While the covid pandemic undoubtedly took a toll on all our lifestyles, many individuals also had to endure the added stress of career and financial challenges. With a family to support and working in the food industry (one of the most affected by Covid), Kyle, 33 years old, decided to take his professional experience and apply it to starting a covid-resistant business of his own!

Describe your professional background.

My previous background is all in food service management. I started in fine dining, mostly with Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. And for the last 10 years, I’ve worked in large contract management, worth up to $22 million in business. I have also managed 23 different franchise brands over the years.

Why did you decide to leave your job and start a business?

I left because Covid gave my wife and I the opportunity to move closer to home as we started our family, but the opportunities for my line of work were not available since the restaurant and hospitality industry took one of the largest hits.

Have you always wanted to own your own business? What made you decide to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
To be honest, starting a business wasn’t always a dream of mine, but that thought kept on growing and growing as my career progressed and I gained more experience within the industry. Apart from my culinary skills, I’ve had to take on many roles like building and managing teams, financing, etc. So, I began to feel more comfortable with the thought of managing a business on my own. And when Covid hit, the timing was perfect.

How do you think your previous work experience and the skills you developed along the way will help you run your Spray-Net franchise?

I know how to work in a fast-paced environment and to get things done by leading a team. I’m also a quick learner! I’ve managed large amounts of employees in a line of business that has very small margins, which allows me to manage the minutia of a business.

Why the franchising route to starting a business? What were the main advantages that were important to you?

The advantages to me were having the structure of a proven business already in place and not having to go off course making small mistakes along the way. Not having to go through all that trial in error, especially in the beginning of starting a business, made starting a franchise a no-brainer for me.

And why a Spray-Net franchise in particular? What stood out the most to you about our concept compared to the other options you were evaluating?

The main reason I chose Spray-Net was the strategic advantage of being equipped with proprietary products. The fact that we franchisees work with coatings that are exclusive to Spray-Net really allows us to deliver a product and service to homeowners that no one else can. I also really liked the proprietary technology that Spray-Net has developed to help franchisees through the process of running a business.

What advice would you give to millennials who have the itch to start their own business but are afraid to take the leap and leave their 9-5?

Just do your research and lots of it. Speak to existing franchisees and the franchisor. It can be intimidating to leave what you know, so you want to make sure you understand all the implications.

What is your favourite part about being a Spray-Net franchisee?

My favourite part is seeing the completed transformations and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it!