How the power of expert guidance helped Matt Allen on his path to Soccer Stars franchise ownership success.
From corporate grind to entrepreneurial freedom
Matt Allen had always been passionate about health and fitness, studying nutrition, exercise and health sciences in college before pursuing a career in sales management. Over the years, he gained valuable experience in leadership, customer service and business development, but it wasn’t long before he felt the limitations of corporate life.
“After spending time in the corporate world, I realized I wanted more control over my career and lifestyle,” Matt said. “I was looking for something I could truly call my own – an opportunity where my hard work would directly impact my success rather than someone else’s bottom line.”
He knew franchise ownership might be the path to this independence, but like many aspiring entrepreneurs, he faced a daunting challenge: how to choose the right franchise without making a costly mistake.
Trading suits for soccer: Matt’s leap into ownership
When Matt began researching opportunities, he discovered Franchise Sidekick, and everything changed. Their team helped him filter through countless options to find a brand that matched both his professional skills and personal passions.
“Your team really simplified the entire process,” Matt said. “They helped me narrow down the options based on my interests, financial goals and lifestyle needs. That’s ultimately how I discovered Soccer Stars – a brand that aligned perfectly with my passion for sports, youth development and building a community business.”
But our team provided more than just recommendations. They gave Matt the confidence he needed to make a life-changing decision.
“They introduced me to existing franchise owners, so I could hear real experiences, provided tools to evaluate each opportunity thoroughly and connected me with experts for legal and operational guidance,” Matt said. “This made it easy to see potential challenges upfront and helped me make a well-informed decision.”
From overwhelmed to empowered
Like many first-time franchisees, Matt’s biggest concern was leaving behind the security of corporate life and venturing into an unfamiliar industry. That’s where our structure and support proved invaluable.
“Sidekick’s process brought structure and clarity to what could have been an overwhelming experience,” Matt said. “Their evaluation tools helped me compare opportunities side-by-side, and their checklists kept everything organized. Having expert guidance made me feel fully prepared to move forward with confidence.”
We also connected him with the right experts, ensuring he was well-equipped to handle all aspects of launching his franchise.
“They made sure I understood the costs, legal requirements and day-to-day expectations, so there were no surprises when it came time to launch,” Matt said.
Kicking off a winning business
Today, Matt is thriving as a Soccer Stars franchise owner, and he couldn’t be happier with his decision.
“It’s been a really positive experience,” Matt said. “I love the flexibility and control that comes with owning my own business, but more importantly, I feel like there’s a real purpose behind what I’m doing.”
With Soccer Stars, Matt and his team are helping support children’s development through soccer and creating a fun, welcoming environment where staying active is something they look forward to.
“It’s exciting to be part of something from the ground up that makes such a positive impact on the next generation.”
Looking back, Matt knows he couldn’t have gotten here alone. That’s why he recommends Sidekick to others looking to start their own franchise.
“Don’t try to do it alone,” Matt said. “Franchise Sidekick takes a complicated, overwhelming process and turns it into something simple and achievable. They save you time, money and stress.”
Ready to start your franchise journey?
Matt’s story is just one example of how Franchise Sidekick empowers aspiring franchisees to find the right business and succeed with confidence.
Whether you’re leaving a corporate career, exploring entrepreneurship or searching for the perfect investment, Franchise Sidekick provides the tools, guidance and support you need to succeed.
Take the first step today. Schedule a consultation call with one of our advisors and discover the franchise that’s the right fit for your goals and lifestyle.
