Michael Blanding - Sumter, South Carolina


A former corporate employee, Michael Blanding Jr. was searching for something more. After five years, he decided to join his dad’s small business, selling and installing awnings, patio covers, and sunrooms. Still longing for more, Blanding’s wishes were granted—by a call from The Dwyer Group®.

After careful consideration, Blanding and his father decided that a Glass Doctor® franchise would be an ideal fit. Blanding is confident in his team, and believes his extensive skill set, in partnership with The Dwyer Group’s franchisee support, will produce nothing short of success. Blanding hopes to extend his territories in the near future.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Sumter, SC

Q: What was your career before franchising?
A: I worked in the corporate world for five years. However, I did not get a sense of fulfillment from the job. I wanted to be my own boss and wanted to run my own business. This is when I made the transition from the corporate world to working in a small business with my dad.

We sell and install “want” items like sunrooms, patio covers, screen rooms and awnings. I wanted to get into a “need” business. When glass breaks, the individual needs to get the glass fixed.

I got a call from The Dwyer Group about opening a Glass Doctor franchise. My dad spoke with the other franchisees to find out if their business model would correlate with our business ethics. The Glass Doctor franchise was a great fit with what we had in mind.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the glass repair industry?
A: I find glass pretty fascinating. It is crazy how we can turn sand into a clear material. Working with glass has brought me a sense of enjoyment. With my skills in management and the training gained from previous experience, I believe I have the essential tools needed to run my own business. I have a wide skillset that I believe will help me to push my Glass Doctor to the limits and beyond. I believe one of my greatest accomplishments so far is hiring the staff of employees that I have. I am really proud of the team that I have and I know that we have the essential training necessary to bring satisfaction to our clients.

I hope to expand into more territories eventually. With my team in place, I believe that we can see enough success with this business to do so.

 

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