We recently connected with David J. Franco and have shared our conversation below.

David J., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

In 2021, during a week-long trip to New Jersey, I found myself in urgent need of a vehicle.That’s when fate led me to Turo, often described as the ‘Airbnb of car rentals’. Renting a Tesla Model 3 was a breeze; a quick Uber ride to the host’s location, and I was behind the wheel in no time, with no waiting or hassles. The experience left me genuinely impressed. Upon returning to my Florida home, I couldn’t shake the idea that had formed during that trip – the idea of creating a similarly smooth and convenient car rental experience. With this newfound inspiration, I embarked on a journey to turn that idea into reality, and ‘Need A Rental’ was born.
The next days and weeks were a whirlwind of research, planning, and learning. I immersed myself in the world of car rentals, studying market trends, legal requirements, and customer expectations. It was a process of continuous discovery, turning every hour into an opportunity to refine my vision.
However, like many entrepreneurial journeys, the initial steps were daunting. ‘Need A Rental’ began on the Turo platform in 2022, and the first two cars in our fleet were a BMW 3 Series and a convertible Mustang. However, the initial months were a financial struggle. I had to fund everything out of my own pocket, and profitability remained elusive.
Yet, I refused to be discouraged. With every challenge, I gained valuable experience and insights. I learned from my mistakes, adjusted my strategy, and remained patient. Slowly but steadily, the business started to gain traction. The cars were in high demand, and bookings started pouring in. It was the turning point that validated my determination.
With newfound confidence, I reinvested some of the profits back into the business, acquiring additional vehicles to expand our fleet. The growth was exponential – more cars meant more bookings, and ‘Need A Rental’ was no longer just a dream; it was a thriving reality.
Looking ahead, my business partner and I have ambitious plans to further expand ‘Need A Rental.’ Our vision is to transform it into an exotic car rental company, with the goal of expanding our fleet to over 100 cars. The journey from a mere idea to where we stand today has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and an unwavering commitment to creating a better rental experience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello to those who might be discovering my journey for the first time. I’m an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of businesses, and I’m particularly excited to share the story of ‘Need A Rental,’ my car rental venture. My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 16 when I ventured into the world of online business. This early endeavor became a crucial learning ground, equipping me with valuable skills in graphic design, marketing, entrepreneurship, and business management. To further hone my craft, I pursued a four-year university education focused on graphic design and commercial arts.

These educational experiences opened doors for me, leading to professional roles in graphic design and marketing. Eventually, my journey took an exciting turn when I joined Valuetainment, a dynamic platform led by entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I hold a deep passion for music creation, having recorded several songs and instrumentals over the years.

‘Need A Rental’ is a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit. We provide car rental solutions that prioritize convenience and efficiency. Our mission is to make the rental process seamless, ensuring our clients get behind the wheel of their desired vehicles without hassle. What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We continually seek ways to enhance our services, making car rental an exceptional experience.

What I’m most proud of is the journey itself—the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the ability to adapt and grow, and the passion that fuels every project I undertake. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand represents dedication to excellence and a commitment to providing valuable solutions. Whether you’re in need of a car rental or simply looking for inspiration, I’m excited to have you join me on this incredible journey of entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I initiated the financial support for my business by allocating funds from my various investments, including stocks, and even from my income derived from my 9-5 job.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’d like to share some valuable reading recommendations that have had a profound impact on my journey as an entrepreneur. First and foremost, I highly recommend diving into ‘Unreasonable Hospitality’ by William Guidara. This is an absolute must-read for business owners seeking insights into the transformative power of exceptional customer service.

Another book that has been instrumental in shaping my mindset is ‘The Energy Bus’ by Jon Gordon. In this insightful work, Gordon explores how to harness positivity and channel it into achieving personal and professional goals. The book offers practical strategies for controlling negativity and generating the kind of energy that can drive success for you, your team, your organization, and even your family.

Beyond these books, I’ve drawn inspiration from a wealth of philosophical quotes. One of my favorites is from Napoleon Hill, who said, ‘Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.’ This quote serves as a constant reminder of the limitless potential within us all.

Lastly, in my journey, I’ve placed a profound emphasis on keeping God first in my life. This spiritual foundation provides me with strength, purpose, and guidance as I navigate the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.

I hope these recommendations and insights resonate with you as they have with me, and I encourage you to explore these resources to fuel your own personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://djfgraphix.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/needarental?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Other: https://turo.com/us/en/drivers/26408042

Image Credits
Photographer: Victor Morales Edits: DJF Graphix