Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Buckel.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My business partner, turned husband, and I began our main company, I Want My Two Dollar’s in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2011. Our main focus is owning and operating different businesses that fit well with our skills and expertise. I realized very quickly that I just enjoy building businesses. It didn’t matter what industry. Our company began with Jimmy John’s franchises in Henderson, Nevada. We had such great success and many sandwiches, that other larger franchise owners were consistently making offers to us by our third year. We opened 3 stores in two years. By 2015, we were preparing to open two more when we received a great offer and sold.
It took a little bit of time to find a new adventure and I did a year working for a non-profit that works with business professionals called Leadership Henderson. The entrepreneur bug never left me though, and we began Independent Field Connections in 2017. This is a financial vendor management company. We operate in 7 different States with our main office located in Vegas.
Then TruFusion came into my life. I hated going to the gym with a passion. They were all boring and I would lose interest very quickly. I started to attend classes in 2017 when a friend of mine convinced me to take a wine and yoga class. She had me at wine! I went and loved the atmosphere and the variety they offered. Before I knew it, I had a membership and was attending classes multiple times a week. That’s when I went to my husband and told him I want in the TruFusion family. We signed our franchise agreement with them and started seeking a city that we could fall in love with and bring the excitement of TruFusion. We fell head over heels for Houston. Between the people, the vibe, the food, and great small business community, we could not resist. The community out here is so supportive!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Oh my goodness! I always repeat this to myself and to our team, “if it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.” Being an entrepreneur is always a challenge and it changes as the projects change, the economy, and the state of the world. Financial funding is always the main struggle and I have come to learn that even if you are successful and have a great history, you still have to continuously prove your capabilities and get used to hearing the word “no.” Of course, in recent times, Covid put a halt on everything. We were planned to be open and operating in 2020. We had to be extremely patient and regroup every 30 days to see if this project actually would ever come into fruition. There were many points where we lost faith that we could ever move forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about I Want My Two Dollars?
I am the CEO of I Want My Two Dollars. We own and operate multiple different businesses including the TruFusion, under TruHouston, we are currently building in Houston – Galleria.
I do offer business consulting as well and do a focus on assisting small businesses. Particularly ones that are in their first three years. My focus in the company is negotiating deals, building strong teams, and executing our business plan. Building teams is by far my most favorite portion and definitely what I am most known. I do teach seminars regarding finding the right team for your business. Finding talent and excellence in people really drives me. I believe I am my team’s biggest cheerleader when it comes to their success; even if it means they are moving in another direction. It took me a bit of time to realize I am a great plan executor, but I leave the creativity to others who know better! However, in our office my team says, “if the building is on fire, call Natalie.” I can create solutions.
What sets me apart from others? I am definitely not a traditional business owner! I ensure to make myself available to my team always. Does not matter the position, ever. All of our top management has to have the sincere care for others on our team. We have a rule when you come into the office; never start your first interaction of the day with anyone with business first. If it happens to me, I simply smile and respond with, “my day is going great, how about yours?” I also prefer to say “tell me something good” as opposed to how are you.
Our company really has the focus that we can achieve anything together. Our company is also known for being very loyal to those we do business with, and we are very particular who we work with. I have no problem saying no to anyone and our team is empowered to do the same.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes. You need to revisit your companies’ objectives much more often when other factors come into play that alter your projections. Build your business to adapt quickly.
Pricing:
- $139 – unlimited pre-opening price
- $159 – unlimited once studio is open
Contact Info:
- Email: houston@trufusionstudio.com
- Website: www.trufusion.com/houston
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trufusion_postoak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruFusionPostOak/
