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Franchise owner spotlight.

Franchise Owner Pfiffner 

Lisa & Roger Pfiffner
DirectBuy
St. Paul, MN

Roger and Lisa Pfiffner wanted to own their own business, and because they were already DirectBuy members, they thought that owning a DirectBuy franchise would be the way to go. 

For Roger Pfiffner, a career working in commercial banking providing loans to start-up and troubled companies provided him with many questions that a potential franchise owner should ask. Over the years, Roger had worked with many troubled franchises in the loan business, so he knew that a franchise needed plenty of support from the corporate office. When he asked those questions about training and support to DirectBuy, he got all the right answers.

Roger and Lisa Pfiffner wanted to own their own business, and because they were already DirectBuy members, they thought that owning a DirectBuy franchise would be the way to go. "We liked DirectBuy conceptually," recall the Pfiffners. "When we found out that there was an opportunity to open up a club in St. Paul, we went for it."

DirectBuy provides new franchisees with comprehensive initial training, and also offers ongoing field sales and service support. "Success depends on thorough training and DirectBuy has good onsite training", says Roger. "The ongoing Field Sales and Service support really gets our staff fired up! Also, the franchisee network is so helpful; everyone is willing to spend time on the phone helping you." Lisa adds, "You are not thrown out there to sink or swim."

Owning a franchise, especially in the beginning, takes dedication and commitment. "You have to have patience, determination, and a willingness to use the resources available," advise the couple. "You also have to develop a staff. But once you do, it is so rewarding because you help mold them and see them grow and advance." The Pfiffners also enjoy seeing the members experience the benefits and savings of DirectBuy.

Their children have also enjoyed the rewards of being involved with DirectBuy. "They've gotten to go on vacations that they probably wouldn't have been able to go on otherwise," Lisa laughs. "They are so excited about Disney this year!"

Financially, the Pfiffners felt that buying a DirectBuy franchise would make their dreams come true. "There isn't any other business with the earning potential or the opportunity to develop young people into positions that turn into long-term careers. DirectBuy is all of this, and it's fun!"