A
Business that Fits Their Taste
~
Doug Bivens & Marcia Krivonak of Tampa, FL
D
oug
Bivens and his business partner Marcia Krivonak
of Tampa, Florida joined the Repicci’s “family” in
2009. Prior to Repicci’s, both Doug and Marcia were involved
in franchise sales. From this unique perspective, Doug says he and
his partner could see which companies had an “open door
policy,” which both of them value. “You can simply pick
up the phone,” Doug explains, and you are connected with Frank
Repicci. “It’s a little more of a family feel,”
comments Doug, adding, “honesty and availability” makes
working with this franchisor very appealing.
H
aving
come from careers in the healthcare industry, both Doug and Marcia
were looking for a more relaxed business venture with a solid but
simple structure and a feel-good vibe.
Presently they are sharing responsibilities and have not needed to
build a staff. Doug says that they service seven counties through
school programs. All of their school clients are in some type of
fundraising program, ranging from academic and athletic to art and
they have even helped to raise money for a ballroom dance program.
Doug and Marcia are looking at such possibilities for expansion as
universities and large venues like Busch Gardens. They are also
getting ready to add Repicci’s gelato to their selection of
products, especially for big events like an upcoming Italian
festival. They sometimes serve Repicci’s Italian coffee at
select events, as well.
We’re not very
sales-oriented,” quips Doug. “The business requires
sales, but when we go into places, it’s easier to approach
people. Our weapon is the taste of the product. That’s what
brings people in.” Getting out in the community is an enjoyable
part of the business, and “we get to have fun.” Doug
reflects that this business does not attract angry or negative
people, which is a welcome
change from the healthcare industry and his work in management.
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