At Batteries Plus, we often say that commercial sales are one of the greatest growth opportunities our franchisees can tap into. Long-time entrepreneur Tor Sperling is proof of what’s possible when you invest in this side of our business.
When Tor joined the brand in 2016, his locations had already been part of the system for years, some for more than two decades. He now owns four Batteries Plus locations; three in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin. What drew him in? A business model that thrives on need, not impulse.
“This isn’t a brand people just shop at when they feel like it,” Tor explained. “It’s a needs-based business. And that makes all the difference.”
But while Tor initially focused on retail, it didn’t take long before he saw the power of the commercial side of the business.
From Store-Only Sales to a Dedicated Team
When Tor took over, about 30% of his business came from commercial customers. Today, that number is nearly half and growing.
“Now we’re at about 46% commercial, 54% retail, and I have a personal goal to make commercial sales the biggest part of the business,” he shared.
What made the shift possible? Structure. Tor started with just his in-store teams, but as he saw the potential, he invested in building a sales team solely focused on B2B partnerships. That team now proactively connects with businesses to offer solutions, identify pain points, and create long-term relationships that drive recurring revenue.
Meeting Businesses Where They Are
From walk-ins that spark deeper commercial conversations to cold calls and in-market canvassing, Tor’s team takes a hands-on approach to growth.
“Sometimes all it takes is a flyer,” Tor said. “We dropped one off at a school district. The IT director passed it along, and we landed the whole district without even meeting in person.”
Today, his commercial client base includes everything from alarm system installers and manufacturing operations to a high-end boat center that regularly purchases batteries for motors and seasonal recreation. Whether it’s summer fishing boats or winter ice fishing setups, Tor’s team is ready to deliver.
Scaling with Support
Tor credits part of his success to the corporate support he received when starting out. From comprehensive store training to advanced commercial sales coaching and pilot programs, he’s been at the forefront of how the brand helps franchisees grow their B2B side.
“We were the pilot store for the commercial sales as a service task team,” he said. “Our first rep came from corporate, and she did such a great job, we hired her directly. That’s the kind of support that creates real momentum.”
Advice for Future Franchisees
If you’re thinking about opening a Batteries Plus franchise or want to grow your commercial presence, Tor’s advice is simple:
“Take the leap. If this is your first store and you’re just starting out, now is a great time to make yourself the commercial sales person, especially if that is an area you are passionate about or have an interest in.”
And for those scaling with multiple units?
“Make it a priority early. Whether it’s you or a hired rep, structure your business so someone is dedicated to commercial. It’s worth the investment.”
The Future of Commercial is Here
Tor’s journey highlights what’s possible with a commercial-first mindset and shows just how scalable the Batteries Plus model really is.
Whether you’re new to franchising or ready to expand, now is the time to explore what commercial sales can mean for your business, and how Batteries Plus can help you get there. And, if you’re an organization seeking a dependable partner with both reach and responsiveness, we are ready to support your mission.
Contact us today and discover how you can grow with us, commercially and beyond!