Terrell Barkett: Building Success With Integrity
Springfield, MO Franchise
Terrell always knew he wanted to be self-employed, and his list of non-negotiable criteria was pretty lengthy. He wanted a service-based business, not an asset-based one. He wanted lots of ongoing customer contact. He wanted the opportunity to earn from residual transactions. He wanted a process that was tried and true. And he wanted an opportunity that would allow him to always operate with integrity. So he started doing his homework, and something about Unishippers intrigued him. The concept was unique, the opportunity seemed almost limitless, and the flexibility fit right into his lifestyle. Plus, Terrell says he appreciated that the Unishippers organization is very collaborative. So he left his career in automobile sales and financing, and opened his Unishippers doors in Springfield, Missouri.
Terrell is the first to admit that owning your own business isn’t always easy. You have to be willing to hire the right people – people who have skills that you don’t. You have to be willing to take a few risks, and constantly educate yourself and improve your skills. And you have to adapt to the needs of your customers, instead of expecting them to adapt to you.
But the rewards for Terrell are greater than anything he ever imagined. While Terrell always works hard, he truly enjoys the balance the Unishippers lifestyle has given to him and his family. And he makes sure that balance extends to his employees as well. He makes certain to hire people with the same sense of integrity he’s always had, and then empowers them to do their job well. Terrell believes that helping his employees grow and develop personally is very important to how they perform professionally. And it’s all part of the positive work environment he wants to maintain.
With Terrell’s positive attitude and hard work, he’s managed to achieve 20% growth over the past year. And yet he says he still hasn’t come close to maxing out on the potential of his franchise. His lifestyle, income and satisfaction are all beyond his expectations, and they continue to get even better. Terrell says it’s all a matter of being willing to make the decisions and sacrifices without compromising your integrity. And that’s something he definitely knows how to do well.
> Find out how Janine Ahlstedt followed a “logical” path to success.
