Baltimore Veteran Realizes His Dream Of Becoming A Business Owner
According to Franchise Business Review, franchises have become increasingly important as career options for veterans. Since 2011, over 200,000 veterans have found employment connected to franchising including employment at the corporate franchise level or with franchise supplier companies. Over 5,000 have become actual franchise owners.
Collis Crosby, is a U.S. Air Force veteran and ordained minister who has taken the long and winding road to entrepreneurship. He first obtained two associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force: an Associate of Arts in Financial Management and an Associate of Arts in Communications Applications Technology.
Crosby then obtained his B.S. from the University of Md. University College Online University (UMUC) in Political Science/History and in December, 2015, he will complete his Masters in Business from Webster University, St Louis, Missouri.
What inspired you to open a WOW 1 Day Painting franchise here in Maryland?
"During my early years in the Air Force, I believed there was a greater purpose for my life. My entrepreneurial spirit began to flourish. I investigated many different franchises; but I was inspired to become a WOW 1 Day Painting franchise partner after learning about their business model and Brian Scudamore's vision and direction for this franchise." (Brian Scudamore started the successful 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchises)
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My undergraduate degree in political science and graduate degree in business management administration are a perfect combination in business ownership - in that our nation's political decisions have a profound impact on small business owners. Having an M.B.A. helps me as a business owner to understand how these decisions affect business and how to develop a business plan that will be most successful."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to achieving your dream?
"The knowledge and skills gained while pursuing my M.B.A. degree has already been a tremendous asset in managing the daily operations of the franchise business and its employees. The courses in accounting, project management, economics, and marketing are extremely valuable and necessary tools to help me to be successful."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to become franchise owners?
"I would advise anyone who is pursuing a franchise to do the proper research and to find out what business is right for them – this means finding a franchise that has the same vision and drive as you plus the supports in place for success. Then go for it. If God has placed that desire in your heart to pursue business ownership, then he will provide you with everything necessary to make you successful!"
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years. Her current interests, in which she has several certifications, are metaphysics and the healing arts. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times.