However, as quickly as she discovered FIT4MOM, her family moved to Carmel, Indiana, a town with no FIT4MOM franchise. Instead of letting this obstacle deter her, Debra leaned into her entrepreneurial roots, reading The Franchise MBA: Mastering the 4 Essential Steps to Owning a Franchise by Nick Neonakis to understand what starting her own business would involve. With a deep sense of purpose and determination, she moved forward. “I come from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, and I knew in my heart this was the right direction for myself too,” Debra shares. “Within two months of researching, I purchased my FIT4MOM business.”
Debra’s journey was fueled by a vision for herself and as a powerful example for her children. “My ‘Why’ has much to do with myself,” she explains. “Finding an identity outside of being ‘Mom,’ but also to show my kids that we can do anything we put our minds to.” Owning a FIT4MOM franchise allowed her to build a career with purpose, one that could include her children when they were younger and adapt to her family’s needs as they grew.
Debra emphasizes that being a FIT4MOM franchisee provides an invaluable network of support and resources. “I wanted to be a franchisee because of the support and resources you receive. You don’t have to recreate the wheel or find answers the hard way,” she says. This support system includes a team for guidance and a community of franchisees to offer moral support and share experiences. “To be honest, I can relate to all three of these key drivers, and it’s hard for me to choose just one. All three reasons ultimately made me decide to take the leap of faith and become a franchisee.”
