Sometimes, building the life you want requires a big risk. That's what Keri Gardner realized when she cashed in $100,000 of her retirement savings to buy a franchise. It was November 2020, and she had just been laid off from her executive role at a health company. A franchise recruiter called her and asked, "Do you want to work for anybody else?"
Gardner replied, "Absolutely not. I work really hard. I want to do it for me."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Trust Equals Sales
For their business to work, Dianne and Gabrielle Melillo need more than customers. They need a community that has total confidence in them.
HOW TRUST SAVED KFC
The former CEO of Yum! Brands explains how he turned around a struggling KFC and the important lesson it offers for anyone in franchising.
THE CURSE OF GROWING TOO FAST
FAIRE is a platform for small businesses, but it grew big the wrong way-almost becoming a $12 billion wreck. Here's how it fixed the problem, and why you should think twice before skyrocketing.
HOW TO ASK FAMILY FOR MONEY
Your friends-and-family fundraising round doesn't have to be scary and awkward. Here's advice from one of the world's leading investors.
MY MVP EMPLOYEE
One amazing team member can make an outsize impact on your business. We asked some of the shops on our list to share their No. 1 team member-and what makes them so special.
HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A BAD REVIEW
A one-star review can hurt your egoand your business. But it's possible to prevent (and remedy!) this scary scenario.
HOW TO HIRE FOR THE FUTURE
Small businesses are struggling to find quality labor. So flip the conversation: Show workers how your business will set them up for opportunity.
HOW SMALL SHOPS TAKE BIG RISKS
It's not easy for mom-and-pops to try something new, because they rarely have a safety net to fail.But there are ways to innovate cautiously-as one small business on our list, All My Heart tattoo studio, has found.
America's Favorite MOM POP SHOPS 2024
HOW WE PICKED 150 BUSINESSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
The $414,000 Side Hustle
I have a day job-and a highly profitable interior design company on the side. Here's how I did it.