Franchisee Testimonials
Ross Harried | 13 Mobile Carts | 3 Catering Unit
Ross had a great career prior to joining the ‘Ohana, in which he acquired many useful skills, made a good income, and overall enjoyed life. But there was something missing. Ownership. Ross wanted to take the knowledge he had gained and use it towards something he could call his own. With help from an entrepreneur coach in navigating all the options out there, they found Maui Wowi, and it just clicked. Ross loved the laid-back aloha atmosphere, healthier products, and the amount of success existing franchisees were experiencing. Hearing that they were able to retain the majority of their events year after year was a clear indication that Maui Wowi was what he was looking for. This high level of event retention would allow him the opportunity to grow his business rapidly year over year.
Ross is a go-getter and didn’t look at buying a franchise as a hobby, but as his main source of income. Ross knew he had to do whatever it took to succeed and build a profitable business, so he did just that. He hit the ground running and utilized every tool and resource available to him. With the help of his local Director of Regional Support, and our system of fellow franchisees, he developed a game plan and executed it. He knew it was up to him to make things happen. After only two months, he was profitable and able to maintain a quality life for him and his family.
Now in his twelfth year as a Maui Wowi franchisee, Ross’s hard work is still paying off. When starting his business, his primary focus was to keep a handful of units running on as many weekends as possible at youth athletics, fast pitch tournaments, studio dance competitions, cheer competitions, volleyball tournaments, etc. All places with a high density of people, limited food options, and people looking for a healthier alternative. He now operates year-round in multiple professional and college sporting arenas/stadiums and convention centers, and still maintains a presence in his roots in youth athletics.
Barbara and Ron Putman | 3 Mobile Carts
Barbara and Ron each had their own businesses when they discovered the Maui Wowi brand. Wanting to involve their family in a new venture, they were immediately drawn to the brand’s aloha spirit and laid-back, flip-flop attitude—especially with Ron’s Hawaiian roots. The tropical theme and versatile products made it the perfect fit. Now, twenty years later, Barbara, Ron, and their family have built a thriving business, providing outstanding support to franchisees, forging strong relationships with venues and master concessionaires, and expanding Maui Wowi’s presence across Southern California.
Larry Gerber | 2 Mobile Carts | Trailer | Catering Unit
Retirement isn’t for everyone. Some people want a little more excitement and have a lot left to explore. When retired U.S. Air Force Officer Larry Gerber, and his wife Patrice, discovered they could accomplish new dreams and have an exciting next chapter in their lives, they jumped at the opportunity.
Larry is in Brighton, Colorado, and soon realized as the opportunities began to expand, he had more than one cart could handle. He and Patrice have been building connections with people in their immediate community, in addition to the surrounding areas. In 2015, Larry secured a contract with the Blue Arena, that hosts 60-plus events each year, most notably, the Colorado Eagles hockey team, an affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.
Now with two carts and a trailer in his fleet, Larry can satisfy more of the demand in his community, but he’s not looking to overdo it anytime soon. Larry is sure to point out that while this expansion of his business is beneficial, he still wants to keep it easily manageable, and to “run his business, and not have his business run him”. This allows him to maintain a flexible work schedule, giving him time for his family, the freedom to travel when he wants, reduce his stress level, and ensure the business continues to be a fun aspect of his life. He says the best part is the smiles, relationships, and the fun that comes from serving a “vacation in a cup.”
Rob & Jean Mclean | 15 Mobile Carts
In the fast-paced operation of this Texas smoothie making business, Maui Wowi franchisees Rob and Jean McLean have discovered that volume is key. As operators for nearly nineteen years, this husband and wife team have built a business that operates at maximum capacity, proving that persistence, dedication, and professionalism can get you the payoff you’ve been waiting for.
When the McLeans began their franchise as Empire Builders in the mobile business model, they realized quickly that the more mobile carts they had in operation, the higher the rewards would be. The two of them started working festivals, fairs, and swim meets, with each event providing them with a new opportunity for growth and knowledge. Rob and Jean quickly began building relationships with some of the large venues in Houston, and as they added one cart after another, the possibility for even greater success emerged. In 2006, when they began their journey with Maui Wowi, they had three carts. Today, they have a total of 15 and have managed to keep each one busy at professional football games, concerts, baseball, and yes, the Houston rodeo!
Become a Maui Wowi Franchisee!
Seize the day with a sweet opportunity from Maui Wowi. Discuss franchising options with our franchise team by filling out our form here. You’re just one conversation away from starting your next business venture with Maui Wowi franchise!
