FranchiseCanada September | October 2017 89datory, head office does require all business owners to
become accredited mediators.
As mediators, Fairway franchisees are committed to
making a positive impact on people’s lives, something
Fortin says she never gets tired of. “Being a part of
something different that truly helps people is the most
rewarding aspect of my job!”
Making a difference
Fortin says the number one quality any prospective
Fairway business owner needs is compassion and a fun-
damental caring about people. “You need to see things
through the eyes of your clients. This might be my 300th
divorce case, but it’s their first. This is the number one
thing happening in their lives, and you can never lose
sight of that being the focus.”
Given the nature of the profession, Fortin says her
work can be emotionally draining at times, but the hugs
and looks of relief on client’s faces when they complete
the Fairway process makes it all worth it.
And it’s not just adult clients that Fortin is helping
- it’s their children, too. “As a former teacher, I’ve seen
firsthand the negative effects divorce can have on chil-
dren,” she says. “Even though I don’t directly interact
with my client’s children, they are always at the back of
my mind.”
On her own time, Fortin has developed separation
guidebooks for parents that include outlines and scripts
on how to tell their children they are separating. These
guidebooks are not a part of Fairway’s training or man-
uals, but head office is Fortin’s biggest cheerleader,
encouraging her to be creative with their work.
“After eight years as a Fairway business owner, I’m
not just working in the business, I’m working on the busi-
ness. I am constantly thinking of how we can improve
things for my clients, and I have the full support of Karen
and head office to move forward on my ideas.”
Fortin credits this encouragement for allowing her
location to focus on fostering quality and meaningful
experiences for her clients. “We’ve been so successful
because we genuinely care about our clients and their
future. That’s the most important thing for us, and it’s
what makes Fairway tick.”FAIRWAY DIVORCE SOLUTIONS STATS
Franchise units in Canada: 4
Franchise fee: $19.5K
Start-up capital required: $24.2K-$52.5K
Training: 5 days in class, 40-60 hours online
Available territories: All of Canada
In business since: 2006
Franchising since: 2008
CFA member since: 2016A DAY IN THE LIFE
- Canada’s leading Deck Franchise!
- Capitalize on today’s multi-billion dollar home
improvement industry! - Comprehensive sales, marketing and building support!
- The best lead generating website in the decking
industry – decks.ca
“You need to see things through the eyes of your clients.
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This is the number one thing happening in their lives,
and you can never lose sight of that being the focus.”