Business owner launches popcorn franchise in Vernon Hills
An interview with Bruce Durr, owner of Doc Popcorn at Westfield Hawthorn
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: I’m a POPrietor (franchise owner) of Doc Popcorn at Westfield Hawthorn. What we do is revolutionize the way people snack by offering better-for-you, fresh-popped, all-natural popcorn in a variety of flavors. But I have to say, it’s not about “what” we do as much as it is about “why” we do it. And that reason is simply to create smiles.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: I am a self-taught entrepreneur who owned and operated a successful commercial laundry business for 28 years. I sold it, and then realized, I wasn’t ready to retire. Although the commercial laundry business model is different from the Doc Popcorn business model, there are similarities that are involved with all small businesses. I loved the simplicity of the Doc Popcorn business model and the fact that it is a healthier snack choice that I can feel good about providing to my customers.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: No matter what business you choose to start, whether it’s a franchise like Doc Popcorn with a proven model and support systems in place or starting something from scratch like I did with my first business, it takes a lot of hours, patience and rolling-up your sleeves to push the rock up and over the hill. Keeping this perspective and reminding myself that everything takes longer than you think it should, is my greatest challenge.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: Since my wife Ellen and I make a personal effort to live a healthy lifestyle, it was very important for me to find a business that met this criteria. Additionally, this is the best tasting popcorn I had ever tried which makes it very rewarding to provide such a product to customers. Our customers really do smile throughout their entire experience at Doc Popcorn — from the time they begin sampling all the different flavors we offer, to the time they walk away with a fresh-popped bag in hand of their selected flavors.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? A: I thought I wanted to be a lawyer while growing up as this was my father#146;s profession and I always admired him.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: I am constantly asking myself, #147;What else can I be doing to help drive my business beyond the point I#146;m at?#148;
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Creating enthusiasm among my staff and my dedication to providing the highest quality product and customer service are all elements that contribute to my success as a business owner. So my advice is to surround yourself with great people, and take the time to train them well. It is also the only way you will one day have the confidence to empower others to #147;mind the store#148; while you give yourself time off to spend quality time with family and friends.
Ÿ We would like to hear about your small business. If you would like to be featured in the Daily Herald, contact us at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Doc Popcorn
<B>Address: </B>Westfield Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Lower level next to Victorias Secret.
<B>Owners:</B> Bruce and Ellen Burr
<B>Year business started:</B> August 2011
<B>Web address:</B> <a href="http://www.docpopcorn.com/">www.docpopcorn.com</a>