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. 48 MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IS S UE III, 2016 muf3_profile_brooke_wilson(48,50).indd 48 7/8/16 11:47 AM