Have you ever found the environment at work stressful? Do you sometimes wish you could just kick back and "relax" and have a job or career that actually reduces stress while helping others?
Our entrepreneur of the month found a new career and business that does just that. His business can help you feel more relaxed, less stressed and even help eliminate many of your aches and pains. You need to experience it to believe it!
Congratulations Joe, and welcome to the world of Entrepreneurship!
Joe Ellner
Joe Ellner was in his late 30s, held an MBA and had a prestigious job as a Marketing Manager for GE Medical. He was following the path that many of us take--good education, good job, married and a growing family. Life was good, but something was missing.
Joe had the desire to do something on his own for a long time. He just didn't know what that was or how to go about figuring that out. "I observed my peers at GE Medical that were in their 50s with 20 years experience. To me, they looked miserable. They worked long hours with little pay increases and were pigeon-holed in a pay range. I just didn't see a long range future there for me."
Joe would often read Entrepreneur Magazine and see all the interesting businesses and franchises. He often thought what it would be like to be an owner, be in control and be rewarded for his efforts. It became more apparent to him that if he was going to make the jump from employee to entrepreneur, he should do it while he was young enough to try something new.
About that time, Joe was introduced to a man that went to high school with his wife. And perhaps it was fate, but this man happened to be a franchise broker. There was an instant connection and they had a lot to talk about.
Joe was introduced to three franchise concepts to research and validate--a tutoring company, an ink and toner cartridge refill store and a specialty store that helped reduce back pain and stress. Joe's validation helped him understand that he wanted a business that had a professional environment, helped people, had little competition and allowed him the flexibility to be home at night with his family.
Joe eventually chose Relax the Back, the nation's largest specialty retail franchise of products that relieve and prevent neck and back pain. Joe liked the idea that it was a consultative sale with higher ticket price items and he would have direct contact with his customers. Additionally, the population was aging and many people suffered from back pain. He knew he could make a difference in the lives of many people that suffer from back pain and stress. It was a true win-win. He found his calling.
Joe didn't quit his job immediately. He heard there were plans to renovate a local shopping mall into a city-like shopping neighborhood. The Bayshore Town Center had the potential of drawing customers from all across the metro area. Joe was able to secure a location on the main thoroughfare to the entrance of the Bayshore Town Center with lots of street exposure.
It's now almost 4 years later. So how is Joe doing? When I asked that question, here's what he had to say. "I like the freedom and flexibility and the satisfaction of helping others reduce back pain. I've hired good employees and have improved my operations each year, including financial increases." His advice to others: "Be patient. Building a successful business is like growing an oak tree. You need to build that strong foundation to provide years of future growth."
Joe's passion for customer service, customer comfort and providing the foundation for business growth has earned him the award of 2009 Franchise of the Year for Relax the Back. He was chosen from 110 nationwide stores.
Joe or his specially trained associates can show or demonstrate products that can improve your posture and relieve the most common problems that contribute to back pain such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and more. He carries everything from simple back braces and support cushions to hot and cold packs, Tempur-Pedic™ pillows and mattresses, ergonomic office chairs and zero gravity recliners. His complete line of Shiatsu-style massage chairs will relax those aching muscles, reduce stress and take you to a better place. You have to experience the Dreamwave™ massage chair to fully understand what I'm talking about.
Relax the Back of Glendale, Wisconsin is located at 410 W. Silver Spring Drive in the Bayshore Town Center, phone 414-987-2225. Stop in and experience Joe's life changing products. If you live out of town, give Joe a call and he can consult with you and have products shipped to your home.
Joe took that leap of faith and found his calling with Relax the Back. He went from a work environment filled with stress and corporate politics to a business where he thrives by helping others relax and reduce pain. As an added benefit, at the end of the day Joe can hit the program start button to his own Dreamwave™ massage chair.
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