|
|
Hole in one: this
golf lover chose a franchise that fit him to a tee
The weather never changes and the course is no bigger than a cubicle, but
what Eric T. Head's indoor golf school franchise, GolfTec, lacks in scenery,
it makes up for in technology.
His school,
opened in May 2004, is equipped with everything from cameras to capture
views of students' postures to digital video and downloadable lessons to
help students develop the perfect swing. Yet, as advanced as the school is,
Head, 45, has proved that all it takes is sound business decisions to score
big in a short time. Head opened his franchise in Austin, Texas, because he
knew the
city's
residents were passionate about golf.
He also took advantage of the
franchisor's relationship
with a national golf-store chain, and by placing his franchise in one of its
Austin stores, he increased sales and attracted students. The
clincher has been the care
he takes to hire good
employees. "We have some of
the greatest technology to
provide a better golf
experience, but without
great people, it doesn't
help," Head says.
In March, Head opened a
second location
and, as of press time,
projected first-year sales
for the original store to
reach $350,000 to $450,000.
But for Head, GolfTec
represents more than just a
franchise. It symbolizes a
love for a game that keeps
him and his customers
returning for more. Says
Head, "All it takes is one
fabulous shot to bring you
back."
COPYRIGHT Entrepreneur
Media, Inc. COPYRIGHT Gale
Group
|
