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Phil & Suzanne Wisniewski
DirectBuy
Edison, NJ
Phil Wisniewski was a manager at an international engineering and construction firm when he and his wife, Suzanne, became members of DirectBuy. After only two days as members, the couple was so impressed with the company that Suzanne called the Corporate Support Center to find out more about franchise ownership.
"We liked the autonomy. We liked the idea that we could work for ourselves," Phil says.
Since opening their franchise in Edison, N.J., the Wisniewskis say they have been able to improve their lifestyle by working together and having a good time doing it.
"The ability to have daily challenges and beat them is
rewarding; growing and challenging our staff is rewarding. The financial benefits have been good."
"The cooperation from the Corporate Support Center has also been good," Phil says. "Between the Summit Conference program for Directors, the PaceSetters Getaway for owners, the annual International Sales and Service Conference, and the Field Sales and Service support, new franchise owners are well equipped to motivate and train their staff, as well as run a successful operation."
The initial training provided by the company left them well
prepared to start their business, he says.
"It prepared us for exactly what would happen and impressed upon us the importance of the marketing system and administrative system," Phil says. "Instead of inventing the wheel, there is a detailed system in place that works."
The company will give you the tools you need to achieve whatever you desire, both financial and emotional rewards, Phil says. But the corporation and all its training and built-in incentives cannot run the franchise for you, Phil says. You must be dedicated to your work.
"You've got to be there, hands-on," Phil says. "It's not something you can run from your house."
Above all the ingredients necessary to run a successful DirectBuy franchise, owners need to maintain a positive attitude, he says. An owner will deal with so many different people and unique situations on a daily basis that require a strong, positive outlook.
While he admits that the tasks of recruiting, developing and
maintaining a staff were a lot more work than they expected, Phil adds that growing and challenging the staff has been one of the greatest rewards from their work.
The ultimate satisfaction, though, comes from the products their DirectBuy franchise has to offer, Phil says.
"There's nothing better than having a member come in and
purchase a house full of furniture and find out that they saved $8,000 or $10,000 on it," Phil says. "It's mind-boggling. It's really a good feeling to know that you are offering that kind of savings to people."
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