Clint Benefield, Owner, Vapor Galleria Tyler, Texas
In 2013 I was working in the Eagle-Ford Shale in South Texas, one of the largest oil booms in years. I began thinking about what happens when this “boom” is over. With new technologies in the oil field allowing them to drill harder and faster, coupled with most oil companies going public, had me nervous. Having worked through a previous natural gas boom in the Haynesville Shale play, I realized how oil booms have indefinite ends that could last for decades before my services will needed again.
As I was doing environmental and restoration and reclaim work in South Texas, I tried my first Electronic Cigarette, a pen style. I got satisfaction much like a cigarette offers and with flavor. I started talking to owners in the industry and as well as other business owners asking them what is there secret to success. They all said to diversify and become a franchisee, and I remembered that pen style e-cigarette. I started looking into different franchises, and I kept finding Vapor Galleria to be most appealing to me.
As the oil boom in the Eagle-Ford shale came to end, I said to myself, “It’s time to open a new door and step out.” After almost a year and half of searching I met with Vapor Galleria’s CEO, Ed Williams, and said simply “Let’s try this.” So, only 6 weeks in business and I’m right on track with the other stores. The one thing I love about Vapor Galleria and Ed Williams is that you are never alone. At 2am on a Sunday morning you can get support from Ed and his staff. It’s a very easy business to run as you can do it pretty much remotely. I’m actually looking at some point to go back to my full time job, with my store manager working my Vapor Galleria franchise for me.
You feel like you have a safety net wrapped around you with Vapor Galleria!
