David: Good morning. Tri Village Chamber Partnership. This is Dave Polakowski, president and CEO. This morning. I have and this has been a challenge for me. We've been laughing about this for five minutes. I've been trying to practice her name. It is Sidari. Uh, Sidari.
Telanda: Oh my gosh, you got it right.
David: It only took, what, 50 tries?
Telanda: And that's just this morning. What were you saying Telanda uh, at least you didn't put an R in there.
David: Telanda, uh, I've been seeing this meme.
Telanda: Lately, um, on Instagram or something. My name is spelled in the email. My name is so many people misspelled my name. T-I-D-R-A. It's crazy. But Telanda.
David: I get it. With a name like Pollokowski, my poor granddaughter is walking to that for at least how many years until she, uh, decides what to do on her own.
Telanda: In kindergarten, when they give her car dog, she's going to be like, come on, give me something better, give me some, give me something, uh, I can really sink my teeth into here.
David: So Telanda is our guru on franchises?
Telanda: Yes. Guru sound so important.
David: Well, you are. You're an important part of this community.
Telanda: Well, thank you.
David: So how did you get started in that mhm?
Telanda: Do we want the PC story or do we want the fun story?
David: Well, as long as the fun story can be PC.
Telanda: Okay. There we go. So, years ago, I was married and living in western New York, and, uh, my husband at the time worked for a family-owned company and 2008, 2009 hit. And of course, who's the highest paid person at a family owned company? Who's the first to go? It was him. And we had met or I had met a little side story at the gym. Here you are, western New York, great people, but not a transient town. So I saw somebody at the gym that had a high state gear on and I was kind of like, you must be my friend. Turns out, uh, her family is from Circleville and her husband went to St. Charles and they owned the local Stanley Steamer there. So when my husband was laid off, they said, you have to get into Franchising. Why go work for somebody else. So we looked at Stanley Steamer. There was something in northern Redding, California, that was available and it was like so we ended up finding one in northeast Ohio in the Cleveland area where he was from. So we finally moved back home, which I had wanted to do for years.
David: Wait. What part of Cleveland?
Telanda: Rocky, uh, River, Fairview Park. Like the whole west side.
David: Yeah, because I grew up nearby.
Telanda: Right, we've talked about that. You're way east side southwest.
David: I was not growing. Really? I got that.
Telanda: Like you got my name.
David: I know. We talk so much and so fast.
Telanda: I know.
David: Who knows what we have said in the past.
Telanda: I thought it was Painesville that's where.
David: I just came from.
Telanda: Okay. So I knew there was a tie there somehow. Okay, so anyway, we did the franchise here in Northeast Ohio. My whole life flipped upside down on me, which is probably another Lifetime movie podcast. Um got away from Cleveland. The kids and I moved down here to Columbus. And so now in the world of franchising, I have worked for different companies. Uh, first I worked for a company out of Raleigh that helps develop franchise systems. And now I have been on the consulting side where I help people understand franchising in general, pros and cons. Is it right for them? If so, which brands are a good fit for them? So if you really kind of break.
David: It down, like franchise matchmaking well, what are the positives? So for someone who's young, not sure if they have the funds, or how do you direct someone to take that.
Telanda: Leap if you don't have the funds? It does become a little difficult. Franchising is based on the idea of, uh, being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. And one of the ways that it does become successful for people is because they have a standard so far as net worth requirements, liquidity requirements, because they don't want to see anybody fail. They're, uh, not going to take it away at the first sight of trouble. They actually don't want you to fail. They want you to succeed because it looks really bad for them. It's bad for you. Um, so if someone's looking to get into business and franchising and they're not quite having all the checkmark boxes yet, I can direct them to some options that might be a better fit for them. I, uh, do work and starting to become more involved with a local business broker as well. But we can also talk about a game plan that they can start saying, where do you want to be in five years? How's this going to look? What kind of network do you want? So that you can start looking at business ownership because some people want to use it to get out of their current job. Some people know their company's downsizing. Sometimes it's the mom whose kids are now in high school or college, but doesn't want to quite go back to work. So it's all these different reasons. And I kind of help sort of as a career coach a little bit to kind of help people understand what's the next move here?
David: And I'm going to get into business leading. So are there loans out there? Can you apply for a loan to get a franchise?
Telanda: Great question. My favorite clients are the ones that aren't working, but they want a $2 million SBA loan. Yes, there are wonderful finance resources. We work with multiple different national lenders. Local is always great too. There's a few local people that I have that I work with. I know Heartland Bank is one of them. I've been in contact with.
David: And they're a great supporter of who we are.
Telanda: Yes, they are. Um, they can have the resources for SBA loans. That's, um, the most popular route. It doesn't mean it's the best fit for everyone else, but it is the most popular one because franchises are also SBA approved, which means if you're starting a business up on your own, um, it's more difficult to get financing. If you already have a business model in place, as the franchise system does, it's easier to get financing. So we have those connections to have people get all the information.
David: So once I have the financing in place, what else should they prepare?
Telanda: Oh goodness. How's this going to fit in their daily life? How is this going to work with the support of their partner or spouse or their family and their current job? And do they have travel coming up? Um, I'd like to kind of set a realistic transparency expectation with people. I, uh, tell my clients all the time, I'm not trying to be negative, but if we understand both sides here, then there's not going to be really any big surprises. So understand your commitment level, the timing of it, the funds that go into it. So, yes, you have the loan, but how are you going to pay your daily expenses? How's it going to look? Because capital is the biggest reason that businesses fail. So how is this realistically going to look if, um, the business you want isn't feasible? Maybe we do the first business. I always talk about it like the first house, then you have your second business. Um, so taking a look at some of the realities, um, know who you are personally, what are your skill sets, how are you handled stress? How do you handle decision making? So all of this is going to come into play when you own your own business.
David: And it's interesting, I think. Isn't it true, though, what you learn on a daily basis in a career? Taking that to a franchise should help you because you can't go into this blind. You have to have some education or understanding, correct?
Telanda: Yes. And the way that I like to talk about it with clients is there skill sets that are good to have to run a business. Um, you don't need to know how to cut hair, you don't need to know how to paint a house. But if you know how to manage people and run a P&L and operate a business, you hire the people to do those services. So people will often talk to me about, well, it's not my passion doing junk pickup. There's one out here I see a lot of times in our area. College hunks. Uh, okay, well, junk pickup and moving, that's not my passion. Well, if you're going to get into a passion that's different, get into franchising so that you can support your passion. But if you have the skill sets to manage and run and operate a business. Those are the things the franchise is going to look for and then hopefully approve you. And I think that's another key difference. A lot of people assume, oh, I have the money. Okay, which one should I choose? It's a mutual evaluation awarding process. Let's help you get awarded.
David: And that's interesting because you see all these opportunities. But how do you make that right choice, right? And it's basically what fits into your lifestyle, uh, correct.
Telanda: Or all of these different factors, skill sets, lifestyle, investment. How much do you want to make? And that's a careful one. We're not making promises on anything. But if you want to make and we'll have some fun here because the Mega Millions was just won by someone in Illinois, if you want to make a billion dollars a year, then let's figure out how many. And just to have fun, McDonald's. But how many McDonald's do you need to own to make a billion dollars a year? How many employees are you going to manage? What are your expenses going to look at? Look like, how many headaches are you going to have with this business?
David: And that's a good segue because you also work with small businesses and startups. And people come to me and I'm sure they come to you and say, I have this great plan, this great idea. And my first question is, well, what's your business plan? And then you get this place for someone starting up a new business similar to franchise. Because you have to know what you have to have that financial support. But what are your recommendations for starting a new business?
Telanda: If somebody wants to start a new business, I will recommend them to their local chamber and to Score. Score here in Columbus is a great, uh, not company, but foundation. It's actually through the government, but it's an organization that has volunteer members, mentors, uh, to help people, whether it's at the Stage One or Stage 100 and anywhere in between. So a, um, business plan is a very formal outline that everyone needs to see you to the bank, to investors, and everyone in between on that one too. So a business plan is very important. It's a nice outline to help guide you.
David: Yeah, and Score is great because I've worked with them in the past. Um, but I think that's a new utilized resource like SBA, BBC, all these organizations, government agencies that are out there for free resources and services. Mhm, all right, we're going to have that.
Telanda: Don't be afraid to use those services. I mean, they're there. I feel like too often the human mindset is, I need to know this and I don't want to seem weak and ask for help. Well, it's better to ask for help to save yourself a really expensive mistake.
David: Doesn't that show strength in so many ways that you know your weaknesses? Because that's how I've always I know my weaknesses as a leader. How do you fill those gaps?
Telanda: Absolutely.
David: That's bringing in the right people to help support who you are and what you do 100%. So we're going to have some fun right now.
Telanda: Uh, yeah, I'm done.
David: So when you think about being your best self, what is it? How do you be your best self? This is what I love. Uh, and part of this is when I ask a question and I get this, like, fearful look sometimes.
Telanda: Is that what I'm showing you right now?
David: You're thinking.
Telanda: Did I miss the prepare sheet that you didn't send to me?
David: So prepare.
Telanda: Uh, okay. Let me rephrase the question so I can take a time here to think, what do I envision as my best self or how do I view myself?
David: Yes.
Telanda: All right.
David: On a daily basis, when you look at it, and if you look back getting to where you are today because you went through some challenges in being the person that you are today, being your best self, how do you do that and what does that mean to you?
Telanda: What it means to me I'll give them the hall second, what it means to me, understanding who I am, the good, the bad, the in between working with that on a daily basis, whether it's from clients to kids to friends to family, being respectful, being empathetic, understanding your values, what's important to you, and realizing at the end of the day that you're going to have the mishaps. And then how do you learn from it? Try not to beat yourself up on it, and how are you going to do better the next day or the next week?
David: And that's what I love about this programming, because it makes people really think about who they are and where they came from.
Telanda: And that's hard, though, sometimes. If you would have asked me that question 15 years ago, that would have been really hard. I mean, who I was 15 years ago to who I or 20 or whatever is completely different for so many reasons. But I think the one vulnerability that is the difference that I see in the successful people or the people that are making a difference or kind of waiting for that next turn of success kind of thing, they're willing to be vulnerable and honest with themselves, and so then therefore, they can be a little bit more transparent honest with others. And then that rawness comes through when you're interacting with people, you're kind of.
David: Grinning at me because your Rawness is coming through. And that's what this program is meant to be, helping people to understand it's okay to be your true self and improve. Bring that rawness out in a safe space. To be in a safe space.
Telanda: Right.
David: And we always say that, whatever, there's no judgment zone, and there should never be a judgment zone.
Telanda: I tell that to my clients all the time. What are your goals? There's no judgment.
David: But this has been the lineup of women that we and individuals, I should say we have speaking is incredible. So we have a leadership panel, and we did this in February and recreating it again for the expo. And one of the questions that will.
Telanda: Be asked you're rubbing your hands together.
David: I know. Sorry. Did that come up on the mic? And it's one of my favorite questions because it's another stumper. What did you have to give up? Um um so when you look at.
Telanda: Your on which part? The career part, the mom part. I mean, I'm a single mom of three kids. 24/7 single mom of three kids.
David: Okay. And it was interesting when we, um, asked this question in the leadership panel, the original one, you had women that went family, women that went career, and then those that did a balance.
Telanda: Is there ever really a balance? Or is that the illusion? Anyway, I interrupted you.
David: No, that's why we do the things we do to create conversation, to help others mhm maybe realize that it's okay to be you. So what did you have to give up?
Telanda: Oh, my gosh.
David: And I have to say Telanda is, uh, one of the stronger. I talk about the strong women in the tri village area, and I consider you part of that because of your true realness. And when I can put you outside your comfort zone right now. Exactly.
Telanda: It's funny you say the strong comment. I get that a lot. Remember that show? I get that a lot. Um, but it's funny because I don't always feel that way. That internal voice, that internal struggle. I don't feel strong. Because, you know those voices that you think about insecurity that comes in, that doesn't always show, but those internal thoughts you might have. And so what people see, um, they see the strength. But I think sometimes I cover that up. Is this Sally Jesse Raphael or we just get into you did ask me what did I have to give up?
Speaker UNK: Yes.
Telanda: Honestly, I feel like that question could really be directed in so many different things. But to really be real here and kind of go back to my story, um, I had to give up the illusion. I had to give up this illusion of what I thought my life was and what I thought my life was going to be. Don't you start crying on it. I'm smiling and recreate it. And there are still days that, okay, I want to do better. This is where I want to be. Because I don't know if I'm speaking to anybody else out there, but at a certain age, I think we have or many of us have an idea in our head, well, this is where I'm going to be. This is where I'm supposed to be. And I definitely am one of those people. This is where I'm supposed to be. And you kind of feel like that's your personal goal or challenge or line in the sand, so to speak, and how do I get there? And so there was a lot that I had to give up and kind of start over. And it was the illusion I had to give up.
David: Is it giving up or taking a step back in evaluating what's best for you?
Telanda: Yes, it was a lot of step back and evaluating, but I think that's important to do, actually. I have a client, um, really big business, strong woman, helped companies go to IPO kind of person. Um, and she said something interesting to me every year. I'm on the spot right now, so I can't think of the name of the, uh, test or personality test that she does. It was something that I hadn't really heard of that much before, but, um, she does it every year to re evaluate herself. I thought, well, that's interesting. Put that on the to do list with the other 800 items.
David: Let's just file that back here. Where do we go? So I love this. I love that you've been real and raw with us. And as we get to the end, what words of wisdom do you have for individuals out there, women in the industry?
Telanda: Trust your gut.
David: Instinct.
Telanda: Trust your instinct.
David: Um.
Telanda: Use your voice, but make sure it's in a good way. And that's one of the things that I've had to learn. Everyone can come out of the gate or conversation and just be more aggressive, but there's an art to being creatively.
David: Assertive, tactful in some ways, yes.
Telanda: Back to the person 1520 years ago, um, it was more of just the come at you. And I was always impressed with people who could be that tactful, but yet creatively, circumvent and still get their way. And it's an art. And some people just like personality. Some people are born with it, some people learn it. But if you're willing to learn something and have an open mind, which that's something I've had to learn. Um, there's a lot you can take in. It doesn't all have to be figured out. I think that's one of it. It doesn't all have to be figured out.
David: Will we ever figure it out?
Telanda: But I think we want to I think we always want to have it figured out. What's the end going to look like? Uh, I don't know, but what kind of decisions do you want to make along that journey that you're comfortable with and that you can live with, and you can put your head on the pillow at night, and then the journey will naturally create itself. And being the Type A person I am, that's been a difficult lesson. I know, right?
David: We Type A people have control issues, and you always want to know mhm I've learned. Take a step back. You have to listen. Yeah, you have to listen, because I'm sure we had very similar it was go, go talk. Uh, but you have to step back and listen and know your audience.
Telanda: Right?
David: And I always say be careful because I always have some ulterior motives, hoping that you'll get a mission in purpose. And I see that a lot in you, and I've gotten to know you a lot better today, which I think we had a strong connection before. One last question. This one will be easy.
Telanda: Okay, good.
David: What's exciting going on in your life, really, in a positive? What do you have that you can talk about? I know sometimes you can't, confidentiality, but what's exciting you right now, besides being here with me?
Telanda: Besides being here with you? This, um, is a double edged sword. Um, my oldest is going off to college. And so on one hand, I want to cry because I'm realizing the dynamic at home is going to change. But on the other hand, I'm so excited for him to spread his wings and start all of this and his journey and all of those memories. So it's like this weird dichotomy it's just this weird emotional time. I mean, I'm surprised I'm not crying about talking about it right now because I'll talk to my girls, and Mommy, don't cry yet.
David: But isn't that what we raise our kids to do, is go spread your wings as hard as it is, and you trust that they're going to make the right decisions.
Telanda: And did I teach them everything I was supposed to teach them? And so I feel like I'm trying to give them these last minute speeches like I'm Lou Holtz or something. Um, but someone said to me years and years and years ago and it's so funny how certain conversations or certain things someone will say to you, stick with you for whatever reason or whatever mindset you were in at the time, but someone said to me, you're crying for the right reasons. If he didn't have his act together and want to go do something and find what he wants, he'd be crying for a different reason. If he was stuck at your house and living at home at 30 or 40 or 45, bringing the kids yes. Um, then you're crying for different reasons. So this is a good cry, letting go. This is the letting go. This is the appropriate so that's good.
David: It is. And you're smiling again.
Telanda: This time of year. I keep seeing I saw them last year, and I would cry, you're on Facebook, you're on Instagram. And I saw them last year at this time, and I thought, oh, my God, in a year, this is going to be me. And there's this pencil sketch drawing meme, and it's two sided, left, right? And the first one is the school bus is down there, and the kids hanging onto the mom, crying, I don't want to go. And the mom's like, no, you got to go and then the second one now I'm going to start crying. And the second one is the teen kid with the headphones on in the backpack like, Mama got it. And the mom gripped with her legs around the tree, holding on to him like, don't go. And just the weirdness of what is that, 14 years or 1314? You just switched roles.
David: Yes. And someday we'll be their children. They'll be taking care of us, hopefully. Well, thank you.
Telanda: Thank you for having me.
David: We'll have to do this again someday.
Telanda: I'd love that.
David: We have a lot more to go on.
Telanda: Okay.
David: Uh all right. Well, thank you, everybody, for listening. David Polakowski, president, CEO of Tri Village Chamber. Look forward to seeing you soon.