Beef jerky fans from far and wide arrive in “beef jerky heaven” when they visit a Beef Jerky Outlet and are always seen wearing a smile. Maybe it’s because they get to Try Before You Buy and taste test the different products until they find the flavor that’s just right for them.
We recently spoke with Lisa Adams, owner of Beef Jerky Outlet in Concord, N.C., to find out why she chose Beef Jerky Outlet, the challenges she faced in opening her franchise and what advice she has for others interested in franchising.
How long have you owned a franchise?
Three years
What were you doing before becoming a franchise owner?
Industrial Real Estate Development
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Why did you choose your franchise?
I was looking for a franchise which I had all the skills to run myself. I had been a customer of Beef Jerky Outlet for years and loved the product and believed in the concept.
What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your franchise?
Hiring dependable employees and learning which forms of marketing were most worthwhile. Beef Jerky Outlet made these challenges easier to handle with the plan they had in place.
Where did you research or get advice about starting a franchise?
My family had been involved in franchising for the past 20 years. I knew I wanted to get involved but wasn’t sure with which company. I spent some time learning about Beef Jerky Outlet and attended a Discovery Day and was instantly sold.
How much did you spend before your doors were officially opened?
I purchased an existing store, so I was really lucky that everything was pretty much set up for me. I contributed to marketing and advertising, but was ready to roll.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Most of the day is spent greeting customers and cutting samples of all the different flavors of jerky and popcorn we sell. The days are filled with a lot of laughter, after all, it is a beef jerky store, the most amusing comments come out of people’s mouths.
What is your secret to success?
I believe in the goodness of our products and customers can see that I am being genuine when I speak with them. Also, remembering our past customers and always greeting everyone with a smile goes a long way. Following the model of the franchise has really paid off for me.
What would you do differently if you had to do it all over?
I would try to be more relaxed in the beginning. It’s difficult when you are starting your own business to trust all will work out.
Where do you see your business in five years?
I have been very fortunate to have a substantial amount of continued growth each year and I expect that growth to continue. I hope to open many more Beef Jerky Outlets.
What is one trend that really excites you?
People realizing that beef jerky is a great low-fat, high-protein snack. The snack has gained in popularity over the years and it’s not just men who enjoy it. We are seeing an increase in women and children as customers.
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Google, because I can find out just about anything with a few clicks and Twitter and Facebook because I can have an open communication with customers and beef jerky fans from anywhere in the world.
Do you (or did you ever) have a mentor?
Definitely. I was lucky enough to have two people to guide me throughout this whole process. Paul Lyons, the COO of Beef Jerky Outlet, and Allen Musick, who is a franchisee as well as works with franchise support, really guided me through the entire process and made everything go smooth.
What advice do you have for others looking to own a franchise?
Believe in the product and the franchisor. They have a plan in place, and if you follow it you should succeed.
Would you recommend others be franchisees? Why?
Absolutely. Being a franchisee affords you the ability to receive better pricing from vendors. Plus, I have the opportunity to focus my attention on growing my business, not on the inner workings of running a company. There is someone else (franchisor) doing the background work such as finding the best accounting firm, the most cost efficient payroll company, the most user friendly POS system and which vendors offer the best products. Having a franchisor behind me, ensuring that my business runs smoothly and as efficiently as possible provides me with a huge feeling of comfort.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We happily ship our products to soldiers around the world. All I need is a name and an APO address and a care package from home will be on the way. One day, a soldier that was on leave, showed up at the store to thank me for the package I had sent him while he was deployed. Although I am located in North Carolina and he is in South Carolina, he made the trip up to see me. Knowing that he returned home safely would have been more than enough thanks for me but he didn’t think so. With a hug and a smile, he handed me a patch that he had received from being on the battlefield. I now carry that patch in my wallet, every day.
Where can people get more information on Beef Jerky Outlet franchise opportunities?
Visit the website here.
Where can people find your Beef Jerky Outlet on social media?
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