Franchisee Signs Huge Deal with Smoothie King

Trogdon and his business partners recently signed with Smoothie King for a total of 55 units, an impressive deal for an impressive group of people. This year alone, Trogdon's group has plans to open seven locations.

The 34-year-old Trogdon has an extensive background in the franchising industry and wants to bring healthful smoothies to everyone, starting in the Hampton Roads area in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

He’s enthusiastic about the brand for many reasons, one of the most obvious being his 100-pound weight loss through the help of drinking smoothies.

Trogdon grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, and spent years working his way through the ranks of a major pizza chain.

Trogdon struggled with his health goals over the years and Smoothie King was a big help in achieving his ideal weight. Through replacing meals with Smoothie King drinks and practicing mixed martial arts, Lane was able to lose an astonishing 100 pounds.

“I really respect what the brand stands for,” Trogdon said. “I know the brand is going to take off in a big way.”

Trogdon is up to the challenge and did his homework before diving in. He and his business partner did a lot of research online and met with several franchisees who expressed their happiness and laid out their success with the brand.

“The amount of support we saw from other franchisees as well as the corporate team blew us away,” Trogdon said. “This was a proven model.”

His background has given him plenty of familiarity with franchising and the ins and outs of the business, how to deal with employees and myriad other issues.

“I knew a lot about franchising due to my business background,” he said. “I was familiar with the industry, so franchising was something I felt I had a good sense of. I have surrounded myself with the best people and we will be successful. The North Carolina area embraces healthy lifestyles and I know they will love our products.”

Things have been smooth sailing in the beginning stages with Smoothie King, and so far the most difficult challenge for Trogdon has been securing locations for all the units. With signings in Norfolk, Virginia; three in Chapel Hill/Raleigh, North Carolina; and two in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this year, Trogdon has his hands full.

He doesn’t mind, though. He’s laying a path to success.