George: "In 2009, my career in IT recruiting ended, and I found myself at the Atlanta Franchise Expo looking for a new direction. I already had a real estate license and some experience as a part-time realtor, so property management felt like a natural fit. We officially became the third franchise in the All County® system, opening our doors in January 2010."

Carmen: "My journey actually started when I was 16; I knew then that I wanted my real estate license. While I was a student at Georgia State University, I started working for my dad as a receptionist. I grew with the business, eventually moving into day-to-day operations and team management, and now I serve as the Managing Broker for our metro Atlanta locations."

George: "I spent 14 years in corporate America, specifically at IBM, and later worked as an IT technical recruiter. While I had experience in general real estate, the transition to a franchise allowed me to apply my corporate background to a proven, scalable system."

Carmen: "I joined the business while I was a student at Georgia State University. While many people see property management and general real estate as the same, they are actually very different businesses. I chose to focus my career on the management side because I enjoy being the person who brings professional solutions to the table for our clients."

George: "I utilized the funds I had accumulated in my 401k from my years in corporate America. Even with the taxes and the penalty for early distribution, I viewed it as a calculated short-term expense for a long-term gain. That 401k served as the seed money to purchase the franchise and establish our foundation."

George: "The greatest satisfaction is the 'own your business but not by yourself' model. You are relying on a system that actually works and receiving the support you need, especially in those critical early years. It allows you to be an entrepreneur without the isolation of starting from zero."

Carmen: "My satisfaction is twofold. First, it’s being a resource—providing excellent service to clients and tenants. Second, it is the tremendous blessing of working with family. It allows us to be a pillar in the community, helping friends and other families navigate their real estate needs with a professional team they can trust."

Carmen: "I highly recommend the classic, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie. In property management, you are constantly navigating emotional and contractual challenges; mastering those relationships is essential."

George: "I advise every new franchisee to prioritize their All County® Operations Manual. You have to understand the processes and procedures inside and out. I also value books focused on Christian business leadership—works that emphasize character, integrity, and building a team on solid values."