In July 2024, CMIT Solutions proudly awarded Amy Justis as the Featured Franchise. Her journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t a leap but a calculated, determined stride towards owning her destiny as a CMIT Franchisee.
In her early life, Amy’s father was both an architect and a business owner, setting a strong example for her from a young age. However, Amy didn’t quite share his passion for architecture; her contributions leaned more toward Crayola creativity (on his drawings) than CAD precision. Both parents, with their supportive guidance, inspired her to keep her options open and explore her own path.
That is exactly what Amy did when her former company was sold my faced a crossroads. She didn’t want to uproot her life or relocate for another corporate role. Instead, she saw this as an opportunity to take control of her future, especially as she edged closer to retirement. The thought of being at the mercy of another company or individual didn’t sit well with her. Amy wanted flexibility—the power to work as much or as little as she chose while building something rewarding.
Navigating Crossroads into a New Beginning
Franchising appealed to Amy because it offered a unique blend of independence and support. With no direct experience running a small business, the structure and resources of a franchise provided her with a safety net. She didn’t have to build from scratch, which reduced the risk of failure—a concern she was acutely aware of. “Most businesses fail within the first one to two years,” she said. “You must have the resources and resilience to sustain until you get things running smoothly.”
Amy’s Secret Sauce to Being a Successful CMIT Franchisee
When asked about the secret to her success, Amy summed it up in one word: tenacity. “It’s been a lot of hard work,” she admits. But it’s this unwavering persistence that has set her apart. She doesn’t specialize in serving just one type of client: instead, her ideal customer ranges from businesses with 10 to 1,000 seats. This broad focus has allowed her to build a diverse and resilient client base.
A significant benefit of being a CMIT franchisee, according to Amy, is the community. She’s been part of the “Disruptors” mastermind group for 11 years, a network that has provided her with invaluable support and insights. “The greatest part of owning a small business is the balance you can maintain better,” she says. This balance is something Amy has perfected, juggling the demands of her business with the need for personal time and fulfillment.
Amy’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: Find a few people you trust and learn to bounce ideas off them. She regularly consults with her inner circle, including her brother, a CFO of a small business, and her sister, a director of marketing. This network of trusted advisors has been crucial in her decision-making process, offering diverse perspectives and honest feedback.
Sound Advice: Know Your Weaknesses and Leverage Your Time
Surprisingly, Amy confesses that she’s “terrible at sales and marketing.” Despite enjoying interactions with people, she doesn’t see herself as a typical salesperson. Lead generation and setting meetings aren’t her favorite tasks. However, once the conversation starts, she’s more than happy to dive into the details. Amy emphasizes the importance of investing in marketing and sales. “Leverage your time by attending community events and tapping into your sphere of influence,” she advises, adding that they can be game changers.
Amy Justis’s journey as a CMIT Franchisee is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of a strong support system, and the importance of continual learning. As she continues to navigate the challenges of business ownership, she remains an inspiration to those around her, proving that with tenacity, anything is possible.
Connect with Amy Justis on LinkedIn.
