Franchisee of the month

Deck Medic franchisee Brian Robey left Corporate America and never looked back.

By Jill Abrahamsen

Working in Corporate America helped Brian Robey develop many skills needed to run a franchise business: Managing people, developing relationships, and balancing profit and loss are just a few that come to mind. But Robey’s relationship with two clients had the biggest influence on his future as a business owner.

While handling the Deck Medic account in his position with Sherwin- Williams, Robey saw the growth and value of the franchise firsthand. Getting to know the management team, he recognized the passion and integrity behind the brand. “Jeff and Mike are stand-up guys. They have a passion for the business and are headed for huge growth,” Robey says about Jeff Konopak and Mike Nastepniak, co-owners of Deck Medic.

While Robey enjoyed his career with Sherwin-Williams, he had a desire to work for himself and make his own hours. “I wanted to find a way to do the things I wanted to do. I wanted to be at my son’s baseball games and my daughter’s concerts. I wanted to be able to enjoy my family,” he says.

The wood-restoration franchise was a no-brainer for Robey. “My back-

ground was a perfect fit for Deck Medic, and I knew these guys were running a business that had huge potential. I wanted to get in on it.”

The biggest challenge Robey faced was finding and retaining good employees. Since it’s a seasonal business—especially in Indiana—the winter months can be slow. But Robey found the perfect solution. He partnered with a local holiday light-decorating service. “It was a great way to keep my guys busy year-round, and a lucrative one at that. Now I don’t have to worry about turnover nearly as much,” he adds.

Another perk for Robey is being able to give back to the community. “We have volunteered services to Habitat for Humanity. I’m a regular sponsor and coach for my son’s baseball team and I am involved with the local Chamber of Commerce. I wouldn’t have had the time to do all that in Corporate America,” he says.

Now in his sixth year as a Deck Medic franchisee, Robey is thrilled. “I would never go back to Corporate America,” he says. “I can set goals for myself and can reach a 20-percent increase each year. That’s a lot better than the two percent I was getting working for someone else. The best part is that while I am my own boss, I have great support from the corporate team. They are always there to help when I need it.” For more information, visit www.mydeckmedic.com

Making the switch from Corporate America to Deck Medic franchisee was a game-changer for Brian Robey and his family.