A Visit With Linda Roark, Any Lab Test Now® Franchise Owner of Abilene, TX
How to Begin the Second Act of Your Career
We wanted to know how Linda’s career path led to Any Lab Test Now. So, we asked!
“I have a master’s degree in blood banking and was the only specialist in this big area around Abilene, Texas. I was working in transfusion services as a supervisor but was only paid to be part-time. That worked for me because I was raising my children, but I became an “empty nester” after my children went on to college and other things. I was down and feeling like I needed to do something different. I requested full-time status, but they refused so I just up and quit.
My husband is a physician, and he knew that if I didn’t do something I would end up driving him crazy! And so I started researching franchises. My husband’s background as a business owner has given him perspective on what it takes to own and operate one. But I was more apprehensive and unsure, until I found Any Lab Test Now. I know it sounds silly, but it fit me so well that it felt like divine intervention. With my husband’s background, I knew what the demand for lab testing looks like. I got so excited that it became the only thing I cared about.”
How Any Lab Test Now Changed Me
Sometimes, our business opportunity can be good for your personal growth.
“Becoming an Any Lab Test Now owner has been an emotional, wonderful thing. It’s made me a different person. I used to be shy, but I became more extroverted. I got out of my comfort zone. I didn’t know much about marketing, but it turned out to be the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had in my life. I just love the overall effect business ownership has had on me. It made me evolve as a person. And at my age, you aren’t sure it’s possible. Now the marketing aspect of the business is my favorite part. I just really enjoy the connection with everybody. It’s not like selling a product, you’re offering your services.”
Was there a moment when you realized becoming an Any Lab Test Owner was your calling?
“Yes, I remember the exact moment—it’s when I paid my husband back for all the money that he loaned me to get the business started. It was about three years in when I started seeing the profit beyond break even. We passed that benchmark and money was still coming in. That was exciting!”
When you look at the success you have now, can you describe how that feels?
“Okay, first of all, I’ve never needed the money. I have a husband who’s a physician who makes a good living. I’ve always been provided for, and he took care of everything. But he’s been slowing down because he’s close to retiring. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to sustain an income. It’s given us such a sense of financial security, and it’s been such a wonderful thing for our family.”
A Day in the Life of an Any Lab Test Now Owner
Tell us about the in-store experience at your location?
“The goal is pretty straightforward. For any customer who walks in, we strive to develop a relationship that’s worthy of friendship. When they trust us, we build our reputation in the community. I am beyond honest with them, probably too much, but I will never take advantage of them. I want them to know they can trust me because trust in medicine is everything.”
A Whole New World of Opportunity
How have you changed since opening your location?
“I have gained so much self-confidence as a woman, as a person, and as a business owner. I am less risk averse, less frightened of everything. I have to have more overall confidence. I was scared to fail, but the opposite happened. With Any Lab Test Now’s business model, I don’t see anybody failing unless they want to. The entire brand has such a great support mechanism. I got the attention I needed from the very beginning. “
Is Any Lab Test Now is a powerful business for women who want to make their mark and do something?
“Oh yes. Any business where you’re doing all this, you’re learning all this, it’s going to help you grow as a woman, as a person. It’s going to put you in some uncomfortable places, but you’ll learn how to handle things. You’re going to have to learn to how to handle a difficult customer, how to keep your employees honest, and how to market against the competition. It helps you grow in so many positive ways. Also, it’s made me more independent. And maybe also a bit prideful because I love what I’ve accomplished and I’m very proud of myself.”
Advice Directly From an Any Lab Test Now Owner
Is there anything else that you think would be important for a prospective franchisee to know?
“Yes. Don’t be afraid. Put that fear away because this thing is going to be successful. There are always factors, right? Your overhead might be higher than mine because I have a cheaper market, but you’re going to meet that overhead really quickly, more quickly than you think. The people I know who are looking at franchises are terrified of not making that return on investment. I tell them that’s just short-term thinking. You’re going to be fine and overcome that barrier. Some of the other concepts may not have as bright a future, but this medical one is a golden opportunity. And, you know, in the beginning, we were afraid that no one would want our services because insurance was going to take over the world. But it’s all worked out fine. From an owner’s standpoint, Any Lab Test Now seems to be deflation-proof and recession-proof.
How You Can Begin Your Own Journey
Let’s Connect!
If you’re looking for a sound business opportunity with the potential to change your life for the better, please reach out to us directly. We’re more than happy to provide you with information and answer questions. Learning about the available opportunities in your local area is the first step in discovering how you can find success with an Any Lab Test Now® franchise business.
