Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine Issue IV, 2012 | Page 64

“ THAT to entry, and he’s at a stage now where he can afford it. He also has considered whether to buy a franchise or create one, but “I’m not mature enough financially to take the risk at this point,” he says. However, he has his sights set on building a larger organization over the next 5 to 10 years. “I feel like the next three years are going to be explosive, then through year five should be really powerful growth,” as he builds out his Massage Heights salons to 15 or 20, along with a similar number of units with a new brand he’s not ready to name until the deal is finalized. If all goes as planned, he says he could sell his organization for a significant amount of money. But at that point, he expects it will become more about building Brand’ PE RFE CT ” s an organization, helping young people build their dreams, and serving people than about selling out and retiring. “I don’t know what that looks like, but I look forward to being in that position, past that financial tipping point,” he says. “Then it’s about having a big cash flow and what you can do with that.” As he speculates on a future involving philanthropy, he cites fellow Atlantean Charlie Loudermilk, founder of Aaron’s, as a model to strive toward. Loudermilk, who retired in September, has donated nearly $20 million to local charities and causes. “We all hope we can evolve to that point to change the world not only through our organization, but also through our financial contributions,” says Merrill. What better reason to consider adding new brands? “ I fee l l ike the n ext t h r ee year s ar e goin g to be e xpl os iv e . ” —R a n d y Mer r ill Randy Merrill 2012 ANNUAL FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT REPORT Top Lead-Generation Sources for Achieving Growth in 2012 Franchise Update’s 2012 Annual Franchise Development Report is the only franchise sales and lead generation benchmark report available in franchising. ORDER NOW – contact Sharon Wilkinson: [phone] ext. 202, [email protected] Right Market. Greater Results. 62 Multi-Unit Franchisee Is s ue IV, 2012 Presented by: