Escape the 9 to 5 with Phil Macko and Joe & Cheri Mercer Your Career Revolution Ep 213

Escape the 9 to 5 with Phil Macko and Joe & Cheri Mercer

In episode 213, join Mike Toper, Tamara Loring, Joe, Cheri Mercer, and Phil Macko as they illuminate the unique challenges and rewards of transitioning from a corporate career to an entrepreneurial venture in franchise ownership. Listen as these seasoned professionals share their experiences and advice on making this bold move.
The episode further explores the transformative journey of the Mercers, a couple who decided to leap into franchise ownership after years of corporate employment. Discover how their shared challenge of building a business led to a fulfilling partnership enriched by their strengths. Their transition inspires anyone seeking a fresh challenge beyond the confines of corporate life, highlighting the potential for personal and professional growth that ownership offers.

In today’s dynamic job market, the traditional path of long-term corporate employment is increasingly giving way to more entrepreneurial ventures. This shift is not confined to the young and restless; it spans across age groups, including those with decades of experience in the corporate world. Let’s explore how seasoned professionals are pivoting to franchise ownership, the support systems that make this transition possible, and the profound impact this change has on personal and professional lives.

The Call of Entrepreneurship After Decades in Corporate

For many, a career in a global corporation like Walmart offers job security, steady career progression, and a clear sense of identity. However, the routine and predictability of corporate life can sometimes lead to a yearning for something more — a desire to create and to be one’s boss.

The migration from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is no small feat, especially for those with established careers. Yet, the allure of forging a new path and leveraging years of experience and skills in a new arena can make the leap into entrepreneurship particularly appealing. For some, this means venturing into franchise ownership, a path that offers the independence of business ownership with the framework and support of an established brand.

Entering the world of franchise ownership can be daunting for newcomers to entrepreneurship. This is where Phil Macko, a Career Ownership Coach®, comes into play, offering guidance, expertise, and personalized advice to prospective franchisees. By assessing an individual’s goals, skills, and financial situation, these coaches can match entrepreneurs with franchises that align with their aspirations and lifestyles.

The passage from corporate worker to franchise owner is marked by several key stages, including self-assessment, exploring options, due diligence, and finally, taking the plunge and opening the business. Throughout this process, the TES Career Ownership Coach® plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals make informed decisions, understand the intricacies of franchise operations, and set themselves up for success in their new ventures.

Success Story: Finding Fulfillment in Franchise Ownership

The story of Joe and Sherry Mercer illustrates the transformative power of entrepreneurship. After years of working in the corporate sector, the couple embarked on a business venture, leveraging their combined experience to own and operate a franchise. Their quest underscores the importance of partnership, each bringing their strengths— from operations to strategic vision.

The Mercers’ transition from corporate employees to franchise owners highlights a broader trend of individuals seeking more than just job security in their careers. They represent many professionals willing to take controlled risks for greater autonomy, satisfaction, and fulfillment. As more people like Joe and Sherry step into entrepreneurship, they redefine their career paths and contribute to a diversifying economy prosperous with opportunity.

The shift from a stable corporate career to the dynamic world of franchise ownership is a bold move that requires courage, adaptation, and support. Thorough research is crucial for those considering this path, as is seeking advice from experienced professionals like a Career Ownership Coach® and reflecting on personal and professional goals. With the right mindset and resources, transitioning to franchise ownership can open the door to new opportunities, personal growth, and the chance to leave a lasting impact on the community and industry.

Building a Family Business Legacy

The transition of Joe and Cheri Mercer into franchise ownership is a shift toward entrepreneurship and creating a sustainable family business. With six children, all of whom have embarked on their professional paths, the Mercers view their franchise ventures as a potential legacy for their family. Their exploration highlights an essential aspect of franchise ownership — the opportunity to build something that provides financial support and becomes a part of the family heritage. This notion of building a business that could be handed down to the next generation adds a layer of purpose and pride to the entrepreneurial journey.

Joe and Cheri’s decision to open a second franchise within a year of launching their first business speaks volumes about their commitment and the rapid success they’ve experienced. This move to become multi-unit operators is symbolic of a strategy many in the franchise industry view as a pathway to significant growth and success. Operating multiple units allows entrepreneurs to spread risk, capitalize on economies of scale, and increase market influence. For Joe and Cheri, this expansion also represents a chance to involve their family more deeply in the business, offering invaluable practical experience and leadership opportunities.

For Joe and Cheri, who have extensive experience in corporate settings, franchise ownership offers a unique blend of independence and structure. They can apply their corporate skills in a new context while benefiting from the support and proven business models the franchisor provides. This combination is beautiful to those looking to make a significant career change, as it mitigates some risks associated with starting a business from scratch.

They have adopted an exciting strategy by using walking meetings to discuss and plan their business operations. This approach promotes a healthy lifestyle and fosters a dynamic, flexible environment for brainstorming and decision-making. The success of their “walking board meetings” underscores the importance of finding innovative and personalized business planning and communication strategies.

The path Joe and Cheri Mercer are forging in the franchise world illustrates franchise ownership’s diverse opportunities and rewards. They are a testament to the potential for franchises with the guidance of a Career Ownership Coach® like Phil Macko to serve as a bridge between the corporate world and the realm of entrepreneurship, offering a tangible way to create a lasting family legacy, positively impact the community, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment. As the work landscape evolves, their journey offers valuable insights and inspiration for others contemplating a similar leap into franchise ownership.

A Career Ownership Coach® acts as a navigator, helping prospective franchisees to sift through options, align opportunities with their goals, and build confidence in their entrepreneurial skills. For anyone considering franchising, engaging with a seasoned coach can demystify the process, highlight unseen opportunities, and accelerate the journey toward finding the right fit.

Host Bios

Tamara Loring, Director of Brand Ideology for The Entrepreneur Source

For over 20 years I’ve had the great privilege to work with Franchise Business Owners here at The Entrepreneur’s Source, helping them launch and ramp up their businesses and to equip them with the tools and resources they need to coach those who have a strong to very strong desire to be self-sufficient. I believe everybody has a dream worthwhile pursuing and a coach can help you explore what is possible.

The Entrepreneur’s Source helps individuals achieve their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals through Career Ownership. With almost 40 years of experience, we have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals explore self-sufficiency and reach a point of clarity about their professional future.

The Entrepreneur’s Source, led by Visionary Founder Terry Powell captures over 33% of the billion-dollar coaching/advisory market. The Entrepreneur’s Source Career Ownership Coaches™ provide education, coaching and resources to individuals who have the desire to achieve their dream of becoming self-sufficient through career ownership. This allows our clients to explore career options that meet their goals, needs and expectations utilizing our unique Discovery Experience.

Mike Toper, Podcast Host
Syracuse-native happy to never shovel snow again since moving to Raleigh, North Caroline. Retired sports reporter who is enthusiastic about telling stories and helping companies stand out. “If we’re not discussing marketing and great PR, chat me up about hiking or craft beer.”

About Your Career Revolution

Our mission is to help individuals explore self-sufficiency as an alternative career.

We help them define their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals and provide education on the best ways to achieve them. We don’t sell franchises – we help people achieve their dreams of self-sufficiency through business ownership. The approach is different, the experience is different. And it works.

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Read a sample on AMAZON 

Dedication:

We dedicate this book to the tens of thousands of clients who have allowed us to guide then through their Journey of Discovery – courageous people who have made their dreams come true by taking the path less traveled. You inspire us every day. May you, the reader, also achieve your dreams and may this book empower you and assist you in your journey.

—The Entrepreneur’s Source Career Ownership Coaches

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