Some stories feel empowering.
Others feel like their stories are leading them down the wrong path.
For years, we thought we were living the “perfect” story—successful careers, a happy family, a sense of purpose. But beneath the surface, the cracks began to show.
We didn’t feel trapped by failure. We felt trapped by “success.”
The Day Our Story Changed
Our defining moment wasn’t a business decision. It was a family moment.
Our daughter, in college at the time, needed us during one of the hardest seasons of her life.
Mack, deeply committed to his career, kept getting called away. Each time, he told himself, “I’ll make it up later.” But by the time he came back, our daughter was already packing to return to school.
The weight of that missed opportunity hit us hard. It was a sobering reminder: We were sacrificing what mattered most—our family—for careers that looked fulfilling from the outside but left little room for the people we cared about most.
This wasn’t just Mack’s realization. I (Sharon) felt it too. As a teacher raising four kids, I saw how our “busy” lives were stealing moments we’d never get back.
And so, in what felt like an impulsive decision but was really years in the making, we decided to leave our careers and go into business for ourselves.
We took the risk because we wanted a better story.
Enter Franchising: Freedom Through Ownership
We didn’t stumble upon franchising because we were looking for an easy way out. We were looking for a way forward—a way to rewrite our lives on our terms.
The idea of working together was thrilling and terrifying. Would we drive each other crazy? (Spoiler: Yes, a little!) Would we figure out how to balance our strengths and weaknesses? (Also yes!)
The franchise world felt massive—did you know there are over 4,000 franchise concepts out there? Without guidance, we were overwhelmed. Thankfully, we found an incredible Franchise Consultant who helped us navigate the maze.
They helped us:
- Identify businesses that fit our desired lifestyle (more time for family!)
- Match opportunities to our financial goals
- Choose franchises that worked for our skills and passions
- Avoid costly mistakes
The result? We found the perfect franchise for us.
Lessons From Our First Year
Was it smooth sailing? Nope. In fact, Mack likes to joke that I fired him at least five times a week in the beginning (though, to be fair, it was probably closer to three).
But as we leaned into our strengths, something incredible happened:
- Mack’s people skills brought in top talent and new business.
- My analytical mindset ensured our systems and strategy stayed tight as we scaled.
Together, we built a business that not only hit $1M+ in revenue in Year 1 but ranked #1 out of 140 franchises in our system.
What started as a leap of faith turned into a life we never thought possible—a story of growth, connection, and purpose.
YOU Can Rewrite YOUR Story Too
Today, as Franchise Consultants, we’re passionate about helping others escape stories that feel like traps.
We’ve been there. We know the frustration of feeling like life is passing you by. And we also know the incredible freedom that comes from building something that aligns with your values and priorities.
Here’s the thing: It’s NEVER too late to rewrite your story.
Whether you’re a burned-out corporate professional, a busy parent, or just someone yearning for a change, franchising could be your fresh start.
As we like to say:
“Franchising is more than a business decision—it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s about creating freedom to live the life YOU want.”
Ready To Explore Franchising? Let’s Talk!
Mack and Sharon Strange are on a mission as Franchise Consultants to help others go from “Start” to “Success” when it comes to franchise ownership.
If you’re curious about exploring franchising as a career pivot, investment vehicle or lucrative side hustle, let’s talk!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I book a call?
A: You can book a free, no obligation call with Mack here and/or a free call with Sharon here.
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: As Franchise Consultants, there’s no fee for our services. We’re compensated by franchisors only if and when you decide to move forward with (and are approved for) franchise ownership.
Q: What do you do?
A: Our role is to serve as a trusted guide and educational resource.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: You can learn more about our story and how YOU can follow in our footsteps via the Franchise Together Podcast.
We look forward to connecting with you soon!
