Franchisee Profile: Dave Belan

Dave Belan looked into a lot of franchise opportunities before signing on with AdvantaClean, but what ultimately sold him on joining the team were the owners themselves.

For the past 20 years, Belan worked as a management executive in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, doing everything from testing drug products in the quality control labs to supervising their production and developing the processes to formulate them. Belan was spending his days working 12-hour shifts when he and his wife, Allie, decided it was time to go out on their own and start a business. In pursuit of their next opportunity, Belan considered the work he had done for his father during high school, who owned a plumbing business. AdvantaClean quickly came to mind.

“AdvantaClean just kept popping up everywhere I looked as a better alternative and a fantastic company that really cared about their customers,” Belan said. “What really sealed the deal for me was calling other franchise owners. I could actually hear over the phone how happy they are with what they do and how they help people.”

Belan explained that the biggest hurdle in making the transition from 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry to being a business owner was letting go of his previous career and the guaranteed paycheck.

“Before making the transition, I discussed everything with my amazingly supportive wife, and we made the decision to jump in and never look back,” Belan said.

As Belan prepares for the official launch of his business in Frederick, Maryland, he says that AdvantaClean’s corporate staff have already left a big impression on him.

“Throughout the training and pre-opening process, the overall connection that was made with the home office and with other new franchise owners, as well as some seasoned franchise owners during the executive and technical training weeks, has convinced me that I made the right decision,” Belan said. “Everyone is caring and helpful, and you can tell that they love what they do. I could not say enough about the fantastic support I’ve received from everyone.”

When it comes to owning a franchise, Belan believes that the key to success is taking the time to do the research and to personally make a decision on what business fits best.

“Read everything you can about the franchises you are looking into, from every source you can find. Call a lot of franchise owners of your choice, not anyone else’s,” Belan said. “And, last but not least, enjoy and embrace the process, and surround yourself with positive-minded people.”