Ruth began her franchising journey as many of her client do – after decades in Information Technology for two large insurance companies in management and executive roles, she found herself in the all-too-common situation of having her position eliminated. She took advantage of the Executive Outplacement Center where she attended a webinar on franchising. Ruth had not considered owning her own business but at this juncture in her career she wanted to learn more. She worked with a wonderful franchise consultant that helped her to understand the franchise business model and based on her goal, likes and dislikes presented several options.

In 2011, Ruth purchased her Budget Blinds franchise In West Hartford, Connecticut. Always an avid decorator/designer Budget Blinds seemed like the perfect fit…. designing solutions for windows! She began by running the business out of her home but soon outgrew that space and opened a showroom/office and hired a team in the heart of the territory. Ruth will share that her biggest concern in owning the business was sales, she had no experience but oddly enough her lack of experience and honest, problem-solving approach endeared her customers. Ruth was Rookie of the Year and for the last three years of owning the business was in the Million Dollar Club with a single territory. As kids left the house, college was paid for and one married, Ruth decided to sell the business in 2016. She reached out to her Franchise Consultant to inform her of the decision should she have anyone interested and she did, another great experience on the selling side!

Ruth loved the Window Treatment industry, Budget Blinds and wanted to explore the franchisor side of the equation. As luck would have it, there was a Business Coach position open at Budget Blinds and they wanted to fill it with a person on the east coast. In October of 2016, she accepted the position and found a true calling in coaching franchise owners to define and successfully achieve their goals. The company sponsored Ruth to attend the Center for Executive Coaching to further build her coaching skills and develop programs for the organization. Her management skills were called into action and in 2019 she was promoted to Director of Operations managing the eastern half of the USA and Canada, supporting over 400 franchise owners.

Joining The You Network was a great way for Ruth to marry her coaching and franchise experience. Her passion for guiding people to their right decision and solution makes this the perfect fit! Ruth resides in Old Saybrook, CT with her husband Rich and golden retriever Rudi, a rescue from South Korea!

Ruth Terray

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Q & A With Ruth Terray

What do you love most about helping people start their own business?

Franchise to tap into my creative side after a layoff, for others it may be an investment to supplement income or pursuing a life long dream to be their own boss. I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, using my skills to help them find the right fit and celebrating their successes.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to franchising?

Use an expert to help you along the journey. When I was laid off and decided to pursue franchising as an option to another corporate role, I worked with a coach, like myself, that helped me navigate options, understand the unique language of franchising and pitfalls to look out for. She was an invaluable resource to me along the journey.

What’s a hobby or interest you’re passionate about outside of work?

I have the privilege of being Gramma to Reid and Sloane which brings me immeasurable joy! I'm also a Golden Retriever mom to Rudi, a rescue from South Korea. I play golf (albeit not very well), go to the gym most days of the week, church on Sunday's with the grandkids, gardening, walking and the beach.

How would you describe your consulting style?

I became a certified Executive Coach while I was working for Budget Blinds Corporate, with a focus on business coaching. That training helped me understand the importance of asking questions, lots of open ended questions, to help my clients find their answers. Only you know what is right for you, I help uncover the answer that was there all along.

What’s one thing about franchising that excites you?

Oh my, everything. The variety and options available to my clients are amazing! I love when I hear " i didn't know that was a business". When someone discovers the business that's right for them and their dreams comes true, I feel truly blessed to have helped them along that journey.