|
Like flip flops themselves, the Flip Flop Shops franchise opportunity epitomizes freedom and fun. After 15 years in the automotive industry, it was exactly what Anna Ruhl was looking for.
“I co-own a collision repair business, and will continue to be involved in that business but I was looking to own a business that was more for me,” Ruhl said.
“I had researched many franchises before I discovered the Flip Flop Shops franchise opportunity. Flip Flop Shops fit me so much better than the other businesses that I had looked at. It fits my personality, lifestyle and my responsibilities as a mother and current business owner,” Ruhl explained of her decision to become a multi-unit franchisee. “I love retail and I loved the concept and the look of the shops. Plus, flip flops are something that I love. I’m a flip flop wearer.”
Ruhl’s first shop is scheduled to open at the end of March 2009 in the Baybrook Mall in Friendswood, Texas, and her plans for additional Houston-area locations are underway.
Lively, Appealing Products and an Attractive Business Model
“I’m really excited about the variety of products we’ll carry. It’s exclusively flip flops and sandals. The concept is on the cutting edge,” Ruhl said. “It’s unique, new, fun, very lively and appealing -- everyone loves flip flops.”
Although it was her penchant for flip flops that initially attracted Ruhl to the Flip Flop Shops franchise opportunity, it was the business’s ease of operation that solidified her decision to become a franchisee. “The workload and staffing needs appealed to me. Initially, I’ll open one shop…with my first shop I can handle it primarily by myself with one part-time employee. Knowing this, helped me make my final decision to purchase the Flip Flop Shops franchise,” Ruhl said.
“My first priority is being a mom to my three children ages twelve, nine and one and a half. Any business I own has to accommodate my responsibilities as a mom,” she said. “I will have breakfast with my children and get them off to school and then I’ll get to go sell flip flops every day, and wear flip flops every day…That’s definitely a perk! I’m excited not to have to worry about windshields and tires and I’m looking forward to going to a mall every day and being part of the mainstream community again.”
A Flexible, Low-Stress Business
“This is absolutely a good business for women, especially those that want to work outside of the home,” Ruhl said. “Being a business owner gives me the freedom to be a mom and attend school functions. Owning your own business can be very flexible…my management staff will handle the day-to-day responsibilities, which will give me the flexibility to take the kids to the dentist and to soccer and softball practice.”
“This is one of the best, low stress opportunities. You go to work in flip flops, sell flip flops, free your toes…it’s such low stress…when I get home I won’t feel like I’ve had such a long day,” she said.
Ruhl continued, “Every day, I will look forward to going to the shops and it will be fun for me. As we grow, it will be very exciting and interesting. I plan to go to one of the shops every day because it’s something that I’m very interested in.”
An Innovative Business with Fantastic Support
Since purchasing her business in the summer of 2008, “The home office has been extremely supportive. I’ve been finding real estate locations and not more than two days have gone by that I haven’t been on the phone with someone from Flip Flop Shops. They also provide training, grand opening assistance and ongoing support,” Ruhl said.
Like Ruhl, ideal Flip Flop Shops franchisees should,” Enjoy people, have the gift of gab…and be passionate about flip flops…though it’s not hard to be passionate about flip flops,” she concluded.
|
Newsletter