Entrepreneur Finds Work/life Balance

Harvard Business School alumnus Mike Dubeck was climbing the corporate ladder like so many others, as a plant manager with an automotive supplier. He felt the corporate environment stifled him professionally and he wasn't able to spend the time that he wanted with his family and interests. So, when his firm was acquired, he took the opportunity to investigate going into business on his own. He looked at everything from soccer stores to manufacturing companies and eventually started actively researching the executive search industry. He chose franchise ownership because of the proven system in place and the network of other franchises as a source of advice and support.

Executive recruiting franchise F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants (FPC) was the company that Mr. Dubeck decided had the reputation, long history of success and training that he was looking for. After two weeks of training at the headquarters and additional training at his office, FPC of Troy was in business.

When asked what he liked about being a part of the FPC franchise system, he said, "I like the exchange network, where offices share candidates and jobs to broaden our reach. I also like seeing the success of the other offices because it provides incentive and motivation." Mr. Dubeck says that being a franchise owner has increased his financial potential tremendously. "While variable, the upside is tremendous." His seven employees also benefit from the recruiting industry's income potential. He says they have the ability to become professional, rather than just technical experts.

Mr. Dubeck enjoys wearing multiple hats from manager to producing recruiter to IT Manager to Accountant. He likes the feeling that his choices, good or bad, will have a direct impact on the culture he creates and the customers they serve. Mr. Dubeck sees himself in this business for the long haul, "As the world economy changes, our business is flexible enough to follow hiring changes in developing industries." And for anyone considering starting their own business, he has some words of wisdom, "Franchising is a super way to shorten the learning curve. Don't be too proud to ask for advice. In addition to tapping into the expertise provided by the franchisor, form your own local "board of directors" that includes a lawyer, an accountant, and any technical specialty (e.g., IT or operations)." When asked if being a franchise owner allows him to have work/life balance, he had this to say, "I'm a parent of 7 and 9 year old baseball and soccer players. I work hard in the business, but being my own boss allows me the flexibility to also run a large volunteer soccer league with more than 2000 children. This is important to me and motivates me to be very focused at the office knowing that I can balance my personal life." He can attend his sons' soccer games and still keep deals moving with evening emails or calls. Even with this level of commitment, being an FPC franchise owner means Mr. Dubeck is able to be an active father, avid runner, soccer player, fund-raiser to raise money for schools, and correspondent for Harvard's alumni magazine, among other things. He is a hard-working business owner and dedicated family man and is pleased to have found the balance that so many of us seek.

FPC is a national executive search firm with more than 70 franchise offices. The company has been providing human asset and career solutions since 1959. Advocates for both clients and candidates, FPC recruiters are committed to bringing together the right opportunity with the right individual. For further information about FPC, call 800-886-7839 or visit the FPC Web site at www.fpcnational.com.

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