Franchise owner spotlight.

Deirdre & Randy D'Amore
DirectBuy
Farmington Hills, MI

For Randy and Deirdre D'Amore, owning a DirectBuy franchise didn't involve a major career change; it was simply the next step in the progression of a long, fruitful career with DirectBuy.

Randy started with DirectBuy in 1977, straight out of college, and worked in many different positions for the company until 1986, when he decided to open his own franchise. Deirdre also worked for DirectBuy, as a Director and Sales Manager. The two married, and have enjoyed much success with DirectBuy "From the beginning, as a Director, I just fell in love with the concept," says Randy. "There are so many rewards and opportunities involved."

The rewards have been plentiful for the D'Amore's. "There are two sets of rewards, the tangible, and the intangible," say the D'Amore's. "Of course, there is the financial gain involved, and then the friendships and satisfaction that come with helping families and watching your employees grow." The D'Amore's also enjoy spending more time with their family. "Our son knows when we go by the Center, and he says, 'that's our business,'" says Deirdre. "There is a pride of ownership involved."

Because the D'Amore's have been involved with DirectBuy for such a long time, they are well aware of the challenges and stumbling blocks that franchise owners incur. "Each position has had its share of challenges," Randy mentions. "Maintaining a top sales center for 15 years has been challenging." The D'Amore's also know what it takes to be successful. "Management, management, management," says Deirdre. "You have to be an excellent manager of time, of people, of everything." Randy adds, "You need to remember the business of business, but remember that it's the team that gets the job done."

The D'Amore's still reflect on the initial training they received from the Corporate Support Center, and Randy appreciates the ongoing sales and service support. "The support is wonderful; it is right on and realistic."

The couple recommends buying a DirectBuy franchise to anyone who enjoys working with and helping people. "You can work it as hard as you want to work it, and take the freedoms that go along with it."