The Transition from Champions to Entrepreneurs

Having competed in curling for Team Canada at three Olympic games, Jennifer Jones and Brent Laing possess a wealth of experience in battling challenges and achieving success. Jennifer’s Gold win in 2014 is a testament to the dedication and determination that define their competitive spirit.

Now, having retired from the ice rink, the dynamic duo has redirected their tenacity towards a new venture – a family-owned lawn care franchise in Ontario, Canada, known as Weed Man.

The Evolution of Weed Man

Weed Man, a well-established lawn care company based in Ontario, holds a remarkable position as the 281st franchise on the 2024 Franchise 500 list. Laing’s familial ties to the franchise run deep, with his parents laying the foundation by opening the business in 1982 and acquiring an additional territory in 1992. Drawing from his teenage and early 20s’ experience of working within the franchise, Laing embraced the opportunity when his parents contemplated retirement.

“My parents poured their heart and soul into this business for 40 years,” Laing nostalgically reflects. “Regardless of the acquirer, the thought of having it depart from the family was disconcerting.”

For Jones and Laing, assuming ownership of Weed Man represented not just a business venture but also an extension of their family’s entrepreneurial ambitions.

Lessons from the Olympic Arena

Transitioning from elite athletes to franchisors, Jones and Laing carry with them the incorrigible competitive spirit honed on the ice. With Jones’ legal background complementing her newfound business endeavors, she propounds that the pursuit of continuous improvement is a characteristic shared between athletes and entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the work ethic, self-belief, and resilience cultivated in the crucible of athletic competitions seamlessly weave into the fabric of their franchise operations.

Nurturing Community Bonds

Embedded within the essence of Weed Man is a commitment to community engagement and personalized customer relationships. Laing’s recollections of his father’s grassroots approach to establishing the franchise underscore the importance of preserving these enduring values.

The centrality of their office in the local landscape not only facilitates customer interactions but also amplifies the visibility of their brand. Jones cherishes the opportunity to connect with customers on a personal level, fostering enduring relationships within the community.

Harmonizing Family and Business

As dedicated parents and entrepreneurs, Jones and Laing seamlessly juggle the demands of family life and business responsibilities. Their daughters, growing amidst the whirlwind of their endeavors, imbibed the ethos of adaptability and resilience.

The ethos of family-driven entrepreneurship pervades their workspace, exemplified by their children’s involvement in office tasks. Upholding the legacy of Laing’s parents, the duo remains steadfast in upholding the core values that have underpinned the success of the franchise.

View the original article and our Inspiration here