Master Licensees Annette and Craig Hohnberger Share the Game-Changing Benefits of the Business Coaching Franchise
Seeking a break from demanding careers in corporate America, Annette and Craig Hohnberger decided to pack it in and go into business for themselves. “Both my husband, Craig, and I traveled a lot internationally. We rarely saw each other, and our kids were unfortunately being raised by daycare and grandparents. We are very blessed to have made the leap,” Annette says.
Going All-In
The couple looked at a number of business opportunities but eventually decided on becoming master licensees with the ActionCOACH Business Coaching franchise. “Both Craig and I started as master licensees and then in 2014, I purchased my own business coaching license so that I could work with more business owners directly,” Annette says.
They liked the company’s mission to help business owners succeed and were impressed with the systems and support the franchisor provided. What they didn’t realize was how much their new business would change their lives as well as the lives of so many others. “As a master licensee, I feel so blessed to work with such an amazing, passionate team of franchisees. And I truly love the client side as well as the economic model, so we bought our own franchise as well.”
Even though the Hohnbergers have been with ActionCOACH for more than 23 years, they feel like they are just getting started. “We have so much growth ahead of us. So many business owners need us. The way we change our clients’ lives gives me goosebumps.” For example, one of her clients was a single Realtor start-up when they started working together and is now franchising nationally and was featured on HGTV.
Success Stories
Looking back, Annette couldn’t be happier about the decision to go all-in on ActionCOACH. “My mission is ‘To be used by God to change people’s lives,’ and I get to do this every single day,” she says.
Here, we highlight two of the brand’s franchise owners and two clients.
Juan Ortega, ActionCOACH of South Florida, Franchisee Since 2012
I feel extremely grateful that I crossed paths with this company as it has truly transformed who I am and how I live my life.
Former Career: I spent 20 years in corporate America working for several of the top luxury hotel companies in the world. I started in operations and worked my way up to become director of sales and marketing.
Perks of Ownership: There have been many rewards to having made this decision. The big ones are definitely the personal growth that I’ve experienced. Also, I am making a lot more money than I did in corporate America and working fewer hours with a bunch more freedom. One of the most wonderful aspects of being part of ActionCOACH is not just the intellectual property and training, but also the global community and the events that take place all around the world. For several years now, my family and I have participated in the ActionCOACH’s global conference, which is always planned in beautiful exotic destinations. I can now proudly say that my family and I have been to Hawaii, Dubai and Thailand all as part of the ActionCOACH community. I feel extremely grateful that I crossed paths with this company as it has truly transformed who I am and how I live my life.
Challenges: The biggest challenge for me was transitioning from corporate America to business ownership. That took a lot of mental work in every possible aspect.
Doug Winnie, ActionCOACH OF Bellaire, Texas, Franchisee Since 2009
ActionCOACH is made up of a powerful group of people who care about other people.
Former Career: I built and sold IT and software companies. I was semi-retired and got bored. When I discovered ActionCOACH, I thought, “Wow, I needed these things in my business.”
Perks of Ownership: It’s a rewarding business where I really get to help people. ActionCOACH is made up of a powerful group of people who care about other people. I have been recognized by the company for my achievements every year. These include No. 1 in Globe, Hall of Fame, Million Dollar Coach, Executive Coach of the Year, and Firm of the Year.
Challenges: Clients don’t come right to your door. I had to learn to network, which was difficult because I was quiet and reserved. I had to work on my people skills. I also had to learn marketing and sales, and teach those things to others and make sure they do the work.
Andrea Lukuch, ActionCOACH Client, Cats Only Veterinary Clinic
I learned about ActionCOACH accidentally, but I immediately knew I needed its services.
What is Your Business? Cats Only Veterinary Clinic was established in 1988 by a well-respected, feline-only veterinarian. I purchased the business in October 2015, after having worked there for 19 years. I started as a veterinary assistant and receptionist in March 1996, while I took a break to make money after a few failed attempts at getting into veterinary school. As the years progressed, so did my skills. I became the office manager in 1999 and then the practice manager in 2005. Now I prefer to becalled the C.K.P (or Chief Kitty Petter).
Describe Your Experience with ActionCOACH: My coach is Annette Hohnberger. She’s been with me for the whole ride so far. She is my cheerleader, my sounding board, my jury. She commiserates with me and celebrates with me, and I’m so grateful for her and her team, too! She gives me homework and projects that help my business and has given me a systematic process for making business decisions.
Why Did You Call on ActionCOACH?: I learned about ActionCOACH accidentally, but I immediately knew I needed its services. I clicked right away with my coach and soon realized there was a lot I didn’t know about running a business. Now I have a team to help me fulfill my business plans.
How have ActionCOACH’s Services Improved Your Business?:
- We have tripled our revenue, and now I am opening a new location.
- I learned how to cultivate a great team culture.
- We have received multiple awards for business ownership in the community.
- We have happy customers!
- Business coaching helped me have intelligent conversations with my accounting team and make great business decisions.
- My business was named one of the Fastest 50 Growing Businesses in Central Ohio by Columbus Business First for the past six years. We were also recognized as the Best Overall Business and Best Company Culture by BizX.
George Cleary, ActionCOACH Client, The Cleary Company
We know when we make an important business decision, we have their support.
What is Your Business?: I created The Cleary Company in 1994 as a property enhancement and general contracting business. In 2009, I expanded my team and rebranded as a turnkey firm offering remodeling, design and building services. We specialize in residential whole house remodeling and additions, but also have light commercial and new-build custom home projects in our portfolio. The company has experienced a trajectory of growth since adopting the design-build business model. I currently employ 36 team members who produced $11 million in revenue 2023.
Why Did You Call on ActionCOACH?: Mentors in a remodeling peer networking group I belong to told me in 2015 that it was time I hired a local business coach. Several years prior, I had reconnected with a classmate, Peg, who is a partner in ActionCOACH of Columbus, Ohio so, of course, the first call I made was to her. Doing my due diligence, I interviewed her and her partner, Pete, and two other firms to make sure I found the right fit with someone to listen to my needs. I have been with ActionCOACH Columbus ever since!
How Have ActionCOACH’s Services Improved Your Business?: Whether it’s financial understanding, recruiting, aligning our benefits and salary packages, awareness of our marketplace, hiring strategies, onboarding techniques, to succession planning, the coaching has produced dividends well exceeding our expectations. The stress level has been so much better because we know when we make an important business decision, we have their support.
For more information about ActionCOACH, visit https://www.actioncoach.com/franchise/.
About ActionCOACH Franchise
- Founded in 1993 by Brad Sugars.
- Franchising since 1998.
- Operates in over 83 countries and has more than 1,000 franchise offices.
- Offers world-class tools, training, conferences and franchise support.
- Ranked in Franchise Business Review’s (FBR) Top 200, FBR’s Hall of Fame, and has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction and Best Overall Company.
- Is the largest business coaching franchise in the world.
- Executive level six-figure Item 19.
Why Choose a Business Coaching Franchise?
Not only does business coaching offer a feel-good opportunity with rewarding work, but it also is part of a growing market. According to the Coaching Industry Report 2024, the business coaching industry was worth approximately $5.34 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $6.25 billion in 2024. The International Coaching Federation estimates that there are 109,200 coaches in business worldwide, a 54% increase from the 2019 estimate of 71,000.
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