Franchise Secrets Podcast

How a Rookie Tropical Smoothie Franchisee Outperformed the Brand's Best: Clement Troutman's Story

May 9, 2023

Navy Veteran Clement Troutman, a top Tropical Smoothie franchisee in Maryland, shares his journey from military service to franchise success. He emphasizes on building strong relationships with his team, achieving personal growth, and setting ambitious goals. Clement's insights on leadership, team synchronization, and family dynamics make this a must-listen for aspiring franchise owners.

45:51

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Episode guests

Clement Troutman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Veterans' discipline and work ethic translate well into franchising business models.

Building strong relationships with team members and developing their skills is crucial for franchise success.

Deep dives

Clement Troutman's Military Background and Business Transition

Clement Troutman shares his journey from wanting an NFL career to joining the Navy in the late '70s. His military experience living abroad shaped his worldview and prepared him for business. With a background in cryptology and intelligence, Troutman transitioned into franchising from defense contracting, inspired by his daughter's interest in the smoothie industry.

Introduction

2min

Journey Through Military Service to Entrepreneurship

21min

Franchise Resources and Leadership Development Insights

5min

Emphasizing Team Synchronization and Trust for Business Success

4min

Lessons Learned from Tropical Smoothie and Family Business Dynamics

10min

Investing in Potential and Leadership Philosophy

2min

The franchising business model is ideal for veterans because their discipline, work ethic, and mission-focused orientation translate well into business ownership.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Franchise Secrets podcast, where Erik Van Horn interviews Navy Veteran Clement Troutman, a top franchisee of Tropical Smoothie in Maryland.

Clement has found great success with Tropical Smoothie, garnering the 2018 Rookie of the Year award a year after they opened their first franchise in Maryland. Each year, he makes it his goal to surpass his previous year's success. His dedication to building strong core capabilities and staying focused on his mission has helped him to create a thriving business.

In this episode, Clement shares how he got started in the franchising industry and his strategies to achieve success. He also talks about the importance of building solid relationships with his team, developing their skills and capabilities, and allowing them to share his vision for the company.

This episode is a must-listen if you're interested in franchising or looking to improve your franchise. Tune in to hear Clement's expert insights and advice.

“Winners only compete with themselves.” - Clement Troutman

In This Episode:

- A brief background on Clement, how he got into the military, traveled to different parts of the world, worked in Cyber Security, then became a Tropical Smoothie franchisee

- How living in other countries impacted Clement's view of the American culture

- What was it like teaching cultural diversity to his children?

- Clement shares the challenges he experienced being a Tropical Smoothie franchisee and how he made it to the top of the brand's best of the best

- How Clement develops leaders out of his team members and how he deals with someone who's not a good fit

- The secret to Clement's robust business infrastructure

- What's next for Clement Troutman?

And more!

Resources:

- Learn more about Erik’s franchisee mastermind here - www.franchisetribe.com

- Learn more about Erik’s franchisor mastermind here - www.franchisortribe.com

- Learn more about Erik’s passive investing mastermind here - www.tribeofinvestors.com

- Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617