Franchisee Spotlight: April Williams

Each month, we will shine a spotlight on one of our franchise owners who is growing and improving their business. This Q&A format is intended to share real stories, encouragement and best practices to help others in The Grounds Guys’ network. April Williams owns The Grounds Guys of Cedar Creek Lake and she has a great story to share.

April: My dream at the beginning was to have the business run without me. Now, that I have achieved this, my motivation has changed. My new found motivation is to select motivated individuals and help them to reach their goals.

Question 2: With four years owner of The Grounds Guys of Cedar Creek Lake, what has been your favorite part of being in this business?

April: Joining a group of high achievers by joining the Dwyer Group. My favorite part at this time is growing people. I am new to this concept and seeing the results of helping people find their way by following The Grounds Guys system is very rewarding. This allows the entire team to service our community with quality services, looking good doing it (see below!). This has proven to be a great morale booster. We look great, we act great, we are great at what we do and our customers rave! I can’t wait to see what is next in our future.

Question 3: What do you believe are the three most important characteristics of a successful GUY franchisee?

April: Consistency, Leadership, Patience. With these three, it really helps me to stay focused on the big picture. Our team excels at the daily tasks and staying focused on consistency, leadership and patience helps me to keep my eye on the ball, organized and balanced. I believe in order to have a successful franchisee, these three play a major role.

Question 4: What are your Keys to business success and personal success? 

April: Build relationships with individuals who are where I want to be. The Dwyer Group has been such an inspiration, they not only show the way, but they go the way. All I have to do is put in the time, dedication and focus to follow the lead. My personal success/growth hit a plateau in 2016. At last year's Reunion, Chief Operating Officer Mary Kennedy Thompson was kind enough to share a list of her books that she credited to her personal growth. I made it a personal goal to read every book. As I started that journey, I was introduced to authors and books that have really helped me to stretch myself and enhance my own leadership abilities. I look back and see that I really had no understanding of leadership or how to lead. My team’s growth is an extension of my personal growth. I dedicate time to learn how to connect with people, lead people and help people. Now, I am learning how to go and that is turning into an ability of being able to teach and show others how to go. It was very difficult getting started on this new path, but 12 months into it, I am really seeing the benefits and watching others benefit too.

Question 5: What advice would you offer to GUY zees with less than five years in the GUY network?

April: Being an owner is hard -- very hard at the beginning. You’re the first one up and the last one to leave. You have to have a great attitude even through the difficult times. Even though I have been encouraged by other successful owners, no one said it was going to be easy, but it is worth it! Set achievable goals, make sure you take a little time to celebrate your achievements, and quickly set your next goal. Never underestimate the compounding results of consistency. Be consistent, be persistent and always make improvements not only in your business but also personally. Your company will be a reflection of yourself. Make sure you would work for you and like who you are and stick with it no matter how hard that gets at times.