Building a Franchise on Faith: The Inspirational Journey of Footprints Floors and Bryan Park

In a recent episode of The Advisory Board podcast, host Dave Hansen sits down with Bryan Park, founder of Footprints Floors, to discuss the intersection of faith and business. Dave, with over 20 years of experience in leading teams and growing companies, brings his unique perspective to the podcast. Bryan Park, a military veteran turned entrepreneur, shares how his faith has guided the growth and success of his flooring franchise. This article dives into the key moments and insights from the episode, highlighting Bryan’s journey and the role of faith in his business practices.

Bryan Park’s journey from a military background to founding Footprints Floors is both inspiring and informative. The company, which started in 2008, has grown to over 160 territories nationwide. Bryan credits his faith and reliance on God as the driving force behind this success. He views his role in the business as a stewardship entrusted to him by God to serve others. This mindset has shaped how he structures the business, builds teams, treats franchisees, and makes decisions.

Faith’s Influence on Business Structure and Team Building (14:12-16:12)

Bryan explains how his faith has shaped the development of his business structure and team building. He integrates his beliefs into professional practices, emphasizing how faith influences decisions and the overall setup of his business. “This company, the Lord built this thing. I just happen to be the steward,” Bryan states, illustrating his view that he is merely managing the business on behalf of God. This approach fosters a values-driven leadership style, positively impacting the company’s growth and culture.

Building a Community of Christian Employees (18:14-20:14)

Creating a cohesive work environment is crucial for Bryan. He emphasizes the importance of having employees who share similar values and love the Lord. Trust and camaraderie within the company are established through shared beliefs and running the business in fellowship. Bryan’s approach demonstrates how a faith-based strategy can foster a united and supportive team. “We’re called to love our neighbor, which is everyone. And the Bible defines what love is,” he explains, highlighting the role of shared values in building a strong team.

Infusing Faith into Business Without Exclusivity (20:02-23:02)

Footprints Floors infuses faith into its business practices while maintaining inclusivity. Bryan talks about the servant leadership mindset, making profits to serve franchisees, family, and employees, without making the business exclusively Christian. “We don’t treat believers or non-believers differently; we love them all equally,” Bryan says, breaking down misconceptions about exclusivity in faith-based organizations. This approach ensures that the company remains open and welcoming to all, regardless of their beliefs.

Maintaining Culture During Rapid Growth (23:48-25:48)

One of the significant challenges for any growing business is maintaining its culture. Bryan discusses how he ensures continuity and stability in the company culture during rapid expansion. He believes that culture is a product of leadership and personal growth in faith. “Leadership flows from the top down,” Bryan notes, underscoring the importance of staying grounded in faith and strong leadership principles to preserve the company’s values and culture.

Emphasizing Love and Self-Sacrifice in Franchise Interactions (29:20-32:20)

Bryan views franchise interactions as opportunities to demonstrate the love of Christ through self-sacrifice. He uses the analogy of believers as vessels of the Holy Spirit, sharing love in every interaction with franchisees and customers. “Love at its root is self-sacrifice for the good of somebody else,” Bryan explains. This practical application of faith enhances relationships and contributes to the overall success of the business.

Wrap Up Thoughts

Bryan Park’s story is a testament to how faith can shape and sustain a successful franchise business. His journey from a military veteran to the founder of a rapidly growing flooring franchise underscores the power of faith, resilience, and ethical leadership. By viewing his business as a stewardship entrusted to him by God, Bryan has built a company that prioritizes service, love, and inclusivity. This episode of the Advisory Board podcast provides valuable insights into integrating faith into business practices, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Listen to the full podcast episode on YouTube and Spreaker for more insights and expert advice.