To be a successful small-business owner, you must have a life outside of business. Otherwise, you risk burnout, which not only may affect your health, but your business as well. New franchisees can expect to spend most of their waking hours getting their business up and running. But, after they do, they have to devote time to taking care of themselves.

Fortunately, Smoothie King franchisees are constantly reminded of this. After all, the purpose of the brand is to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Smoothie King franchisees who walk the brand’s walk have figured out how to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Looking for a Lifestyle Match

Kelli Kent, a multi-unit Smoothie King franchisee in Missouri and a former college athlete who is active in her community, was attracted to the franchise opportunity at Smoothie King because of the brand’s purpose.

During her search for the right concept, however, she often thought about what she wanted to avoid – aspects that would consume too much time and generate too much stress. For example, she ruled out opening a full-service restaurant because she did not have a culinary background, and managing a kitchen and inventory was daunting. But, during her research, she discovered that Smoothie King complemented her active lifestyle and did not require franchisees to have a restaurant background. The brand’s smoothie bars did not have kitchens to manage, but did have a reliable inventory system in place.

“My husband Derek and I looked at a few franchise concepts over the years, but they never seemed intriguing to me,” Kelli said. “I am not a traditional fast food eater, so I knew I could never own a business in which I wasn’t willing to be a regular guest. That ruled out many restaurant franchises from the start. I also wanted what we owned to be something ‘on mission’ for us. If it was going to be a restaurant, it needed to have a better-for-you menu. Our family exercises regularly, and we strive to eat nutritious meals as often as possible.”

Striking a Balance as a Smoothie King Franchisee

Kelli knew the Smoothie King brand aligned with her values and priorities, but she couldn’t predict what day-to-day life as a business owner would look like. When she opened her first location in 2015, she drew upon her experience as a college basketball player to strike the work-life balance she desired.

While playing basketball for Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., Kelli worked out six days a week for several hours each day, including during the summer. Yet, she still found time for life outside of sports.

“As an athlete, particularly at the college level, you have to learn to manage many different areas of your life at the same time,” she said. “I was not just an athlete. I was a student and an active member of my campus and local community, as well. I had obligations to fulfill in those areas, too. So, I became a great time manager and a good communicator to all parties involved in my life.”

As the owner of multiple Smoothie King locations, Kelli says it’s a similar situation. Although running her stores is important, she manages to make time for activities outside her businesses. For instance, she is coaching her 9-year-old son’s basketball team. Before that, Kelli served as an assistant coach for the local high school’s basketball team.

Being a business owner allows people to determine how to balance work with the rest of life. Some business owners don’t put enough energy into their personal lives, but Kelli has avoided that pitfall.

“It is nice to be able to work my own schedule,” Kelli said. “I have been able to stay home with my children through their preschool years because I can flex my office hours around their half-day preschool days. Even now, when two of the three of my children are in public school, I am able to attend some of their school events and visit their classroom during the school day because I can arrange my work schedule accordingly. Flexibility is of great value to our family.”

Recipe for a Healthy, Active Lifestyle

Developing a life outside your business may be the best thing you can do for your business. Here are six ways small business owners can live a healthy and active lifestyle:

• Get a sufficient amount of sleep
• Eat well
• Exercise
• Take some “me time”
• Spend time with the people you love
• Don’t sweat the small stuff

If you’re interested in owning your own Smoothie King franchise, download our Franchise Kit.