From Corporate Burnout to Business Ownership: Why This Couple Fell in Love with Franchise Ownership

For Justin and Lauren Cox, 2024 wasn’t just the year they opened The Grounds Guys®—it was the year they rediscovered their purpose, their passion, and their shared belief in building a future together.

After nearly two decades with the same company, Justin had climbed the ranks all the way to reporting to the CEO. But over time, the corporate environment no longer aligned with his vision. “We had different opinions on how business should be run,” he recalls. “I realized I wanted to run my own business—one where employees were part of the success, not just tools used to create it.”

That desire—to build a better kind of workplace—sparked the beginning of their journey into franchising.

Not knowing where to begin, Justin hired what he thought was a business coach. Only later did he discover he was actually speaking with a franchise coach. After months of conversations and exploration, the coach presented several opportunities—and The Grounds Guys was at the top of the list.

Justin dove into research and began watching franchise owner stories—videos just like this one. One day, he walked into Lauren’s office with a look she’ll never forget. “He said, ‘I think I’m in love with The Grounds Guys.’”

For Lauren, that shift in him meant everything. “Seeing Justin have passion again is so fulfilling,” she shares. “He’s happier. He has purpose again. And it’s incredible to feel like we’re working toward a shared goal.”

Like many families, life and routine had pushed their dreams to the side. Starting a business gave them something powerful—something they were building together. “It’s been a long time since our common goals were at the forefront,” Lauren says. “Now, everything feels exciting again.”

Jumping into business ownership was a big move—but Neighborly® made the transition feel achievable. “There’s a lot of training and a lot of people ready to help you,” Justin says. “Once you learn the processes and understand the support system, the work becomes easy.”

From learning new systems to connecting with various departments, the couple built confidence quickly. “We’re not out here on our own,” Lauren explains. “We’re part of a network of people who genuinely want us to succeed.”

Today, Justin and Lauren feel energized, inspired, and supported. The Grounds Guys network—filled with passionate, driven franchise owners—keeps them motivated every day.

“We came into this with big dreams,” Lauren says. “Being surrounded by this team makes those dreams feel completely possible.”

For Justin, Lauren, and their family, The Grounds Guys isn’t just a business—it’s a new beginning, fueled by passion, purpose, and a community that believes in them as much as they believe in themselves.