From Flight Attendant to Entrepreneur: Brenda Phipps' Journey in the Battery Industry

The Inspiring Journey of Brenda Phipps in the Battery Industry

Brenda Phipps had a vision not typical for a flight attendant. After nearly a decade in the skies, the events of September 11th, 2001, propelled her into a new chapter of her life. With a newfound determination, she sought career stability and an inspiring opportunity that would change her trajectory forever. Upon her search for a specific laptop battery led her and her husband, Rick Phipps, to discover a thriving franchise: Batteries Plus.

A New Beginning

In 2006, armed with a curiosity about the market and an eagerness to learn, they opened their first Batteries Plus store in Lake Worth, Florida. What began as a 50-50 partnership has evolved into a significant business under Brenda's leadership after Rick chose to step back as he transitions into retirement.

“Initially, Rick and I worked side-by-side, but over time, I embraced the operational responsibilities. It wasn’t easy stepping into a male-dominated industry without prior experience in batteries or business ownership. However, I quickly learned that having the right team in place is crucial for success,” Brenda shared, hoping her journey serves as encouragement to other women in business.

Achieving Record Sales

Brenda’s leadership has resulted in remarkable success; her stores have been honored with Sales Achievement awards for two consecutive years, surpassing the expectations of the Batteries Plus franchise system and accruing annual sales of over $3 million. Her passion isn't limited to retail; it extends to the commercial sector as well. She has become particularly adept at serving clients in the marine industry along Florida’s East Coast—essential given one of her store's proximity to the ocean, just three miles away.

“I cater to everything from deep-sea fishing boats to luxurious yachts,” she explains.

Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Brenda has learned invaluable lessons over her nearly two-decade journey in business. Her advice to budding entrepreneurs? “Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back. When we started, I was unaware of many aspects of the battery industry. However, I took it step-by-step. I learned one product at a time—whether it was wheelchair batteries or light bulbs—and slowly expanded my knowledge base.”

Her philosophy resonates with those considering venturing into franchise ownership. “The best kind of learning comes from real-world experience,” she emphasizes, advocating for hands-on learning as a path to growth.

Brenda's story embodies resilience and determination, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated industry. As she continues to lead her thriving Batteries Plus stores, she is determined to inspire other women to explore entrepreneurship across various sectors, especially in those where they remain underrepresented.

About Batteries Plus

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, Batteries Plus is a premier omni-channel retailer specializing in batteries, unique light bulbs, and phone repair services. Serving both consumers and businesses alike, it has built a reputation for exceptional product selection, customer service, and reliability. For more details about franchising with Batteries Plus, visit their franchise website: batteriesplusfranchise.com.