By Laura Sweeney
September 2, 2010
Like many Baby Boomers, Scott and Virginia Hanson came to a point in their lives when they wanted to make a change and move on to a new phase in their work and lives. Kitchen Tune-Up filled this void.
| Scott and Virginia Hanson |
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Moving east to New York to pursue their careers on Wall Street and in data management, the Hansons grew tired of their fast paced careers and constantly being on call.
“Our days started with an hour commute. And the workday went from 7 in the morning to 8:30 at night,” says Virginia.
Despite the tiring workdays, they enjoyed what their New York home offered for several years. Living on Long Island, they spent much of their free time on their boat fishing in the ocean.
“We enjoyed the lifestyle of New York,” said Scott. “We enjoyed the theater. We went to Broadway often and the restaurants were also interesting.”
However, the events of 9/11, along with other factors, convinced the Hansons that it was time to move back home and start a new adventure of their own.
“Our kids wanted us to come home. Before 9/11 it was very easy to come home for a weekend, but traveling became difficult,” said Virginia, a former project manager. “We were just concerned about being in New York and my son was expecting his first daughter.”
Upon their arrival back in their home state of Illinois, the Hansons began to explore the many options that this new freedom offered. When researching each opportunity, the duo carefully developed a business plan and thought about what an average day would entail in a new business.
They liked the idea of opening a bed and breakfast, but realized running a bed and breakfast was not the change of pace they were looking for in a new business.
So they decided to try a different approach in their search.
“We looked at a lot of franchises because they already have the whole business plan set up,” said Scott. “They already invented the wheel, so why reinvent it?”
After meeting with multiple franchises and doing research, the Hansons decided Kitchen Tune-Up was the right fit for them.
“We have moved around a lot and did a lot of remodeling of our own homes. We found more bad contractors than good,” said Virginia. The Hansons felt they “could run a business that people could respect the people who are taking care of them,” she added, describing her thought process.
The Hansons don’t regret the career moves and decisions preceding Kitchen Tune-Up and have thoroughly embraced their new business. Virginia enjoys meeting customers for the first time and helping them discover what kind of “tune-up” fits their needs. Scott finds his role exciting, recalling his childhood when he explains the importance of the kitchen in a household..
“When I was a little kid all the business [my parents] did was in the kitchen. That’s where we talked to people. We sat down in their kitchen and talked to them,” says Scott. “It affirms that the kitchen is the center of the house.”
Now after more than six years with Kitchen Tune-Up, the Hansons have been very successful in the Chicago area, earning many awards, such as the 2009 President’s Club Award from the Kitchen Tune-Up home office and the National Customer Service Award on Angie’s List for the last four years.
They advise others who are looking for a change to do their research and come up with a thorough business plan.
Scott adds that they need “to research what they would like to do, ask lots of questions and research the whole finance side of it.” He goes on to explain that owning a franchise is not a turnkey affair like many believe.
Now with a new lifestyle in their hometown of Chicago, the Hansons enjoy remodeling kitchens and relaxing. They still enjoy their time by the water and reading books, but leave the fishing to others.
“What people call fish here is what we call bait in the ocean,” says Scott lightheartedly.
With a smooth transition from the Atlantic Ocean back to Lake Michigan, the Hansons have successfully moved on to the next phase of their lives together.
For more information on Kitchen Tune-Up or to contact Scott and Virginia Hanson, visit www.kitchentuneup.com/svhanson or e-mail at svhanson@kitchentuneup.com.