In the early 80’s Ray started his first venture, Heel Quik. Heel
Quik grew to a 700 plus international chain in 34 countries. Ray
started Foot Solutions at the end of 2000. From ground zero and 3
employees, Foot Solutions has grown to 200 plus franchise retail
sites and a corporate staff of over 50 people and contracts in 16
countries.
Ray has taken his company from ground zero to $100 million in
sales. Foot Solutions has helped millions eliminate pain in their
feet, knees, hips and back; a health and wellness concept focusing
on the 50+ market and helping people to lead a healthier more
active life.
Foot Solutions provides many reach-out programs donating time and money related to children’s obesity, diabetics, retirement community programs, international programs such as the Blue Planet Run for pure drinking water. Ray’s philosophy for the company and all its associates is to always give something back and to be part of positive change and energy.
BeTheBoss - What is the Foot Solutions
franchise opportunity all about?
Ray Margiano - Foot Solutions is the leading
multinational retailer of proper-fitting, comfort and
high-performance shoes, customs and over the counter inserts,
technology-driven health and wellness products and shoes to
consumers across the globe. With more than 200 stores in 13
countries, Foot Solutions is the world’s largest health and
wellness franchise dedicated to better health through your
feet!
BTB - Who is your ideal candidate for a Foot
Solutions franchise?
RM - 90% of our franchisees come to us from the corporate world, educated and successful. Our best franchisees are accomplishers and influencers. Good communication skills are a must. Successful franchisees possess people skills and a desire to present a professional image for themselves and their store.
BTB - What type of training and support do you
offer at Foot Solutions?
RM - Foot Solutions provides an intensive 2 and
½ week training program for its franchisees, managers and
technicians at Foot Solutions Corporate Certified Training
Facility; in addition we spend one week in the field with you on
store set up and opening for an additional week of
training.
BTB - What are some of the advantages in being
a Foot Solutions franchisee?
RM - A unique concept at the beginning of its
business life cycle, focusing on the fastest growing market niche,
the Baby Boomer. Reasonable hours, high margins, high customer
retention, and satisfaction of helping others. Group purchasing and
branding/marketing power.
BTB - Are you a member of any
Associations?
RM – Yes, we are proud members of:
- CFA (Canadian Franchise Association)
- PAC (Pedorthic Association of Canada)
- The Arthritis Society
- ICAA (International Council on Active Aging)
BTB - Tell us a little about your
Market?
RM - Our focus is on the 50 and older person,
however, we also work with younger people that have foot issues and
body alignment problems.
BTB - How successful is your company today and
what are your future growth plans?
RM - We have successfully been in business now
for 10 years. We plan on company wide growth of 50 units per year,
10 of these units should be in Canada.
BTB - What are your franchisees saying about
the business?
RM - They love the concept, the hours and the
margins but mostly like helping people.
BTB - What advice do you have for someone
looking to acquire a Franchise?
RM - Meet the key players, understand the
concept, is this a business model you can see yourself in? Can you
be passionate about this job? If it meets your objectives and you
do your homework so you feel comfortable, and then base your
decision on facts.
BTB - In your opinion, why do you think that
Foot Solutions would be a great opportunity for someone?
RM - It is a business opportunity early in its
life cycle and focuses on the fastest growing market niche, health
and wellness.
Foot Solutions has no major competitors and dominates the footwear
health and wellness niche. In addition, Foot Solutions is the
recognized leader in this market niche by Footwear News, the
National Shoe Retailing Association (NSRA) and the Pedorthic
Footwear Association (PFA).
