First comes love, second comes marriage, then comes… a franchise? For couple Noel and Yoli, their love for each other and Awesome pizza make them the perfect match as dedicated life partners and multi-unit Pizza Factory franchisees.
Married almost 10 years, the couple met in college and originally worked jobs in agriculture and education. It wasn’t until the 2010 recession that they began looking for a fresh opportunity in a lucrative industry.
Pizza Factory franchisees Noel and Yoli took over the Le Grand Pizza Factory in 2014.
“We grew up around Pizza Factory and fell in love with the less corporate environment. The availability to invest in the franchise gave us the freedom to run a business and still have a family,” Yoli said.
Working side-by-side with your spouse allows for plenty of quality time but can prove to be a challenge separating home life from the business. For couples looking to fulfill their entrepreneurial spirit, here are three things to consider before going into business:
Industry Growth
When the business will become the main source of income, choosing an industry that will last through economic downturns is crucial. Luckily for us, pizza always prevails.
After great success with their first unit, Noel and Yoli took a calculated risk and purchased a second location in the middle of a pandemic. And as the dough continues to rise, the couple is eager to expand further with the brand-new Express model.
“Pizza is one the most stable industries, and it stands the test of time,” Yoli said.
Company Culture
Before deciding on a franchise, do your research to find out if the company’s values align with yours. At Pizza Factory, our commitment to creating a genuine work-life balance allows couples to thrive. This creates a wave of independence for franchisees and their families.
“There is no one else I’d feel more comfortable running a business with besides my wife. As a family, we’ve grown closer, built quality connections in our community and shown our kids the value of a strong work ethic. It all just takes finding the right work-life balance,” Yoli said.
Play to Your Strengths
As with any business relationship, take the time to define your roles and focus on each other’s strengths. Make every decision together while still recognizing your unique and individual skillset.
“Every couple is different, but take the time to figure out each other’s strengths and play to them. Yoli is great at operations, while I’m great at connecting with customers in the dining,” Noel said.
For any couple, you may not always see eye-to-eye. But if you both have a passion for your business, and add the mutual trust you have as life partners, then you have a winning formula that can’t be matched.
Ready to build a career together and fall in love with Pizza Factory? Learn more about franchising opportunities with us.