Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tony Van Ore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tony, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic was shaped early on by my parents. I grew up in a middle-class family with a “figure it out” mentality. If you wanted something, you found a way to earn it. I remember mowing lawns and cleaning gutters just to buy my first surfboard, before I was even old enough for a real job. My parents taught us to take pride in what we earned and that mindset has stuck with me throughout my life and career. I’ve always believed that if something matters to you, you’ll find a way to make it happen.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My professional journey first began after earning my degree in Business Administration. I initially pursued a career in law enforcement, serving as a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. That experience instilled a strong sense of discipline and a desire to help others, which later led me into the financial services industry. I started as a stockbroker, transitioned into operations, and NOW serve as Chief Compliance Officer at a mid-sized bank based in Syracuse, New York.
Over the years, I worked closely with small business owners and gained a firsthand understanding of what it takes to successfully run a business. It wasn’t until my early 50s that I considered doing it for myself. My wife Charlie and I, who have been together for over two decades, recognized that we bring complementary strengths to the table and felt inspired to explore business ownership together.
For several years, we had been researching various opportunities including franchises, but couldn’t find the right opportunity or brand that was a fit for us. Through a chance meeting with a franchise consultant, who helped us narrow down our interests and introduced us to The NOW, we immediately saw the brand as an industry disruptor. After visiting for Discovery Day and meeting with leadership, we felt very connected to the team, the brand and the passion behind it. We felt empowered by The NOW’s Brand Truths and saw first-hand how they are woven into the culture of the brand.
While becoming a Franchise Owner required a leap of faith, we created a plan, stuck to it, and haven’t looked back. With two boutiques open in the Orlando area, the experience of becoming a Franchise Owner with The NOW has been incredibly rewarding.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Keeping an open mind. Life rarely goes according to plan and some of the best opportunities come from unexpected places.
2. Being a lifelong learner. I’ve learned more from real-world experience, conversations, and reading than I ever did in a classroom. Staying curious and always seeking knowledge has been invaluable.
3. Hard work. There’s no substitute for showing up, putting in the effort, and staying persistent, even when it’s tough.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest challenge is time. It’s the one resource you can’t get back, and as someone who became a Franchise Owner later in life, I’m constantly aware of how precious it is. Balancing time with the demands of running a business is something I’m always working on. To me, true success is having both time and financial freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thenowmassage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenowmassage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenowmassage/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18022342
Image Credits
The NOW Massage
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