Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue III, 2016 | Page 50
2016 MVP AWARDS
BY HELEN BOND
Married with Trucks
O
Setting boundaries is their formula for success
ne of the strategies multi-unit
franchisees Brooke and Les Wilson practice to keep both their
marriage and their business on
track is to keep each in its proper place.
“After the first year of marriage and
work, I wondered if we had more than a
business partner relationship,” says Brooke.
“We had to draw a line. No business talk
at home. If that means we stay at the office late to work through an issue, we do.”
That also meant no venting about business
in their off hours, and no late night work
emails, “a sacrifice we felt was important
to keep work out of the house,” she says.
NAME: Brooke Wilson
TITLE: Owner
NO. OF UNITS: 5 Two Men and
a Truck
AGE: 36
FAMILY: Husband and partner
Les Wilson; 3 dogs and a cat
(rescues)
YEARS IN FRANCHISING: 15
YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION: 12
2016 MVP AWARDS
Influencer Award
For a Husband
& Wife Team
Why do you think you were recognized
with this award? Because people like us? Kidding! I think our passion for business and each other
is evident. Being business partners puts a strain on
personal relationships, yet Les and I have managed
to run successful businesses and, though we of
course have our spats, are truly happy together.
How have you raised the bar in your
own company? Standards. We have high expectations for our people. And our people are rewarded
for meeting and exceeding those expectations. We
encourage constructive challenge in solving problems
and strategizing objectives. Varied perspectives are
positive.
What innovations have you created and
used to build your company? Digitized the
highly regulated contract and paperwork process
related to household goods moving, making the interaction more user-friendly for both our movers and
our customers. The technology innovation also limits
billing error and protects against fraud.
What core values do you think helped
lead you win this award? Good things happen to good people. Doing the right thing pays
dividends. Always operate with integrity.
How important is community involvement
to you and your company? Giving back to
the community is important for local businesses. We
run two campaigns annually to benefit domestic violence shelters and animal protection, in addition to
continual support of small local in-kind causes.
What leadership qualities are important
to you and your team? Integrity, work ethic,
and respect for the team. A good leader encourages
employees, considers themself to be part of a team,
and gives credit. They offer a vision and coach toward a common goal.
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