You may be surprised to hear this, but there’s quite a long list of professional athletes who have purchased a franchise business. Yet there may be only one who started a franchise completely from scratch.
Meet Tafa Jefferson, former offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears. When discussing his career in the NFL, Jefferson once referred to the NFL as standing for ‘Not For Long!’ The reason for this is the NFL’s well-known proclivity for wearing players out well before they reach retirement age.
Jefferson knew this from the outset. Still, he wasn’t expecting a career-ending injury to sideline him a mere one year after he was drafted in 1997.
Fortunately, Jefferson had learned all he could about business and entrepreneurship while he was in school. Although he playfully referred to it as “the hustle,” Jefferson knew it meant hard work running his own business.
So, that’s exactly what he did. Jefferson entered the world of franchising with a big splash, by starting his own franchise. While this may not be the recommended path for everyone, Jefferson saw the potential in franchising, whether in running your own franchise or partnering with an existing one.
Within a very short amount of time from his NFL release, Jefferson put the foundation for his business together. Now, his Orange County-based business, Amada Senior Care, employs more than 400 people and operates as a full-fledged franchise.
As Jefferson approaches 50, he takes comfort from knowing his future is secure in entrepreneurship and franchising. With a little hard work and determination, you too can find a second life in franchising.
