How Ryan McCann Opened a Koala Insulation Franchise with the Help of FranNet’s Leslie Kuban

The coronavirus pandemic has had varying effects on leaders and businesses in Atlanta, and for one man, it propelled him into launching a home insulation franchise this February. On today’s show, we’re pleased to welcome Ryan McCann, market leader at Koala Insulation and we’re also joined by Leslie Kuban, franchise industry expert, and owner of FranNet Atlanta.

Before McCann and his business partner opened their Koala Insulation franchise, McCann spent the last 21 years working for the Coca-Cola Company in various different sales roles. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the beginning of 2020, it created some significant headwinds for many businesses including Coca-Cola, and the company restructured. During this period of reorganization, McCann decided to take the voluntary separation package and shift his focus to an entrepreneurial venture.

With the assistance and guidance from Kuban, McCann opened Koala Insulation. Koala Insulation provides customers with several different cost-effective insulation services, from spray foam to blown-in cellulose or fiberglass. These services help homeowners save money on their energy costs with a seamless, and painless customer experience.

After connecting with Kuban on LinkedIn during the spring, McCann voiced that entrepreneurship was a path he always thought he’d go down eventually. However, the timing really presented itself to start down that path a little sooner than he anticipated. Kuban was introduced to Koala insulation at a conference earlier in the year and was incredibly impressed with the success and growth of the brand given its relatively young age.

McCann too was impressed with the growth potential in a Koala Insulation franchise. He decided to go into the business with a partner to mitigate some of the financial risks, but also with someone who had different, complementary strengths. McCann says it’s vitally important that your partner shares the same business values and goals.

Choosing the right business can be a daunting task, and a home insulation franchise was not even on McCann’s list of possibilities. However, working with someone like Kuban to help guide him through the process was priceless. Kuban took the time to get to know McCann and understand his interests, goals, and financial needs. She presented him with a few options that really fit his goals.

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