“I had already been researching both franchise and start-up opportunities for several months when I started working with Rick after reading his book “The Educated Franchisee”. His help, guidance, and support were critical in the process leading to my purchasing my new franchise. It was not an easy scenario – for personal reasons, I had very firm geographic boundaries in a relatively rural part of the country, and to make things even more challenging, I was recovering from a disabling injury. Even though I had read his book and was using the strategies outlined therein, working with Rick in the “discovery” phase was extremely enlightening. His input prompted me to re-examine some of my thoughts and assumptions, and his evaluation of my personality and style was invaluable. He came back with several business ideas, including one that I initially thought “no way, not ever, doesn’t fit”. But Rick said encouraged me to look into it. Much to my surprise, after thoroughly investigating everything, much to my surprise that was the business model that was head and shoulders above the 30 or so I looked at in total, with a franchise “style” that is very well suited to my personality. Due to my medical situation, the process probably took much longer than is typical (almost 10 months) – during that time, I felt that we became friends, even though we have never met in person, and he was extremely supportive with some of the personal challenges I was going through during my recovery. To sum up, I will be forever happy and grateful that I decided, almost on a whim, to fill out the franchisee consultant form that led to Rick and I working together – I would not be where I am today without it! Lee – Colorado