An Indianapolis native, Tim Amick is passionate about owning businesses. For the past 15 years, he has owned and operated an excavating and landscaping company, and has recently made the leap into restaurant ownership by opening Rally’s on East Southport Road. Focused on the commitment necessary to succeed as a business owner, Amick plans to bring three of the ’50s diner-style hamburger restaurants to the suburbs of Indianapolis over the next five years.Q: What was your career before franchising?
A: For the past 15 years I have owned and operated an excavating and landscaping company, which I still maintain. Before I started that business, I worked in industrial sales for 20 years.
Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: I have a friend who owns two Rally’s restaurants, so it was through him that I learned about business ownership opportunities. He told me about what it’s like to run his business and got me involved in the process of opening my own. I really like the look of the Rally’s buildings, too. They remind me of a ’50s diner-style restaurant and I’m also attracted to the double drive-through concept. I wanted to go with a franchise because as inexperienced as I am in the fast food industry, I needed to go with a system that made it as easy as possible to get up and running.
Q: How did the economy factor in to your decision to open this business?
A: I’ve been very fortunate over the years to be a saver and a wise investor. I started this project two years ago and already had a loan approved and in place before I even pursued it. However, it has still had its challenges. Site selection took a long time, and with me being new I wanted to make sure I had a really great location so I could set myself up for success.
Q: How did you secure financing to open your business?
A: I obtained financing through the Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corp., which is an agency that helps small business owners secure funds through the Small Business Administration. It was beneficial for me, because the bank took on 50 percent, the ISCDC took on 40 percent at a fixed rate, which only left 10 percent for me to cover. It’s an appealing system because no one person or entity is taking all of the risk. Because of the economic times, I knew it would be hard to ask the bank to take the total risk, so this route made the most sense to me.
Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?
A: If you’ve ever worked for yourself, you know the commitment it takes to make something work.
It’s not for everyone, because most people just don’t understand what you have to do to make a business work. The commitment of time and money is a big deal, and you have to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. I’ve always had that “can do” type attitude, and I’ve always been certain that I can do anything I set my mind to. I think that has helped me along the way.
Q: What are your expansion or development plans?
A: Over the next five years, I hope to open a minimum of three restaurants in the suburbs of the Indianapolis area.
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