February 4th, 2021 | HFC news, updates and announcements
We live in a review-driven world. “97% of consumers now use online media when researching products or services in their local area. 91% of 18-to-34-year-olds trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 93% of customers say that online reviews influenced their purchase decisions.” (Qualtrics.com) From restaurants to pet products, consumers flock to review sites like Google My Business, Amazon, and Yelp to see what others have to say before deciding whether to pursue a new product or service.
Reliable reviews help cut through the noise and facilitate decision-making in all areas of life
Testimonials of those who have “been there, done that” carry weight and buying a franchise business is an instance when “insider information” could reinforce confidence in the decision to buy. Hearing from someone who is living the life of an independent franchise business owner every day is valuable, so here are six testimonials from Concrete Craft® franchise owners about why they chose Concrete Craft. From varied backgrounds, of different ages, and pursing unique goals, they are living the dream of being their own boss as part of the Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) family of brands.
Craig Bagby, Concrete Craft of Midlothian, franchise owner for 15 months
With over twenty years in the medical device and sales industry Craig was not fulfilled. “Although I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, I was never in a place in my life where I could take that risk.” After a friend became a successful franchise owner with another of the HFC brands, Craig’s interest was piqued. “I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and once I did my due diligence, attended the Discovery Day, and met the team, I knew it was the right choice for me. There were only a few decorative concrete businesses in this area, and they didn’t have the wide array of offerings that Concrete Craft had. That expertise and support gave me the confidence to go out and carve a niche in the market. We serve the whole Richmond and Central Virginia area. I knew there would be a market for our services residentially, and there are also a lot of new commercial buildings which could lead to more commercial opportunities.”
Dave Lytle, Concrete Craft of Northern Indianapolis, franchise owner two-plus years
In 2018, Dave contacted a franchise broker, stepping out of the corporate world and another job relocation. Desiring to stay home in Indiana, he chose franchising with Concrete Craft after looking at several different business models. “I was very impressed with the people behind the business. John Kostro and Dan Lightner are great leaders in this brand, and I can’t say enough about what they’ve done for us. The training and support are more than I ever expected.” Another factor for Dave was the satisfaction of customers for a job well done. “If you can imagine being in the elevator and escalator industry for 22 years … if the customer was talking to you, 90% of the time it’s because they weren’t happy. I wanted to be in an industry where I could really make customers happy, give them something they would appreciate and see the results.”
David Bradberry, Concrete Craft of Columbia, franchise owner three-plus years
With a background in law enforcement and security, David wanted something more aligned to his goals for his family. “We were Interested in finding something else. Discovery Day really helped us make our decision, we visited with a lot of other franchisees and came to the conclusion this would be a good fit for us. We absolutely would not be doing this without the support from corporate as well as the camaraderie that has formed between franchisees. Concrete Craft has put forth a fantastic product; we face almost no competition. There’s an artistic value to what we do that you’re able to give to someone else. We’ve been busier than we have any summer. I’m in my third summer, and every year I’ve seen growth.”
Mark Sisco, Concrete Craft of Colorado Springs, Army Veteran franchise owner three-plus years
After a 26-year career as a U.S. Army Aviation Officer, Mark retired from active duty in 2017, deciding the next logical step was to go into business for himself. “I wanted to own my own business, but I’ve always been a hands-on kind of person and wanted to explore my artistic side a bit more. I enjoy working in material and creating things, which was definitely on my mind as I started looking into different business models. My Concrete Craft franchise covers pretty much all of Colorado Springs. Geographically we’re in a great position, but I’m always looking for new opportunities for expansion.”
Chuck Yates, Concrete Craft of Knoxville, franchise owner four-plus years
“I was in retail for 16 years and then one day I went to work, and, out of the blue, I was unemployed. A franchise broker had reached out to me and through a series of phone calls we narrowed down to three opportunities that fit my style and budget. I had a misconception that a franchise was not financially feasible for me, but I quickly learned that there are multiple options that people have with franchising. Concrete Craft really stood out the most, and once my wife and I went to the Discovery Day and saw what you could do with concrete, we were 100% sure that my next career was going to be with Concrete Craft. They have a niche in the market, not a lot of people doing it, much less having a national brand doing it.”
Patrick Godfrey, Concrete Craft of Charlotte, Navy Veteran franchise owner 10-plus years
Patrick worked in manufacturing 14 years after retiring from the Navy. The attention to detail that decorative concrete work requires makes franchising with Concrete Craft the perfect fit for a veteran like himself, and he’s had success hiring veterans as employees. After 10 years with the brand, he says it’s the support from corporate and a network of other franchisees that have made this experience such a positive one. “Having a built-in network of support has been key to my success with Concrete Craft. It’s knowing that I’m not alone in a range of areas from emotional support to technical support — it’s nice to have a shoulder to lean on. Being able to talk with other franchisees and feeling comfortable with Home Franchise Concepts has really made it worthwhile.”
Concrete Craft is a solid franchise opportunity
Concrete Craft is the nation’s only decorative concrete franchise specializing in custom, one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor surfaces for homes and businesses. It’s unique in several other ways as well:
- By virtue of its size—80+ franchise territories in the U.S. and Canada
- The experience of the franchisor—HFC has been franchising for over 27 years and owns five award-winning franchise brands
- The breadth of the services offered—Concrete Craft has mastered all processes, including vertical concrete resurfacing and concrete repair systems
- Exclusive, branded MasterPro™ Product Line—our designer-focused proprietary processes can’t be found anywhere else and keep you out in front of the competition
- Marketing power—ongoing national and local area marketing initiatives coordinate for maximum impact
- Lots of opportunity to open up new territories—you will likely be the only nationally supported local business in your area
Offer your customers options for decorative concrete and concrete repair services they can’t find anywhere else (pictured is PebbleKoat by Concrete Craft)
If you’re interested in changing your life with a career that lets you express yourself while building a secure financial future for your family, becoming an independent franchise business owner with Concrete Craft may be your perfect fit. Go online to Home Franchise Concepts or call 1-800-420-5374 and talk with one of our Franchise Licensing Advisors who will help you determine if buying a Concrete Craft franchise is right for you. Find more information here:
