From Corporate America to Franchise Success to a Clean Exit Strategy. This is Why you Join a Franchise System
By Sara Stensrud, Previous Owner of Martinizing Cleaners of Naples and Martinizing Cleaners of Bonita Springs
There comes a time when you want to make a change in your life. After 30 years working for multiple retailers, I decided it was time for that change, and I couldn’t be more thankful. My husband and I had always dreamed of a simpler life in Southwest Florida, where we could enjoy more time at home. I wanted a career that aligned with that vision, and opening a business with Martinizing Cleaners turned out to be the perfect fit.
Taking the Leap into Franchising
When we started looking at businesses, the idea of dry cleaning stood out. Martinizing Cleaners was a name people already knew and trusted in the area, and their franchise model offered the kind of support we craved as first-time business owners. In 2019, we bought 3 private dry-cleaning businesses and rebranded them under the Martinizing name.
Coming from a corporate retail background, I loved the passive nature of dry cleaning. It’s a relatively easy, service-oriented business with a consistent Monday-to-Friday schedule, which meant I could have a regular routine while still growing a thriving business. It also felt good knowing I could provide stable jobs with regular hours for my employees, allowing them to live balanced lives, too.
Building the Business
One of the things I appreciated most about Martinizing was how flexible they were. They provided guidance and resources but allowed me to run the business in a way that worked for me. I made sure to learn everything I could, attending industry shows and immersing myself in the industry, which I would soon come to be thankful for.
When I took over, I brought the existing employees with me and focused on building from there. It was rewarding to grow the team without having to start from scratch. The best part about all of this is I could decide how involved I wanted to be in the day-to-day operations. Martinizing gave me the freedom to shape my business and my schedule.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
A few years in, life threw us a curveball. My husband’s family needed us, and we needed to be closer to them. Selling the business was a big decision, and I wanted to make sure it was a seamless transition for new owners to take over. Thankfully, Martinizing was there every step of the way.
They helped connect us with a buyer and provided marketing support to highlight what made our stores special. Our franchise partners knew about an existing inquiry into the business, which turned out to be a perfect fit. Martinizing also offered guidance on equipment and other details to ensure a smooth transition. Having that high level of support during both my ownership and the selling process was invaluable.
What I’ve Learned About Selling My Franchise
Looking back, I’ve learned so much from this journey, especially starting with no experience. Here are a few pieces of advice I wish I had when thinking about selling my business franchise.
● Decide What You Want Your Life to Look Like – Even before you dive into franchise ownership, take some time to think about your ideal day-to-day life. Franchising can be flexible, but it’s important to choose a business that fits your lifestyle goals.
● Plan for Your Exit In Advance – Having a clean exit strategy is so important, but it’s more important to really take your time and make sure everything goes smoothly for new owners coming in. Lean on your franchise’s resources and build strong relationships with your partners. It makes the process so much smoother when it’s time to move on.
● Use the Support Available to You – Martinizing provided incredible support throughout my journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s during the operational phase or when you’re ready to sell.
● Be the Mentor You Wish You Had – When you’re ready to sell, take the time to get to know the new buyer and offer guidance. The owners of the stores before me were incredible mentors when I started my journey into dry cleaning, and I intend to do the same for my new owners. It’s incredibly rewarding to pass on what you’ve learned and help someone else succeed.
● Protect Your Reputation – In small, well-connected communities, reputation is everything. Providing excellent service and maintaining relationships with customers and your community will help your business thrive and make it easier to sell when the time comes. Remember, your business is your legacy, help your new owners hit the ground running.
Leaving corporate America and stepping into franchise ownership was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now, as I move on to the next chapter, I’m proud of what I accomplished and excited to see our new owners take the reins. If you’re thinking about selling your dry cleaning business, I hope my story inspires you to take the leap and make it your own.
