Summary
– Big names like Tesla, Electrify America, and EVgo dominate the EV charging industry
– Local families often own gas and diesel stations, despite big name branding on the outside
– Franklin’s Charging, a small business, provides superior EV charging experiences in Hot Springs and Little Rock, Arkansas
– Owner Jeff Franklin’s dedication to customer service and personal investment in Tesla sets Franklin’s Charging apart
– Local businesses can successfully enter the EV charging market without needing big investor backing
Article
Franklin’s Charging is a small business that is focused on EV charging, a unique concept in the industry. The owner, Jeff Franklin, made his first money teaching high school biology and then invested some of his savings in Tesla. With smart moves in buying and selling at the right time, he was able to become his own investor, paying cash for locations, buildouts, and charging stations. This success story is inspiring as it shows that you don’t need big investor firepower to get into the EV charging game. Franklin’s Charging demonstrates that local businesses can own a significant portion of the future of EV charging, but it requires dedication and hard work.
The charging experience at Franklin’s locations in Hot Springs and Little Rock, Arkansas, is described as superior due to the attention to detail and customer service. The Hot Springs location is conveniently situated near Hot Springs National Park and offers a pleasant area to wait while charging. The Little Rock location goes above and beyond with solar panels for shade, clean bathrooms, a snack bar, and a modern decor. Both locations have maintained their equipment well to ensure maximum charging speeds for customers.
The dedication to customer service at Franklin’s Charging is evident in the owner’s commitment to ensuring everyone gets a charge. Jeff Franklin personally oversees the operations at the charging stations, making sure that all equipment is working smoothly and customers have the necessary adapters. Despite the challenges of managing multiple charging station manufacturers and service teams, Franklin’s hands-on approach ensures that everything runs smoothly at his two sites.
Currently, the charging station business has not been a wild financial success, mainly because most charging stations struggle to cover their expenses. However, the utilization rate is steadily increasing, particularly in the last year, and is approaching the breakeven point. Franklin’s Charging serves as an example of a forward-thinking businessperson entering the EV charging industry at an early stage of the adoption curve. By providing an excellent service and becoming the go-to place for EV drivers, local businesses can gain an advantage in owning the future of EV infrastructure.
Franklin’s Charging story highlights the fact that you don’t have to be a big company with substantial investor backing to succeed in the EV charging market. Jeff Franklin’s success as a small business owner in this sector showcases the potential for local businesses to play a significant role in the future of EV charging. His story serves as an inspiration for others looking to enter the industry and emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication in building a successful business. As the utilization of EV charging stations continues to rise, local businesses have the opportunity to carve out a substantial market share in the evolving industry.
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