After Years in the Military, This West Point Graduate Finds a New Challenge in Entrepreneurship
Alex Quataert (above, right) explored dozens of income options before establishing Blingle! of Portland, Maine. His goals were personal independence — making his own career decisions— as well as financial security and the potential to retire early. Before Quataert had heard of Blingle!, a HorsePower Brands franchise that designs and installs outdoor lighting for homes and businesses, he knew he no longer wanted to work for someone else.
The West Point graduate, Airborne Ranger and Afghanistan combat veteran previously had dedicated himself to the Army. “I was a very good cog in a giant machine and was proud of the leadership I had and the effects I had on the people around me.” But in October 2019, while on deployment in Syria, Quataert “vowed I would chart a path out of the Army and take charge of my life.”
He liked to scuba dive, backpack and travel, but related employment didn’t fit his goals and often paid poorly. Quataert was qualified for six-figure positions incorporate America, “but those jobs involved things I disliked about military life without the camaraderie. I wanted to build a life, not devote myself to another institution. I liked the idea of my success or failure being entirely on me.”
Quataert began reading how to achieve FIRE (financial independence, retire early). “The simple concepts of having assets pay for assets, of true exponential growth, of separating how you make your money from how you spend your time, captivated me.” He considered investing in index funds but wanted faster results. Many FIRE seekers go into rental real estate, Quataert says, but that option “would still require years to allow me to stop working for someone else.”
Business Ownership
Quataert concluded he must start a business, but “I knew something like 90% of start-ups fail, and I didn’t want the 100-hour workweeks of an entrepreneur.”
He considered buying an existing business, but “a good franchise seemed like the perfect fit. It would have a support network and community along with resources to help me through my personal knowledge gaps” — via Blingle!’s comprehensive training —while using his well-honed skills in motivating and organizing others.
Why Blingle!
Quataert launched his franchise in October 2022. He liked every HorsePower brand, but Blingle! won out because:
- Blingle! can be a semi-absentee business. “I didn’t want to buy myself a job. I wanted to set up a system and then use the proceeds to set up more systems. I wanted the ability to eventually separate myself from day-to-day operations so I could focus on expanding my business and living my life. Blingle! seemed to be the easiest for that.”
- Blingle! makes people happy. “I loved the idea of doing something that people wanted, not needed. I like being around happy, excited people. With lighting, you can make your customers’ day by completely changing the atmosphere of their home or business.”
- Blingle! is a community-based business. “This franchise provides unparalleled ability to interact with and contribute to a community, especially with holiday lighting. I want to help a community be proud of how it celebrates the holidays.”
Blingle! franchisees need strong managerial and people skills plus a passion for community relations.
HorsePower Brands
Blingle! is part of the HorsePower Brands portfolio of complementary home services franchises. All HorsePower Brands franchises have in-demand services and simple business models. Other concepts in the HorsePower Brands portfolio include Mighty Dog Roofing, iFOAM, Bumble Bee Blinds, Groovy Hues Painting, Stand Strong Fencing and Heroes Lawn Care.
For more information about the Blingle! franchise and HorsePower Brands, visit blingle.com or horsepowerbrands.com.
