Finding franchise success in the Alleghenies
Melissa and Kreutzberger are in the process of opening their second Firehouse Subs location in Altoona. Photo: Provided.
Not all businesses are built from the ground up. Some entrepreneurs enter the arena with a franchise. That’s Melissa Kreutzberger’s experience and she is making it her own with hard work and dedication. After opening their first Firehouse Subs franchise nearly seven years ago, she and her husband Kelly are in the process of opening a second location in Altoona.
Even with a well-known franchise, there is still a learning curve and professional advice needed. Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle has been supportive through the process. “I felt like I was on a deserted island when it came to advice and assistance, I knew I was making mistakes. Then I found Blake! He is always available to ask questions and offer me advice. It helped me realize that my experience was no different than most other entrepreneurs and business owners. Finding this support made all the difference,” Kreutzberger said.
“The people in this community make Firehouse Subs a smash hit.”
“Franchisees are just like other entrepreneurs and Melissa has needed all the grit & determination of any entrepreneur to make her business a success,” Fleegle said.
Kreutzberger spent time researching prior to selecting Firehouse Subs which was founded in Jacksonville, Florida. “I wanted to find a brand that I felt was right for our area and it also needed to be a good fit with my personal beliefs and philosophy,” she said. “When I first entered a Firehouse Subs, I immediately knew the people in our community would love the concept. The hearty food, heartfelt service and commitment to public safety were a perfect fit for Johnstown.”
The couple said that finding Startup Alleghenies “made all the difference” for their business. Photo: Firehouse Subs.
The secret sauce behind the success of Kreutzberger’s sub shop—people and relationships. “I fully believe that what sets us apart is that our core pillars include genuine care, concern and respect for every single individual who crosses our path. We genuinely want to build relationships,” she said.
Kreutzberger’s core is filled with hard work and determination. “I believe in this brand. I was honored to earn the Franchisee of the Year for the Northeast Region a few years back for all our hard work and effort. Our team is committed to guest satisfaction. The people in this community make it a smash hit which is why we are about to open our second location,” she shared.
Whether it’s a franchise or a ground-up business, Kreutzberger has this advice: “Never stop learning. Stay humble. Be grateful. Develop a network of support. Take care of yourself. Forgive yourself for mistakes and missteps. And lastly, don’t give up.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
