From Turbulence to Freedom, Local Man Turns Layoff into Business Opportunity
Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) April 20, 2017 -- Window Genie announces the grand opening of its newest location in Chandler on Monday April 24th. Local resident Mike Malone is the owner. Window Genie is a national home service franchise specializing in the difficult, time consuming and often dangerous tasks most cannot or will not do themselves; window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more. Window Genie of Chandler will service the eastern Phoenix communities of Tempe, Mesa and Chandler.
Before purchasing a Window Genie franchise, Malone worked for the same restaurant company for what he describes as, “26 fantastic years followed by two turbulent years. I joined the company when there were just three restaurants, and watched it grow to a system of over 130.” Malone moved up the ranks over the years, most recently serving as the VP of Operations overseeing the entire country while based in the Phoenix area. After enduring transformations in the company such as going public, going back to private, being bought and sold twice to private equity firms and multiple CEO changes, Malone said, “I was in one of those rare situations where I still loved my job because after all these years the culture and values remained intact.”
Once the initial CEO who hired Malone as an entry level manager, and remained a close mentor to him over the years was released by the board, Malone says the company’s culture immediately shifted as values and policies were chipped away at. “I didn’t agree with a lot of the direction, so I quickly found myself unhappy. Eventually I, and many others, were laid off in 2015. It was a blessing in disguise.”
Taking advantage of the severance package he was granted, Malone remembers his time of unemployment as a “priceless time in my life I wouldn’t change for the world. I could spend more time with my three sons, coach baseball, and even go on all the recruiting trips with my eldest. I realized how much I had been missing out on over the years while travelling for work. I soon realized that my priority was finding a path that enabled a freer lifestyle.”
Malone worked with a franchise coach at The Entrepreneur’s Source to help him weed through different business options. He said, “Initially I intended to go back to working in a similar field because it felt comfortable. My coach helped me talk through my goals, my interests, my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to wrap my mind around the idea of owning a small business as a means to more freedom, happiness and fulfillment of my need to have more family time. I got honest with myself. I just couldn’t go back to living in hotels and airports anymore.”
Malone was drawn to the concept of Window Genie through the allure of multiple revenue streams through multiple services, the fact that it was a mobile franchise, and his ability to ramp up quickly with low overhead. It wasn’t until he understood the leadership and culture of the company that he realized he was getting into a business he believed in, top to bottom. “I spoke to several existing franchise partners, some who were new, some who were performing well, some who weren’t. It didn’t matter who they were or where they came from, every single one of them spoke highly of the founder and CEO, and claimed that if they could do it all over again, they would. That spoke to me because culture, values and genuine leadership was what made the 26 of 28 years at my previous job so enjoyable. Enthusiasm and passion was palpable in each conversation I had, and that was what ultimately sealed the deal for me. I could see myself as not only a successful business owner, but a happy one.”
Malone is excited to serve the communities he’s called home since 1993. “It will be an interesting new chapter in my life. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, but look forward to getting plugged into the community in a whole new way. I get to create jobs, serve the homes and businesses in my area, and work with other small business owners. I look back on my previous career fondly, but being laid off truly was a blessing that pushed me towards my second act as a business owner.”
Window Genie of Chandler officially opens for business on Monday April 24th. All field technicians are fully trained, insured, bonded and have passed a background check. For more information, or for a free estimate, call owner Mike Malone at (480) 912-1695 or email mmalone(at)windowgenie(dot)com
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About Window Genie
Window Genie is a Cincinnati based home service franchise specializing in residential and light commercial window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more. Window Genie is a subsidiary of Dwyer Group®, a service-based franchise organization. Franchise opportunities available, visit http://www.windowgeniefranchise.com for more information.
Erin McDermott, Window Genie VPR, http://windowgenie.com, +1 (513) 541-3351, [email protected]
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