Thousands of aspiring franchise owners across America think about ownership every year, and most of them never take the first step.
Angel Proa almost became one of them.
He grew up in a hardworking immigrant family with limited financial resources, later tried to build a small business that eventually closed, and spent years in a 9-to-5 role where the path forward felt increasingly constrained.
But instead of letting that be the end of his story, he kept looking for a different way forward.
Today, Angel is the proud owner of a Surface Experts franchise, one of the leading B2B service franchise opportunities in the country, and Todd Mayo from Franchise Made helped guide him through the process of getting there.
If you are exploring recession proof businesses, wondering what the best franchise for first-time owners looks like or simply trying to figure out whether franchise ownership is realistic for someone like you, Angel’s story will inspire you to believe that ownership might be closer than you think.
What Angel Proa’s story shows aspiring owners
What Angel Proa’s story shows aspiring owners
- He turned setbacks into a startAngel moved past a failed small business and a W2 job by stepping into franchising.
- A consultant built his confidenceWorking with franchise consultant Todd Mayo gave Angel the confidence to make an investment decision he felt truly good about.
- B2B services are a strong entry pointB2B service franchises like Surface Experts give first-time owners a low-cost way in.
- Recession proof demand holds upB2B service businesses keep seeing steady demand even when the economy slows.
- Guidance matters most where access is thinA consultant is especially valuable for first-generation immigrants who lack mentorship and startup resources.
Angel Proa Grew Up in a Low-Income Immigrant Family and Learned to Work Early
Angel Proa never grew up with the type of connections or financial resources that many others have. His parents worked factory jobs to provide for their family, and he watched their dedication and work ethic every single day. That kind of upbringing can instill a strong sense of determination and resilience, qualities that have served Angel well throughout his life.
“I come from an immigrant family, from a low-income family,” Angel said. “My life has always been kind of tough. I always try to better myself, become better at everything a day.”
He started working at 17 in the automotive industry, learning body repair and refining his craft year after year. College was not an option as there was no money to fund this, so Angel built his career with his hands. His dream was to be his own boss one day, serving customers directly and building something that truly belonged to him.
Angel Journey to Franchising Was Built Through Determination and Grit
Angel had tried running his own business in the automotive industry. He opened a small body shop, and for a while it felt like the progress he’d been so hungry for. He poured himself into building something of his own and was determined to make it work.
Angel notes that several factors worked against him, with two of the biggest being the lack of external support and the absence of a proven system that could be replicated for success. Things became increasingly difficult, and despite his efforts, he eventually had no choice but to close the business and start over.
“There was no structure. There was no blueprint. So when I started looking to franchise, I just knew that there was a blueprint that you could just follow and buy and make it be part of a network.”
Angel Proa, Surface Experts Franchise Owner
How a Crowded Franchise Expo in Los Angeles Led Angel to the Right Mentor
In spite of what felt like a dismal failure, Angel held on to hope. Hope that one day, he’d be the successful business owner he always envisioned himself being. This drive and deep motivation kept Angel searching for new opportunities.
After exploring different options and ways to escape the W-2 rat race, Angel stumbled upon franchising. At the time, it seemed nearly impossible, but the drive that had propelled Angel forward his entire life led him to a franchise conference that would ultimately change the trajectory of his career in the most unexpected way.
Everything Change When Angel Met Franchise Consultant Todd Mayo
The franchise conference was held in Los Angeles, and Angel attended with his wife to learn about franchise brands across various industries. Over 100 franchise companies were packed under one roof, and for someone who had never been to one, the overwhelm set in quickly.
“There was a ton of brands in there,” Angel recalled. “It was just a lot of information going around, a lot of brands just trying to talk to you.”
As Todd looked across the crowded conference floor, he noticed Angel and his wife trying to take it all in. The overwhelm was easy to sense, and he approach gently amid the noise to strike up a conversation.
“He was not trying to sell us something,” Angel said. “The way he was talking was just genuine. Being there, talking to him at the expo, has been one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.”
If you have ever walked through a franchise expo and felt that kind of pressure, it’s worth understanding the role of fear in franchise decision-making. It can genuinely help you move forward with confidence instead of getting confused and stuck.
“He was not trying to sell us something. The way he was talking was just genuine. Being there, talking to him at the expo, has been one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.”
Angel Proa, Surface Experts Franchise Owner
Why Franchising Was the Best Next Step for Angel
Franchises typically have a lower risk of failure compared to independent startups because the franchising industry is generally resilient across economic cycles. This stability is a big part of why first-time entrepreneurs keep gravitating toward the model.
Angel specifically mentioned that his main motivation was finding something more stable and structured for his family’s future; something that would offer him support and the opportunity to grow.
Franchise Ownership Offers Numerous Advantages Over Starting a Small Business
There are stark differences between franchise ownership and independent ownership that many entrepreneurs prefer:
Four advantages a franchise gave Angel that a solo start could not
Todd Walked Angel Through Every Step of the Franchise Evaluation Process
Todd never handed Angel a brochure and sent him on his way. He built an actual process around Angel’s needs, interests and financial situation. Todd helped Angel analyse and assess every facet of each franchise that felt like a strong fit for his life.
A franchise consultant’s role is to help franchisees conduct thorough research across the brand’s financial health and local territory, and Todd walked Angel through each step of this process.
- Todd explained the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which contains critical details about the franchisor, including fees, obligations and franchise system growth over time.
- He prepared Angel for validation calls with existing franchise owners to hear real experiences with each brand’s support team, training, marketing resources and business performance.
- He coached Angel on discovery day questions to evaluate brand strength and financial strength across different franchise companies.
- He helped Angel understand how franchise agreements define the rights, obligations, territory and fees of franchisees.
“He practically held my hand on everything. Every call that I was getting, he was giving me a call right back. He was always checking in with me.”
Angel Proa, Surface Experts Franchise Owner
That kind of follow-through is rare. Many franchise sales conversations end once someone shows interest. Todd’s approach was the complete opposite.
Why B2B Service Franchise Opportunities and Surface Experts Made the Most Sense for Angel
Angel assumed he would end up in an automotive franchise. He had spent most of his career in that world, and it seemed like the obvious match. However, things turned out rather differently as Todd helped him research the numbers and the long-term growth potential of different franchise categories across multiple industries, and these results surprised him.
“In my head, I was thinking I was going to go into automotive. But then we started looking at numbers and other stuff, and it wouldn’t work.”
Angel Proa, Surface Experts Franchise Owner
Surface Experts, a surface repair franchise, ended up at the top of the list. These franchise opportunities are among the strongest franchise categories in America right now.
The Benefits That Attracted Angel to B2B Service Franchising
Several factors make B2B service franchises particularly resilient, even in uncertain economic conditions.
One of the most important is the nature of the demand itself.
As commercial buildings, facilities, and infrastructure age, the need for ongoing maintenance, repair, and restoration doesn’t slow down, it often increases. Whether markets are expanding or contracting, businesses still need to keep their properties safe, compliant, and operational, which creates a steady baseline of demand that is less sensitive to consumer spending cycles.
This was a factor that made a lot of sense for Angel’s future projections of expansion and growth.
Another key advantage is how these types of services are structured. Unlike consumer-facing retail models that rely heavily on foot traffic or seasonal trends, B2B service franchises are often built around essential, repeatable needs.
This can translate into more predictable workflows and longer-term client relationships, where businesses return for maintenance, servicing, or scheduled work over time.
The Big Advantage That Confirmed His Decision
What sealed the deal for Angel was brand strength and personal support. He wanted a franchise brand where the team felt like actual people, not a faceless corporate office.
“Having a support team, and not feeling like it’s corporate, I felt more like a one-on-one person. Someone that I could just pick up the phone if I run into a problem and they can answer it and try to find a solution with me.”
Angel Proa, Surface Experts Franchise Owner
Franchising requires adherence to the franchisor’s operational guidelines and standards, but the best franchise brands also make franchisees feel like genuine partners.
Angel’s experience proves that researching each franchise, reviewing the FDD, talking to existing franchise owners and spending time at discovery days to evaluate brand power and financial strength is crucial before you sign anything.
How Angel Overcame the Fear of Failure and Financial Roadblocks
Angel’s path to franchise ownership took lots of different twists and turns along the way. The entire process took roughly seven months and included setbacks that would have stopped most people.
“We had a lot of roadblocks on the way,” Angel said. “I couldn’t get money for one brand, so it kind of broke the dream there. We had to go back to the drawing board and figure out different ways.”
The Financial Considerations of Starting a Franchise
Financing trips up a lot of aspiring franchise owners. Franchises often require significant upfront investments and ongoing royalty payments, and those numbers can look scary on paper. When you’re evaluating your investment options, a few things are worth knowing.
- Lenders are often more willing to finance franchises with proven track records because the business model has already demonstrated financial strength in the market.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans require a lower down payment for franchise financing. The SBA backs these loans to reduce risk for lenders and many franchise brands have been pre-approved.
- Entry costs vary widely by category, making this a determining factor in deciding on a franchise type.
- Working with accountants who understand franchise financials is a smart move for anyone evaluating their investment options.
Beyond the money, Angel dealt with fear. He had already watched one business fail, and now he was about to pull his entire family into another venture. Keeping an open mind can change the way you see franchising, and Angel’s approach to fear is worth hearing.
“Fear is always going to be there,” Angel said. “If I start everything with fear, then we’re going to get nowhere. So we move past it and try to make the best decision possible.”
Angel’s grit, determination, and persistent drive to overcome any and every setback is why he succeeded at purchasing a Surface Experts franchise. Angel trusted the process with Todd and did something few do, he backed his dreams and never gave up on them.
Why Recession Proof Businesses Matter for Franchise Owners in Today’s Economy
One of the smartest things Angel did was pick a business category that could overcome setbacks and keep going.
The economy runs in cycles of growth and recession, and franchise owners who invest in recession proof businesses tend to weather those swings better. Recession proof franchises lie in industries where demand stays consistent even when consumer spending pulls back.
Past recessions have made it pretty clear which industries hold up and which ones don’t. Below are the top franchise industries that have historically performed well during recessions.
Industries that have historically held up in a downturn
For franchise candidates who want to be their own boss, the right approach is to research which industries have survived recessions, and match your interests with franchise brands that have the strongest financial track records.
Todd helped Angel to evaluate franchises based on financial data, not gut feelings.
Angel Reflects on Opportunities and Setbacks as a First Generation Immigrant
Angel’s story holds a different level of weight because of who he is. As a first-generation immigrant franchise entrepreneur, he has experienced society’s skepticism firsthand.
“We as first-generation immigrants, we get really underestimated,” Angel elaborates. “Nobody sees us as a business owner.”
What holds a lot of immigrant entrepreneurs back is not talent or work ethic, it’s access.
“The mentors are not present,” Angel explains. “Our parents and family just focus on providing and working. It’s just really difficult to find someone that was willing to help.”
Franchise consultants like Todd fill that gap for first-generation entrepreneurs who need accessible resources and marketing support. Todd journey’d alongside Angel, ensuring he had every piece of information possible to be rooted in a franchise business that would contribute to his success.
Angel’s Version of the American Dream and What Franchise Ownership Made Possible
For Angel Proa, the American Dream has never been about luxury cars or corner offices, it’s always been about creating a better life for his family.
“My dad actually works with me now,” Angel said. “I was able to bring him with me. So I’m blessed to always be with him, having lunch with him. Being able to provide for my parents as well as my wife, my kids. Being able to take them to school in the morning or pick them up. The franchise is my complete version of what the American Dream is for me.”
If you’re curious about what possibility awaits in your future, get to know our tried and tested process to franchise ownership.
Angel had never bought a franchise before. What he had was someone who had done it many times over, walking each step with him. That is the difference a guide makes.
See Our Process →
Final Takeaways for Every Aspiring Franchise Owner
Angel did his research and worked with a trusted franchise consultant. He evaluated multiple franchise brands and invested in a recession proof business category with proven demand.
The hidden advantages of a franchise go beyond having a well-known brand name on your building. A good franchise consultant will help you to qualify for better financing options, build confidence and reduce risk compared to starting from scratch.
Todd Mayo and his team helped Angel find the franchise brand that matched his lifestyle, his budget and his interests. He can do the same for anyone else who’s interested in franchising.
Book a Free Consultation With Todd Mayo
Todd at Franchise Made will listen to your goals, evaluate your financial situation, help you research franchise brands and match you with franchise companies that align with your vision.
No matter which franchise brand or category you’re interested in, he can help you make a smart investment.
As Angel put it, “I recommend him 100% to anybody that wants to start. He’ll explain, he’ll teach you, he’ll do anything in his power to make it happen. He has done it for me.”
Book a free consultation with Todd Mayo
Todd will listen to your goals, look honestly at your finances, help you research brands, and match you with franchise companies that fit the life you want to build. Wherever you are starting from, he can help you make a smart investment.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical timeframe to become a franchise owner?
The process varies but generally takes several months. It includes researching franchises, attending discovery days, securing financing and signing agreements. Patience and due diligence are key to making a confident decision.
Can I operate a franchise while working a full-time job?
Yes, some franchises offer semi-absentee ownership models allowing you to manage the business part-time. However, initial phases might require more involvement to establish operations and hire reliable management.
Are franchise fees negotiable?
Franchise fees are usually set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable. Some franchisors may offer promotions or discounts occasionally. It’s important to review all fees carefully before committing.
What kind of ongoing support do franchisees receive?
Most franchisors provide training, marketing support, operational guidance and access to supply chains. Support levels vary, so it’s essential to understand what assistance is included before investing.
How important is location for a franchise?
Location can significantly impact franchise success. Franchisors often define territories to avoid competition among franchisees. Researching the local market and demographics is crucial before finalizing a location.
What qualifications do I need to become a franchise entrepreneur?
Most franchisors look for candidates with strong work ethic, good communication skills and the ability to manage a business. Prior experience in the industry can be helpful but is not always required. A willingness to follow the franchisor’s system and guidelines is key to success as a franchise entrepreneur.
