For some, starting a business can be a lifelong dream. For others, realizing the desire to own a business can take a little longer.
Duane Turner falls into the latter category. Turner enjoyed a full career in the U.S. Army before deciding he wanted to own his own business.
Now, Turner is the proud owner of a Window Genie franchise in Florence, South Carolina. Read about his journey to business ownership in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.
What the Business Does
Offers window cleaning, window tinting and pressure washing services.
Business Niche
Helping customers increase their home values.
According to Turner, understanding the importance of clean and updated windows is paramount to his business. He says:
“Having updated and well-maintained windows can increase your home’s resale value by up to 75 percent. Understanding both the short-term and long-term significance of our job is critical to what we do.”
How the Business Got Started
After working with other entrepreneurs during his military service.
Turner explains:
“I was in the U.S. Army for 20 years. I joined right out of high school. It was all I knew. As my military career began winding down, I had the opportunity to work with a few small businesses that were contracted by the Dept. of Defense. While working with these entrepreneurs, I became enamored with their ability to have full control over both their personal and professional lives. Upon my retirement from military service, it was clear that my next move would be to open my own business.”
Biggest Win
Officially opening the business.
Turner says:
“After all the hard work that went into getting things up and running, I couldn’t stop smiling when I realized we were officially open.”
Lesson Learned
Business ownership can be fun.
Turner explains:
“If I could do it all over again, I would go into business for myself a lot sooner. I had a very successful military career, and I enjoyed every moment of it. However, living my entrepreneurial dreams has awakened a whole new level of joy for me!”
How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000
Expanding.
Turner says:
“My next goal is to expand. I’d love to grow both in my current market as well as move into new markets. An extra $100,000 would certainly help make that happen!”
Employees
Four.
In a business of this size, it’s important that every team member can work together well and share ideas. Turner says his team has been able to create that environment:
“I hired very intelligent, competent and committed young people. Sometimes it’s amusing to listen to them try to work through a solution to a new challenge that we are facing. It may take a little time for them to adequately communicate their divergent ideas to one another, but we all seem to come together quite nicely in the end!”
If the Business Were a Book
“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie.
Turner explains:
“This business is truly a study in getting people first to notice you, then like you, and ultimately trust you.”
Favorite Quote
“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
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Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program.
Images: Window Genie of Florence
It is a good thing that he finally decided to become a business owner. For all he knew, he may be meant to become a business owner, he just doesn’t know it when he is back in the army. I wish his business all the best.
Absolutely – it’s great to see people find their calling, whatever it might be.
Thanks for sharing Duane’s story! We’re so happy for him that he was able to make his dream of business ownership a reality. It’s never too late! http://windowgeniefranchise.com/blog/
You’re welcome! It’s great to see people doing something they love!
Great job…and a great story, Annie.
I’ve known the CEO of Window Genie for years. good people and a great franchise opportunity.
https://www.thefranchiseking.com/get-6-different-franchises-for-the-price-of-1-franchise
The Franchise King®
Awesome – thanks for sharing!