Franchise Focus

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development + Tourism

Hear from franchise owners in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo on how to navigate opening a business of your own.

8026 Franklin Ave #101

<p>Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo is home to some of Canada’s biggest and most profitable franchises. Major brands want to open locations in our community – and they’re looking for local investors. So where do you start?</p><p>We’re hosting an informal evening at Startup YMM where you can meet franchise owners, financial representatives, business coaches, and other pros who can help. You’ll hear some of the challenges others faced, the solutions they used to break through, and tips for a smoother startup. We’ll also shed light on a realistic timeline from making the decision on your business to getting the doors open.</p><p>Dreaming of opening a franchise? Start 2024 by taking a step to making it happen!</p>

<h3>Local Pro Panel</h3><p>We've invited members of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo's local franchise community to share their tips with you.</p>

<h4>Paulette Taylor – Orangetheory Fitness Fort McMurray</h4><p>Paulette Taylor just celebrated her first year as owner of <a href="https://www.orangetheory.com/en-ca/locations/alberta/ft-mcmurray/unit-1-145-eagle-ridge-blvd" title="https://www.orangetheory.com/en-ca/locations/alberta/ft-mcmurray/unit-1-145-eagle-ridge-blvd" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Orangetheory Fitness Fort McMurray</a>, but she’s not new to business. Locally born and raised, Paulette is an Indigenous entrepreneur who since 2008 also owns the construction company Dene Earth.</p><p>Paulette was head coach at Orangetheory when it opened in 2019. When the opportunity to purchase came up she jumped. “Fitness is a passion of mine and I think it is important that at some point in your life you do something that you are passionate about.”</p><p>She appreciates the benefits of the Orangetheory franchise model. “When you buy into a franchise, you are buying into a structured business model that is proven with tried and true processes. Orange Theory has 1500 location worldwide and all the supports and resources are there that you wouldn’t otherwise have if you opened something on your own – you would have to build from the ground up.”</p>

<h4>Greg Barrett – Budget Blinds of Fort McMurray</h4><p>Greg Barrett is co-owner and operator of <a href="https://budgetblinds.com/en-ca/fortmcmurray/?fid=3766" title="https://budgetblinds.com/en-ca/fortmcmurray/?fid=3766" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Budget Blinds of Fort McMurray</a>. He came to the business with experience. He’s served the home improvement, commercial, and industrial window covering needs here since moving to the city in 2011.</p><p>Greg saw an edge with Budget Blinds when he and his wife, Jessica, purchased the franchise in 2016. A flat monthly fee for the business made more sense to him than the commission model with other franchises. The timing also aligned to high demand in 2017-2018.</p><p>Budget Blinds required classroom training to complete the title transfer, and direct access to 1-on-1 coaching in sales, marketing, operations, and product knowledge has always been available. There is a clearly defined pathway from startup/establishment to expansion and growth. Processes and resources for every step along the way help to build business confidence.</p><p>Greg contributes to a stronger Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. In 2021 Budget Blinds of Fort McMurray was proud to support the creation of inclusive playground at Christina Gord School. He’s the father to three children and is a proud supporter of inclusive programs that support youth with disabilities.</p>

<p><strong><strong>Will Clarke - M&M Food Markets</strong></strong></p><p>Meet Will Clarke, a seasoned adventurer in the maze of life, boasting at 39 years young. But age is just a number when you've got a heart full of stories and a spirit thirsty for the unknown.</p><p>He's nestled snugly in the embrace of Fort McMurray for a good 15 years, this proud family man marches alongside a beautiful, sturdy wife who's the anchor to his ship and an adorable, mischievous three-year-old girl. They keep him juggling life's balls, reminding him that balance is key and chaos is inevitable.</p><p>Now, Will's not your average Joe. He's a dabbler, a darter in diverse domains. From the clanging of manufacturing background to the regimented beat of the military, from the artistry of marketing to the persuasive world of salesmanship, he's danced through them all. And if that weren't enough, he's dipped his toes into various business ventures and investment realms currently a 2 store M&M Food Market franchisee. Phew! One could say he's collected experiences like trophies.</p><p>What fuels this man? An insatiable curiosity. He's the Sherlock of human tales, the Watson of aspirations. Will's appetite for people's narratives and the intricacies of the world around him is downright voracious. When opportunity whispers sweet nothings in his ear, he's not just listening; he's tuning in with laser precision, ready to decode the possibilities.</p><p>But here's the kicker: Will's not in the business of just transactions; he's a connoisseur of connections. He sees relationships as seeds waiting to blossom, networks brimming with potential. Life, to him, is a canvas where every interaction is a stroke, and every deal is a masterpiece in the making.</p><p>So, if you're thinking Will Clarke's life is run-of-the-mill, think again. Buckle up, because in Will's world, the ordinary is a stranger, and the remarkable is the norm.</p>

<h3>Legal + Real Estate Professionals</h3>

<h4>Sam Khajeei - SK Legal</h4><p>Sam Khajeei’s corporate law career spans some of Canada’s most prestigious firms such as Dentons, Norton Rose, and McCarthy Tetrault. Sam is a corporate/commercial and M&A lawyer with a specific niche in franchising and trademarks. He has shared his expertise as a panelist and presenter at events across Western Canada. Sam’s skill is recognized in the industry – he is the only lawyer in Alberta to have been nominated as a "Legal Eagle" in Franchise Times magazine for subsequent years.</p><p>Sam is now focused on <a href="https://www.canadalegalguidance.com/" title="https://www.canadalegalguidance.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">SK Legal</a>, his own firm based in Alberta. They support a variety of corporate, commercial, and business law needs. His firm supports new franchise owners by drafting and reviewing franchise agreements, advising on regulatory requirements, and resolving disputes between franchisors and franchisees.</p>

<h3>Mahmud Rahman - Blackstone Commercial</h3><p>Mahmud Rahman helps franchises to succeed. He leads a team of commercial real estate pros who leverage Blackstone Commercial’s depth of experience in the franchise market. By implementing proven processes, ensuring efficient workflows, and developing growth strategies his team gives new business owners a strong competitive edge.</p><p>Mahmud’s experience as a manager, then franchise owner with businesses such as Rogers Wireless and Bell Satellite laid a strong foundation for his success. He’s operated as a licensed Commercial Real Estate Associate since 2007 and works with investors and business owners in all asset classes, including Industrial, Retail, Office, Land and Business Brokerage. His exposure to national and international markets through his network allows him to excel in the commercial real estate industry.</p>

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