Just Between Friends Franchisees Help Others While Working From Home
Multi-unit owner Kelly Robie experiences the joy of changing families’ lives with the flexibility to stay home with her young children
Franchise ownership was something Kelly Robie stumbled into. She first heard about Just Between Friends in 2009 through her MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, and she soon tested the waters as a shopper, consignor and team member. She loved the kids consignment business so much that, in July 2012, she purchased her first Just Between Friends franchise. 
Fast-forward five years, and Kelly is now the owner of four Just Between Friends franchise territories in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area, and her husband also works in the business full-time. “I never thought I’d be a business owner,” Kelly says. “My passion is to help people, and as a Just Between Friends franchisee, I get to run a business that helps so many people in so many different ways. Whether it’s through partnering with charities like Living in Liberty and Project Hope, or through making a difference in the lives of people in my local community through providing young families with the kids items they need, it’s very fulfilling work.”The franchise industry has taken notice of Kelly’s commitment to this fulfilling work, with Franchise Business Review naming her one of their Rock Star Franchisees of 2017. For Kelly, however, it’s about more than just the work. The lifestyle of a Just Between Friends franchisee also suits her perfectly. “I have four kids, and this job lets me work from home and set a schedule that works best for all of us. Owning my own business lets me work at the times that are ideal for me, which is a real benefit as a night owl who’s hard at work while most people are asleep.” Kelly also enjoys the sociable, people-focused nature of the kids consignment sale business. “I get to meet so many amazing people in my work,” Kelly says. “There’s such a tremendous feeling of community, and at every sale I encounter people from all walks of life and from all over the territories that I serve. What’s more, I get to help these people make and save money, which is very fulfilling both personally and professionally.”
Just Between Friends helps driven business owners succeed with outstanding training and support
When asked what qualities a Just Between franchisee should have to be successful, Kelly says that the right work ethic is key. “This can be a profitable business if you’re a hardworking, self-motivated, go-getter. You need to be able to think on your feet and make quick decisions while also remaining flexible and warm in all your interactions with people. You encounter a lot of people in this business, so it’s essential to be outgoing and friendly to make your franchise the best it can be.”That said, you won’t be alone on your Just Between Friends franchise journey. You’ll have the backing of the finest team in the business, with a roster of safety and consignment sales experts to support you whether it’s your first sale or your fortieth. “Just Between Friends provides lots of ongoing training and support,” Kelly says. “They’re constantly working to improve their systems, and they pass that knowledge on to help franchisees have more profitable sales. They also foster a great sense of community among franchisees, ensuring that we can work together and help each other succeed.”Furthermore, Kelly is happy to work with a franchise that stands out from the competition (and helps her do the same). “There are other consignment sale events and franchises in our area, but none of them have the polish, expert training, and superb marketing materials that Just Between Friends has. With this support, I’ve been able to more than double the size of one of my sales compared to when it started, recently putting on an event at an 80,000-square-foot convention center with 700 consignors.”With numbers like that, Kelly is understandably excited for her future with Just Between Friends. “Right now, we’re working to establish our two newest franchise territories. We’re contemplating buying additional territories, but for the moment we’re focused on growing our existing ones. We’re excited to continue working in a business that gives our family freedom and flexibility while also giving us the joy of helping to improve people’s lives.”
About Just Between Friends consignment sales franchise
What started as a small sale in Shannon Wilburn’s Tulsa, Oklahoma, living room in 1997 is now North America’s leading consignment sales event franchise, Just Between Friends. A close knit group of 17 moms consigned in that first sale almost 20 years ago and sold $2,000 worth of gently used children’s clothing and items. In 2016, that same Tulsa sale hosted two events and grossed almost $1 million; last year, system-wide sales for Just Between Friends totaled $29.1 million!We are eager to partner with individuals who have a passion for helping others, giving back to their communities and have an entrepreneurial interest in business ownership. Join Just Between Friends as we work toward of our goal of adding 15 new franchises in 2017 and growing to $31 million in overall gross sales.To learn more, visit our research pages or request a copy of our free Franchise Information Report.