How A Family-First Pivot Built Two Thriving Businesses In A Niche Market | Jerry French

Send us a text What happens when a corporate sales leader swaps the corner office for family time — and ends up building two thriving brands instead? Summary: A former tech sales leader shares how losing a franchise became the best thing that ever happened. From setting boundaries that shaped the business model to launching a manufacturing arm that wins architectural specs, this episode dives into the discipline, strategy, and relationships that fuel sustainable growth without burnout. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari 💡 GOLD NUGGETS (Key Moments) • why family hours set the business model • lessons from a franchise territory loss • supplier training and hiring for skill transfer • early pricing discipline and margin traps • choosing commercial over residential for predictability • operating as a subcontractor to general contractors • launching a manufacturing brand alongside installs • winning specs with AIA CEUs and a spec builder • pacing growth to protect reputation and delivery • building a multi-generational team and future exit options 🔗 Guest Links • Website: www.awningsaboveus.com • Website: www.skyscapecanopies.com  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-french-9928351/ 🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari • Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast • LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/ • Website | https://chrislalomia.com From the Zoo to Wild is a book for entrepreneurs passionate about home services, looking to move away from corporate jobs. Chris Lalomia, a former executive, shares his path, discoveries, and tools to succeed as a small business owner in home improvement retail. The book provides the mindset, habits, leadership style, and customer-oriented processes necessary to succeed as a small business owner in home services.