AARON T. HARPER
CEO OF ROLLING SUDS

I know our readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s been quite a journey! My background started in film and television in California. While it was an exciting ride, I felt a calling for something more—a passion to empower others and simplify the path to business ownership. My transition into franchising began at Belfor Franchise Group, where I sold and opened over 400 territories across two brands in just a few years. This experience taught me a lot and fueled my desire to create something of my own, so I took a risk and set my sights on transforming Rolling Suds, a family-owned power-washing business, into a thriving franchise.

My approach to franchising is deeply rooted in Responsible Franchising—emphasizing transparent communication, ongoing comprehensive training and support, and tailored systems for our franchisees. I say it all the time: we are a Franchisee company. I’m also focused on adaptability and a solution-driven mindset in crucial areas like technology, scaling, and marketing support to keep Rolling Suds agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our franchisees. I am also very selective about our franchisee partnerships—I have turned down more than 35 prospective franchisees in 2023. Saying ‘no’ to potential partners who don’t fit our business model or culture is key. Franchising is only successful if everyone works within the parameters of the same system and comes together to make the system work and be profitable. 

By focusing on Responsible Franchising, we’ve seen incredible success. In just ten months, we will finish our first calendar year with 84 units sold across 22 states, and I believe we’re changing the landscape of business ownership in the world of franchising. 

What experiences, failures, setbacks/challenges have been most instrumental in your growth?
Growth often comes from a mix of experiences, failures, and challenges. In the film and TV days, I learned the ropes of a cutthroat industry where everyone was in it for themselves. I wanted to be in an industry and role that helped other people. Moving into franchising, my time at Belfor taught me about scaling quickly, but it also came with its fair share of challenges. We hit the gas on opening territories, thinking faster was better, but opening too many too quickly meant we couldn’t support our franchisees the way they needed, and that hit me hard. But it was also the best kind of wake-up call. That setback was the catalyst for my deep dive into Responsible Franchising. Transparent communication became my north star, and always putting the franchisee first became the backbone of our strategy.

Launching Rolling Suds into a franchise wasn’t all smooth sailing either. There were many times I had to pivot, adapt, and face the reality that only some ideas worked as planned. But each stumble taught me something crucial, and now I am thrilled to be able to share that knowledge with other emerging franchise brands around the world. 

In your experience, what are the critical steps to growing and scaling your business?
Navigating the business growth journey has been quite an adventure. Starting with the basics—mission, values, a solid business model—that is just the groundwork. Crafting a blueprint to hit those goals is the strategic roadmap. And let’s face it, none of this happens without a powerhouse team—the real rockstars of any successful business.  

Flexibility is also essential. Things change, and being able to roll with the punches is crucial. Tech is another vital aspect, making everything run smoother while putting systems in place that allow us to work smarter while maximizing profits. We will find another solution if something is challenging for our team, franchisees, or customers. » 

Teaming up with the right investment partners has been another game-changer, such as franchising veteran David Barr (we recently announced a second round of investment from Barr in November 2023). And responsible scaling is not just about getting bigger; it’s about doing it correctly.

What are the qualities of an effective leader?
Effective leadership is more than having all the answers but the skills to navigate uncertainty confidently and inspire collective success. Firstly, a leader must possess a visionary outlook and be able to articulate a clear path forward for the team. An effective leader must also be decisive and make tough calls even when all the facts aren’t known. 

Empathy, an often-underestimated quality, plays a crucial role in understanding and connecting with team members while fostering a positive work culture. Resilience is another non-negotiable, as leadership invariably encounters challenges that demand a steadfast response. Strategic thinking is another critical component involving anticipating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities while playing the long game. 

Accountability is integral, with influential leaders taking responsibility for decisions, whether they lead to success or setbacks. True leaders inspire, creating a shared sense of purpose and motivation among team members. Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning ensures leaders remain adaptable and informed in an ever-evolving landscape.

What is your best advice on building and leading teams?
In my experience, referrals from mentors and peers within the industry are where I have met rockstar employees. Leveraging relationships, I already have is much more time efficient, and the results are better.

Once the team is built, optimization is paramount, ensuring transparency, clarity, and minimization of misunderstandings. We utilize the EOS Traction system, including L10 meetings, rocks, scorecards, etc., to ensure we all work towards the same goals together. 

Fostering a positive work culture is also crucial. Encouraging collaboration, celebrating achievements, and creating an environment where team members feel valued contribute to a thriving workplace. 

Leading by example is non-negotiable; embodying the values and work ethic expected from the team sets the tone. It is acknowledging and learning from mistakes, celebrating successes, and maintaining genuine connections with the team round out the principles. 

Building and leading teams is a dynamic journey, and these principles have helped me foster a collaborative, high-performing environment. This team not only works well together but thrives individually. 

What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs and business leaders?
· Build Your Network: Attending industry conferences, establishing mentoring relationships, and engaging in social group chats are all active ways to grow your network and will serve you well as you encounter challenges and have questions.

· Cultivate Resilience in the Face of Setbacks:
Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster with inevitable highs and lows. Building Resilience to navigate setbacks is critical. Embrace failures as learning opportunities, bounce back quickly, and maintain a forward-looking perspective. Resilience helps you get through difficult times and fosters a culture of perseverance within your team.

· Foster a Culture of Innovation: Innovation is a survival tool in a rapidly changing business landscape. Foster an environment where team members feel empowered to share and implement innovative ideas. Staying ahead often involves thinking beyond the conventional and embracing calculated risks.

· Share content across as many social channels as possible. You will meet amazing people who will impact your professional journey and vice versa.