Amy Justis: Finding Success Beyond Comfort Zones as a CMIT Franchisee

In July 2024, CMIT Solutions proudly recognized Amy Justis as their Featured Franchisee of the month. Her entry into the world of entrepreneurship was not an impulsive leap but rather a deliberate and well-thought-out journey toward taking control of her future as a CMIT franchise owner.

Growing up, Amy was influenced by her father, who balanced dual roles as both an architect and a business owner. Inspired by her parents' encouragement to explore her own interests, Amy remained open to diverse possibilities and began to carve out her unique path.

That moment came when her previous company was sold, presenting Amy with a critical decision point. Unwilling to uproot her life for another corporate job, she chose instead to seize this as a chance to forge her path forward. With retirement on the horizon, she wanted to avoid dependence on any one company or person. Her goal was clear: to find a career that offered flexibility, autonomy, and a sense of personal reward.

Choosing Franchising: The Right Blend of Freedom and Support

Amy found her answer in franchising, where she saw a compelling mix of independence and guided support. Even with no prior experience in running a small business, she found that a franchise model like CMIT Solutions provided a strong framework and reduced many of the risks associated with starting from the ground up. This structure gave her the confidence to move forward. As Amy noted, “Most businesses fail within the first one to two years. You must have the resources and resilience to sustain until you get things running smoothly.”

The Tenacity Behind Amy's Franchise Success

When asked to define what has driven her success, Amy’s response was straightforward: "Tenacity." She reflects, “It’s been a lot of hard work,” and it is precisely this unyielding determination that has distinguished her in her field. Instead of narrowing her client focus, Amy has embraced a broad range, catering to businesses of various sizes, from those with 10 employees to those with up to 1,000. This diverse strategy has enabled her to build a robust and versatile client base.

Beyond business strategy, Amy emphasizes the importance of the CMIT community. She has been an active member of the “Disruptors” mastermind group for over a decade, a platform that has offered valuable advice and camaraderie. “The greatest part of owning a small business is the balance you can maintain better,” she shares, a balance she has carefully cultivated, balancing her business commitments with her personal life.

Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Leverage Your Network and Time Wisely

Amy's advice for those considering the entrepreneurial path is clear: surround yourself with a reliable network and continuously seek their perspectives. She frequently turns to her inner circle for insights, including her brother, a CFO, and her sister, who works in marketing. These trusted advisors provide diverse viewpoints that are crucial for making informed decisions.

Acknowledging her own weaknesses, Amy humorously admits, “I’m terrible at sales and marketing.” Despite enjoying engaging with people, she doesn’t see herself as a natural salesperson and dislikes the process of generating leads or setting meetings. Yet, once a conversation starts, she is fully engaged and ready to provide value. She stresses that while these areas may not be her strength, investing time and resources into marketing and sales is essential. “Leverage your time by attending community events and tapping into your sphere of influence,” she advises, noting that these strategies can significantly impact growth.

A Journey Fueled by Perseverance and Support

Amy Justis's experience as a CMIT franchisee illustrates how persistence, a supportive network, and a commitment to continuous learning can pave the way to success. She serves as a powerful example to others, demonstrating that even without expertise in every area, one can still thrive with the right attitude and a willingness to adapt.

Amy’s story shows that when you combine resilience with resourcefulness, you can turn any challenge into an opportunity.

Listen to the full podcast episode featuring Amy Justis: https://bit.ly/4ggrvk5