Franchise Spotlight: Joe and Joy Wezner

Tell us a little about your background

We have lived in the Northern New Jersey area for 25 years. As a commodity trader, Joe has been involved in trading everything from gold to cotton. Joy used her background in Fine Arts and Psychology to help people with Art Therapy. Besides being involved in the franchise’s day-to-day operations, she finds time to care for our three active daughters.

Why did you decide to open an Office Evolution franchise?

We were most attracted to the Ohana culture where we could be part of our small business community. We had ruled out any business that had to do with food service. Office Evolution was a perfect model for us as Joe was looking to step back from commuting into New York City daily. It offered a place for him to perform two jobs- one in commodities and one as a partner servicing the needs of our members. 

Tell us a bit about your Business Center Manager

The most positive feedback we get from our members is regarding our Business Center Manager, Marianne Riker. She is always eager to assist our members, and her help always comes with a laugh thrown in to liven the center’s mood. She is a life-long resident of Pearl River and it feels like she knows just about everyone in town. We chose Mari due to her strong background in sales, hospitality, and management. 

Tell us a bit about your members

While we have financial planners, CPA’s, and lawyers, our members are quite diverse. Our very first member is the owner of a car service and restaurant. In case your child needs extra help in school we have a math tutor as a member, as well as a local cleaning service. We find having such a varied membership allows for healthy collaboration.

What makes your location unique?

Our business center is located on the lobby level of Blue Hill Plaza, a one million square foot beacon rising 22 stories in the middle of Rockland County. The grounds are parklike with an outdoor sculpture garden offering a quiet place to take a break. The building includes unique features like its own post office, bus service to New York City, and is known for its art displays which change twice yearly. The concourse includes an onsite gym as well as a large cafeteria, daycare, hair salon, and sundry store. 

How were you able to see success

Our success would not be possible without the Office Evolution Ohana. We cannot say enough about how helpful the team is. Having never run our own business they were there every step of the way. 

Building relationships within the area and our Ohana has been key to our success. While online advertising is great, word of mouth in the community cannot be discounted.

Advice for future Office Evolution franchise owners?

Be patient when locating your center. It’s like buying a house- there will always be another perfect location. Then hire a BCM who you can trust to represent you at all times. They will be the face of your center. Stay involved in the day to day operation.