Minneapolis Entrepreneur named The Entrepreneur’s Source® Client of the Year

MINNEAPOLIS – In early 2010, following a lengthy career in the automotive fleet industry, Bill Bentz took a risk on, what was then, an unheard of franchise concept and never looked back. Three years later, his dedication to Doc Popcorn® and admirable work ethic has earned him the prestigious Client of the Year award, announced earlier this month in Fort Lauderdale at the annual conference held by The Entrepreneur’s Source® (E-Source), North America’s leading career and franchise business coaching company.

After a career that spanned three decades, Bentz’s corporate position was eliminated, driving him to pursue entrepreneurship. In the midst of a career transition, he searched for something wildly different than his last venture, something he could call his own. In need of some guidance, Bentz found himself at the door of Mike Accurso, an E-Source coach, who introduced him to a novel snack concept in the beginning stages of franchising. Bentz and his wife, Julie, took a risk on the unknown concept and were among the first franchisees to invest in Doc Popcorn.  

“Bill had the vision to see the tremendous opportunity in Doc Popcorn,” said Brian Miller, chief operating officer for E-Source. “It’s not every day we see someone come out of a 30 year long corporate career who is willing to take a leap of faith on a new concept. Right out of the gate, he had the drive and determination to make himself an instant success in the franchise industry.” 

After using a portion of his 401K to fund his entrepreneurial dream, Bentz set his sights on the Mall of America, took matters into his own hands, negotiated a lease and made it happen. He opened a Doc Popcorn location in July 2010 and has been successful since day one. To further his business, Bentz and his family later acquired a mobile cart to use at community festivals and sports tournaments. He is currently seeking to open a second location in the Mall of America as they expand. 

“The first time I met with Mike [Accurso], I didn’t think I would walk out with a popcorn stand,” Bentz said. “Throughout my career, I never once dreamed I’d be in the place I’m in now. I thank E-Source for helping guide me here and for recognizing me as client of the year.”  

Bentz, known by his E-Source coach as a true business and family man, was nominated for the E-Source Client of the Year award because he is determined, accomplished and passionate. He took a downward situation and career change as an opportunity to become his own boss – he set goals for himself, put in his due diligence and became an instant success.

About The Entrepreneur’s Source®
The Entrepreneur’s Source is North America’s leading career and franchise Business Coaching Company dedicated to the entrepreneur, with more than 230 offices in the United States and Canada. Dominating the $1.5 billion Business Coaching/Consulting franchise market in North America, the company offers a full range of services to individuals seeking alternate career options and to franchise businesses looking to increase performance. For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source, please visit http://www.EntrepreneursSource.com/. 

About Doc Popcorn®
Doc Popcorn® makes guests smile by offering the highest quality popcorn experience. Using proprietary all-natural blends, Doc Popcorn creates a wide variety of fresh-popped specialty flavors of popcorn. Guests are encouraged to mix and match, allowing them to make their own infinite number of flavor combinations. Doc Popcorn uses non-GMO popping corn, 100% corn oil and natural ingredients to produce a snack that’s low in fat, cholesterol free and has zero grams of trans fat. All of Doc Popcorn’s flavors are gluten-free, wheat-free and nut-free. Other options, such as sugar-free and dairy-free popcorn are also available. Doc Popcorn started franchising in 2009 and has since been recognized as one of the hottest and fastest-growing snack franchises in the country. With 80 locations in 25 states and an additional 300 units in development, Doc Popcorn is the largest retailer of popcorn in the world.  For more information, including franchise opportunities, visit www.docpopcorn.com.

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