By Lunar Loussia
If someone had told me back in high school that I would one day lead a company with hundreds of employees across multiple states, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. My journey in business has been shaped by family, hard work, and a lot of learning along the way. It started with a simple love for work — as a kid growing up in San Diego, I used to tag along with my dad to his grocery and liquor stores. Watching him run a business taught me early on the value of dedication, relationships, and taking care of your community.
Learning the Ropes from Family
My first real job was working at Wild Bill’s Tobacco from 1999 to 2002. That opportunity came through my cousin Mazin Samona, who founded the company and has always been a mentor to me. Being part of that growing operation taught me how important systems, people, and trust are in any business. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was learning foundational lessons that I would carry with me into every venture after that.
Taking the Leap into Franchising
In 2007, I became an AT&T franchisee. It was a big leap. Franchising appealed to me because it provided a proven business model but still gave me room to build and lead a team. Over time, we grew that franchise operation to 65 stores across three states. The growth was exciting, but it wasn’t easy. It took years of refining processes, hiring the right people, and learning how to manage at scale. We faced challenges from every angle—market shifts, staffing, and operational issues—but we kept pushing.
One key to success in franchising is consistency. Customers expect the same experience whether they walk into your store in Michigan or California. We worked hard to make sure every store met those expectations while still empowering our managers and staff to take ownership and pride in their work.
Scaling Smartly: Systems Over Everything
When you grow from a handful of stores to dozens, everything changes. What worked for five stores definitely won’t work for fifty. I learned quickly that scaling is all about systems. From inventory and staffing to customer service and payroll, every part of the business had to be scalable, predictable, and efficient.
We invested in technology and built clear operating procedures that every location could follow. Just as important, we built a culture of accountability and teamwork. You can’t be everywhere at once, so you need people who care and are committed to the same mission. I’ve always believed that if you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of your customers—and that philosophy helped us grow without losing the quality or the personal touch.
Knowing When to Move On
By 2017, the business was at a strong point, and I decided it was time to sell. Selling was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, but I also knew I was ready for a new chapter. I had the entrepreneurial itch to build something that was truly my own, from the ground up.
Becoming a Founder: Building Improve Business Solutions
After selling the AT&T stores, I founded Improve Business Solutions. Starting fresh gave me a new kind of energy. Today, our company serves over 1,500 clients and employs 240 people. We focus on delivering high-quality business services, and I’ve made it a priority to create an environment where people feel valued and inspired.
One of the most exciting parts of this journey has been branching into custom home design and development—a true passion of mine. We even manufacture building materials in China, which has opened up a whole new world of opportunities and challenges. But just like with my earlier ventures, the principles are the same: build the right team, serve your clients well, and stay committed to quality.
Lessons I’d Share with Any Entrepreneur
Looking back, here are a few key lessons I’ve learned that I think apply to any entrepreneur:
- Start with people. Whether it’s your family, your mentor, or your team—surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and share your vision.
- Systems create freedom. When you have good systems in place, you can scale without chaos. It’s worth the time and investment.
- Stay grounded in values. No matter how big you grow, your values guide your decisions. For me, faith, family, and community are at the core of everything I do.
- Give back as you grow. I’ve always believed that success is meant to be shared. Our company is involved in over 20 nonprofit organizations, and giving back through time and resources has been one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey.
- Be ready to evolve. The business world changes fast. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Stay humble, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start something new.
Final Thoughts
From stocking shelves in my dad’s store to leading a team of 240 people today, the road has been long and full of lessons. Being both a franchisee and a founder has taught me different skills—but at the end of the day, it’s all about people, purpose, and perseverance. I’m grateful for every step of the journey and excited for what’s still ahead.