Damon Crandall’s franchising journey with UNITS

Relocation can be smooth with the best professionals in the industry. UNITS Moving & Portable Storage your reliable moving and storage partner is known for providing the highest customer care with their innovative equipment for a smooth transition. This interview is about Damon Crandall’s franchising journey with UNITS. Damon Crandall is the Franchise Development Director for UNITS Moving and Portable Storage.

1.How did you enter in the franchise business?

After competing with an independent business, against franchises, for approximately 6 years, I purchased my first franchise in 2001. I started on the corporate side of franchising, focusing on franchise development/recruitment in 2013.

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

Charleston, SC – While being in the fixed/self-storage business we saw a need to help people get their belongings to us.

3. What inspired the brand name?

We always called storage space “Units” in the fixed storage world.

4. What is the story behind the brand’s logo?

We wanted to get one that was already well known. A look alike from the Bud Light logo. Clean and simple.

5. What makes your brand different from your competitors?

The quality of our containers.
Our Unique Delivery System allows us to put container where our competitors cannot.
Having franchise owners and staff that are local to the market building the brand awareness and relationships.

6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?

Our capital intensive business requires strong finances.
Strong management and leadership skills.
Good business & financial acumen.
Emphasis on growth.
Strong desire to succeed!

7. How long does it take, in an average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?

There are a lot of variables that would go into determining this. Depending on growth projections, size of market, market demographics etc. Our candidates will be able to validate this question with our existing owners as they go through our investigation process.

8. What was the major challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge that I have faced to date was the financial and capital requirements needed to start my first franchise. I ended up using my retirement savings, selling my house and moving into the basement of a dear friend in order to overcome the financial need and capital investment.

8.1. What is your best achievement?

Awarding 35 franchises in one year. Knowing that I helped change the lives, for the better, of these business owners give me much satisfaction.

9. How does your business day start?

Coffee…then responding to any emails that arrived overnight. After that my appointments typically start within an hour and go all day long.

10. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?

Selling the first franchise I owned. It was at that point I truly realized the value of franchise brands and systems.

11. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

No more available markets within the US/Canada and a very strong presence internationally.

12. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?

While a franchise typically makes the process of opening and operating a business “simple”, it is not “easy”. Owning a franchise takes work, commitment and self-discipline. Don’t expect to become a franchise owner and sit on the couch while the phone rings with orders and the money rolls in.

For any franchising queries please reach out to UNITS Brand Manager: Troy Franklin – troy@worldfranchiseassociates.com

Get to know who are the industry key players, visit our Interview of the Week page.

To stay updated, visit our Franchise News section.

To learn more, visit our Franchising Tips section.