Franchisee Joshua Shumway Embraces Semi-Absentee Franchise Ownership for a Better Work-Life Balance
Joshua Shumway was well into his typical 60-hour workweek, arriving home on a Friday from his nonprofit job as a pastor and technology leader while preparing to leave for the weekend to work on a multifamily construction project. He remembers looking at his wife and newborn son and saying, “I feel like I’m missing our family life already.”
The revelation prompted him to move forward in buying a business that would allow him flexibility as a semi-absentee owner. “When those words came out of my mouth, I knew I needed to find an alternative to the grind that I was in. Nothing is more important to me than being the hero in my own home, and that requires me to be present,” he says. “That’s why I’m building the business — to give me the freedom to be present when they need me the most.”
As a third-generation home builder, among other occupations, Shumway knew there was demand for professionally installed glass. He chose Gatsby Glass, one of the home service companies under HorsePower Brands because he immediately loved the brand and the product.
Shumway opened Gatsby Glass of Oklahoma City in April 2023. A few months after the launch, his general manager left, temporarily derailing his goal of becoming a semi-absentee owner. “When he exited, I had to step in as the manager and get this business back to a healthy spot,” Shumway says. “It felt like we were starting over from ground zero. Six months later, the business is on the upward trend. I am in a healthier routine with everything that I am managing, and I’m now beginning to experience life as a semi-absentee owner.”
Scaling the Business
Shumway has five employees and plans to scale the business as it grows. For now, the focus is on residential interiors — installing shower glass, partitions, mirrors and cabinet glass. “Now that the business is sustaining itself, we can start to look at light commercial jobs including windows and storefronts,” he says.
Discipline, curiosity and a meticulous attention to detail are keys to success in the glass industry, Shumway says. He also credits strategic partnerships with manufacturers such as Waterfall Bath Enclosures, Complete Line Glass, Hartung Glass Industries, FHC Frameless Hardware, CRL, and Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions. “We are so grateful for how hard everyone at each of those companies works to allow us to serve our market well.”
In just a year of operation, Shumway has been named Franchisee of the Year. “Seeing how far we have come from being on the ground floor to where we are now is thrilling. The team has grown immensely, and they are always on a path of improvement. I am proud of my team for doing the little things right day in and day out. Our efforts are compounding, and we are experiencing the results of that.”
Having it All
In addition to building his Gatsby Glass business, Shumway has continued some ventures and added others. “My days are a mixture of running complex trading software, building houses, developing people and selling glass. I also enjoy jumping in and installing large, complex jobs from time to time,” he says. “But most importantly, I try to take every opportunity that I have to be with my family.”
Choosing Gatsby Glass
Several factors contributed to Joshua Shumway’s decision to invest in Gatsby Glass.
- Market: Based on his experience in home-building, Shumway knew there was demand for high-quality glass that was professionally installed.
- Profitability: Profit margins seemed good, even with franchise services and fees.
- Technology: Gatsby Glass uses a four-step process called Ultra Ice Pro that cleans glass, bonds with it at the molecular level and seals it, making it more scratch-resistant, water-resistant and dust-repellent, and easier to clean and maintain.
- Support from HorsePower Brands: “When I’ve needed them, they’ve been there for me,” Shumway says.
Ideal Gatsby Glass Franchisee
Ideal candidates with the Gatsby Glass franchise are charismatic and have people management and leadership success. While expertise in glass installation or the home service sector isn’t required, a commitment to the community is key. Selling points of the glass installation franchise include a diversity of services (shower doors, mirrors, commercial glass solutions, etc.), franchise training, business support and more.
HorsePower Brands
Gatsby Glass 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 Bumble Bee Blinds, iFOAM, Mighty Dog Roofing, Blingle!, Groovy Hues Painting, Stand Strong Fencing and Heroes Lawn Care.
For more information about the Gatsby Glass franchise, visit https://gatsbyglass.com/franchising/.
