At Interlink we believe that there is no better guide than a true story. Today we share with you the case of Rogelio and Alexa, the youngest couple we have accompanied in their investment process. Under the age of 30, they have just completed their training and are ready to start operations in Houston with their True Blue franchise, specializing in home remodeling. Their path was full of important decisions, key learnings and challenges that they were able to transform into opportunities.
Before taking the leap: what motivated them to invest in the USA
Rogelio and Alexa came from different backgrounds, but they shared the same goal: to build something of their own. Alexa had experience in the beauty field and in the accounting of the family business. Rogelio, a lawyer by profession, discovered his passion for construction while living in Canada.
Both identified that the Mexican market did not offer the same economic potential. However, starting a business from scratch in the United States was expensive and risky. The alternative of migrating to Canada was also unfeasible: it was a long, complex process and took them away from their family. In addition, they came across many unclear proposals: people offering them investor visas through property purchases, without guarantees or real guidance. After spending on legal advice that did not solve anything, they seriously thought about abandoning the plan.
An unexpected twist: TikTok, the E-2 visa and the encounter with Interlink
It was in a moment of frustration that an unexpected sign appeared: TikTok. Looking for content about franchises, they started watching Interlink videos. They were struck by the clarity of the message, the professionalism of the team and the presence of people like Abril and Jaime. They supplemented their search with videos on YouTube and reviews on Google, all positive.
His first meeting with Interlink marked a before and after. He explained the process honestly, without empty promises, detailing times, costs and real responsibilities. “They gave us hope back,” says Rogelio. Unlike other agencies that promised them an “easy” migration, at Interlink they found something different: authentic support. “They solved all our doubts, whenever and however they could,” he recalls.
Why they chose the True Blue franchise to invest in the United States
Investing outside the country entails many doubts. “We weren’t talking about little money,” says Rogelio. The investment represented a great responsibility, and they could not afford a mistake. Alexa was afraid she didn’t understand the tax aspects. Rogelio was afraid of choosing badly: “All franchises look good at first,” he explains.
With the support of Interlink, they decided to bet on the True Blue franchise. Not only the numbers convinced them, but also the possibility of diversifying services and getting to know the local market. “We didn’t want to limit ourselves to just one thing, but to have the same customer multiple times,” Alexa explains. In addition, Rogelio’s previous experience in remodeling made them feel safe.
Validation, Investment, and Territory: How They Prepared to Open Their True Blue Franchise
Before making the final decision, Rogelio and Alexa went through an exhaustive validation process. They reached out to more than 50 True Blue franchisees for real-world experiences and candid opinions. This research was key to understanding the benefits and potential challenges of the business.
As for the investment, they understood that it was not only about the initial capital, but also about the operating and personal expenses involved in starting a business in the United States. They prepared with an additional fund to cover at least three months of life and avoid decapitalization.
Finally, the choice of territory was a strategic point. After evaluating several cities, they chose Houston because of its economic growth, the more affordable cost of living, and the proximity to family members who provide them with local support. In addition, Houston offered better conditions for the True Blue franchise to grow and expand.
This comprehensive approach – validation, financial planning and territory selection – was essential for them to successfully start their True Blue franchise today.
Challenges and learnings after opening its True Blue franchise in Houston
During the process, they realized that many franchises — and even U.S. institutions — are not familiar with the E2 visa processing times. For example, opening an LLC and a business bank account took longer than anticipated and led to moments of tension.
The choice of territory was also a challenge. They considered cities like Chicago, but discarded it because of its traffic and high cost of living. They finally chose Houston, where they found a better quality of life, the presence of family members and an ideal market to scale their business.
A key learning was understanding the difference in operating costs between cities. “In New York, a basic technician earns $35 an hour. In Houston, between 18 and 20,” says Rogelio. This difference makes the investment more sustainable, especially during the first months, which are decisive to avoid decapitalization.
They also learned not to idealize dates. “You get into a start date and then everything changes,” Alexa reflects. There were difficult moments, such as the 15 days in which they could not move funds due to banking issues. They learned to make decisions calmly, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Another important point was the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document). Although extensive and technical, it contains key information about the operation. “It is necessary to read it calmly, without fear,” recommends the couple.
Understanding the legal and financial details of a franchise can be overwhelming. If you need help reading an FDD, opening your LLC, or managing your business bank account, our team is here to guide you. Contact us today and transform uncertainty into a clear path to the USA.
Key tips if you’re thinking about investing in a franchise like True Blue
The story of Rogelio and Alexa is full of valuable learnings. If you are thinking of investing in a franchise and migrating with an E2 visa, take note of these tips:
Master English, or get ready to learn it fast. Rogelio used translators during the training so he wouldn’t miss anything. Understanding the language is key to making confident decisions.
Secure your partner’s support. “If they don’t agree from the beginning, it doesn’t work,” says Rogelio. Emotional support is just as important as financial support.
Calculate an additional fund for your personal expenses. Beyond the initial investment, consider at least two or three months of living expenses (rent, transportation, food).
Have a flexible and patient mindset. Immigration processes do not always meet the times one expects. The important thing is not to despair or make hasty decisions.
Do your research. Use YouTube, Google, talk to real franchisees. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make.
Read the FDD carefully. It is a key document to understand the rights, obligations, costs and conditions of your franchise.
Rogelio and Alexa’s experience shows that the dream of entrepreneurship in the United States is achievable, as long as you have reliable information, expert advice and a lot of determination.
At Interlink, we are proud to have accompanied you every step of the way. And now, we want to accompany you.
Schedule a personalized consultation and let’s start building your future in the United States. Write to us today. Your story can begin now.
