Not every entrepreneurial journey starts with a lifelong plan. For Lakisha Polasky (Kisha), franchising wasn’t something she mapped out years in advance; it was something she grew into.
With a background rooted in retail management at companies like Verizon, Aldi, and Amazon, Kisha always assumed her path would follow a traditional corporate trajectory. Over time, she realized climbing the ladder did not align with the lifestyle she wanted.
“I thought I would just keep moving up, but I realized I’m more laid back than that,” she shared. “I enjoy doing different things and constantly challenging myself.”
That mindset ultimately led her to explore franchising. She connected with Batteries Plus early on in her search, but at the time, the opportunity didn’t quite line up. When it came back around, the timing felt right, and she trusted that instinct.
In December 2024, Kisha signed her franchise agreement with Batteries Plus and hasn’t looked back since.
Finding the Right Fit in Franchising
As Kisha explored our opportunity, two things stood out immediately: the access and transparency.
She was able to connect directly with existing franchisees, and this made a lasting impression.
“I thought it was really cool that I could talk to other owners and hear their experiences,” she said. “They gave me real advice, and it helped me feel confident that this was the right move.”
Beyond that, the Batteries Plus model aligned naturally with her experience and interests. Her years in retail had prepared her to work closely with customers, solve problems, and manage operations.
She was also drawn to the balance within the business model. The combination of consumer and commercial sales, along with the opportunity to build equity in a needs-based, recession-resistant business, made the opportunity even more compelling.
“At the end of the day, everyone needs batteries,” she added.
Learning Through Ownership
Like many new franchisees, Kisha heard early on that operations could be one of the more challenging parts of the business. But for her, that’s where she feels most confident.
Instead, it’s the commercial side that has become her favorite.
“It’s always changing,” she said. “You’re meeting new people, connecting with your community, understanding what they need, and figuring out how you can help.”
That connection to the community has been especially important in her market. In Michigan, for example, she’s had to quickly learn the needs of niche customer groups, like those in the ice-fishing and marina spaces.
Through it all, one lesson has stood out above the rest: consistency matters more than knowing everything on day one.
“You don’t have to know everything about batteries,” she said. “It’s about having an open mind, listening to people, understanding their pain points, and continuing to learn.”
The Power of Support
One of the most impactful parts of Kisha’s journey has been the support system behind her.
From early conversations during the discovery process to ongoing guidance after opening, she’s consistently felt backed by the Batteries Plus team.
“I spoke to Victor a lot early on because I wanted to make sure it was the right fit on both sides,” she said. “Having those conversations and being able to connect with other owners made a huge difference.”
Once she officially got started, that support only deepened.
“When I opened, I was amazed by the support from Joe and his team,” she said. “I never felt overwhelmed because there was always someone I could reach out to.”
Advice for Future Franchise Owners
For anyone considering franchising, Kisha emphasizes the importance of doing your homework and making full use of the available resources.
Talk to other franchisees, ask questions, and make sure the business aligns with your strengths and the lifestyle you want.
Most importantly, be open to the process.
For Kisha, what started as curiosity turned into a business that challenges her, keeps her engaged, and connects her to her community in new ways every day.
And that, she’s found, is exactly what she was looking for.
Ready to start your Batteries Plus journey? Reach out to our team today.
FAQs
Q: What makes Batteries Plus different from other retail franchise opportunities?
A: The brand combines multiple revenue streams, including retail sales, commercial accounts, national accounts, device repair services, and eCommerce, allowing franchisees to serve both consumers and businesses.
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.
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: How does Batteries Plus demonstrate commercial expertise?
A: The brand earns recognition through national contracts, high-profile awards, and partnerships that highlight reliability, innovation, and technical skill, providing franchisees with a strong competitive advantage in their local markets.