In FocalPoint, Successful Business Builder Finds The Ideal Outlet For His Talent and Expertise

In FocalPoint, Successful Business Builder Finds The Ideal Outlet For His Talent & Expertise

Growing up with a father who was a small business owner awakened the entrepreneurial spirit in John Waters early on, "I was always around it, so I was aware of the work ethic that went into owning a business," Waters recalled. While still in college, at Arizona State University, Waters launched two businesses- a janitorial contracting company and an investment club. Since then he's gone on to have a successful 28-year career as an owner, partner and consultant in several business ventures.

Discovering a Concept With Values That Resonate

A year ago, Waters began looking online for a business to own, "I wanted to develop my own career path, have more control and improve my quality of life," he explained. "Ultimately, my search led me to Franchise.com. On Franchise.com I was able to look at different types of businesses that I'd be interested in owning, in areas that I'm good at and enjoy…I had done business consulting so I began researching business coaching franchises. I narrowed it down to four or five business coaching concepts."

Waters inquired about the concepts of interest on Franchise.com. After extensive due diligence, Waters purchased his FocalPoint Business Coaching franchise in early August 2009. "I was very impressed with the caliber, character and integrity of the dozen and a half or so FocalPoint coaches that I spoke with over the phone. I believed in the content, core values, leadership and strength of the company, as well as FocalPoint's ability to provide strategic, tactical support and methodology that delivers. The company was developed by Brian Tracy, a world-renowned business expert and one of the top speakers and authors on business development and growth. FocalPoint's values are aligned with my values.The content and the business model, combined with my background led me to choose the FocalPoint concept," Waters said.

A Passion For Helping Businesses Grow

In addition to his FocalPoint Business Coaching business, Waters will also continue his role as an executive partner at Creative Environments Design & Landscape, a landscape and pool design company that he joined 10 years ago. "I consulted with them because they felt overwhelmed by the company's growth. They were working in the business, not on the business… I put operational systems in place, implemented standard operating procedures tied to employee performance and compensation plans, and helped them grow it to a $42 million dollar company at its peak in 2006," he noted. Waters was also instrumental in branding the company as the leader in pool design and landscaping in the Phoenix, AZ area and establishing an agreement that made the company the exclusive local provider for The Home Depot.

"I have a passion for helping small and medium-sized businesses grow," Waters explained. "Back when I was launching my own businesses I discovered that you often don't know who to turn to when you have questions. In the early years you are doing a lot yourself. When business owners are so immersed in the business they can lose perspective in key areas. They need someone they can turn to and say, 'How do I handle this?'. As a FocalPoint business coach, that's a perspective that I can provide. I will be an advisory board and I'll act as CEO, giving them perspective, accountability and direction."

"My background and experience has made me tremendously confident in knowing that I can help business leaders…I've seen the entire business cycle and I've gotten results for startup businesses, businesses that are growing and businesses that are in decline…I can help companies leverage the resources and strengths of others to grow their business and I can guide them in making the best choices and decisions for future growth," he said. "Business mistakes can be very costly. Minimizing hurdles, mistakes and failures can mean a huge ROI for business owners who utilize the FocalPoint coaching services."

Outstanding Training And Support

Although Waters has 28 years of business development and ownership experience, he has nonetheless been extremely impressed with the training and support that he's received from FocalPoint, "The training was outstanding. It covered the full gamut, including concepts, power principles, methodologies, setting up the business and marketing. We also had breakout sessions, where we practiced role playing…and getting business owners to that ‘aha moment' where they realize the extent to which our coaching services can help them."

"I'm on two weekly calls to ensure I'm on track with the business and there are additional calls that I can tap into. I've also formed a group with the individuals I trained with and am part of the Centurion Club where our goal is to make a certain number of calls to generate the type of leads necessary to grow the business," he said.

Poised For Growth

Waters splits his days between his office at Creative Environments Design & Landscape, and a second, nearby office in the Phoenix-metro area where he devotes his time to developing his FocalPoint business. "Right now my schedule is packed, but once the business is rolling I'll have more flexibility. Initially I will meet with clients' onsite at their locations to get an understanding of the dynamics and culture of their organizations and then we'll have coaching sessions in my office or over the phone," he said.

Although Waters currently doesn't have employees, "I anticipate hiring an assistant and I will hire at least three coaches- so there will be four coaches including myself.  Each license allows for four coaches, so I may possibly purchase additional licenses…I expect to grow the business," he explained.

Waters recommends the FocalPoint franchise opportunity to individuals who have a keen understanding of how businesses function, share his passion for helping small and medium businesses succeed and, "Believe that learning is an ongoing process, you can't be complacent, you have to stay on the cutting-edge of what's going on in the marketplace in order to help other businesses succeed and grow."