Over years the Flamingo ran her lemonade stand and worked hard to ensure that each customer had an enjoyable experience. Her intern, the Frog one day asked the Flamingo, “How do you continue to grow despite the tough economy? How’s that possible when every other lemonade stand is struggling?”
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The Flamingo thought and simply said, “Well, I just add value. While those other businesses are struggling, I make sure that my business is valuable to clients. You might just see this as a lemonade stand, but one customer sees it as a place to listen to music and enjoy a snack during lunch. A business man might see it as a place to work on his computer. A lonely customer might come for the good conversation. At the end of the day, I just make sure that every client has a great experience every time they walk through my doors.”
Lesson: Today business is difficult and competitive and entrepreneurs and business owners need to remember that customers and clients are more conscious about where they are spending their money. If you want to grow a strong and stable business, be sure to add some type of value to clients and customers.
Image courtesy of photoexplorer / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Gresham W. Harkless Jr.https://iamgresh.comGresham W. Harkless Jr.
Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise
Helping founders and aspiring owners find franchise opportunities that match their purpose, finances, and lifestyle. Host of the I AM CEO Podcast with more than 1,600 interviews.
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About Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise broker based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. As founder of Blue Star Franchise, he helps aspiring and established business owners discover franchise opportunities aligned with their goals, skills, and long-term vision.
With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresham brings a consultative, client-first approach to franchise matching. Through his media company, Blue 16 Media, and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured more than 1,600 interviews, he has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners to accelerate growth and build scalable business models.
His mission is simple: to help people “run their race” by finding franchise opportunities that align with their purpose, skills, and lifestyle.
Credentials & Affiliations
Certified Franchise Broker - Franchise Broker Association (FBA)
Founder - Blue Star Franchise
Founder - Blue 16 Media
Host - I AM CEO Podcast (1,600+ episodes)
Featured in 50+ Black Marketers on the Rise & Influencer & Media Innovators (2022)
B.S., Business Administration - Howard University
How Gresham Helps
Franchise discovery & matching consultations
Franchise investment and financial fit analysis
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Speaking engagements & media interviews
Business growth advisory through Blue 16 Media
I AM CEO Podcast
With more than 1,600 episodes, the I AM CEO Podcast features conversations with founders, franchise owners, authors, and business leaders.
Gresham shares real, actionable insights to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and lead.
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Contact & Bookings
Email: gresham@bluestarfranchise.com
For franchise inquiries, speaking engagements, or media interviews, send an email or use the consultation link.
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