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Four years ago, Peter Ruetz heard about a new franchise opportunity in Canada. His cousins, Bill and Donna Shock, were planning to open a unique business that allowed customers to buy merchandise at cost directly from the manufacturers.
During that year, as he watched the Shocks' UCC TotalHome® center in Calgary flourish, Ruetz became interested in investigating what UCC had to offer. He recruited his lifelong friend, Steve Pippy, to join him in visiting a UCC franchise in Seattle then traveling to the UCC Corporate Support Center in Merrillville, IN to meet with corporate executives.
Soon, after more than 20 years in the construction business -- Peter Ruetz as a general contractor and Steve Pippy in sales and marketing of construction equipment -- the men decided to make a career change and open their own UCC TotalHome® franchise.
"The business looked really good going into it. We thought we did our homework, and heard a lot of positive things. Nothing really discouraged us," Peter says.
UCC Greater Vancouver opened its doors in December 1997. And during the last few years, Ruetz and Pippy say the rewards they've received through their UCC franchise have made all their research and work well worth their trouble.
"How do you say triple yes? Absolutely. It has been rewarding," Steve says. "We've both realized a substantial jump in our income. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. We tend to put a lot into it, so we also get a lot out of it. Success came fairly quickly and has been consistent for us. It has been a really enjoyable experience."
The keys to success, Ruetz and Pippy say, are hard work, looking after your employees and consistently following the UCC sales and marketing system. "A good, strong staff, a strong team, is what makes us a successful franchise. We've been very, very diligent in recruiting and maintaining a strong, happy staff," Steve says. "If you look after your employees, they're going to generate the income for you."
"Sticking to the script has been successful for us. If you follow it, it works," Peter adds. "Don't try to reinvent the wheel."
Assistance is always a phone call away at the Corporate Support Center. Field Sales and Service representatives will travel to any UCC center to offer their help or advice to owners who request it. The corporation also offers assistance in the form of incentives for both owners and their staffs.
There are several getaways offered during the year to staff members who achieve a high level of excellence in their sales and service and to owners who go above and beyond expectations. In three years, Ruetz and Pippy have traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Chicago through UCC TotalHome. Their work has also earned them Mercedes as well as honors of Center of the Month and one of the top five centers.
"The company offers incredible incentives with the conferences and PaceSetters. The travel component has been absolutely wonderful for us. It has motivated our staff too -- we're hoping to send everyone down for the next conference," Steve says.
Owning your own business also makes it easier to maintain a healthy family life as well as a prosperous business. Ruetz and Pippy have enlisted their four teen-age and preteen children to help in the store, integrating their home lives with their work.
"Since we have started, we have not had a negative experience. It's been really positive," Peter says. "If you like dealing with the public, want to offer a unique and very valuable service and are willing to put in the time and effort into it, you'll get rewarded substantially for it. It's hard not to strongly recommend the business to somebody who's considering it."
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Revision r1.1 - 27 May 2006 - 05:35 by EliMantel
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