Franchise owner spotlight.

Naushad Mehta & Rob Bengston
DirectBuy
Suffolk County, NY

It wasn't even a year after Naushad Mehta and Rob Bengston became members of DirectBuy that they decided that they would like to own their own franchise. 

They decided on the ride home from the Westchester County, New York showroom where they had joined! "We thought it was a brilliant business, and just fell in love with the concept," says Bengston. "DirectBuy really is a win-win situation for everyone." Bengston and Mehta opened their DirectBuy showroom in Suffolk County, New York, in July of 1990.

Over ten years later, Bengston and Mehta are still enjoying the benefits of being DirectBuy franchisees. "It is so wonderful to watch your staff excel and receive awards for their work," says Mehta. "And when you see your members improve their lifestyles, it's great!" Bengston agrees and adds, "It is great seeing everyone around you succeed."

That success doesn't always come easily though, and the couple has faced some challenges through the years. "Hiring and retaining a good staff can present a challenge," they remark. "You also have to learn how to juggle many responsibilities."

If Bengston and Mehta do incur challenges, they know that there is always someone to turn to for assistance. "We like the fact that we can pick up the phone and talk to anyone from corporate for help." The Corporate Support Center also provides field sales and service support to the showrooms.

The incentives offered by corporate have also been rewarding for the couple. "We love the Pacesetters Getaway trip, and being able to drive a Mercedes around," they say. "The incentives are also inspiring for our staff."

Bengston and Mehta have a pretty good idea of what it takes to be successful as a franchisee. They have won DirectBuy's Sales Center of the Year title three times, as well as every service award. "You have to work hard, have good leadership qualities, and be able to show your staff what works, not just what they are doing wrong."

The couple have enjoyed being DirectBuy franchisees and recommend DirectBuy to anyone considering owning their own business. "Being a DirectBuy franchisee is great because there is a system provided for you in which you can grow entrepreneurly; there is a road map set up for you," they say. "You are able to provide a wonderful lifestyle for your employees and yourselves."