Unlocking Growth and Solutions Through Collective Wisdom

In the world of franchising, the road to success can often feel like a solitary journey. For Keith Tessler, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in technology and sales, this loneliness at the top is a reality. As the sole salesperson in his CMIT Solutions franchise, Tessler deeply values the support and insight provided by his Mastermind group, which includes fellow CMIT franchisees and a representative from the home office.

Keith Tessler’s Mastermind group meets every other week, with in-person sessions three times a year. This peer-led group has become his go-to resource for tackling a wide range of business challenges, from employee issues to technical dilemmas. Whether it’s finding the right pricing strategy or addressing a client’s critical need, Tessler knows he can rely on the collective wisdom and experience of his Mastermind peers.

“I think the best thing about CMIT are the other CMIT franchisees,”[KT1]? Tessler says, emphasizing the strength of the community. “Recently, when a client’s server went down in Indiana, I called another CMIT owner for help. We didn’t know each other well, but the trust, reliability, and knowledge base in our network are huge. That’s the power of CMIT.”

The Rigors and Rewards of the Mastermind Process

Being part of the Mastermind group is not for the faint of heart. Tessler explains that there are strict qualifications for joining: a willingness to learn and a willingness to give. The group takes a hands-on approach to business improvement. All our businesses are put under the microscope with an evaluation of the financials, proposals, brochures, and team [KT2]?are scrutinized, and the business owner is grilled by the group.

“There is no crying in the limelight,” Tessler says, reflecting on the intense but constructive feedback sessions. “Your business is ripped to shreds, and you’re told what you’re doing right and wrong. It’s brutal, but it’s incredibly valuable.”

A Reluctant Leader Finding Strength in Community

Despite his initial reluctance to lead, Tessler found himself “voluntold” into a leadership role within the group. This experience has pushed him to grow, both as a business owner and as a person. The camaraderie and shared experiences within the group have become a vital part of his success.

“‘Lonely at the top’ is a real thing. You can’t talk to your employees about a lot of things—they don’t have the full picture. In the Mastermind group, I have people I can turn to, who understand exactly what I’m going through,” Tessler shares.

Networking Beyond Transactions

Tessler’s approach to networking is also shaped by his experience with the Mastermind group. For him, networking is not about making quick deals; it’s about building relationships. He believes in earning trust rather than pushing for hard sales.

Networking is not transactional; it’s about relationships. I look for a room that could be filled with potential clients—not to solicit, but to build relationships,” he explains. “People come to us for three reasons: support, compliance, and cybersecurity. The last two they do not understand. They need to trust that you are acting in their best interest.”[KT3]?

Continuous Learning and Growth

The Mastermind group also offers monthly discussions on several topics, from accounting to AI, helping Tessler and his peers stay ahead of the curve. This continuous learning environment is crucial in an industry that is always evolving.

For Keith Tessler, the benefits of his Mastermind group and the CMIT Solutions community extend far beyond business success. They provide a network of support, a source of knowledge, and a sense of belonging in a journey that can often feel isolated. In a world where trust and reliability are key, Tessler knows he can always count on his CMIT family.