Kevin Dandrea’s Rise to Success Not Without Obstacles

Kevin Dandrea could have opted for a life of crime rather than one as a successful business owner. A couple from a local church visited his home, which happened to be a detention center, and altered his life forever. “They helped me come to know Jesus,” said Kevin. “And He gave me a conscience.”

The road to success has not always been paved with gold for Kevin, but he looks back on when he was 16 and facing life in prison for armed robbery and grand theft, among other crimes, as a pivotal moment in his life. And he remembers that couple who had a heart for young kids as instrumental in helping him become the man he is today.

With his unyielding faith as a guiding compass, in 1986, Kevin Dandrea began a wedding photography business and built it into the largest wedding studio in Central Florida. With a staff of photographers, videographers, and deejays, Kevin parlayed his talents to build and maintain a 14-year business at the level of as many as 300 weddings a year.

His journey to Unishippers began in 1999 as a shipping consultant, working part-time while he still ran his studio. He then ‘graduated’ to sales manager, honing his sales skills even more. “My goal from the beginning was to be an owner,” said Kevin. “But I knew I had a lot to learn about each facet of the business, especially sales. And I believe I’m a smarter owner today because of the processes I learned and the experiences along the way.”

Early in his journey, Kevin also had the opportunity to attend a Unishippers Advanced Sales Training seminar that was being facilitated by Ken Brockbank. One of the tasks Ken asked the participants to do changed Kevin’s life.

“He told us to write down our goals for the next five years and then examine what we’re doing each day to make sure they’re in alignment. Photography wasn’t a part of my five-year plan so I went home and sold my studio the following Monday so I could work full-time with Unishippers. I won the Unishippers GOYA contest six months later. The timing was perfect.”

Kevin is the Franchise owner of two state territories, Mississippi South and Georgia South, which he purchased in 2006. But prior to becoming an owner, Kevin is quick to point out the many lessons he’s learned from the four owners for whom he worked over the years.

“Kevin Fisher showed me how to never be satisfied with anything less than a perfect solution to every problem by thinking outside the box and then doing whatever it takes to achieve the best outcome,” recalls Kevin.

From the Manatee Management Group, Kevin learned how to manage a large franchise. “They taught me the do’s and don’ts…and how to work as a team. Their group demonstrated how a great team working attitude can translate to success, even when you disagree.”

He added, “Frank Czar and the Hudson brothers, Mark and Jonathan, taught me how to manage by process. These guys were masters of admin and sales processes long before the RCA acquisition program that we have in place today.”

Lastly, regarding franchise owners Ted Donley and Kelly Quick, Kevin said, “They taught me the most important lesson of all,” Kevin said proudly. “They set an example of how to support and trust me by giving all they had to give.”

Ted and Kelly were instrumental in helping Kevin work into ownership. “In 2005 we established a margin level that would give me 50 percent ownership. It took me a year of 14-16 hour days selling in three time zones but it was worth it!” During that same year he also won first place in the DHL 5K Sprint in his region and was the year’s second place finisher in the 2005 Platinum Club Contest. In 2006 he bought Ted and Kelly’s remaining 50%. e’s also taken over managing the Mobile, AL franchise.

Mike Sankey, a past-owner of Unishippers franchises, came into Kevin’s life via a referral and offered to help Kevin negotiate the purchase of his current operations. Kevin says Mike “is the wisest man I’ve ever met and the master of win-win negotiations. His talents and advice are priceless! He’s already saved me tens of thousands of dollars in mistakes that I would have made. He catapulted me to a level of success that I thought was years away. God used him to change my life, personally and professionally. He’s my big brother and a loyal friend.”

While it’s not uncommon for Kevin to work 12 hours a day, life couldn’t be better. He works out of a home office in Skowhegan, Maine, which means he gets to spend more time with his three children-Marie age two, Nikki age 10, and Mark age 12. Regarding his two-year-old, “Marie is lively and loves to entertain the family. It wouldn’t surprise me if she ended up in Hollywood. What a blessing that I can go upstairs and spend time with them whenever I want to.”

Justine, Kevin’s wife, is also involved in Kevin’s business, albeit indirectly. She started a business called Dandrea’s Gift Basket & Floral, which supplies custom baskets to a host of companies, including some Unishippers franchisees. “Her baskets are very creative. She finds out what the interests of the recipient are, and then tailors the baskets accordingly,” Kevin says. It’s a win-win for the couple as they cross-market their services.

What does Kevin do for fun? “Watch my bank account grow,” he says tongue in cheek. But in reality, it’s making something great out of nothing. “I enjoy taking on things others can’t or won’t.” He puts his money where his mouth is — Georgia South and Mississippi South are two of the most difficult territories and Kevin has put them in the top 10.

Kevin says the most compelling benefit of the Unishippers model is that it gives franchisees an opportunity to become millionaires. “The support and system they have in place is a template for success. The sincerity of the people within the organization, from corporate to franchise owners, is also a huge plus. People are willing to share what works, what doesn’t work. They are generous and kind. The relationships are partnerships.”

Kevin attributes all of his success to one basic truth: “I work like it’s up to me, but I pray likes it’s all up to God. He gives me abilities, education and opportunities, and I give my all.” But he also never forgets about that couple back in Florida who cared about a 16-year-old they’d never met.

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