Growing up watching my parents work at NASA, I was constantly exposed to stories of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. My father supported 133 shuttle missions starting with STS 3, and my mother supported hundreds of astronauts in multiple positions for more than 25 years. It was never lost on me that I lived with and was surrounded by heroes at work each day.
From the recent return of the Crew-8 mission to the launch of the Europa Clipper spacecraft, these last few months have continually reminded me of the wonders of space. But these aren’t just incredible scientific feats or lessons in space exploration – those of us in the small business world can take away lessons for our own careers.
Let’s dive into the principles that make NASA so great and the lessons we can learn from them, no matter our industry.
Innovation – Exploring New Frontiers in Business
NASA’s ability to solve complex challenges has led to groundbreaking innovations in computer technology, satellite systems, and everyday products like memory foam, cochlear implants, and cell phone cameras. Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon, said it well: “Curiosity is the essence of our existence.”
In a similar way, Neighborly franchise owners play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of innovation across our brands. Whether it's refining system processes, introducing new service verticals, or implementing a fresh marketing idea, franchise owners are often the ones bringing these advancements to life. Did you know some of McDonald’s staple items, like the Egg McMuffin and Big Mac, were franchisee innovations? The same leading spirit thrives here at Neighborly.
Teamwork – Empowering Mission Success Together
Space missions only succeed because of incredible teamwork across a vast network of professionals, each bringing expertise and dedication to the same mission. Astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride might be household names, but backed behind them are tens of thousands of scientists, engineers, safety officers, government officials, and contractors all aligned toward a common goal.
In franchising, I often think of Neighborly or the franchisor as NASA – we provide the overarching vision, build the infrastructure, and deliver the marketing and training systems to set a solid foundation. Our franchise owners, much like Mission Commanders, lead the business “mission,” supported by their teams. Just as it takes seamless support and alignment at NASA to ensure mission success, our franchise network and suppliers play a critical role in bringing Neighborly’s vision and mission to life for customers.
Shared Vision – Inspiring Teams to go Beyond the Horizon
A strong vision and mission are essential for guiding a business’s direction and decision-making. Like NASA’s space missions, a clear vision provides purpose and motivation for the entire team. Neighborly’s Vision is “To be so remarkable we become a beloved household name.” But these aren’t just empty words – we back our mission through our Done Right Promise™ and commitment to living our Code of Values in everything that we do.
To ensure collective alignment, business leaders must communicate the vision and mission consistently, embed them in the company’s culture, and demonstrate them through their actions. Consistently reaffirming these goals can help keep the team focused and motivated and ensure that every effort contributes to the overarching objectives.
Continuous Learning – Charting a Course for Growth
NASA’s commitment to continuous learning sets a high standard. After each shuttle mission, they debrief and incorporate the learnings into future missions. The same is true at Neighborly. Ongoing training, staying updated with industry trends, and being receptive to feedback are crucial in maintaining high standards across our brands.
A successful franchise network embraces a culture of learning, with franchise owners and teams committed to constant improvement. At Neighborly, that commitment is part of why our franchisees are leaders in their industries. In fact, many of our franchise owners say that our ongoing training and resources are their favorite part of owning a franchise!
Barbara Morgan, NASA astronaut and teacher, said, "Explore and Discover. Learn and Teach. Build and Share." Our team takes this to heart, exemplifying the drive to learn, grow, and improve every single day.
For the Benefit of All
People young and old dream of becoming astronauts, teachers, pilots, athletes—and entrepreneurs. Astronaut Kalpana Chawla captured the spirit of those dreams when she said, “The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
My own understanding of business and leadership was shaped by the values I learned from my parents, and those principles continue to guide my path today. No matter your industry or career field, there’s so much to learn from NASA’s legacy of innovation, teamwork, and courage—and maybe a fun fact or two about space while we’re at it!
More than 13 years ago, Atlantis completed the final NASA shuttle flight (STS 135) to space. Commander Ferguson was nice enough to take my kids to space too….at least a photo of them!
Written By Brad Stevenson, Chief Development Officer, Neighborly
