We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Pearson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
For over 18 years, I’ve navigated the rewarding path of self-employment, and now, the thought of working for someone else seems quite out of the ordinary for me. This journey offers a unique blend of freedom and personal growth, where the autonomy to make decisions is just the beginning. It’s about the significant responsibility and satisfaction of assisting others in achieving their business ambitions.
Moreover, it’s all about the team. Having a reliable and capable team is a game-changer. They not only support the business’s vision and growth but also provide me with the flexibility to take vacations and time off when needed. This balance ensures that while I’m recharging, the business continues to thrive, thanks to the dedicated professionals I work with. Their support is instrumental in allowing me to enjoy the best of both worlds – professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
Brian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
InvictusFranchise Group stands out in the franchise brokerage industry by specializing in sales, consulting, and development. Our distinctiveness is rooted in a unique skill set and approach to facilitating franchise ownership dreams. As a rare presence of a man of color in this sector, I’ve cultivated a reputation for creating mutually beneficial outcomes for both franchisee candidates and franchisors.
My industry perspective is unique, offering insights that foster trust and underscore my commitment to clients’ best interests. Beyond matching individuals with franchises, I assist entrepreneurs in franchising their business models and support franchisors in divesting corporate-owned units.
My journey began in 2007 when I ventured into franchise brokering. The 2008 financial crisis tested my adaptability, presenting formidable challenges for a fledgling business. Despite these hurdles, I found success but sought further growth, leading me to a senior role at Shell Oil and Jiffy Lube, overseeing franchise development across 14 Western states. My achievements there rekindled my entrepreneurial spirit, prompting me to establish a new venture.
The journey taught me invaluable lessons: the importance of aligning with the right partners and brands, the necessity of integrity in safeguarding your reputation, the value of personal time to prevent burnout, and the fulfillment found in giving back and aiding others.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I am a living kidney donor who made the life-changing decision to donate a kidney to my brother 29 years ago. Fast forward to 2021, when I contracted Covid-19, I was unaware of the virus’s potential impact on my remaining kidney. It wasn’t until a routine medical appointment in 2022 that I discovered the virus had severely affected my kidney function, bringing me to the brink of a life-threatening situation.
I underwent dialysis for about a year, a process that was both time-consuming and physically draining. Despite the challenges and the toll it took on my energy levels, I remained committed to my work, striving to meet my clients’ needs while navigating my health issues.
Fortunately, in late 2023, my situation took a positive turn when I received a kidney transplant. This generous act from a donor offered me a new lease on life, allowing me to look forward to a future with renewed health and vitality.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
In the dynamic and competitive industry of franchise brokering, maintaining a solid reputation is not just about being visible; it’s about being effective, trustworthy, and client-centric. My reputation in this field stands strong, a testament to my consistent delivery of results and a genuine commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs, goals, and dreams of my clients.
Delivering results in franchise brokering means more than just closing deals. It involves a deep understanding of the market, an ability to forecast trends, and the expertise to match the right franchise opportunities with the right individuals or investors. My approach is holistic, focusing on the long-term success and satisfaction of the clients I serve, rather than just the immediate transaction.
Listening to my clients is at the core of what I do. This means not just hearing their words, but understanding their aspirations, their concerns, and their motivations. Whether they are seasoned investors looking to expand their portfolios or individuals stepping into the world of franchising for the first time, I take the time to delve into what they truly seek from their investment, ensuring that the choices we make together align with their broader personal and professional objectives.
This client-focused approach has allowed me to build lasting relationships within the industry, based on trust, respect, and mutual success. Clients know that when they work with me, they are not just getting a broker; they are gaining a partner who is invested in their success as much as they are. It’s this philosophy that has cemented my reputation in the franchise brokering industry as a professional who not only delivers results but also deeply values and prioritizes the aspirations and achievements of my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.invictusfranchisegroup.com
- Instagram: invictusfranchisegroup
- Facebook: invictusfranchisegroup
- Linkedin: invictusfranchisegroup
Image Credits
Claudio Robles for the Rebellion Agency