Many people dream about leaving corporate life to run their own business, but few actually take the leap. Lisa Aurand did, and now she’s the owner of Complete Weddings + Events Akron. Her story shows how corporate skills can translate beautifully into franchise ownership. Here’s our full Q&A with Lisa about her journey, her lessons, and her advice for any future franchise owner.
What inspired you to leave your corporate career and buy a franchise?
“I’ve always had this spark to own my own business, even after 25+ years in Corporate America.” said Lisa. She always loved weddings and the joy they bring to couples and families. When she found Complete Weddings + Events, everything fell into place. Her years in event planning and leadership made the transition feel natural. She said it felt more like stepping into her purpose than shifting careers.
Why did Complete Weddings + Events stand out from other franchise options?
Lisa was most drawn to the support system. “I didn’t feel like I’d be on an island,” she shared. She loved the idea of joining a community of owners instead of starting alone. With strong systems and proven processes already built, she felt supported during her shift from a long corporate career to business ownership.
Leaving corporate structure can feel scary. What gave you confidence to start something new?
Lisa said staying the same felt more limiting than taking the leap. She realized she wasn’t actually starting from zero. She brought more than 25 years of experience in leadership, planning, and operations. Joining Complete offered even more confidence through training, models, and community support. Aligning her skills with something she loved made the decision feel right.
What corporate skills helped you most as a new business owner?
Her background in operations management, HR, sales, and training became a huge advantage. She used those skills to build strong systems from day one. Organization, communication, and relationship building helped her create consistency within her team. Those abilities are essential in weddings and events, where details move fast and expectations run high.
How have leadership and communication shaped the way you run your business?
Lisa said these skills became the backbone of her operation. Leading large teams taught her how to motivate people and build culture. Her organizational strengths help her manage timelines, vendors, and event logistics. Clear communication keeps her couples and team members informed and confident. Together, these abilities let her deliver smooth, stress-free celebrations.
What has been the most rewarding part of being your own boss?
Her answer came quickly. “Being in control of my own time, my own performance and not having to answer to anybody but me!” The freedom and flexibility have been major rewards for her.
Is there something you wish you knew before starting this journey?
Lisa shared that she always saw herself as a go-with-the-flow person. Business ownership changed that. She learned she needed more weekly structure to manage every role she now handles and also discovered that self-accountability looks different when you are the owner. She joked that distractions can be tough when you work for yourself.
What advice would you give someone in a corporate job dreaming of owning a business?
“Trust that your experience has already given you everything you need to succeed,” Lisa said. She believes corporate skills transfer beautifully into ownership. Leadership, communication, and organization all play essential roles. She also encourages people not to fear the leap. The right opportunity will feel aligned with your passions. When that happens, the work feels meaningful and full of purpose.
Make the Change and Become a Complete Weddings + Events Franchise Owner
Lisa’s story shows how corporate experience can transform into a rewarding franchise career. Her shift to Complete Weddings + Events Akron gave her independence, creativity, and a business filled with joyful moments. If you are considering a similar move, contact us today to learn how to become a Complete Weddings + Events franchise owner.
