From the new President… Jayson Jones

This week I want to update you on some of the strategic changes that are occurring at M.A.R.S. and give you a glimpse into what I see as the future of M.A.R.S.

But, before we can look to the future, we need to reflect a moment on the past.  I have basically grown up in this business from a 20 year old kid to the 39 year old man most of you know today.  This job and my family have been the only two constants in my life.  In many ways I have grown up with an extended family that reaches from California to New York and just about every state in between.  I have had the pleasure of getting to know most of you on a very personal level during training classes and conventions, and many of you have become more like family than operators, franchisees, licensees, or whatever!  I have seen this company grow from an just an idea to the international leader it is today.  There have been many wonderful times and a few not so wonderful times, but I have always known that this is what I was put on this planet to do.  I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know there are people out there who are doing something they enjoy…something that allows them to be their own boss, set their own schedules, and have something they can build a future around. 

Some of you will remember a time when I was President of M.A.R.S.  I was in my mid twenties, and, to be honest, having fun was a lot more important than work back then.  I didn’t know much about running a business and certainly didn’t know how to grow it into what it is today.  I willingly stepped down as President in 2003 and took on the role of Director of Training.  I watched as Dad and others grew M.A.R.S.  from a small family business into the industry leader it is today.  I can’t say I agreed with all of the decisions that were made, but history has proven that some very good things came from many of those decisions.  Although I can’t do anything about the mistakes that have been made in the past, the good news is that I sure can do something about the future!

The time has come for me to accept the “mantle of leadership” for M.A.R.S.  and become President once again.  Together, we can shape M.A.R.S.  into something we can all be proud of.  For starters, one thing that has been missing from this company for a while is the feeling of “family”.  I commit to you that with every fiber of my being, we will refocus our attention on YOU, the operator, and do everything possible to help YOU succeed!

In the past, you may have felt that M.A.R.S.  cared more about recruiting new franchisees than growing and developing existing operators.  You have my word that this will change!  We are still going to recruit, but M.A.R.S. corporate is going to spend the majority of its time and effort on YOU and what we can do to make YOUR business better.  Furthermore, I want you to succeed not just financially, but in the areas of life that are really important.  I want you to be able to spend time with family, see soccer games, take vacations, and hopefully see me at a convention and be able to say, “Buying a M.A.R.S. franchise is one of the best decisions I have ever made!”  I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to hear that and know I had a part in that. 

If we have done things in the past that made you feel like a number or given you the impression that we don’t care, I apologize for that…and, I promise that I will do everything possible to ensure that it never happens again.  I want you to know you can call me anytime and not just talk to the President of M.A.R.S., but speak with someone who considers you a friend. 

I know there has been some concern about the future of M.A.R.S. and whether we would make it in this trying economy.  Not only will we make it, we will emerge from it stronger than before and much better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.  We have made the necessary but painful cuts in overhead and staff, and we are currently configured so that the company can survive without recruiting a single new franchisee!  Our present staffing levels will not only enable us to survive but also help the company grow in ways that were impossible before.  I know there are people you miss, and I assure you that I miss them as well.  As our headcount grows later on this year, we will recruit only employees who are committed to exceeding expectations and who understand that YOU and YOUR success is our primary mission!  I want to thank you for all your support, your friendship, and your loyalty, and as always feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or problems.