American Dreamers
the Stories of Franchising
As our nation marks 250 years of the American Dream, Thunderly Marketing is celebrating over 25 years of helping entrepreneurs achieve that dream through the power of franchising.
Now, we’re bringing you right alongside us. Starting this month, we’re launching the yearlong “American Dreamers: The Stories of Franchising”© campaign to spotlight authentic profiles of grit and drive from franchise owners who keep that spirit alive every single day. By sharing their journeys, we honor the resilient leaders who continue to build, inspire, and define the true meaning of the American Dream.
American Dreamers
Get ready for an inside look at the community leaders building a lasting legacy through franchising. Spanning diverse industries, regions, and backgrounds, this is your invitation to the “American Dreamers” series, where we feature the stories of owners who dared to dream big and claim their own future.
This November, Thunderly is celebrating entrepreneurs building family legacies through franchise ownership, strengthening family bonds and creating opportunities for future generations.
Shannon O’Dore and Ashley Heller - Bark and Mane
Dee & Ketan (KP) Patel - Bojangles
Born just 11 months apart, cousins Dee and KP have shared a brotherly bond for 45 years. Today, they bring that lifelong trust to their partnership as Bojangles franchise owners, dividing responsibilities and building a business together. Watch their video to hear how family ties shape the way they work side by side.
Erika Stupiello - Home Helpers Home Care
A doctorate in linguistics and a career as a professor might not sound like the usual route into senior care, but Erika Stupiello’s story took an unexpected turn. After moving from Brazil to the United States and caring for her grandparents, she discovered a new interest that eventually led to franchise ownership with Home Helpers Home Care. Watch her video to hear how one change opened the door to a new career.
Jeff Toren — Kitchen Tune-Up
Jeff Toren is a successful franchise owner who transitioned from software sales to entrepreneurship, inspired in part by his father’s entrepreneurial legacy. He chose Kitchen Tune-Up, growing to seven territories before expanding into multiple Bath Tune-Up territories. Jeff credits franchising with providing opportunities for personal and professional growth while giving him the freedom to build a business aligned with his vision.
Noel Arriola — Eggs Up Grill
Noel spent three decades as the Director of IT before taking a leap of faith, leaving the corporate world for good to build his own legacy with Eggs Up Grill.
Brian Franks — Z PLUMBERZ
As part of Thunderly’s “American Dreamers” campaign, Brian Franks shares how his time as an Army fueler shaped the way he runs his Z PLUMBERZ franchise today. His video digs into the mindset that got him through the Army and now gets him through the job: don’t panic, know your resources, and never stop looking for the right answer. It’s a great look at what problem-solving under pressure really looks like in action.
Cory Boxall — TeamLogic IT
Cory Boxall’s story is part of Thunderly’s “American Dreamers” series, and it’s a good one. After years in the Marine Corps and the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, Cory brought that same hands-on approach to civilian life as a multi-unit TeamLogic IT owner. Watch his video to hear how the discipline and standards he built in the military now shape how he runs his business and leads his team.
American Dreamers
Get ready for an inside look at the community leaders building a lasting legacy through franchising. Spanning diverse industries, regions, and backgrounds, this is your invitation to the “American Dreamers” series, where we feature the stories of owners who dared to dream big and claim their own future.
Tap in for August as we highlight a veteran-turned-franchise owner who’s used their background in leadership and self-discipline to build a lasting legacy in franchising.
Franchise owner video 2
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