By all measures a success in the food wholesale industry, Curtis Hoessly had a problem. The need to call on national accounts led to countless days and nights on the road. Even weekends at home were often cut short by travel commitments. Family time with his wife, son, and daughter suffered as a result.

An entrepreneur at heart, he decided to go into business for himself. But which way to go? Hoessly enlisted the expertise of a broker who vetted a number of potential businesses for purchase.

Landing on the Allegra Franchise opportunity

“The visual communications field seemed like a really good industry,” said Hoessly of his purchase of an Allegra Marketing · Print · Mail Center in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. “And your customers — fellow businesspeople — don’t want to see you on weekends or holidays!”

While nothing prevents an owner from putting in extra time, it’s at each one’s personal discretion. All Allegra Centers maintain 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. business hours, Mondays through Fridays.

Longer workdays? No. More family time? Yes!

In addition to giving Hoessly greater hours to enjoy at home, his purchase of an Allegra Center allowed him to spend more time with his family than originally envisioned. He hired them!

Since buying his Center in 2007, he’s enjoyed steady growth. Along the way, Hoessly acquired seven other printing businesses from retiring competitors to fold into his operations.

Of course, new staff was needed. But he didn’t have to look far for willing workers. He now counts among the Center’s staff his wife Robin Hoessly, son Mark Hoessly, and son-in-law David Ward.

Printing’s appeal to those in the F&B industry

Curtis Hoessly is not the only former food executive to have purchased an Allegra Center. Many others have discovered that the Allegra opportunity offers what few bar or restaurant careers provide — a great work/life balance that affords ample time to spend with family and friends:

Dave Muhleck, Owner of Allegra Okemos, MI managed several quick-serve restaurants.

Darwin Buehler, President of Allegra Little Rock, AR was a regional manager for Hardee’s. Lisa Buehler, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, worked as a manager for Applebee’s.

Ken Stoecker and Don Snyder, Owners of Orlando Allegra, FL came from Little Caesars Pizza.

MJ Eberle, Owner of Allegra Pekin, IL, Allegra Macomb, IL, and Allegra Galesburg, IL worked right out of high school for a restaurant.

Jim Smith, Co-Founder and Joe Smith, Co-founder, and CFO of Allegra Elk Grove Village, IL were with a grocery chain and also convenience food store franchise members.

John Dawson, President of Allegra Houston – North, TX and Victor Perry, Owner of Allegra Santa Fe, NM worked in the food and beverage industry.

Of course, Allegra’s management is also sensitive to the need among franchise owners for family time. Kevin Cushing, President of the Marketing & Print Division of Alliance Franchise Brands, was previously president of Terratron — the owner of 81 Hardee’s Restaurants in six states.