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The Bigger Risk: Staying Too Long in Corporate
Most people think the biggest risk in business ownership is losing money. It’s not. The bigger risk is spending another 5–10 years in a job that looks stable… until it isn’t. I’ve watched high performers stay too long because the paycheck felt safe, the title felt earned, and the timing never felt perfect. Then the decision got made for them. The people who end up in the best situations usually aren’t the ones who waited until everything felt certain. They’re the ones
Chip Crutchfield
Aug 251 min read
Lessons from a Job Transition After Receiving My Five-Year Trophy
In 2009, I received my 5-year trophy from the company I was working for. I had a guaranteed raise and bonus every year, excellent benefits, and was having a record year. My team hit its revenue goal by Labor Day. Life felt solid. That same day, my coworker and I won the company-wide corn hole tournament. A few hours later, I was told I needed to transition my team and clients away by the end of the year. That moment changed everything for me. I had already seriously
Chip Crutchfield
Aug 181 min read
Overcoming Fears About Leaving a Steady Paycheck
Thinking about leaving the security of a steady paycheck for franchise ownership? You're not alone. Many prospective franchisees hesitate over common fears: - Will it replace my salary quickly enough? - What if it doesn’t work for me and my family? - Am I risking everything without the right skills? After 16 years running multi-unit franchises and a successful exit, I’ve seen these concerns are valid—but manageable. The difference comes from proper due diligence and
Chip Crutchfield
Jul 81 min read
Why Ideal Franchise Candidates Never Take the Leap
The ideal franchise candidate often never takes the leap. The people who usually make the best franchise owners are often the ones who stay on the sidelines the longest. They’re experienced professionals who value proven systems, have clear goals around lifestyle and income, and are coachable with realistic expectations. So why don’t they take the leap? Common reasons I hear: • “I have a good job with benefits. What if this doesn’t work?” • “There are thousands of o
Chip Crutchfield
Jul 11 min read
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