Big Frog Custom T-shirts and More has apparel and gifts for men, women, kids and infants. Customers pick what they want to print on and choose their colors and sizes. Big Frog’s talented artists work with them at an in-store design station to create a custom message and/or full color graphic to their exact specifications.
We recently spoke with franchiees Tom Landrus and Lanny Leemaster of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Atlanta to find out some of the challenges they faced when opening up, what they would do differently if they had the chance and what advice they have for others looking to own a franchise.
How long have you owned a franchise?
Since January 2010, opened our location in April 2010
What were you doing before becoming a Big Frog franchise owner?
My partner worked in interior design for a company and I was the CFO for a company.
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Why did you choose your franchise?
Looking for a business for my partner to work at and have fun with, along with building some long-term investment equity
What does a typical day look like for you?
I still work at a CFO part-time and my partner works in the franchise business each day. We are fortunate to have a great location and a high-volume store.
What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your franchise?
Getting the right employees hired along with joining a young franchise that did not have a lot of support infrastructure.
Where did you research or get advice about starting a franchise?
I had worked for companies that did franchising or worked with franchisees. We also contacted a franchise broker for advice and direction.
What is your secret to success?
Hard work, smart work and great quality goods and services
What would you do differently if you had to do it all over?
We have asked ourselves that and we aren’t sure there is anything significant that we would change. Maybe interview smarter to possibly have gotten better employees in the first year or two.
Where do you see your business in five years?
Double what it is today. We have done incredibly well and expect that growth to continue. We might open a second unit but we are still undecided on this.
What advice do you have for others looking to own a franchise?
Choose one that you feel comfortable with the owners or key management. It is important to be able to work well with the franchisor team.
Would you recommend others be franchisees? Why?
Franchising is not for everyone. There are rules and regulations that must be followed. They are typically not for someone who wants to go off and do their own thing. Franchising typically brings you structure and direction and provides you with insight to be successful without having to figure everything out on your own.
Where can people find out more about the Big Frog franchise opportunities?
Visit our website here.
Where can people find Big Frog on social media?