ZAGG franchisees come from various backgrounds, diversifying our larger company culture in a way special to the industry. Get to know the people behind the brand by chiming in with us every other month, where we chat with the boots on the ground that continue making the retail experience extraordinary.
August 2022 ZAGG Franchisee Spotlight: Bob & Barb Doran
This husband-wife duo opened their first ZAGG store in Columbus, Ohio in June 2009. Today, they own a total of 3 stores between Columbus and Cincinnati.
Bob started in the program while working a full-time job as a pilot and Barb joined a few years later. Their intention was to provide an income source to help their 5 children through college.
In 2018 they took Thomas Van Winkle in as a partner, achieving a new level of success with his help. Bob & Barb hope to retire in the near future and feel that Thomas will continue the success of the operation.
What made you want to open a ZAGG store?
Bob has always had an interest in business and Zagg seemed like an excellent opportunity to develop these skills.
What did you do before becoming a franchise owner?
Bob – Pilot, Barb – Home healthcare consultant.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a franchisee? What has been the most unexpected struggle?
The most rewarding aspect has been to see our young employees exploit this opportunity to become successful people. Some of our former employees have gone on to become teachers, sales people, business owners, and even a lawyer. Many of their business skills were developed at our store. The business has allowed us to help our children with college and realize personal dreams such as world-wide travel.
This particular moment in time is our biggest struggle: Post-COVID, reduced mall traffic, increased competition, and shortage of qualified employees. With all this we do see many opportunities for growth, mainly in the b2b arena. Columbus, Ohio is a growing area and full of promise.
Why did you choose the ZAGG franchise?
I stopped at a Best Buy in 2009 to replace my cell phone. The employee showed me this great new product, a ZAGG screen protector. I went home, researched the company and purchased stock in ZAGG. Shortly after, I inquired about business opportunities. Kenny called me back to answer my questions, then he and Aaron came to Ohio for a visit, and the rest is history.
If you could go back to when you opened your franchise, what would you do differently, if anything, and would you do it again?
Always market- talk to people and let them know what you do. If I was younger I would certainly do it all over again.
Have you always wanted to own your own business?
Yes
What are some tips you can give to fellow or aspiring small business owners?
As the program grows it is so important to have policies, systems and procedures in place. Work on and in your business. If you don’t ask, the answer is always NO.
Anything else you’d like to add about your experience in the industry or plans for the future?
This has been a great ride and we have met many wonderful people. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
You can find ZAGG Ohio on social media:
Polaris Fashion Place
Kenwood Towne Center
Polaris Fashion Place
