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The term “corporate America” often sparks negative reactions in people for various reasons. Employees often feel expendable, underpaid, and underappreciated. I both understand and empathize with these feelings, having worked in corporations for 20 years. However, there’s a lot to be said about the skills professionals acquire by working in a corporate environment that are invaluable—especially for an aspiring entrepreneur.
Meet Sam Reed Jr., a former corporate executive who worked for PepsiCo in sales and operations for 26 years before taking an early retirement. While he was happy to be moving into a new phase of his life, he wasn’t quite done in the business world. Reed always knew he wanted to own his own business, something near his home in the DFW Metroplex that he could build into a comfortable six-figure income, and perhaps pass down to his children. After a year off, he began exploring businesses—both independent and franchises. He took a very formal approach to the process. Drawing on his years of corporate experience, and working with a business coach, he came up with a specific set of criteria that he believed would land him in a solid opportunity. After researching 30 different businesses, he chose AlphaGraphics—a leading provider of print-related and digital publishing services for businesses worldwide. AlphaGraphics fulfilled nine out of 10 of Reed’s criteria, so in 2012 he became an owner.
Unexpected Challenges
Sam Reed Jr., owner of AlphaGraphics franchise in Irving, TX
One of Reed’s criteria was that the business must be a resale. Now, if you follow me, you know there are both positives and negatives when it comes to purchasing existing business. Reed’s reasoning for purchasing an existing AlphaGraphics is an important one. After researching the industry, he learned that it was highly competitive, therefore, it was important to have not only an established well-known brand but a store that already had existing accounts and relationships that he could build on.
I asked Reed what his biggest challenge was transitioning from corporate executive to business owner, and his response was immediate: “personnel.” “It’s something you don’t really think about when you’re in a corporate setting. You have the best and the brightest all around you, competing for advancement. This keeps people on their toes.”
Sam Reed Jr., AlphaGraphics franchise owner
Reed went on to share that with a small, blue-collar business, the environment is much more task-oriented, focusing on getting the job done for that day and earning a steady paycheck. This doesn’t make one or the other good or bad—simply different. And with that difference, Reed had to learn to adjust his approach to hiring, training, and retention practices. He learned it was better to hire people that had a positive attitude about the position and were eager to learn, as opposed to people that had printing and publishing experience. “It was very eye-opening.”
In addition to adjusting to team dynamics, Reed expressed what I often hear from clients that purchase an existing business, “you never really know what you’re getting until you get in there.” Although you have every opportunity to review the financials of a business prior to purchasing and have numerous conversations with the seller, and sometimes even with employees, the true story never unfolds until you’re officially in the owner seat. In particular, you won’t know if the current customers or clients are happy, or if, in the past, the previous owner made some former clients very unhappy, and now you have to work extra hard to win those customers back. Reed’s advice is to go into the situation not expecting everything to be as great as the seller may have painted it. Reed knew the business wasn’t where he wanted it to be when he purchased it, but with his corporate experience and faith, he never doubted he would be successful.
Gratifying Rewards
There have been several gratifying rewards that have helped balance the challenges that have presented themselves. In contrast with his corporate experience,Reed now feels most proud and accomplished when solving customer problems. “I really enjoy being able to make problems go away. Our clients love us because we go the extra mile. When you do your best to make things right, customers remember that and come back,” Reed says. And his approach is paying off. This past August, Reed and his team were honored with receiving the “Most Improved” AlphaGraphics location, among all 250 location, as well as “Silver Circle” status for achieving a certain threshold in sales.
After becoming a business owner, Reed also learned the importance of networking, self-promotion, and persistence; activities he didn’t have to focus on as part of his role in the corporate world. “It’s something that takes practice,” Reed attests, “it helps me come out of my shell.” He’s become much more comfortable with this aspect of the business, most recently accepting a role in the Irving-Las Colinas Five Star Chamber of Commerce as Vice Chair of Small Business. His persistence has also paid off, as he’s starting to land accounts that will put the business on a successful financial trajectory over the next 24 months. Reed is excited about the future, as he’s put a great sales process in place, has the right personnel on board, and is following the AlphaGraphics proven model.
Sam Reed Jr.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- “Be prepared for a lot of hard work” is Reed’s primary piece of advice. Spending time on the golf course doesn’t come until later—MUCH later!
- Have enough capital at your disposal because chances are, the business will not take off right away. Reed candidly shared that he went 18 months without a paycheck.
- Once you make your decision to purchase or start a business, there’s no second-guessing or looking back. Stay the course and be prayerful. There will be more good times than bad, but you have to be ALL IN.
Nancy E Williams
Nancy E Williams is a Certified Franchise Consultant specializing in
helping women and minorities fulfill their dream of owning their
own business by purchasing a franchise. She represents over 400
brands across the US. While her title is Consultant, she views
herself as a client advocate and educator, because her first priority
is to ensure that her clients understand everything about the
process of buying a franchise, and partner with them throughout
the process so they ask the right questions and feel confident
about their life changing decision.
Nancy graduated from UCLA with a degree in Sociology with a
specialization in Urban Studies and Business. After owning an
independent record label, partnering in a non-profit, and 14 years in
Management at Sprint, she started NValuable Franchise Consulting.
Coming full circle as an Entrepreneur, Nancy is passionate about
educating others on the empowerment of business ownership and the
tremendous impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
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