For many professionals, the idea of leaving the corporate world and becoming their own boss is both exciting and daunting. The allure of greater flexibility, control, and the opportunity to build something meaningful is driving more and more people to make this shift. Almost half of people become entrepreneurs because they want to be their own boss or escape the 9-5, and only about 8% of entrepreneurs have ever regretted starting a business. While there are many benefits to becoming a business owner, some risks and challenges are involved—such as lacking the tools you need to get your business up and running.
So, how do you combat this?
Franchising with a well-established company like Winmark - the Resale Company® offers a viable solution for those looking to make this jump and become a business owner. With decades of experience and five renowned resale brands—Plato's Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore®, and Music Go Round®—we provide a supportive pathway. Unlike starting a business from scratch, franchising gives aspiring entrepreneurs a proven model to follow, reducing much of the uncertainty and risk associated with opening a business.
Why Franchising Works for Corporate Escapees
One of the most significant benefits of transitioning from corporate life to owning a Winmark brand franchise is the ability to leverage your existing skills in a new way. Many corporate professionals already have experience in areas like leadership, management, or marketing—skills essential for running a business. By partnering with a franchisor, you can apply these abilities while receiving support from a brand dedicated to your success.
Winmark is committed to helping people achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, and we have a proven track record with first-time franchisees who switch careers. We've been franchising for over 35 years, and over the last ten years, 99% of our franchisees have renewed their agreements with us. In addition to our decades of stability and extensive experience, we also have comprehensive support, including initial training programs covering critical areas like business planning, operations, store management, and marketing. But it doesn't stop there.
Throughout their journeys, our franchisees always have the support and resources they need to make their stores as successful as possible. Our franchisees also benefit from a franchise network, where we host regional meetings and annual conferences to allow franchisees to share their successes, creating a robust platform for collaboration and advice.
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A Path to Making a Difference
In Corporate America, making a difference as just one individual can be challenging, but as a business owner, your impact on your local community is significant.
Our focus on sustainability at Winmark resonates with professionals seeking an opportunity to make a notable impact. Our unique resale model combines sustainability with profitability through locally sourced, quality and gently used products. Since 2010, we've recycled over 1.8 billion items in communities across North America through our five brands. Our sustainable business model creates a win-win for franchisees and customers, reducing the negative impact of waste they have on the environment and adding value to their local communities.
For those looking to take control of their career, switching from corporate life to business ownership with a Winmark franchise provides the support and structure needed for long-term success. Contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your dreams of building a rewarding and impactful business.