Myers’ experience in the Navy prepared her to franchise with Smoothie King.
Alexandra Myers, a former Navy officer, found her passion for entrepreneurism following five years of military service.
While in the military, she found that there weren’t many healthy food options on the base. Because quality options were located in towns far from the base, she recognized an opportunity to provide people with healthy options on military bases through Smoothie King.
While in the Naval Academy, Myers studied engineering. Then, she went on to earn her Master’s in Business Administration at ESADE in Barcelona, Spain.
Now, the 33-year-old New Orleans native is currently the owner of eight Smoothie King locations, seven of which are located on military bases across the country. She credits her time in the Navy with preparing her to be a business owner.
As a Navy Officer, she had to manage large groups of people with varying personalities. She said that experience at a young age was invaluable.
With locations in six states, Myers will have 10 stores in totals—all accessible to service men and women—by the end of 2015. Her locations include Smoothie Kings at Fort Campbell, Fort Benning, Fort Bliss, Fort Polk, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field AFB, Barksdale AFB, Harker Heights and Fort Hood, and Clarksville, Tenn.
“I definitely didn’t see myself owning a franchise as a kid,” she said. “I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but I studied engineering. I guess I’m an example of how things can change.”
1851 Franchise: How did you learn about the brand?
Alexandra Myers: Having grown up in New Orleans, I was familiar with the brand. I was probably 12 years old when my uncle took me for the first time. Then, when I went to college, there were none in the area. I moved to California after college and came across different brands, but they weren’t as good as Smoothie King.
1851: Why did you choose an opportunity with Smoothie King?
AM: I see the brand growing, and there are a lot of opportunities for continued growth. There seems to be a lot of opportunities in different cities and on U.S. Military bases. It seems like there are a lot of opportunities with the franchise.
1851: Are you involved with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?
AM: Not currently—I’m currently focused on making sure my locations are running properly.
1851: What challenges have you overcome to get where you are now?
AM: Because I have so many different locations, there’s a challenge making sure all are running efficiently while I work remotely.
See more at: http://1851franchise.com/details/3212/Young-Franchisees-To-Know-Alexandra-Myers-#sthash.JAmLzTOI.dpuf
