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Franchisee Spotlight

Before working with Liz, I had a diverse and accomplished career as both an attorney and a military service member. My professional background was deeply rooted in law, where I honed critical thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I had some experience in real estate investment, though my primary focus was as a working professional, balancing the demands of a high-stakes legal career with the commitment to my service in the military.

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Liz's expertise and patient guidance were invaluable in helping me evaluate different franchise opportunities. She didn’t just present options, but also educated me on the various business models, industry trends, and potential risks. Whenever I encountered obstacles or had doubts, Liz was there with thoughtful advice and solutions, ensuring I always felt confident in the direction I was heading. Her deep knowledge of the franchising landscape, combined with her understanding of my personal and professional aspirations, allowed us to zero in on the right fit. Thanks to Liz, I now have a clear path forward—one that aligns perfectly with my goals for financial independence, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment. Her support throughout the entire process made a potentially overwhelming journey feel manageable and empowering. I am incredibly grateful for her expertise and dedication, which ultimately helped me make a well-informed and confident decision about my future.
Calvana

Why did Calvana make a career change?

Despite my success in these fields, I found myself seeking something different—something that would give me more control over my future and provide a sense of direct ownership in my achievements. I was drawn to the world of franchising as a means to transition into a new career path that would offer both personal and financial growth. What excited me most about franchising was the opportunity to build something of my own, where my efforts would directly result in my success. I wanted more flexibility than my full-time legal career could offer, and I was looking for a way to secure greater financial freedom while experiencing real, tangible growth.

I knew that transitioning into franchising would be a significant change, and I was eager to find a business model that aligned with my goals and skills. That’s when I turned to Liz for guidance in navigating the complex world of franchising.


What inspired Calvana to make this investment

 
I decided to make this investment in franchising because I wanted more control over my future and a healthier work-life balance. After years of working in a demanding legal career, I found myself increasingly tired of the stress and routine that came with the traditional 9-to-5. Mondays had become a source of dread, signaling the start of another busy and high-pressure week. I realized that I wanted to break free from this cycle and build something for myself that would not only provide financial growth but also offer the flexibility to lead a more fulfilling life.

This was a decision rooted in the desire to take charge of my own success and create a life where my professional efforts directly contributed to my personal achievements. I knew that franchising could offer me the opportunity to build a business with a proven model while gaining more autonomy and flexibility. Looking back, I wish I had taken this step earlier, as I now recognize that investing in myself and my future is the key to a more rewarding and balanced life. Now is the time to make this change—and I’m excited for the journey ahead.
 
From the very beginning, Liz took the time to understand my unique goals, priorities, and challenges. She helped me clarify what I was truly seeking in a business—one that would offer both the control and flexibility I desired, along with the potential for long-term growth.

Liz’s expertise and patient guidance were invaluable in helping me evaluate different franchise opportunities. She didn’t just present options, but also educated me on the various business models, industry trends, and potential risks. Whenever I encountered obstacles or had doubts, Liz was there with thoughtful advice and solutions, ensuring I always felt confident in the direction I was heading. Her deep knowledge of the franchising landscape, combined with her understanding of my personal and professional aspirations, allowed us to zero in on the right fit.

Thanks to Liz, I now have a clear path forward—one that aligns perfectly with my goals for financial independence, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment. Her support throughout the entire process made a potentially overwhelming journey feel manageable and empowering. I am incredibly grateful for her expertise and dedication, which ultimately helped me make a well-informed and confident decision about my future.

Calvana’s search criteria for finding the right franchise

I was looking for a semi-absentee franchise that would allow me to maintain a flexible schedule while still building a successful business. I also prioritized finding a franchise with strong growth potential, including the opportunity to expand into multiple territories over time. Additionally, I wanted to ensure the business was recession-resistant and an essential service—one that would remain viable regardless of larger market shifts, such as competition from Amazon. Finally, financial upside with low overhead was a key consideration, as I wanted a model that would provide strong returns while keeping operating costs manageable. Liz was incredibly helpful in aligning these criteria with the right opportunities, ultimately guiding me to a franchise that meets all of my objectives.


The part of Calvana’s franchise investigation process that was the most rewarding 

The most rewarding part of my franchise investigation process was the validation calls. These conversations provided invaluable insights, as I had the opportunity to speak directly with current franchisees who shared their real-world experiences and perspectives. Hearing firsthand how they navigated the challenges of owning a franchise, what support they received from the franchisor, and how they’ve grown their businesses gave me a much deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a franchise owner. The honesty and openness with which they discussed both the successes and the hurdles they’ve encountered made me feel more confident in my decision-making process. It was an essential part of the research that allowed me to make an informed, well-rounded decision about the right franchise for my goals.


How Calvana benefitted from working with Liz

Working with Liz was an incredibly rewarding experience that provided me with invaluable benefits throughout the entire franchise discovery process. Liz’s expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of franchising. She took the time to understand my personal and professional goals, which allowed her to present me with opportunities that aligned perfectly with my vision for the future.

One of the key benefits I gained from working with Liz was her ability to simplify the process and offer clear, actionable advice. She helped me refine my search criteria, ensuring that I focused on franchises that not only fit my lifestyle but also offered long-term growth potential. Liz’s experience and knowledge of the franchising industry allowed me to make informed decisions at every step.Her advocacy throughout the process, along with her ability to address any concerns or questions I had, made me feel confident and supported in making such an important investment.

Ultimately, Liz’s guidance was a key factor in helping me find the right franchise, and I truly felt that she was invested in my success. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the benefits I gained from working with her.


Tips for others considering taking the leap into business ownership through franchising 

Before diving into the franchise search, take the time to clearly define your goals. Understanding what you want from the business will help you narrow down options and focus on franchises that align with your vision for the future.Franchising can be complex, so working with an experienced consultant like Liz Leonard was invaluable for me. A knowledgeable consultant can help you evaluate opportunities, explain the nuances of different franchise models, and guide you through the entire process—from finding the right fit to understanding financials and securing financing. Take your time in researching and finding the right franchise that will align with your personal and financial goals. Focus on the big picture which is something Liz told me throughout this process.

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience working with Liz Leonard as my franchise consultant. From the very beginning, Liz was incredibly patient and understanding as I navigated my search for the perfect franchise. Life circumstances caused me to pause my search to focus on raising more capital, but when I was ready to pick things back up, Liz seamlessly picked up right where we left off—making the entire process feel smooth and stress-free.

What truly sets Liz apart is her deep expertise and the genuine care she brings to her work. Anytime I encountered a challenge or had a question, Liz was always there with knowledgeable advice and practical solutions. She never pushed me in any direction but instead provided me with the information I needed to make well-informed decisions. She was a true advocate for me throughout the entire process, always ensuring that my best interests were at the forefront.

As a working professional seeking to transition into an executive model franchise, I knew this was a significant investment for my family and me. Liz treated it with the utmost seriousness and respect, making sure I fully understood every aspect of the decision-making process. She not only guided me through tough decisions but also helped me anticipate potential hurdles I may not have considered on my own—thanks to her years of experience in the field.

In the end, I found the perfect franchise for my goals and lifestyle, and I can honestly say I would not have been able to do it without Liz. Her commitment to my success, her educational approach, and the invaluable resources she provided made all the difference. If I were to go through this process again, Liz would be the only consultant I would trust.

I wholeheartedly recommend Liz Leonard to anyone considering purchasing a franchise. She is an expert in her field, and I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance.

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