DeSario Turner broke every rule about playing it safe. She walked away from a stable corporate job at Harley-Davidson to open a Smoothie King franchise. Within just one week, her new business generated $38,000 in sales and shattered company records.
By the end of her first year, Turner had crossed the $1 million mark in net sales. Her Racine, Wisconsin location now ranks among the top 50 stores out of more than 1,200 franchise locations nationwide. This remarkable success story proves that calculated risks can lead to extraordinary rewards.
Corporate Executive Trades Security for Smoothie Success
Turner spent nearly 18 years climbing the corporate ladder at Harley-Davidson. She held leadership roles managing online ecommerce operations across the United States and Canada. Her position offered stability, good benefits, and a comfortable future in the corporate world.
However, Turner craved something more meaningful than a steady paycheck. “I knew that if I wanted the freedom and the life that I desire, just a paycheck wasn’t enough for me,” she explained. She wanted ownership, autonomy, and the chance to build something significant in her hometown.
The transition wasn’t impulsive or reckless. Turner carefully planned her exit strategy while exploring various business opportunities. She investigated rental properties and vending machines as potential side hustles before discovering her true calling.
Smoothie King Franchise Breaks Opening Week Records
Turner’s franchise journey began in late 2021 while she maintained her full-time corporate role. She juggled both responsibilities for nearly two years during the application and setup process. “That’s when it really kicked off; it was definitely a busy time,” she recalled. “But I had to make it happen.”
The grand opening exceeded all expectations and industry benchmarks. Turner’s Racine location generated more than $38,000 in first-week sales, breaking Smoothie King’s franchise record. This achievement was particularly impressive given that the market was unfamiliar with the brand.
Katherine Meariman, VP of training and education at Smoothie King, praised Turner’s approach. “She believed in herself, did the work and chose a location that gave her business the best chance to thrive,” Meariman noted. Turner understood that authentic community connection was key to introducing the brand successfully.
Community-Focused Strategy Builds Brand Loyalty
Turner made community involvement a cornerstone of her business strategy from day one. She regularly partners with local schools, gyms, and youth programs throughout Racine. These partnerships extend beyond simple marketing to create genuine community impact.
Her store donates smoothies for local events and supports various fundraisers. Additionally, Turner provides healthful catering options specifically designed for student-athletes. These initiatives help build lasting relationships while promoting health and wellness in her community.
The community-first approach has proven both socially responsible and financially successful. Local residents quickly embraced the new health-focused option in their neighborhood. Furthermore, word-of-mouth marketing from satisfied community partners helped drive consistent traffic to the store.
Million-Dollar Milestone Places Store Among Top Performers
Turner’s dedication and strategic approach paid off handsomely during her first year. Her location crossed the $1 million threshold in net sales, joining an elite group of high-performing franchise locations. This milestone placed her store in the top 50 out of more than 1,200 Smoothie King locations nationwide.
The achievement demonstrates the power of combining passion with smart business practices. Turner didn’t just open another franchise; she created a destination that resonated with her community’s values. Her success shows that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can deliver exceptional financial results.
Industry experts point to Turner’s story as a blueprint for franchise success. She identified an underserved market, committed fully to the business, and built authentic community relationships. These factors combined to create a winning formula that other aspiring entrepreneurs can study and replicate.
Next Generation Leadership Ensures Business Continuity
Turner is already planning for long-term success and generational wealth building. Her 19-year-old daughter has stepped into a key leadership role at the store. The young woman manages day-to-day operations while learning every aspect of the business firsthand.
This transition represents more than typical family involvement in a business. Turner is intentionally mentoring her daughter to eventually take full ownership of the operation. “Ultimately, this is her business,” Turner explained. “I’m showing her everything now so she understands what it takes — because it’s for her future.”
The mother-daughter partnership exemplifies strategic succession planning in small business ownership. Turner isn’t just building a successful franchise; she’s creating a legacy that can benefit future generations. This approach transforms a single business success into a foundation for lasting family wealth.
Expansion Plans Signal Ambitious Growth Strategy
Turner’s vision extends far beyond her current single location success. She has concrete plans for expansion and is already working on opening a second Smoothie King franchise. This growth strategy reflects her confidence in both the brand and her proven business model.
The expansion plans also demonstrate Turner’s evolution from corporate employee to serious entrepreneur. She’s not content with simply running one successful location. Instead, she’s thinking like a true business owner who sees opportunities for scaling her success.
Turner’s advice to others considering similar entrepreneurial leaps is straightforward and encouraging. “Invest that current and energy into yourself and build something for you and your family in the future,” she urged. “Go for it.” Her remarkable first-year performance certainly validates this bold approach to career transformation.
