Finding The (Right) First Franchisee

TEAM RETROTAX™ welcomes our first franchisee Kevin Culkin and his partner Dennis Headings to our organization. Kevin and Dennis will operate their RetroTax business in Atlanta.

SIGNING DAY: (From Left) RetroTax's first franchisee Kevin Culkin; his partner Dennis Headings; RetroTax's President Stan Friedman.

Many emerging franchisors leave the starting gate without having had the benefit of years of franchise experience to draw from. So, they get very excited and thrilled when they launch their concept and sometimes rush into awarding their first franchise too quickly, or for the wrong reasons.

At RetroTax, we decided from the onset, that we were going to be very methodical about our process. We identified six key markets to focus on for our initial development and then looked at our established relationships within those markets, searching for potential franchisee leads. Well, I'm happy to report that the strategy is paying off, as we have just this week awarded our first franchise in Atlanta, GA and we could not be any happier about our choice. Not only will RT-001 operate in a very lucrative market for our opportunity, but he will do so literally in my backyard. RT-001 was awarded to someone that I have known personally and professionally for more than 18 years. Yes, RT-001 is a franchise development professional, turned franchisee. What's more, our kids have grown up attending the same schools and he and I have grown into our franchising careers together, albeit with different companies... until now.

It is with tremendous pride and pleasure that I announce Kevin Culkin as our first RetroTax franchisee. Kevin has the perfect skill set for our franchise, strong interpersonal skills, high level, intangible sales experience and the focus and resolve to succeed in our business. Just as my partner Al Newcomb and I go back more than a dozen years, how much better can it get, then to also have a known entity as your first franchisee. Well, believe it or not, it DOES get better, as Kevin has invited Dennis Headings, a 28 year friend of his, join him in the new business. Kevin and Dennis are here in Indy, training this week and preparing to hit the ground running next Monday morning. How sweet it is. More good news to follow...