I just got back from Puerto Vallarta for my nephew's wedding. Beautiful trip. Great food, great people, and one very expensive lesson in accountability.
Let me explain.
$100, a Conference Room, and a Live Class in Mexico
I recently launched the pilot of Scale to Exit™, my course for existing franchise owners. We do live classes on a schedule. My students count on me to show up.
The problem? I was in Mexico when one of those classes was on the calendar.
I figured it wouldn't be an issue. I assumed the Airbnb would have solid internet. It did have solid internet, actually. Fast speeds when it was connected. But it kept dropping every 10 to 20 minutes. That wasn't going to cut it for a live class.
My first thought was to use my phone as a hotspot. Tested it. The speeds were too slow. I didn't trust it.
So I looked around. The W Hotel was right next door. I walked over a few days before the class, introduced myself, and asked if I could use a conference room. Turns out I could buy a day resort access pass and get access to their business facilities.
I tested the connection. Not the fastest, but they told me it was reliable. That was exactly what I needed. Consistent beats fast when you're trying to run a live class.
I paid around $100 for the day. Hosted the class. Everything went fine.
Now here's what I want to point out. My first instinct could have been to be frustrated. To blame the Airbnb host. To wish I had booked something different. None of that would have helped anyone.
The internet situation was what it was. My students had a class scheduled.
That was the only thing that mattered.
Step one was accepting the reality of the situation. Step two was figuring out what to do about it. I considered a coffee shop. Too loud and too unpredictable. The conference room was the right call, even if it cost more than I would have liked.
This is accountability in action. Not just "owning your mistakes," but owning the situation you're in, regardless of how you got there.
🎯 HiPer8™ Principle #5: Accountability
"I own my actions, inactions, and their results."
Accountability is not about blame. It's not self-punishment. It's about looking at reality clearly and deciding what you're going to do next.
In business, things will go sideways. Systems fail. Vendors disappoint you. Circumstances change. The question is never "whose fault is this?" The question is "what am I going to do about it?"
High performers ask: Did things happen TO me, or BECAUSE OF me?
The honest answer is usually both. But the only part you can control is what comes next.
Practical application: The next time something doesn't go the way you planned, pause before you look for something or someone to blame. Ask yourself: What assumption did I make that didn't hold? What's the reality I'm actually dealing with? What are my options from here?
Try this: Think about one current challenge in your business or career. Write down the reality of the situation as it actually is, not as you wish it were. Then write down three options you have. You may not love any of them. But one of them is probably better than staying stuck.
🎖️ A Note for Memorial Day
This month we honor the men and women who served.
Veterans are some of the most naturally gifted franchise owners I've encountered. The skills that make someone excellent in service, following a proven system, executing under pressure, holding themselves and others accountable, translate directly into what it takes to run a successful franchise.
Accountability is a big one. So is discipline. So is grit. The military trains these things at a level most people never experience.
If you know a veteran exploring their next chapter, franchise ownership is worth a serious look. The model rewards exactly the kind of person service builds.
📍 Quick Updates
Scale to Exit™ pilot is live: We officially went live and I couldn't be more excited. The early feedback from members has been fantastic, and I'm already working on improvements to deliver even more value. If you're a franchise owner looking to grow your business and eventually sell for maximum value, this is built for you. Reply to this email and I'll share more details.
YouTube milestone: We just crossed 75 subscribers and 27,000+ views. Small number, but the growth and engagement have been really encouraging. If you haven't subscribed yet, come join us at youtube.com/@AthleteToOwner.
Speaking: I've been working on bringing the Athlete to Owner message to veteran transition programs and professional athlete groups. More to come on that front.
🎙️ This Month on The Podcast
Episode 28: Is "Print Dead" in Franchising Today? - Dan Sher Dan bought an existing AlphaGraphics franchise two days before the 2008 market collapse. Everyone said print had no future. Eighteen years later, he's doubled the business in employees, revenue, and square footage. Watch Here
Episode 29: Build Wealth Serving Seniors At Home - Rick Peroe Rick spent 30+ years inside one of America's most recognizable franchise systems before choosing a mission over a paycheck. He's now leading US expansion for Heart to Home Meals, a brand with a 70-year track record that most people have never heard of. Watch Here
Episode 31: Why Men's Grooming Is Beating Barbershops? - Frank Muller Frank comes from capital markets and private equity. He spotted a generational shift in how men spend on health and appearance, built a holding company around it, and is now on his way to 20 Hammer and Nails locations across Texas. Watch Here
📚 Free Download: The Franchise Fit Playbook
Not sure if franchise ownership is the right move for you? The Franchise Fit Playbook walks you through the key questions to ask before you ever talk to a franchisor. It's free and takes about 20 minutes to work through.
Ready to Talk?
If you're exploring franchise ownership and want a guide who's focused on your outcome, not a transaction, let's connect. My coaching is free. I'm only paid by franchisors after you find the right fit and move forward.
Know Someone Exploring a Career Change?
If someone you know is frustrated in their corporate role or thinking about business ownership, send them my way. I'd be happy to talk with them.
Thanks for reading. Own your situation, find your options, and keep moving forward.
-Alan
Alan Regala
High Performance Franchise Coach
Former Multi-Million Dollar Franchise Owner
Athlete to Owner
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