An Entrepreneurial Journey from Walmart to Wellness

Career ownership coaching from The Entrepreneur’s Source^® enabled Joe and Cheri Mercer to transition from a combined 57 years of corporate experience at Walmart to launching a thriving business in the wellness industry.

After decades of contributing to Walmart’s success, the husband-and-wife team yearned for a fresh start. Working in the same home office during the pandemic opened their eyes to a future where they could be partners in a business. They wanted to pursue an opportunity together that would give back to their community in Northwest Arkansas and align with their passion for healthy living. While they were evaluating businesses for sale and identifying potential brands, Joe connected with Philip Macko, a seasoned Career Ownership Coach™ with The Entrepreneur’s Source, on a popular networking website.

Philip’s journey from the music publishing industry to entrepreneurship equipped him with the insights and empathy necessary to guide the Mercers on their path. Tired of extensive travel and managing large teams, he partnered with The Entrepreneur’s Source to open a career ownership coaching business. His approach to coaching emphasizes education, awareness, and discovery over sales-driven outcomes. By forming relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect, he’s able to help people like the Mercers explore their options without pressure.

“Pivoting from working for the largest retailer to the responsibilities of entrepreneurship is very scary,” Joe said. “Philip was confident we could be successful. His confidence in us and his robust knowledge of entrepreneurship gave us the encouragement we needed to pursue our dreams.”

Macko’s experience as an entrepreneur, including starting a medical diagnostic company from his garage, provided him with an understanding of the challenges of starting a business from scratch, making him an ideal mentor for the Mercers as they explored business opportunities. His emphasis on clarity and objective information helped Joe and Cheri make informed decisions that aligned with their goals and aspirations.

“As a Career Ownership Coach™, you must be an objective and informative guide. It’s the opposite of a sales-driven approach. I appreciate it when clients of mine reach a point of clarity about their future. It’s rewarding to know that I played a small part in their success,” Philip said.

Joe and Cheri’s goals were clear from the outset. They were not chasing money. The couple were searching for an opportunity that would be energizing, make a meaningful impact in their community, and build a legacy that could potentially be passed down to their six children.

With Macko’s guidance, they considered various business opportunities, from home improvement and remodeling to business training. However, it was the wellness industry that struck a chord and aligned with their values and lifestyle.

“Philip had an awesome, positive impact on our journey,” Cheri said. “He helped us find an opportunity that matched our vision.”

Zivel: A Perfect Match
Zivel, a wellness franchise offering a range of services from cryotherapy to flotation therapy, stood out to Joe and Cheri for several reasons. The emerging brand’s business model, which emphasized affordable services and high volume, resonated with their Walmart background. Zivel’s low overhead costs and lack of direct competitors in the area presented an exciting opportunity for the Mercers to enter a growing market with a strong value proposition.

Since opening their Zivel location in September 2023, Joe and Cheri have exceeded their financial targets, demonstrating the viability of their business model and the demand for wellness services in their community. The couple relied on Cheri’s financial acumen to establish a compensation plan for their employees that rewards their successes, which has had a positive impact on retention.

“We are having so much fun running our own business. We didn’t know it was going to be so gratifying. It’s like we have two homes. Our location and our employees are like our second family,” Joe said.

Find Your Next Passion
With the right support, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and redefine your future. Connect with a Career Ownership Coach™ to learn more about entrepreneurship. For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source, visit www.entrepreneurssource.com or check out our guidebook, “Your Career Revolution: Reimagine and Reclaim the Life of Your Dreams.”

Learn More About Career Ownership Coaching®
If you are considering a career change, invest in yourself to discover your options, possibilities, and dreams. Chat with one of our coaches to begin your career revolution. To learn more about Career Ownership Coaching®, visit www.entrepreneursource.com or check out our guidebook, “Your Career Revolution: Reimagine and Reclaim the Life of Your Dreams.”