For countless Americans,
the current economic downturn gripping the nation has had a very
negative impact on their lives. But for one Oklahoma City
resident who has overcome obstacles beyond the current economy,
the last year has been extremely fruitful.
Paul Gbodi, originally
from Nigeria, will be honored February 17th with the Jani-King
Franchisee of The Year award by the International Franchise
Association (IFA) at the 44th IFA Convention in San Antonio.
Gbodi earned the honor after growing his business more than 100%
in revenue for his Oklahoma City-based commercial cleaning
franchise. Gbodi was selected from over 10,000 worldwide
Jani-King franchises for the award.
“Paul Gbodi personifies
what Jani-King looks for in a franchise owner: a strong work
ethic, a prudent business owner, dedication, desire and
accountability,” said Jerry Crawford, president of Jani-King
International, Inc. “Paul has come a very long way in a very
short amount of time by taking advantage of the opportunities
he’s been given.”
Leaving behind a third-world country
that offered little in the way of opportunity, Gbodi arrived in
the United States in 1980 determined to make a better life for
his family. After attending Langston University in Langston,
Okla., he went on to earn his master’s degree from Central
State University in Edmond, Oklahoma.
“Paul Gbodi
personifies what Jani-King looks for in a franchise owner: a
strong work ethic, a prudent business owner, dedication, desire
and accountability,” said Jerry Crawford, president of
Jani-King International, Inc.
“I am living proof that this
country truly is the land of opportunity where dreams really can
come true,” said Gbodi.
What followed his graduation from
Central State is the stuff of Hollywood producers. According to
Gbodi, after finishing college he began working in the restaurant
industry in food services, but found that his opportunities were
limited. In 1990, after months of research, he decided his best
career option was to purchase his own business, a Jani-King
commercial cleaning franchise. Within just a few months of
starting his own businesses, Gbodi’s part-time business was
already making more money than his full-time job.
Gbodi credits a
positive attitude and the support and training of Jani-King for
his success.
“Being successful with Jani-King is relatively
easy,” he said. “The support they provide me has
definitely helped me live a better life, own a home, and make my
family proud.” “I know how tough things are out there
for many Americans,” said Gbodi. “But the good news is
there are opportunities to make a better life for you and your
family if you put your mind to it, stay positive, and work
hard.”
