Starting a new business is a daunting challenge for most, especially when transitioning from a vastly different career. For eight years, Kellie Smith taught second grade and, alongside her husband, managed a business. However, she yearned for a new venture that would allow her to give back to her community in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although she initially knew little about the tool industry, she was committed to learning all she could to deliver first-quality products and top-notch customer service. After exploring various opportunities, Kellie was impressed by the Snap-on Tools franchise system’s exceptional education, training, and support. The journey from teaching to running a tool franchise has been fueled by a passion for service and a dedication to mastering new skills. In her own words, Kellie shares the story of her journey from second-grade teacher to first-rate Snap-on Tools franchise owner.
Were you focused on a specific industry or brand from the start?
I had been a second-grade teacher for eight years. My husband and I had owned a business together and I began exploring other options. I knew I wanted to own a business that could give something back to the community. While I knew little about the tool industry when I first started, I knew I could deliver top-notch customer service. There are people in my family who are mechanics, and it felt good to know that I could help serve the technicians in the area with a tool franchise. While I explored a few different options, after a short search, I knew I had to go with the Snap-on Tools franchise opportunity. The education, the training, and the support system were far superior to any of the other options I looked at. Beyond that, I wanted to go with the tool brand that everybody knows.
What were your biggest challenges when you launched your Snap-on Tools franchise?
When I first started out, my biggest challenge was my lack of product knowledge. The Snap-on Tools franchise has tens of thousands of the best tools in the world, and keeping them all straight is hard. But Snap-on offers extensive initial training and resources to support you if you need any help on any topic—from diagnostics tools to hand tools and everything in between. My initial training was like drinking water from a firehouse, but I stuck with it, and it paid off.
Additionally, I reached out to the other franchise owners in the area to ask them questions and get their perspectives on what I was unsure about. I’m so thankful to Snap-on’s extensive support team as I continually tap into their expertise. It’s very clear that Snap-on has my back every step of the way.
What are you most proud of as a Snap-on Tools franchise owner, and why?
I’m so proud to be part of the Snap-on Tools franchise family. We are a business that’s been around for over 100 years and has the #1 tool brand in the world. I came to this business without knowing anything about tools. I had never driven a truck, and I had never owned a tool franchise. However, after extensive initial training, tremendous support from team members, and dedicating myself to the Snap-on program, I am now a Snap-on Tools franchise owner growing her business daily. This is more than just a rewarding line of work. It’s a lifestyle. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.
What advice would you give to potential Snap-on Tools franchise owners?
My greatest advice to someone who is considering owning a Snap-on Tools franchise is to work the program created by a business that has been around since 1920. It’s a franchise model for a reason. Look at me—I was a second-grade teacher, and now I’m a Snap-on Tools franchise owner!
If I can make it as a Snap-on Tools franchise owner, anybody can. I went from being a second grade teacher to now being a Snap-on Tools franchisee—and I am so excited for all that lies ahead.
Explore the Snap-on Tools franchise opportunity.
Snap-on Tools has the #1 market share position in the industry. Professionals universally recognize Snap-on Tools as the absolute highest quality tools in the industry. Snap-on franchise owners are in the enviable position of selling exclusive, premium products to their customers. Snap-on Incorporated has more than 19,000 products, operates in more than 130 countries and employs approximately 11,600 people worldwide. Snap-on also has a franchise network of more than 4,000 franchisees. Headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Snap-on is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users.
For more information on the Snap-on Tools franchise opportunity, visit snaponfranchise.com, or call 877-476-2766.
Related Content:
Snap-on Tools Franchisee Has the Tools to Grow His Business Sevenfold
Snap-on Tools Franchise Puts the Success in Business Succession Planning
Snap-on Tools Joins Hiring Our Heroes, Furthering Franchise Opportunities for Veterans
