Franchise Focus: College Assistance Plus Of Ventura County

Owner: Michael D. Cardona.

Product or service: College career consulting.

Location: Home-based office in Camarillo, serving Ventura County.

Date established: July 2008.

Hours open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Telephone: 279-6602.

E-mail: [email protected].

Web site: http://www.collegeassistanceplus.com.

Employees: Owner-operated.

Franchise fee: $10,000 to $30,000.

Estimated annual gross revenue: $50,000-plus.

Questions to Michael D. Cardona: What prompted you to start your own business? Having two teenage children myself, I empathize, and see a strong need to help families navigate the college selection and financing process.

What is your educational and career background? I earned degrees in psychology and economics from UCLA. I have 25-plus years of experience in business ownership, sales and sales management. I possess a strong desire to help kids move on to the next level to achieve their goals and dreams.

How much research did you do before starting your business? It was a two-year journey. I spent a long time trying to find a business that fit with my passions, life goals and values. It's a discovery process, and College Assistance Plus is a good fit.

What were the most helpful sources, including Web sites? Web sites such as Franchise Solutions helped to introduce me to an abundance of franchise opportunities. Once I identified potential franchises that matched my objectives, I called the franchises directly. The franchisees are happy to provide information on their business. Also, franchises offer Discovery Day, a time to visit to get a hands-on feel for the franchise and what they are trying to accomplish.

When were you the most discouraged? I was doubtful, but not discouraged. Discouragement is easily offset by taking the appropriate positive actions. For me, it was fear of financial insecurity, or what I call operating without a net. The only way I know to overcome this fear is to face it and make a decision to move forward.

What company or individual do you admire? John Wooden. I find his humble philosophy on life's journey to be quite refreshing. For example: "Be more concerned with what you can do for others than what others can do for you. You'll be surprised at the results." What will make your business stand out from competitors? We provide the whole package. We have a proactive program that gets both the student and the parents involved. It's a team effort. Our goal is to get the parents the most cost-effective, debt-free, financial aid for their child, while keeping in mind the students' profile and matching them with colleges that fit.

Who is your target client/customer base? Families with students in high school.

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