What were your career backgrounds prior to owning a Woodcraft store?
Klay: Engineering and Facility Management.
Sara: Forecasting, Budgeting, and Operations for the consulting group of a banking technology company.
Why did owning a Woodcraft store appeal to you?
Klay: Many reasons: flexible schedule, decision-making, love of tools and woodworking.
Sara: To make better use of our complementary skill sets as a couple and to have more freedom in our daily schedule.
What was your biggest concern?
Klay: With no business training or education, I was very concerned with ruining the store.
Sara: Finances.
What’s it like being a multi-store owner?
Klay: Super Awesome! I get to travel, encourage our staff, share ideas and problem solve.
Sara: It’s fun! It can be stretching at times, but in the best ways. We are blessed with amazing managers and staff at all of our stores, which makes all the difference.
What’s it like working together?
Klay: Super Duper Awesome! I have the smartest most business savvy partner I could ask for. Our strengths and weaknesses complement each other. With her by my side, I feel like we can accomplish anything.
Sara: I agree on the “super awesome.” Klay forges ahead always looking at the big picture and toward the future, and I am a details person, so we definitely complement each other in running these businesses together. Communication is key, and we work really hard to keep those lines open on a daily basis.
How has Woodcraft been helpful in your success?
Klay: Can‘t ask for a better franchisor. They give you flexibility to try things. When we ask for help, they step up. They are approachable and they listen to feedback from the franchisee. Mostly what I like is their attitude, or you might say lack thereof; they are down-to-earth folks who work hard.
Sara: We have had continual and enthusiastic support from Woodcraft Corporate over the past 7 years. When we had our initial in-person meeting to determine whether we were all a good fit for each other, [former VP of Retail/Franchise Development] Gary Lombard talked about Woodcraft being “reasonable.” He was truthful in saying so – in all of our dealings with Woodcraft, we have found them to be reasonable and interested in helping us succeed.
What advice would you give someone considering a Woodcraft franchise?
Klay: Look around and compare—I doubt you would find a better one.
Sara: It is a fantastic organization, and people at all levels of Woodcraft are approachable and willing to help.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of owning Woodcraft stores?
Klay: Relationships—with the store staff, customers, other franchisees and corporate staff!
Sara: The independence of working for ourselves and supporting our staff who do the frontline work every day has added so much richness to our lives.
