At Batteries Plus, we’re proud to celebrate franchisees who bring passion, drive, and curiosity into the business, even when their journey doesn’t start in retail or tech. Brenda Phipps is one of those exceptional entrepreneurs.
What began as a personal hunt for a replacement laptop battery has grown into a thriving, multi-million dollar business under Brenda’s leadership. Today, she owns and operates three successful Batteries Plus locations in Florida, generating over $3 million in annual revenue.
A New Chapter After the Skies
Brenda’s career didn’t start in batteries. She spent years as a flight attendant before stepping away from aviation in the early 2000s. Around the same time, she met her husband Rick, an experienced multi-unit automotive franchisee, and the two began exploring new business opportunities.
It was a simple battery search that first brought them to Batteries Plus. But it didn’t take long for them to see the potential. They opened their first location in Lake Worth, FL in 2006.
What began as a shared business quickly evolved into a venture led by Brenda. As Rick prepares for retirement, Brenda now oversees operations and drives growth across their three-store portfolio.
Breaking Barriers, Building a Team
Brenda’s success in the battery industry didn’t come from prior experience, it came from jumping in and learning every step of the way.
“Running a business in a male-dominated industry was a challenge,” she shares. “I didn’t have a background in batteries or business ownership. But I’ve learned that if you surround yourself with a strong team and stay open to learning, you can build something amazing.”
And she has. Brenda’s stores have earned back-to-back Sales Achievement awards within the Batteries Plus system, a testament to her operational excellence and customer-first approach.
A Specialty in Marine & Commercial Sales
While Brenda’s stores serve a wide range of customers, they’ve carved out a niche in marine battery solutions. One of her locations, just three miles from the coast, has become a go-to destination for boat owners, powering everything from fishing vessels to high-end yachts.
Her commercial clients rely on her team’s knowledge, quick service, and dependable inventory, especially when it comes to specialized power needs.
Advice for Future Franchisees
Nearly 20 years into her Batteries Plus journey, Brenda is still learning and evolving with the business—and she encourages others to do the same.
“Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back,” she says. “When we started, I didn’t know much about batteries. I just took it one product at a time—first wheelchair batteries, then light bulbs, device repairs, key fobs—you name it. The best way to learn is by doing.”
Brenda hopes her story encourages more women to explore franchising, especially in industries where they’re underrepresented. And at Batteries Plus, we couldn’t agree more.
Ready to Build Your Own Success Story?
If you’re looking for a franchise opportunity where you can grow alongside a supportive team, leverage a proven business model, and serve your local community, Batteries Plus might be the right fit.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with us today.