Owning a Cold Stone Offers Rewarding Career With Freedom
and Flexibility
According to a recent research study released by Management Today and Vauxhall Motors, 70 percent of Gen Xers (people in their late 30s to early 50s) are looking for a career change. Franchise ownership is an ideal choice, and Cold Stone Creamery fits many of the criteria that midlife entrepreneurs seek for shifting careers.
The study reveals what many midlife first-time franchisees say: They are tired of the “grind” from a typical corporate job and want freedom and flexibility. Fifty-two percent said they wanted to do interesting work, 61 percent were motivated by being their own boss and 49 percent were looking for challenging work.
“When looking at the driving force behind changing careers, the research reveals job satisfaction (66%); a better work life balance (60%); reward packages (50%) and flexible working hours (42%) are the most important factors for 40-somethings — a clear indication they are working to live, not living to work,” according to the study.
Franchisee Bruce Peltz
Minnesota owner Bruce Peltz was unhappy in a career in the flooring business when he decided to leave it to become a first-time franchisee with Cold Stone Creamery.
“I like the concept,” Peltz says. “The first time I tried it was in Honolulu, Hawaii, on vacation. My wife, Angie, and I went to Cold Stone® twice and thought, ‘Wow, that was good.’ I was living in North Dakota when I first looked into what it would cost, but I didn’t have the funds then as I was newly married. Even so, I didn’t really look into other brands. I liked the idea of just selling desserts and working with happy customers.”
Peltz says he went on to work as a sales representative for another company, but he was still miserable and frustrated not knowing what he wanted to do professionally. “I kept thinking about Cold Stone. I just had to convince the bank to give me some money to open one.”
He was in luck, and in 2009 he acquired his St. Cloud store. He opened a second one in Sartell this year.
Greg Cropp, multi-unit franchisee in Texas, expresses similar sentiments: “Cold Stone Creamery has been an excellent way of providing for my family for 14 years. Growth is definitely good, and I very much enjoy the freedom I have with three stores. Time with family and quality of life are important to me, and I have a very good balance right now.”
Jeff Wallach, New Jersey franchise owner, enjoys helping young employees get a good start in the workforce: “The most rewarding part of Cold Stone ownership is bringing smiles to people’s faces. I also enjoy working with young kids, especially those who have never had a job before. They come in just thinking they are scooping ice cream, but I enjoy helping, molding and teaching them about how to work a first job and be a good employee. I’ve been here 12 years, so I’ve seen the kids grow up. They came in as small children, and now they are teenagers. It’s incredible to watch the families grow.”
The rewards of Cold Stone franchise ownership are many, making it worthy of serious consideration for midlife entrepreneurs who are looking to change careers.
Now is the Time to Begin Your Second Career with Cold Stone Creamery
If you’ve been thinking of making the leap from a traditional job to a rewarding entrepreneurial career, now is the time to consider franchising with us. Our franchisees report high satisfaction with their businesses and describe their work as meaningful.
As a Cold Stone Creamery franchisee, you get to be your own boss and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of independent business ownership. You also have access to all the benefits that come with being Kahala Brands™ family, a well-known franchisor with a portfolio of nearly 30 brands.
Find out more about franchising with Cold Stone by exploring the research pages here or by filling out our information form here.
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