Lou Lavetan

My Journey Here

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My first endeavor into the franchise world, was with the Mail Boxes Etc. franchise (now The UPS Store). During my 11 years as an Area Developer, I owned and managed my own location, while laying the foundations for 23 more stores in South Central Pennsylvania.

 

Consistently ranking in the top 200 units nationwide, I earned the Bronze Eagle award (superior operations) for 9 consecutive years. I helped prospective owners with the franchise investigation and validation process. I provided ongoing field support and was involved in networking and training for over 300 stores in the Mid Atlantic Region.​

I always knew I could sell. Now I had really found my niche. Not only did I develop a great franchised business, but I was also helping other franchisees succeed.

 

In 1999 I sold my area license and store, and became partners in a maid service franchise. Responsible for sales, advertising and public relations, I set record revenues in the early stages of the business - this led to another venture as business development director for an East Coast dry cleaning delivery service franchisor.

 

Again, I rolled up my sleeves and helped franchise owners benefit from my success strategy.  My responsibilities included mentoring 35 franchise owners about sales and marketing, and securing business contracts. I also assisted in administrative aspects of their business start-up, and conducted networking seminars at national conventions to help franchise owners increase sales and productivity.

 

My passion is helping others find the career freedom I enjoy.  At another franchising opportunity in 2004, I took on the consultant role, which was a natural way to share my franchise experiences. With my hands-on approach to franchise business ownership, I continued to guide my clients through the process of matching their goals and desires with a franchise opportunity.

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As satisfying as that was, I came to realize that after 7 years of working in a home office, I missed the daily community interactions. I wanted to get involved with a business model that put me in direct contact with other business owners in the community. So I started my own search, enlisting the aid of an independent consultant to find such an opportunity --- because "a doctor who treats himself, has a fool for a client". I sifted through many opportunities until Sparkle Wash landed in the mix. Eight years later, this venture has resulted in me receiving six different awards, topped off by being "Franchisee of the Year" in 2017.

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Like many serial entrepreneurs, I felt like it was time to move on. So I wondered, WHAT'S NEXT?

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I wasn't completely sure... I knew I wanted to continue to foster some of the advice that I have imparted to others as a SCORE Mentor. Perhaps I could help an eager, young entrepreneur who typically wears multiple hats, learn how to manage them. Perhaps my love of sales processes, public speaking engagements, & 35 years in the York business community may be of value...