Franchise Talk

Cowboys Need Not Apply

April 21st, 2009 | Author: Jack

Chris Tarpley, a 20-year veteran of manufacturing, knows a thing or two about the corporate world. But whether or not he’ll be successful running the small business he plans to open in September remains to be seen.

Tarpley, who was recently downsized from his job as a vice president with agricultural equipment maker DICKEY-John Corp., will have a lot of help: he is making the transition as a newly minted franchisee of Great Harvest Bread Co., which operates a chain of homey bakeries offering artisan-style breads.

As he prepares for the expected opening of a 2,400-square-foot store in Springfield, Illinois, Tarpley will tap the company’s recipes, its tried-and-true systems and its proven chain of suppliers. He enters the marriage following a cautious courtship as both parties determined if the match would prove worthy. Now he’s working to secure additional financing for the operation that will likely require a total investment of about $250,000.

“I pretty much know what I’m getting into; I’m as prepared as I can be,” says Tarpley, 46, who has visited Great Harvest bakeries throughout the Midwest, interviewed former operators and undergone an extensive review at the company’s Dillon, Montana headquarters. “I’ll pay the royalty because they’ll show me the ropes, they’ll teach me, and then I’ve got 210 stores in the system to lean on when I have questions.” Read full article.

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