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Franchise owner spotlight.

Franchise Owner Tratner 

Steve & Kary Tratner
DirectBuy
Toronto North, ON, Canada

Steve and Kary Tratner can't really pinpoint one thing that they like about being DirectBuy franchisees. "There are too many! We were introduced to DirectBuy and really liked it from a consumer's perspective," say the couple. "Also, we wanted to find something that would allow us to work together."

DirectBuy turned out to be that something, and in June of 1997, the Tratners opened up a showroom in Toronto.

Previously, Steve was a business consultant and Kary was a lawyer, so they had to do some adjusting to master the marketing aspect of DirectBuy. "It was hard starting a business from scratch," says Kary. "There is a large amount of work involved." The Tratners also benefited from the initial training they were given from the Corporate Support Center and the field sales and service support. Steve adds, "Corporate is very willing to help out whenever you need it."

The rewards of being franchise owners have been numerous for the Tratners. "Of course there is the financial gain, and the number of good people we've met," say the couple. "It is wonderful to watch the development of your staff, not only as employees but as individuals." Others that are benefiting from the Tratners' role in DirectBuy are their children. "Our kids have an extended family," says Kary. "They have really grown in an interpersonal aspect."

Every year, incentive programs are offered for owners and their employees. "The incentives are definitely motivational; we look forward to them every year," mentions Kary. The programs include luxury automobiles and trips to exotic destinations.

There are a few qualities the Tratners feel are essential to success. " DirectBuy is inherently different from any other business. You have to be able to stretch out of your comfort zone," says Steve. "You have to be very people oriented."

Overall, becoming DirectBuy franchise owners has been extremely positive for the Tratners. "There are so many opportunities and Corporate offers great franchise support. If you really believe in yourself and your abilities, DirectBuy will help you reach your goals."