What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Aside from small jobs like delivering papers and helping friends clean the house boats and collecting driving range golf balls, the first job I applied for was working at McDonalds. I learnt how to work in a fast-paced environment and how teamwork plays a important role in business and being successful.

What motivates you professionally?
Being involved in something new and working with the team from generating ideas to end result (for example, I was a part of the team that helped bring “Beer & Wine” to the Circle K stores in Western Canada and part of the team that led the evolution of EV chargers at some of our sites in BC and Alberta).

What should every potential franchisee evaluate when choosing a franchisor?
Do your homework on the franchisor, what does their culture look like, what do they do to support the communities they operate in and finally just don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy wood working, mostly making kids toys and taking old furniture and recreating it into something completely different. If you’re ever in the office in Calgary if it’s Made out of “Pine” it just might be a hand-crafted item from Marc’s shop.

What is the most important message you want to convey to prospective franchisees?
Each and every day can be different or one day more difficult than another, find a company or franchise that supports you, when you feel supported it will build your confidence; with that you can do anything.

What do you like most about your current role?
I get an opportunity to help support Franchisee’s in building a business for them, their family, and the community they operate in.

What skills are essential to become a successful franchisee?
To become a successful franchisee, you need to focus on being the owner rather than an employee, also look at your store from a customer perspective, greet all the customers (by first name if you can) finally you can find success throughout all our values when you work with them (One Team, Do the Right Thing, Take Ownership and Play to Win).

If you had to pick another profession, what would it be?
If I had to choose, I would become a Teacher, I really enjoy teaching and mentoring as knowledge is power and why not pass that on to build other’s knowledge or “toolboxes” as a like to refer to it as.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?
““You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take”."

What is your favorite book?
Don’t really have a favorite book, more into Magazines (like Motorcycles, Rat Rod’s and Custom Vehicles, Tattoo’s, and Woodworking).

To learn more about the benefits of the Circle K brand, contact Marc at 306-713-8943 or marc.utley@circlek.com.