When Michal Neckar began exploring franchise ownership, he was searching for something that felt right professionally, creatively, and personally.
With experience in both trades and sales, Michal knew he wanted a business that offered structure without stifling creativity, support without micromanagement, and the opportunity to build something of his own. That search ultimately led him to DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.
Throughout his career, Michal felt drawn toward entrepreneurship and began seriously considering franchise ownership. “I just wanted to do something completely different,” Michal explains. “I wanted to open my own business.”
Like many prospective franchise owners, he was also thinking about long-term sustainability and contemplating how he’d spend his time and whether the work itself would be engaging.
Exploring Franchise Options
Michal cast a wide net. He evaluated nearly 30 franchises across several industries, from food service to retail operations. “I looked at sandwich franchises and things like that,” he says. “But there wasn’t much creativity involved, it felt more like owning a system than building something.” Other franchises, like shipping and retail franchises, raised different concerns, like the need to own multiple units to turn a profit. What he found lacking across many of the options he explored was balance. He sought creativity, freedom, and support.
That’s when DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen stood out.
First Impressions
DreamMaker caught Michal’s attention because it blended creativity with proven systems.
“It felt like a franchise where I could get real structure—learning how to run books, pricing, processes—but without someone overseeing every small decision,” he explains.
What appealed to him most was the balance. DreamMaker emphasized quality standards and professionalism but allowed owners flexibility in how they operated locally. “They wanted quality materials and quality installs,” Michal says. “But you didn’t have to run every product decision through corporate. There was freedom there.” Early conversations also revealed credibility. DreamMaker offered clear data, accessible leadership, and a franchisee community willing to share real experiences.
Turning Point
Discovery Day became a defining moment. Meeting the DreamMaker team in person confirmed what Michal had sensed throughout the process. “The leadership team was open, approachable, and honest,” he recalls. “You could tell they knew the business and cared about the people running it.”
Unlike other franchises he explored, DreamMaker felt relational rather than transactional. The culture, systems, and network aligned in a way that made the opportunity feel solid to him. The franchise model was attractive because of the systems and processes in place, as well as the tight-knit community he experienced through validation calls with several franchisees.
Why Michal Chose DreamMaker
Several key factors solidified Michal’s decision:
- Culture and values alignment
- Proven systems and processes
- A strong realistic financial model
- Robust coaching and peer support
“It gave me structure without taking away the creative part,” Michal says. “That was huge for me.” DreamMaker offered the tools needed to launch confidently without stripping away the freedoms of ownership. For Michal, that combination made all the difference.
Read about how DreamMaker reduces risk for new franchisees.
Early Experience as an Owner
Michal opened his business (DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison, WI) just before the COVID pandemic, a challenging time for any new owner. “Lead flow was pretty dismal that first year,” he says. “But there was a lot of support. A lot of meetings. A lot of conversations about how to navigate what was happening.”
Training and support played a critical role in helping him get started. Foundations Prep, Foundations Core, Week in the Life, and the Marketing Simulation (all part of the initial training for a new franchisees) helped him understand the scope of the business and how all the pieces fit together. “This industry is a lot to learn,” Michal notes. “The training helps you get a feel for it, and talking with other franchise owners is incredibly valuable.” He still relies on tools first introduced during training like flow charts, budgeting systems, QuickBooks setup, and P&L reviews to guide decision-making.
Peer support continues through Next Level Groups, which Michal describes as one of the most beneficial resources. “You get to problem-solve with people who are doing the same thing you are,” he says. “You share ideas and make better processes together.”
Building a Team and Business
Today, Michal oversees operations as Owner and General Manager, supporting his team and guiding projects from initial design through production. “I meet with new clients, help remove obstacles for the staff, and stay involved in the overall flow of the business,” he explains.
His favorite part? “The creativity of making new spaces and problem solving.”,
Michal’s team includes an office manager, production manager, designer, client relations and marketing support, and skilled carpenters. Each of these people play a role in delivering quality projects and strong client experiences.
Michal’s Advice
For those considering DreamMaker, Michal offers straightforward advice:
“If you want to be your own business owner and do something creative, this is a great opportunity,” he says. “It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it rewarding.”
He adds, “You’re not just making sandwiches. You’re building something.”
Looking back, Michal is confident in his decision. DreamMaker provided the structure he needed, the flexibility he wanted, and a community that continues to support his growth.
His journey reinforces a key message for prospective franchise owners: DreamMaker is a community, a support system, and a business model designed to help owners succeed together.