A successful franchise is not always about growing as quickly as possible. Sometimes the smarter approach is to build the team, establish strong operations and expand when the business is ready.
That philosophy has helped Hal and Emilee Bruen develop their Granite Garage Floors franchise in Nashville since opening in 2017.
Today, the couple is preparing for additional growth across Middle Tennessee, but they are taking a careful approach to expansion.
From Restaurant Management to Franchise Ownership
Before becoming a franchise owner, Hal spent 11 years working in corporate restaurants.
He managed a large operation with approximately 75 employees, but the demanding schedule eventually became difficult to balance with family life. Nights, weekends and holidays were frequently devoted to work, leaving limited time with his wife and young daughter.
Hal began researching other career paths and eventually discovered Granite Garage Floors.
His personal interest in cars made the garage improvement business appealing, but he did not make the decision based on interest alone.
Hal spent time researching the company, speaking with franchise owners and visiting the Atlanta area, where he met Granite Garage Floors founder Alan Mishkoff. Those conversations helped him determine whether the franchise model could work in Nashville.
Hal and Emilee ultimately opened their Nashville territory in June 2017.
Husband-and-Wife Team Divides the Business
Like many new franchisees, the Bruens faced a learning curve when moving into business ownership.
Emilee initially kept her career as a dental assistant and office manager while Hal concentrated on developing the franchise. She later became more active in the company following the birth of their son.
Their previous professional experience helped them create clearly defined roles.
Hal manages estimates, customer meetings, proposals, lead follow-up and visits to installation projects.
Emilee concentrates on the financial and administrative side of the company, overseeing areas such as payroll, accounting and invoicing.
Both owners also understand the installation process and can work alongside their crews when additional help is required.
The structure allows each person to concentrate on their strengths while remaining closely connected to the overall business.
Creating Capacity Before Increasing Sales
The Nashville operation now serves a large territory covering Middle Tennessee.
With an established team in place, the next stage is expected to include additional installers and trucks. However, Hal does not want to increase sales faster than the company’s ability to deliver quality work.
The priority is developing installers who can consistently complete projects to the expected standard. Once that capacity is available, the company will be better positioned to take on additional customers.
It is a simple growth principle that applies well beyond the flooring business: sales growth needs operational capacity behind it.
The Value of a Franchise Network
Another part of the Bruens’ experience has been having a franchise organization behind the business.
Hal spoke with other owners before investing and wanted to join a developing franchise system where franchisees could participate in the brand’s growth.
Granite Garage Floors later became part of Threshold Brands in 2022. The home services franchise group also operates brands in areas including insulation, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, pest control, cleaning and property improvement.
For the Bruens, ongoing access to franchise leadership remains an important part of the relationship.
Growing Demand for Garage Improvements
Granite Garage Floors specializes in coating concrete floors, giving homeowners an option for creating cleaner, more attractive and durable garage spaces.
The opportunity sits within a growing segment of the home services industry.
North America’s concrete floor coatings market, which includes garage flooring applications, is projected to increase from roughly $453.4 million in 2024 to $602.4 million by 2030.
For Hal and Emilee, future expansion will be built on the same principles that helped establish their Nashville business: strong people, careful growth and direct involvement with customers.
Their experience also shows how franchise ownership can create a very different career path for someone ready to move beyond corporate life and build a business of their own.
Discover more about Granite Garage Floors franchise opportunities.
