Military lessons Help Franchisee Expand his Team, Trucks and Service Area
Serving in the U.S. Navy for 23 years taught The Grounds Guys franchise owner James O’Brien (above with family) some important lessons: Adapt to situations as they change, take care of the people you are responsible for and learn to do more with less. O’Brien has put those lessons into practice in running his business based in Jacksonville, Fla. “My experience in the Navy prepared me to get the job done at all costs,” he says.
With his can-do approach to business and strong work ethic, he has grown his franchise from the two employees he started with in 2019 to more than 30 workers today. His operation in Jacksonville Beaches, Northside, and Yulee, Fla. now requires 12 trucks, rather than the single truck that he had in the beginning, and he plans to buy three more trucks this year.
“Last year, I grew the business 52%, and this year I am looking to do the same,” he says. “I have already purchased two other territories, so my area is large. I’m looking to saturate some areas and expand my footprint throughout the city.”…