In 2021, our management team acquired Better Software, and I am proud to report that our team is fully committed to its vision and its mission to continue building and delivering a world-class software product. This product helps the best franchise owners operate their businesses every single day. Our journey with Better Software has been an exciting one, and I couldn't be more proud of the growth and impact we've achieved.
Better Software is rooted in a personal philosophy that has guided me through my entrepreneurial journey: Always finding a way. The story of how Better Software came to be is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of innovation in the face of adversity.
The Origins of Better Software
In 2013, things were looking great. Cody Party Rentals was thriving, Monster Halloween was growing, and we had just launched CodyMobile—a promising new venture. Business was booming, and I was feeling optimistic about the future. But everything changed that year.
In June 2013, I tragically lost my son, which led to a complete emotional and professional collapse. I spent the next nine months bedridden, struggling to cope with the immense loss. The weight of personal grief combined with the weight of running multiple businesses eventually became too much to bear. The "balls" I was juggling began to fall, and we were forced to have a fire sale of all three companies, essentially giving away everything we had worked so hard to build.
This was a devastating turning point in my life and my career. However, as challenging as this was, it also set the stage for a new beginning.
The Comeback: Starting Over with Software
A year later, I found myself in the difficult position of needing to start from scratch. The only tangible asset we had left was the software we had built over the previous eight years to run our businesses. I had no experience in the tech industry—no background in software development or building a tech company—but I saw this as an opportunity to rebuild.
In August 2014, we officially launched Better Software. This was my first foray into the tech world, my first time taking outside investment, and my first experience reporting to a board of directors. The learning curve was steep, but I was determined. The software we had created was robust and valuable, but commercializing it was a whole different challenge.
The process wasn't without its hurdles. But the experience also taught me invaluable lessons about building a tech company and creating great technology. With the support of a fantastic mentor, I began to understand the intricacies of the software industry, and I was able to lay the foundation for Better Software's future growth.
The Growth of Better Software
After a few years of growth, I made the decision to step away from Better Software, allowing the team to continue executing the vision. However, I eventually realized that I could drive the company forward in a way that was true to my original vision. So, in 2021, I made the decision to acquire Better Software back, with the goal of steering the product and vision exactly how I had always wanted.
With a renewed focus, we more than doubled our revenue, built a strong pipeline, and won several prestigious Supplier of the Year awards. Our clients now include some of the largest service franchise organizations in the world, such as Neighborly and Belfor, which have over 34 brands in their portfolio, including well-known names like ChemDry, Molly Maid, and Roto-Rooter.
This remarkable growth and success in such a short period is a clear indication that we had truly found our product-market fit. And it was all made possible by the resilience that Better Software was built upon—finding a way to thrive even when faced with adversity.
The Power of Resilience and Finding a Way
The story of Better Software isn't just a story about building a business; it's a story about perseverance, innovation, and learning from challenges. Starting from a place of loss and rebuilding through sheer determination, Better Software has grown into a leading tech solution for franchise owners in the service industry.
The lessons I've learned through Better Software have become a core part of my entrepreneurial philosophy. It's important to have a vision, to adapt, and to understand that every challenge offers a new opportunity to innovate.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Better Software
The future of Better Software is brighter than ever. With a committed management team, a strong customer base, and a solid product offering, we are positioned to expand and innovate further. We are excited to continue serving the franchise community with software that helps them streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve their customer service.
In 2021, our acquisition of Better Software marked a significant milestone in our journey, and we're just getting started. As we continue to grow and scale, I'm reminded of the philosophy that guided us from the very beginning: Always finding a way.
Conclusion
Better Software's success story is a reminder that no matter how difficult the road may seem, there's always a way forward. With the right mindset, determination, and a commitment to learning and adapting, even the most challenging circumstances can lead to incredible opportunities. I'm immensely proud of what Better Software has become, and I'm excited for what the future holds.
For more about Better Software, visit Better Software.