Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue I, 2014 | Page 5

LIVING THE DREAM,
LOVING THE VIEW

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STRIVE FOR

EXCELLENCE

For the past 20 years, Alan Balen, a
multi-unit franchisee, and a group of
fellow Checkers/Rally’s franchisees have
redefined the meaning of “board meeting”
with an annual helicopter ski trip to enjoy
British Columbia’s powdery slopes. “I
absolutely love my life. I wouldn’t trade
what I do for anything,” Alan said. “The
fact that we work for ourselves gives us the
freedom to do things, the rewards from that
are phenomenal. The flexibility gave me the
time to coach my son’s high school football
team, enjoy holidays, and family vacations.”
Before he became a successful multi-unit
Checkers/Rally’s franchisee, he and his
wife were managing a restaurant in a local
bowling alley. But they wanted more, a
business venture with a great return, and
a better life.

Alan began researching four or five different
chains and decided on Rally’s, which since
then has merged with Checkers. “We
decided on Rally’s because we really liked
the fact that they were really committed to
quality and service,” Alan said. “We felt in
the long haul that’s what was going to win.”

I absolutely love my life.
I wouldn’t trade what
I do for anything.
Twenty-two years later with 16 Rally’s and
Checkers franchises and counting, Alan said
they are still in growth mode. Bus