How Franchising Became the Career Reset That Opened the Door to a More Flexible Life

When Dave Holiday found himself laid off after more than twenty years in consumer marketing, all he knew he wasn’t ready to retire. He also didn’t want to jump back into the corporate cycle. Instead, he wanted something that gave him control of his schedule, room for family, and meaningful work.

“I was evaluating franchises based on what I didn’t want,” Dave says. “I didn’t want a huge upfront investment or a business with a heavy employee structure. I wanted flexibility. I wanted something I could put real effort into, but still be available for the rest of my life.”

His search led him to ShelfGenie^®, and in October of 2017 he became the owner of ShelfGenie of East Tennessee. As a father, a husband, and a small farm owner, Dave needed a business that respected his time. ShelfGenie delivered that balance.

“I work intensely when I’m working,” he explains. “But I also get to go to every school function and every game. I even went to practices sometimes because the day was ending and I wanted to be there. I never miss anything.”

When his wife was working and something came up with the kids or the farm, Dave had the freedom to step in. That flexibility quickly became one of the most valuable parts of franchise ownership.

Before ShelfGenie, Dave explored consulting, other entrepreneurship options, and new corporate roles. None felt quite right. But when a franchise consultant introduced him to ShelfGenie, the model clicked. “One of the benefits of buying a franchise is you own your business, but you’re not alone,” Dave says.

“We learn from each client and understand their situation. Then we design, build, and install exactly what they need,” Dave says. “It’s completely custom, and people love the difference it makes.”

When ShelfGenie joined the Neighborly family of home service brands, the benefits multiplied. “Neighborly brought scale,” Dave says. “If franchising gives you great products and processes, Neighborly takes it even further because they learn from dozens of different brands. It helps all of us get better.”

For Dave, being part of a larger network has meant more resources, broader expertise, and ongoing inspiration from fellow owners.

Today, Dave continues to run a successful ShelfGenie franchise that gives him both financial stability and the freedom to spend his time where it matters most. “It’s the right blend of meaningful work and a lifestyle that fits who I am,” he says.

His story reflects what many prospective franchise owners are seeking: a business they can own with confidence and a life they can lead with intention.