Buddy’s Home Furnishings has been a prominent player in the rent-to-own industry for over six decades, quietly establishing itself as one of franchising’s best-kept secrets. In a landscape dominated by fast-food chains, drive-through coffee shops, and fleeting food truck trends, Buddy’s stands out as a unique proposition, bringing the rent-to-own concept to the forefront.
So, what sets Buddy’s apart and contributes to its success, with a remarkable 91% multi-unit franchise ownership base? The answer lies in the heartbeat of Buddy’s – its people. CEO Michael Bennett attributes the company’s enduring success to its people-centric approach and the fostering of a family-like culture.
According to Bennett, Buddy’s has reached its current position by prioritizing relationships over transactions. He emphasizes the significance of valuing connections with customers, vendors, fellow franchisees, and the support team. It’s about building a community that extends beyond the transactional, creating a network of individuals proud to be part of the Buddy’s family.
A pivotal aspect of Buddy’s success is its commitment to fostering a healthy business culture, exemplified by its annual leadership conference. Bennett describes it as a blend of celebration, learning, and future planning, all wrapped in an atmosphere of enjoyment. The culture at Buddy’s instills pride in its people, with a motto that “Buddy’s is Better,” rooted in a belief in their team and the service they provide to communities nationwide.
The rent-to-own industry itself is built on relationships, dating back to its emergence in the 1950s. Responding to customer demand for acquiring household products without incurring debt, Buddy’s has carried this legacy into the modern era by maintaining strong relationships with customers seeking an affordable way to obtain home necessities.
Buddy’s commitment to a familial culture is further reflected in its dedicated fleet of support personnel for franchise owners, known as Franchise Consultants. These consultants serve as liaisons between Buddy’s headquarters, franchise owners in the field, and their local communities, with the primary goal of ensuring the success of franchisees.
Chaz Wilson, Buddy’s first Franchise Consultant, played a pivotal role in opening the initial Buddy’s franchise in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and has since contributed to the opening of more than 200 stores. Reflecting on his role, Wilson emphasizes the reward of helping colleagues enhance their stores, communities, and the Buddy’s family. Franchise Consultants play a vital role in helping franchisees open new stores, integrate into local communities, and grow their businesses efficiently.
Buddy’s people-first culture, coupled with tangible unit economics, is a compelling combination that keeps franchisees coming back for more. The top 25% of stores, on average, boast $1,467,253 in gross sales and $437,295 in cash flow per store, demonstrating the financial viability of the Buddy’s franchise model.
For those intrigued by the prospect of joining the best-kept secret in franchising, Buddy’s Home Furnishings invites you to explore more at BuddysFranchising.com or schedule a call with Mitchell Lee, Buddy’s Director of Franchise Development.
It’s essential to note that the provided financial information reflects the Average Gross Sales and Average Free Cash Flow for the Top 25% of Buddy’s Home Furnishings company-owned retail businesses in the entirety of the 2022 fiscal year. Potential franchisees are encouraged to refer to Item 19 of the 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document for a comprehensive understanding. This advertisement is not an offer to sell or solicitation to buy a franchise and is subject to compliance with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in each state.
Liked what you read? Follow us on Linkedin.
Want your franchise news to be covered? Send your Press Release.
