Mike has over 35 years of experience (over 20 of those in franchising) as a Shareholder/Director, President, Senior Corporate Staff and Entrepreneur. Mike has been an active investor in and subsequently managed start-ups, turnarounds, acquisitions, mergers, franchises and companies in transition. He is a persuasive communicator, team builder and results driven operator with a record of having grown businesses in food service, food processing, retail, franchising and manufacturing sectors. Mike's problem solving abilities, his collaborative leadership style and his talent for "listening" have resulted in many "win-win" solutions for all stakeholders.
BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us about the MaaS Pros concept.
Mike Craig: MaaS Pros offers “complete business solutions” primarily driven through digital marketing.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with MaaS Pros?
MC: MaaS Pros or an affiliate has been in business for 5 years. The initial years saw the development of the WebMaaSter technology which has now been refined and is used by over 100 Licensed users throughout North America. The decision to franchise was made in the Spring of 2012 and I partnered with the company shortly thereafter.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining MaaS Pros?
MC: Since the early 80’s I have been investing in and operating companies in a variety of industries. These industries have ranged from food service to metal bashing and pretty much everything in between. For fun I once tried to count them and lost track at 28. Been a great run so far. During this time I also picked up over 20 years of franchising experience.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a MaaS Pros franchisee?
MC: Now that list is long, so I will just hit a few of them. A MaaS Pros franchise can be a fulltime endeavor or an ideal second income venture. It can also be an ideal “bolt on” offering for anyone who is already making sales calls to small and medium sized businesses. The cost of entry is extremely low. Our training and ongoing support are second to none. We also offer exclusive territories. This is a lucrative business and there is also a residual income stream. As a very seasoned IT veteran told me recently “In all my years in the industry, I have never seen another company that can do what Maas Pros can do.”
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee
MC: This is a person who really has no experience and is about as far away as possible from being a “techy” but ENJOYS SELLING. You see, our potential market is so large and our product offering is so vast and is exactly what small and medium sized businesses are searching for today, it really is a matter of connecting with the potential customers and showing them what we have to offer.
BTB: Tell us a little about the Digital Marketing Market?
MC: The fastest growing market on earth. That should say it all. Within this market our target is small and medium sized businesses and within this market approximately half still do not have a basic website. That stat blows me away. You combine that with the fact that within digital marketing the fastest growing segment is Mobile (PDA) sites you have the perfect recipe for selling.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
MC: Still early days but I honestly have to say the lesson is that opportunities seem to be endless. The MaaS Pros product offering suite crosses all industry boundaries and all borders and it just seems that regardless of who I speak with they have a need for at least one of the MaaS Pros products.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
MC: I would have to say Ken Fowler, from Ken I learned a great deal and perhaps the most important thing was you never qive up and quit.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
MC: Make sure the base requisites of the opportunity fit you as a real person. Select an opportunity that matches where your passion is.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that MaaS Pros would be a great opportunity for someone?
MC: Think I already have. If your passion is selling and you would like to be a part of the fastest growing industry in the world, you have found it.
