05] SPEAKER_02: It is a Friday afternoon.
[22:07] SPEAKER_03: So it is.
[22:08] SPEAKER_02: You enjoy the weekend guys.
[22:10] SPEAKER_02: And thanks for coming on Candice Podcast.
[22:14] SPEAKER_01: Thank you, Philip.
[22:16] SPEAKER_01: Thank you, Philip.
[22:17] Speaker UNKNOWN: Thank you, Philip.
[22:18] SPEAKER_01: Bold, vibrant, technological.
[22:22] SPEAKER_01: In Let's Bridge, our spirit of innovation is more than just the way we do business.
[22:27] SPEAKER_01: It's the way we live and the way we succeed.
[22:30] SPEAKER_01: We'll help you to kickstart, innovate and grow in Let's Bridge.
[22:35] SPEAKER_01: Southern Alberta's hub for innovation and technology.
[22:38] SPEAKER_01: It's the bright, affordable choice for business builders.
[22:42] SPEAKER_01: Go to chooseletthbridge.ca, slash entrepreneur,
[22:46] SPEAKER_01: and we'll help you moving, growing Let's Bridge.