The Entrepreneur’s Source Franchise Success Story: Luigi del Basso
So, you think it takes years to become an “overnight success”? We agree, preparation is key and success truly doesn’t happen overnight. But with help from The Entrepreneur’s Source®, North America’s leading career transition coaching franchise, business ownership success may only be a few months away for you!
That’s the case for Luigi Del Basso, owner of Zippy Shell of Tampa Bay. Zippy Shell is the country’s most affordable and innovative franchise portable storage and moving company. Zippy Shell has become a real market disrupter in a short amount of time, and Del Basso has benefited, greatly. His relationship with The Entrepreneur’s Source®, and alternative career coach Susan Mell helped him find his franchise match and remarkable success.
“I knew Luigi would do great with Zippy Shell because of the intangibles you simply can’t teach,” said Mell. “He is very professional, very focused, and extremely positive. He sees the possibilities, not the obstacles.”
We had an opportunity to talk with Luigi about his background, his new career, and living in one of the fastest growing areas of the country.
- Q: Luigi-please tell us about yourself.
Born and raised in London, I graduated college with degrees in Math, Physics, and Computer Science. I founded my own payment processing global software company in 1987 and spent the next 20 years literally traveling the world. I had clients in 22 different countries. There were times I wasn’t even sure what day it was!
The traveling sounds glamorous , but it will wear you out. Plus, my family was growing up without me being there. So, I sold it all in 2011 and decided to move to Tampa, preferring to be a consultant with my old company for US clients here.
- Q: Why Tampa?
We had a vacation home here for years because we loved the Gulf Coast beaches. Plus, the weather is considerably nicer than the UK!
I also liked the fact my travel time was considerably less flying within the US borders. But, I was still dashing to the airport, leaving home for days at a time. I was getting antsy to make a change.
- Q: What were your options?
One option I rejected was going to work for anyone else. I hadn’t done that since I was 23.
So, I started investigating starting another business, taking over an existing business, or investing in a franchise.
As I studied those options, I realized I had no energy or desire to start something from scratch. And even though I had experience turning around struggling companies, that didn’t appeal to me either. So, I started to do a deep dive into franchising.
- Q: How did The Entrepreneur’s Source® and Susan Mell help you find Zippy Shell?
I had dealt with business brokers and consultants before, but what made Susan stand out was her genuine interest in learning my “WHY”. She WANTED to take the time to get to know me, what MY goals were for my family and me, and do whatever she could to help me match those goals with a franchise which offered a proven service and product, and one I could really believe in. She showed me the true difference between a broker and a coach.
- Q: What was the process like?
After months of doing research, attending countless seminars, and just trying to find an opportunity through my own efforts, Susan helped me streamline the whole process by getting me to focus on my goals, needs, and expectations. What income did I want? What kind of lifestyle did I desire? Were there real Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity opportunities? (I.L.W.E.)
After working with me on my possibilities profile, Susan presented me with options in the travel-leisure business, as well as food services, but the one which really answered all my questions, was Zippy Shell.
- Q: Why Zippy Shell?
Their business model is so far superior to what the whole industry is doing, plus Tampa is a super-desirable place for people looking to move to a new location.
I could also see opportunities for rapid growth with Zippy Shell. But the biggest clincher: I truly believed in the company’s concept enough to go “all in.” We opened in August, of 2017.
- Q: You have had some significant early success…yes?
Yes. Of the 51 current Zippy Shell franchisees, I was the first ever in the company’s history to book 100 clients in just THREE MONTHS! Not only that, but I was told it usually takes 15 months to two years to turn a profit. We accomplished that goal in just FIVE MONTHS.
It’s all about working the franchise model correctly, hiring the right personnel, target marketing, hard work, and being in the right place at the right time.
- Q: What’s the next goal?
200 new clients by 2018, and become the number one volume franchise in the US. I think both goals are very reachable since we’re planning to expand our Tampa base. I want to create a business of significant value.
- Q: What’s been the impact on your lifestyle?
It’s been great! My home/work life balance is so much better, and I really can get involved in all sorts of the kid’s activities, of which I sponsor many. The kid’s love that because when people see me, they say, “Hey, it’s the Zippy Shell guy!” No one ever said, “Hey, there’s the business software guy!”
If you’re ready to take that next step to becoming empowered, and not just employed, and finding your franchise match, The Entrepreneur’s Source® is ready to help. Just click on this link https://entrepreneurssource.com/contact.html to get started.