Are you the owner of a brick-and-mortar business who wants more customers, better staff retention, and to make more revenue? Are you always looking for more tips about how to grow your business? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as the Co-Founder and CEO of AR Workshop, Maureen Anders, shares secrets she’s learned along the way to grow her brick-and-mortar business to 125 locations.
Maureen Anders is a creator and entrepreneur who successfully founded four companies spanning stationery, event marketing, graphic design, arts and crafts, and retail. Most recently, she brought all of these categories together to create AR Workshop, a charming boutique studio concept designed to inspire creativity through hands-on craft classes, group activities, private parties, summer art camps, and a curated retail selection of gifts, home decor, and DIY-to-Go kits.
AR Workshop's flagship location opened in Pineville, NC in 2016, and within months there was high demand for franchising across the country. The brand reached 100 franchise locations in less than 3 years and continues to grow. Awards and accolades include 2021 Entrepreneur's #1 Top DIY Paint and Sip Studio Franchise, 2023 Top Franchises Under $100k, and Charlotte's Fast 50.
Anders was recognized as Charlotte's 40 under 40 in Charlotte Business Journal. Her mission to empower and inspire others, combined with her eye for impeccable branding, design aesthetic, and social content has been her recipe for success. In her spare time, Maureen enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, and lake life.
Be sure to take notes as Maureen shares:
How just saying yes to a big opportunity that scares you and figuring it later can take your business to the next level
Why having team members in roles where they can utilize their strengths and unique abilities will motivate them to stay with you for a long time
Why it’s fun to remember that as an entrepreneur you can choose to do whatever you want and every day can be different
Why when selecting franchisees you must be certain the person is passionate about growing the business and not just the product
Why if you want to succeed as a brick-and-mortar business you have to be involved in your community
Be prepared to be motivated to grow your brick-and-mortar with Maureen’s inspiring tips!
Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business.