Franchise Spotlight: StarTrek Actor Cully Fredricksen

The first Vulcan to meet humans in the movie StarTrek: First Contact, Cully Fredricksen, shares his take on how to live long and prosper. His success has a lot to do with the Ohana culture. Find out more about how Cully was able to open his Office Evolution franchise and switch gears from acting to owning a thriving business.

Tell me a little about your background?

I had been an actor for 35 years in movies, TV and video games. I just got burnt out on it and it took me away from home too much. I then became a massage therapist and I was just looking for something to do.

My wife Katie and I went to Austria and went hiking with my brother-in-law Mark Hemmeter (Office Evolution CEO) and his wife Lisa. During the trip we started asking questions about opening an Office Evolution and by the end of the trip,  Mark said this is something we could do. Mark and the team were generous to offer us a franchise and we took them up on it.

Why did you decide to open an Office Evolution franchise?

The number one reason is because I’ve never been in business before. I love the franchise model — no food, no 18 year olds handling cash, and I didn’t have to re-invent the Big Mac. They had systems in place and a great structure and support team that could guide me through the entire process. There was someone to hold my hand and teach me the process. It was simple and doable for a guy that had never been in business before.

What do you like best about being your own BCM?

The thing I like most is the relationships I’ve built over time and the Ohana culture. I have a great group of clients and a wonderful community down here. Many of them I see socially (golfing) and it’s a great culture that has been built.

What makes your location unique?

It’s a little jewel in one of the most beautiful places in California at the very north end of Sausalito and the southernmost point of Mill Valley. We are built right on the water and right off the freeway. Most of my clients live within 5 miles from here, so if they have a parent teacher conference, football game, or dance recital, they’re just 10 minutes away.

How were you able to see success?

Office Evolution understands how to support and train. There are many things that I’m not good at and I rely on the helpdesk and the incredible staff and support team — they’re phenomenal! Also I think what has worked is building the culture down here and treating my clients well.

We’re hyper focused on service and the Ohana. I really drank the Kool-Aid of the Mark Hemmeter vision. Not only is he my brother-in-law, but he’s one of the men I respect most in the world. I admire and trust him and believe in his vision. I’m honored to be part of his vision and his success.

Advice for future Office Evolution franchise owners?

BCM, BCM, BCM. It’s important to have the right BCM to launch it and maintain it and keep the customers satisfied.

Anything you’d like to add?

When I would do validation calls, they often asked, “would you do this again?” — a resounding yes! I’ve learned so much about being a small business owner. I’ve learned how to sell and how to maintain a business. I found resources in myself that I didn’t even know existed. I would absolutely do it again. It’s been great for me and my family!