While many entrepreneurs spend months waiting for their first sale, Ryan Shell is rewriting the rules by earning revenue before his doors even open.
Ryan’s journey started in IT, where he rose from analyst to manager at a leading watch manufacturer.. Beyond his nine-to-five, he answered the call as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and now leads as his New Jersey town’s emergency manager.
When it was time for a fresh start, he decided to look into franchising. . “Every time I searched, Batteries Plus kept coming up,” he said.
Ryan’s Journey to Batteries Plus
Ryan admits it took a few double-takes to realize Batteries Plus offered far more than just AA and AAA batteries. Encouraged by his cousin, a franchise consultant who gave the brand a thumbs-up, he realized the more he learned, the more it felt like the right fit.
He saw the opportunity to leverage his business savvy and emergency services experience as a Batteries Plus franchisee. “Batteries Plus combines my skills perfectly,” Ryan said.
That unique blend became his secret weapon. Having walked in a first responders’ shoes, Ryan genuinely understands the hurdles his commercial customers face. “I’ve lived the pain points my commercial customers deal with, so I know what they need,” he said. With two locations already in the works, Ryan is energized by his early wins and envisions growing even further.
Landing Accounts Before Opening Day
Thanks to our Commercial First program, new owners can build commercial relationships before their stores even open. Ryan jumped in headfirst, quickly landing government and emergency services accounts, including a statewide contract to supply batteries across New Jersey.
His roster is a roll call of public service: ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, emergency command posts, surveillance trailers, and school systems. He is now an approved vendor for New Jersey Transit, and also recently won a major school district contract. “My background and knowledge base combined with this program helped me get into those industries quickly,” he said.
Government agencies run thousands of vehicles, and this contract makes it simple for them to buy straight from Ryan’s store. His experience gives him instant credibility in their world.
And the victories keep rolling in. When the FIFA World Cup came to town, Ryan provided batteries for a security vehicle in a pinch, impressing a customer who soon brought their entire business to Batteries Plus.
The advice Ryan heard time and again was to to stand out by doing something special, or simply doing it better. “Everyone told me to find a niche, and mine is old-fashioned customer service,” he said. For Ryan, that means showing kindness, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to help.
By forging real connections with the crews he serves, Ryan makes sure he’s always ready when they call. That’s how he keeps everything from commuter buses to emergency fleets rolling without a hitch.
Advice From Someone Who’s Been There
Ryan is refreshingly honest about his journey so far. He’s never worked harder, but he’s never been happier. Batteries Plus provides the infrastructure and the roadmap, but ultimately, success is up to you. He emphasizes that this isn’t for anyone looking for a hands-off business. You’ll need balance, solid funding, plenty of inventory, and a sharp sense of what your customers want.
“It’s not a piece of cake, but it’s still very rewarding,” he said.
His advice for prospective franchisees is to stay humble and curious: “Don’t think you’re smarter than the franchise. Ask a ton of questions, and above all, work hard and do what’s right.”
In short, you don’t need to be a battery expert to begin. Bring your existing skills, listen closely to your customers, and dedicate yourself to being there when they need you.
Ready to take the leap? Connect with our franchise development team today and start your own success story.
FAQ
Q: What is the Commercial First program?
A: Commercial First lets new franchise owners begin building commercial relationships with hospitals, schools, municipalities, and local businesses before their retail location officially opens.
Q: Do I need battery experience to own a Batteries Plus?
A: No. Franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds. Ryan came from IT and emergency services. What matters is bringing the skills you already have and a willingness to learn, supported by training and franchise support from day one.
Q: Can franchisees work with government and school accounts?
A: Yes. Commercial customers include municipalities, schools, fleets, local businesses, and more. Contracts can make it easier for agencies to buy through their local store, and owners with relevant backgrounds can stand out when building those relationships.