Most people don’t associate software development, medical consulting, and commercial battery sales with the same career path.
For Sion Owen, they’ve all been connected by one thing: solving problems.
After spending years in technology, consulting and business ownership, Sion was looking for a business model that offered both independence and support. That search eventually led him to Batteries Plus, where he’s now leveraging his technology background and strategic mindset to build commercial partnerships throughout Minnesota’s west metro area.
From Sales Floors to Software Development
Sion’s career path was anything but linear. He began in mobile and technology sales, working with companies like Best Buy and Samsung. While he enjoyed working on the consumer level, he found himself increasingly drawn to the operations side of things.
“I realized I liked solving business problems more than I liked any one specific industry,” Sion said.
That realization led him into software development, consulting, and even owning his own medical practice. Each step taught him something different, but the common theme was that he enjoyed helping organizations work through challenges and find better ways to operate.
Why Batteries Plus
As he explored his options, Sion discovered franchising. The model immediately appealed to him because it offered a balance between entrepreneurship and structure.
“I felt confident in the idea of starting from an existing playbook and being able to go straight into the refining process,” he said.
He liked that franchising means you don’t have to start from scratch, you can leverage proven systems while still maintaining control.
His research eventually led him to Batteries Plus. Familiar with the brand from growing up in Minnesota, Sion connected with a local franchise owner in St. Cloud to learn more about the business.
The more he learned, the more he saw an opportunity to apply his problem-solving mindset within a business that serves both retail and commercial customers.
Building a Commercial-First Business Before Opening
One aspect of Batteries Plus stood out immediately: the ability to begin building commercial relationships before the retail location officially opened.
Through the brand’s Commercial First program, Sion was able to start developing commercial accounts months before opening his Shakopee store.
“We opened commercially in March and started building relationships right away,” he said. “By the time the store opened, we already had momentum.”
Today, Sion works with a diverse mix of commercial customers, including municipalities, government agencies, universities, fleet operators, lawn and garden companies, fire and security providers and generator businesses.
While many franchise owners focus first on retail traffic, Sion recognized the opportunity to establish long-term partnerships with organizations that rely on Batteries Plus products and services to keep their operations running.
“I like a hard problem to solve,” he said. That mindset has already helped him create meaningful partnerships.
In one instance, Sion identified inefficiencies in how a fleet operator with more than 150 independent contractors was sourcing batteries. After reviewing the situation, he demonstrated how Batteries Plus could streamline the process and reduce costs. The customer quickly made the switch.
Advice for Future Franchise Owners
Although Sion made positive achievements early, he is quick to credit the support available throughout the Batteries Plus franchise system.
“The support is incredible,” he said. “They don’t do it for you, but whenever I have a question, I know exactly who to call.”
At the same time, he emphasizes that franchising still requires a lot of hard work. His advice for prospective franchise owners is simple: show up ready to work, trust the system and leverage the skills you already have. You don’t need decades of battery experience to succeed.
“I didn’t have any relevant experience in batteries before this,” Sion said. “What I did have was experience understanding customers and solving problems.”
Ready to start your Batteries Plus journey? Reach out to our team today.
FAQS
Q: How do Batteries Plus partnerships benefit franchise owners?
A: Strategic partnerships with organizations like U.S. aviation agencies enhance brand credibility, create commercial business opportunities, and strengthen local reputation, helping franchisees attract more clients and grow their businesses.
Q: What is the Commercial First program at Batteries Plus?
A: The Commercial First program allows franchisees to begin building commercial relationships and generating business before their retail location officially opens, helping create momentum from day one.
Q: How can I get started with Batteries Plus?
A: The franchise development team will guide you through the discovery process, including training, territory planning, and store launch support.