By Clarence Howell, Marco’s Pizza

My journey into franchising began during one of the most uncertain times in recent history, the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For over a decade, I had been working in the oil and gas industry, a solid career that provided stability. But in 2021, as the world seemed to be in chaos and so many lives were upended, I found myself asking a deeper question: What is my why?

I wanted to do more than just work for a paycheck. I wanted to make a positive impact for my family and my community. My wife and I started searching for opportunities that aligned with this calling, and after much research and reflection, we found franchising.

In January 2024, we opened our first Marco’s Pizza location in Crosby, Texas. This milestone represents much more than just a business venture. It’s a fulfillment of a vision grounded in faith, purpose, and legacy.

Why Franchising?

What drew us to franchising wasn’t just the opportunity to own a business. It was the promise of a proven framework for growth that also allows us to put our personal touch on the work we do every day.

Franchising lets everyday people like me experience business ownership without reinventing the wheel. You get to be in business “for yourself, but not by yourself.” It’s a model that scales, offers operational support, and most importantly, empowers us to engage and uplift our local communities.

This path also gives me a chance to teach my sons about hard work, stewardship, and legacy — lessons that I want to pass down through ownership and leadership.

Lessons Learned

Transitioning from a corporate career to franchise owner brought a steep learning curve, but faith and discipline kept me grounded.

One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of having a clear, written plan, and sticking to it. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” That scripture has become a guiding principle in how I lead my business.

I quickly realized that ownership means taking full responsibility for everything including the successes and the challenges. It’s your ship to steer, and you own every outcome.

Understanding the numbers behind the business was another crucial lesson. It’s not just about what’s left in the bank at the end of the month; it’s about knowing the key performance indicators that drive those results.

Finally, I learned the value of building the right team. Early on, I thought I could do everything myself, but that approach was holding us back. Surrounding myself with skilled people has been essential for sustainable growth.

The Impact of the Franchise Ascension Initiative

The Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI) was a game-changer for me. For six months, I was immersed in an environment of franchise excellence and leadership, learning directly from some of the best minds in franchising.

FAI was more than education, it was access. It gave me a seat at the table and helped me clearly define where I want to go on my franchise journey, along with multiple ways to get there.

This program didn’t just teach me how to operate a franchise; it opened my eyes to the strategic thinking, community-building, and servant leadership required to succeed for the long haul.

A Word to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To anyone considering franchising or the Franchise Ascension Initiative, my advice is simple: Just do it (JDI). I didn’t coin the phrase, but it’s one that I’ve adopted a long time ago.

Even if you’re unsure about franchising specifically, the lessons and frameworks you’ll learn will serve you well no matter what path you take. It’s about more than business, it’s about building a legacy and leading with purpose.

Moving Forward in Faith and Leadership

Franchising has given me a platform to live out my faith through business and leadership. I am grateful for the opportunity to build something that will benefit my family, my community, and hopefully, inspire others along the way.

The world may still feel uncertain, but through franchising, I’ve found a way to be a force for good, guided by vision, fueled by faith, and committed to legacy.

Clarence Howell is a Marco’s Pizza franchise owner. For more information about IFA franchisor member Marco’s Pizza, please visit franchise.org/franchise-opportunities/marcos-pizza/.