|
Category:
Published: January 2008
Managing partners of Extra Innings, Joe and Amy Fairley, explain how their previous careers paved the way for success in launching an Extra Innings franchise here in the Capital District.
Success Magazine: What does success mean to you?
Amy & Joe Fairley: Our aim has always been to live life 100%, whether that manifests in the effort we place in raising our children; our drive into various volunteer efforts; or the ethical pursuit of various business endeavors we have undertaken. We think of success as having the capability to pursue each of these areas of our lives to the fullest.
SM: What made you enter into your own business?
AF & JF: Extra Innings is not our first business venture. We owned a facility services company in California previously, so the idea of launching a business is familiar to us. While our eventual move back to the Capital District meant an end to our services company, it did provide us with a wealth of knowledge, making this project easier for us.
Extra Innings was simply the right business opportunity, at the perfect time in our careers. A passion for sports, baseball in particular, coupled with a fantastic market opportunity here in the Capital District, came together at the right time for us.
SM: Why did you choose to open a franchise instead of venturing out on your own with your own idea?
AF & JF: Nine years of experience working as the International EVP of Operations/Sales & Marketing for a leading franchise company provided a strong foundation of knowledge in franchising. I aided franchise owners in eight countries with their business startups and learned from their successes and failures. We always have had our eyes on various business opportunities, but the Extra Innings franchise structure and business opportunity had all the right ingredients for individual franchise success. Joining the Extra Innings franchise community has truly been the marriage of our own ideas on both business and baseball, coupled with the experience of the Extra Innings corporate staff.
SM: What made you choose the Extra Innings franchise over other franchises?
AF & JF: All business owners need true passion for the business; the potential customers they will serve; and the community in which they live. We searched for a franchise that would utilize our passionscommunity service, the development of youth, customer service, and, of course, an intensity and zeal for all that is baseball and softball!
The Extra Innings franchise opportunity, with their staff and development experts, made the choice very easy for us. They combine an outstanding registered brand, with their unique "Triple Threat" operating system, and the technology and personal experience to support each franchise business.
SM: Why did you choose to open the Extra Innings franchise in Ballston Spa?
AF & JF: We began the process in mid 2006 with interviews and inquiries of trusted friends, peers, and business experts. With initial studies in-hand and the advice of the Extra Innings Franchise Company (EIFC) we launched five months of targeted investigation. We studied market demographics, travel patterns, competition, consumer buying patterns, and available and appropriate real estate. The result was a placement in the heart of Saratoga County, in Ballston Spa. Our placement meant that 55% of the population of Saratoga County was directly south of our location, 45% north; with Saratoga County being at the heart of approximately an eight county territory that we had purchased from Extra Innings. Land adjacent to Hwy 50, just south of Hwy 67, and just minutes from the Northway was a perfect fit. In addition, the friendly business environment and support from the Town of Ballston, was the icing on the cake.
SM: Did you have to provide a business plan and financials to open your new franchise?
AF & JF: We did. Our experience of aiding hundreds of business owners over the years with their business plans, made this process very smooth for us. The existing community of Extra Inning franchise owners, were a great help with insight and information into the financial strengths and challenges of our business. Throughout the process we had expert advice locally from the business community; including our bankers at HSBC; real estate professionals from Prudential; accountants, West & Co.; our attorneys, Jones Ferradino; our engineer, Northeast Land Survey; Paone Architecture; and most importantly our local general contractor, Munter Enterprises.
SM: What skills do you have that will make you a successful entrepreneur?
AF & JF: The most important skills we rely on are our abilities for patience and flexibility. I (JF) have 12 years of coaching experience, most of which is in the very competitive environment of California baseball; and Amy has numerous years experience in customer service and youth development activities. We know these skills are only a small part of a picture of success. Both of us exhibit a passion for sports and recreation. This passion, with our business abilities and experiences will be a good foundation for our service business. We believe much of our success will come from our abilities to listen to the needs of the market and our customers. We will never stop striving for improvement in every aspect of the business.
SM: How did you choose your contractor to build your facility?
AF & JF: Hopefully we did so the same way others have... by reading about them in Success Magazine! Seriously, just over a year ago as we searched for our real estate, we came upon the (then) current issue of Success Magazine, and in it an article about Munter Enterprises. We began asking our advisors about Munter and found them to be everything the article depicted, and much more. We strongly believe in supporting local Capital District businesses, so we began immediate conversations with the Munters about our project. Over a year later, we could not be more pleased with our decision.
SM: Have you contracted for other Extra Innings franchise opportunities in the NY area?
AF & JF: We are indeed in conversations about other Extra Innings locations and further development of our existing location. Already in plan is a 2nd and 3rd phase of our Ballston location. As we branch out, we will look to partner with others in various markets to guarantee that local focus and attention. For that reason, we have formed our own real estate company as the vehicle for expansion. This spring we launched MAJIK Real Estate Services LLC which is already marketing premier commercial lease space within our Ballston Extra Innings location. Other locations will follow. Our immediate focus however, is to provide all of the support and resources possible to make this Capital District location the premier indoor softball and baseball training center & pro-shop in the area.
SM: Now that you have completed your first venture into the world of entrepreneurs, what advice can you give to future business owners as they are starting out?
AF & JF: Have patience! Nothing in business necessarily follows the perfect plan every day. Certainly, do have a plan! A structured business with sound financial and operational goals and objectives is imperative. Remember however, that all great plans get changed!
SM: How important is it for new business owners to plan for promoting their new business?
AF & JF: Every business, from the local mom & pops to the national chains, need to spend dollars on marketing and advertising. Not only is it important to get your name into the market, but to continually educate the market as to the features and benefits of doing business with your company. We are currently working with the Extra Innings Franchise Company, as they continually update the types of promotions and marketing opportunities that should be put into motion when launching a facility. Marketing cannot and should not be the necessary evil. This too needs to be a passion for all business owners. Those who are successful are the ones who truly communicate that passion in messages to their existing and potential customers.
SM: What special promotions have you planned to open your new facility?
AF & JF: Because of our diverse offerings in softball and baseball training opportunities for both individuals and teams; along with our extensive retail pro-shop; our promotions too are diverse. We will be having our Grand Opening on Saturday December 29th with: free food, drinks, instructional activities, free batting cage use, games, contests, and much more. A complete promotions list is on-line at our website. You can download a brochure and provide us with your email address to receive immediate news of these promotions as they are updated throughout the year. One promotion in particular that we will mention is our "1st in '08 Greatest Softball Weekend", featuring coaching from University of Tennessee's Lady Vols Softball. It is being held January 4th-6th. This is an activity that no ladies fast-pitch softball enthusiast should miss!
|
