BELFOR Franchise Group Welcomes Laura Martin

Martin Brings Nearly 15 Years of Experience to the Role

BELFOR Franchise Group, an umbrella franchisor of residential and commercial services brands, named Laura Martin director of franchise development of N-Hance. She will help grow the wood refinishing brand and assist franchise owners. 

“I am looking forward to doing what I love! I enjoy speaking to professionals from all over the country and building relationships that will help them achieve their goal of becoming successful entrepreneurs,” Martin said. She brings nearly 15 years of experience to the role, recently serving as a business development manager at Cruise Planners/American Express Travel Franchise. 

Martin got her start in franchising after leaving a 17-year career in management to raise her family. When her son turned a year old, Martin started missing the business world, so she began researching new opportunities. In 2008, she was hired with the Cruise Planners/American Express franchise to help onboard new franchisees. “This was right up my alley since I had experience in the travel and sales industry.” 

From Travel to Home Renovation 

After the Covid-19 pandemic hit the travel industry hard, Martin was forced to look at other career paths. She had always loved the home design and renovation industry. When N-Hance posted the position, she immediately applied it and was impressed with the leadership team. Martin never expected to leave the travel industry but was excited about the home renovation industry’s boom during the pandemic and its potential. 

Buying a Franchise 

Martin loves that the franchise model decreases the risk of buying a business and allows entrepreneurs to accomplish lifelong career goals. “Working for someone can feel like renting an apartment instead of buying a home, which is like owning your own business. Pursuing opportunities in the franchise world will set you up for success because you will receive support in all stages of business ownership.”

To Martin, franchisors can make operations more seamless by cultivating good relationships and encouraging open conversations with franchisees. “The franchisor takes on the role of a consultant for marketing, training, development, sales, and business operations. It’s also important to provide the franchisee with the best innovative products and services.”