Nick Lambie was nominated for a 2022 Rock Star Award by the Ziebart franchise leadership team under the Veterans category. He was chosen by Franchise Business Review from among 200+ nominations for his outstanding achievements as a Ziebart franchise owner in Morgantown, WV.
What advice do you have for someone considering investing in a franchise?
Do your research and make sure it is a good fit for you. Sure, most of the time with franchising the path to profit is a little quicker, but it is guaranteed, and it is not easy. The franchise that you chose has to be there to help you and support you along the way.
If you could start all over again, which mistake(s) would you avoid? What were your best decisions?
That’s tricky because some of those mistakes I learned the most from. The biggest thing I would say is don’t try to be everything. Stick to what you’re good at and be the best at it! My best decision is just doing it. It can be scary, but I knew how much work I was willing to put into it and nothing was going to stop me.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?
Covid-19 for sure. But when we were allowed to go back to work, we worked as hard as we could!
Is there a book or podcast that has helped you in starting or building your business?
Not one particular thing. I just tried to listen to positive people, and surround myself with like-minded people.
What is your proudest achievement in your franchising career so far?
Having 10 employees and helping them provide for their families. Watching our team grow and empowering them to be the best they can be is far better than any award you can give me.
What was your work history before you entered franchising? How did you apply those skills to your franchise?
I was an Air Force Weapons Director. One of my biggest skills was paying strict attention to detail. That was a job that required a lot of it and being detailed and calculated really helps when running a business.
Did the pandemic and recession impact your business and, if so, what were the lessons learned from the experience?
Of course, but we stayed resilient. We pivoted where and when we could to meet the needs of our customers.
What do you like most about your franchise organization today?
First, it’s a product that is second to none. That makes it easy to be an ambassador of the brand. Second, the people and the support we receive. I can call them any time and get the help that we need. On the other side of that, they listen to our feedback from the field and take action when needed.
How do you think your military experience has helped you as a business owner?
The leadership techniques that I learned in the military have helped me create a high-performing team. I don’t think I’d be where I’m at today without it.
What leadership qualities are most important to you and your team?
We take care of each other. We reward people every chance we can. We truly value everyone, and everyone’s input. We commutate often and we are always looking for ways to be better.
