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Updated RecentlyLake Forest Oasis 'Pops' With New Franchise
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Former paramedic finds a second career, becomes his own boss with Doc Popcorn.
McLean, new to business management, recently opened his first Doc Popcorn franchise at the Lake Forest Oasis, just six months after initially contacting the Boulder, Colo., headquarters for information on the franchise opportunity.
Now he is under contract to open 10 more Doc Popcorn locations.
McLean doesn't consider himself an empire builder. As a Chicago paramedic out of O'Hare International Airport for 26 years, his career plans changed when he was injured and unable to return to work.
"I was not looking for a career change," McLean said. "I got hurt and assumed I would do rehab and get right back to work, but it did not work that way.
At age 51, McLean said he was too young to retire and began looking at franchise options.
Popcorn long has been the Achilles' heel of his wife, Patty.
"We would stop at the movie theater just so she could get some popcorn and drive away," Barry McLean said.
Before long, the McLeans were on their way to the Colorado headquarters to meet with Doc Popcorn co-founders Rob Israel and his wife, Ren�e.
The Right Move After receiving positive feedback from other franchise owners, Barry was impressed, and "knew I would have to lean heavily on the franchise support because I did not have the nuts and bolts knowledge of running a business," he said. "Doc Popcorn will do everything they can to keep you on the road to success." Israel is happy to have the McLeans on board.
"We are thrilled to see the McLeans open their first Doc Popcorn location in the Lake Forest Oasis. Their love for family and passion for success align wonderfully with the Doc Popcorn culture and is indicative of the type of individuals we would like to continue to grow the brand with," said Israel. "As multi-unit franchise owners with Doc Popcorn, the McLeans can grow the fun-loving business throughout the area and provide a healthy, great-tasting product to consumers on the go in high-traffic venues." Founded in 2003, Doc Popcorn launched its franchising program in mid-2009. As of May 2012, the company has awarded more than 70 franchises.
Doc Popcorn pops its whole-grain kernels in 100 percent corn oil and offers nine gourmet flavors including Carmel Kettle, Sweet Butter, Klassic Kettle, Better Butter, Triple White Cheddar, Salt N Pepper, Cheesy Cheddar, Sinfully Cinnamon, and Hopping' Jalapeno. Doc Popcorn flavors are also gluten-free and nut-free with soy-free, dairy-free and sugar-free options also available.
Customer Interaction Still There Typically Doc Popcorns have opened at mall kiosks. The tollway stop is an alternative venue for the brand.
"We knew there was an abandoned Mrs. Fields kiosk at the Lake Forest Oasis location and a number of things that went in for a short time and did not make it. So we went in and watched the foot traffic," Barry said.
The venue might be unique to Doc Popcorn, but for McLean he finds a similarity to his previous work.
"At O'Hare I enjoyed meeting a lot of travelers, just as I do at the Lake Forest Oasis location," he said.
In addition to providing fresh popped popcorn smells throughout rest stop airways, Patty said it will be a friendly place with likely more than one McLean behind the counter.
"How many work places do you get to walk in and kiss your family hello!" said Patty, who works full-time as a school psychologist for Niles School District 67.
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