How does an international brand enter the United States? It's a question that many franchises ask-and for laundry service brand Mr Jeff, which was founded in Spain and has sold more than 2,000 locations globally, its entry into America came via an unlikely source: a humble aspiring franchisee named Sergio Aguirre.
Aguirre lives in Miami and spent years working in hotels. He considered opening his own restaurant, but his aspirations changed after visiting Mexico to see friends. That's where he learned about Mr Jeff. He asked if the company was expanding into the U.S., and at the time, it wasn't-but a few years later, in 2021, he got the call. "We're ready if you're ready," a brand representative told him.
Now Aguirre's storefront is open, and he's been helping introduce Mr Jeff to America. (The brand does its customers' laundry, with pickups and delivery scheduled through an app.) Here, he talks about what it's been like to be a pioneer, and the importance of connecting with customers.
You worked in hospitality before. Did your hotel experience help you with Mr Jeff?
This story is from the Startups - Spring 2023 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Startups - Spring 2023 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Charities Are Getting Down to Business
Nonprofits are struggling. That's why more charitable leaders are taking a page from their for-profit peers-and learning how to make money.
HOW TO ASK SOMEONE FOR A MILLION DOLLARS
Philanthropic fundraisers often get donors to give $1 million-and their tactics are useful for anyone trying to win over someone else's dollars.
MAKE YOUR FIRST TAX-FREE MILLION
It's legal, smart, and great for your long-term savings.
MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS IN A WEEKEND?
OK, you won’t earn it ina weekend. But serial entrepreneur NOAH KAGAN says you can start a thriving business quickly—if you’re willing to move fast and be uncomfortable.
THE MILLION-DOLLAR MEETING
Once your company hits a million dollars in revenue, many more investors (and private equity buyers) will start taking your calls. Here's why.
MILLION-DOLLAR UNLOCKS
New companies rarely get off the ground without some roadblocks, setbacks, and unforeseen decisions. Here, 10 founders describe the pivots that unlocked their growth and catapulted their profitability.
THE PATH TO MILLIONS STARTS HERE
A million dollars sounds sexy. But what is it, really? For some, a dream.
What SEO Insiders Know
Looking to boost your SEO? We asked a bunch of insiders: What do you know about your industry that most outsiders don't?
Pack These for Your Next Trip
Want to make your next business trip a pleasure? Gear expert and two-time Emmy Award winner Mario Armstrong has five items you'll want to make room for.
Finding Your Dimension X
Why do some people thrive, while others fall behind? As Google's first chief innovation evangelist, I believe I found the answer: Successful people harness what I call their \"Dimension X.\" Here's what it is.