More Resources

Corporate Climbers

Ladder of Success

According to this former sales and marketing manager of a dry-cleaning franchise system, he is "pretty handy." Still, Matt Eggenberger, 45, knew he'd need a lot more than that if he was going to get his Mr. Handyman franchise off the ground. Eggenberger opened his franchise near Cincinnati in February 2001 after leaving his job in January. His division had been closing, and, with nearly 10 months of warning, he decided to go into franchising for two reasons: the value of a name brand and the support franchises provide.

Learn More
Visit Mr. Handyman in our Franchise Zone.

In fact, the franchisor was an indispensable resource during the earliest days of Eggenberger's business--they taught him everything he needed to know about fixing stuff. "I've had to learn about ladders," he says, laughing. "How to conduct safety meetings, how to maintain Material Safety Data sheets--I really didn't have to worry about that in my marketing job."

It was also difficult to adjust to doing everything himself. "When you're in the corporate world, you can plan your day," he says. "When you're starting a new business, everything you do is something new...you have to be the accountant, receptionist, customer service--everything."

Content Continues Below


But the payoff is 2002 sales projections of $1 million. "It's fulfilling knowing you're building equity every day," says Eggenberger. "You can see the results of your decisions."

Originally published in the July 2002 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine

  Page   1   |   2   |   3   |   4  


Today on Entrepreneur
Related Video
Resource Centers
Small Business Tech Advisor
Your questions. Our experts. Answers you can use.



Great Minds in Business
These entrepreneurs didn't just make money--they made history .



Inspiring Entrepreneurs
Learn about entrepreneurs who overcame long odds to succeed, who are using their companies to do good and who are parlaying their success into philanthropy.


e-Business & Technology
Franchise News
Business Book Sampler
Starting a Business
Sales & Marketing
Growing a Business
E-mail*:
Zip Code*: