Starting a franchise is a journey that requires dedication, passion, and the right support. For Patrick Griffiths, becoming a Pinch A Penny franchise owner in Palm Coast, Florida, was a decision driven by his love for the pool business and a desire to provide exceptional service to his community. Since opening his doors in 2006, he has grown his business to employ 24 team members and create one of the busiest locations in the system. In this article, Patrick shares his journey to franchise ownership, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that helped him succeed, offering valuable insights for those considering a similar path.
What made you decide to look into purchasing a franchise?
I worked at a Pinch A Penny in Jacksonville for a couple of years and fell in love with the pool business. My family and I purchased Store 85 in April 2006.
When researching franchises, what criteria mattered to you most? How did the Pinch A Penny franchise meet that criteria?
We were originally looking into opening a TCBY, which, thank God, we didn’t! When I got so into working for Pinch A Penny in Jacksonville, we looked into opening a store there. This location became available in Palm Coast, where my parents were retiring, so we purchased it.
When researching, which questions did you ask Pinch A Penny franchise owners?
I wanted to get a feel for their experience with the company. Pinch A Penny has an excellent reputation as a family business.
What were your biggest challenges when you first started, and how did you overcome them?
Being that it was an existing location, getting the staff on board with the changes we were making. The previous owner sold a lot of outdoor furniture, and we wanted to focus on just the pool supply part of the business.
How does the franchisor support and encourage your success?
They offer both in-person and online classes, as well as mobile training throughout the year. This is very good for new employees and continued education.
What are you most proud of and why?
Our location is one of the busiest in the system, and we attribute it to the excellent customer service that we have provided for the last 18 years.
What advice would you give to new or potential Pinch A Penny franchise owners?
Go overboard with customer service. Too many retail stores nowadays seem to avoid interacting with customers. We strive to go way above in customer service and building relationships with our clients. It’s what makes us one of the most reputable retail stores in the area.