Element X

Torch Given Ep 09: Tony Valle

In summer '49, College Pro started a podcast to showcase the "x" element of our current franchisees that make them successful. In a limited-time series called Torch Given, in summer '50, our CEO Tony Valle is sitting down to talk with the founders, past CEOs, and trusted partners of this resilient brand called College Pro. This episode is a little different. Instead of Tony sitting down with a former member of College Pro, our current President Aaron Anders interviewed Tony to get his take on the transformation of College Pro. Of course Tony is currently the CEO and an owner of the company but he started as a franchisee in 1984. He later moved into a General Manager role before briefly leaving to go get his MBA only to come back and become a Vice-President from 1994 to 1999. He then moved on to the parent franchising company in a leadership development role. Then in 2007 he became the CEO of College Pro for the first time and held that position until 2017. He then briefly left the company before being part of a team that purchased it in 2019 where he began his second stint as CEO, which has continued to this day. There is lots of reflection and excitement towards the future in this episode. Tony and Aaron truly go on a journey across the history of College Pro and set the stakes for a bright future.

Torch Given Episode 08: Aaron Anders

In summer '49, College Pro started a podcast to showcase the "x" element of our current franchisees that make them successful. In a limited-time series called Torch Given, in summer '50, our CEO Tony Valle is sitting down to talk with the founders, past CEOs, and trusted partners of this resilient brand called College Pro. Aaron Anders is the current President of College Pro. He was given the tough task right from the start of guiding a home servicing company through a global pandemic. He has come across unique challenges that were unprecedented throughout the past 50 Summers of College Pro but has still been able to constantly evolve the company despite these challenges.  He has a history with the company starting out as a franchisee and working his way up to his current role. Like many, he never anticipated his summer job from university to become his career but in both his work and home life he has not been able to escape College Pro. He met his wife while they were both in their 5th year as franchisees with him being on the window cleaning side, while she was on the painting side of the company. Together they have three kids, who we would have to assume are all future star franchisees.  Aaron and Tony talk about the career progression and the skills Aaron learned from his time with College Pro and how that has translated into who he is today. They talk about COVID and how that challenged the company while they were already undergoing drastic changes. The conversation ends with Aaron passing on some wisdom and insight into what College Pro might look like into the future.

Torch Given Ep 07: Dan Monaghan

In summer '49, College Pro started a podcast to showcase the "x" element of our current franchisees that make them successful. In a limited-time series called Torch Given, in summer '50, our CEO Tony Valle is sitting down to talk with the founders, past CEOs, and trusted partners of this resilient brand called College Pro. Hearing Dan and Tony talk about their relationship, telling stories about the past and sharing their vision for the future of College Pro was special. You could tell the care they both have for the company and how much this milestone of 50 Summers means to them.  Dan is the Managing Partner of Clear Summit Group and Co-owner of College Pro. The conversation he has with Tony could have taken place in a boardroom or in bar as two friends reminisce and have a drink. It is a window into the highest level of this company and it was incredible to hear the care and devotion they share for College Pro. We hope you enjoy!

Torch Given Episode 06: April Broome

In summer '49, College Pro started a podcast to showcase the "x" element of our current franchisees that make them successful. In a limited-time series called Torch Given, in summer '50, our CEO Tony Valle is sitting down to talk with the founders, past CEOs, and trusted partners of this resilient brand called College Pro. April Broome joined College Pro looking for it to jumpstart her into running her own accounting business. Little did she know that she would stay and be part of College Pro for the next 25 years. She worked across all avenues of the company, from accounting to IT to CEO.  Some of April's biggest contributions came in the creation of the skill development program at College Pro. She is another tenant in the foundation of learning and teaching that has made College Pro what it is today. April is now the Vice-President of Franchising with California Closets continuing her work in professional development and building up the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Torch Given Episode 05: Edward Leaman

In summer '49, College Pro started a podcast to showcase the "x" element of our current franchisees that make them successful. In a limited-time series called Torch Given, in summer '50, our CEO Tony Valle is sitting down to talk with the founders, past CEOs, and trusted partners of this resilient brand called College Pro. Edward Leaman is one of the most integral members of College Pro. Over the past 20 years helping to create and shape the College Pro brand, which is felt on a daily basis from the logo and colours, to the marketing strategy. He is an expert in brand creation and growth and has a unique view on how to truly embrace the humanity of a business.  He has worked with companies such as Nike, The Body Shop, Gap, Joe Boxer, and many more strengthening some of the most recognizable brands in the world. He worked with California Closets through their explosive rise and is currently their Chief Brand Officer. He is also the Chair and a Professor of Design at the California College of the Arts, while also teaching at Stanford University. Tony and Edward talk a lot about the nature of brand and the culture that stems from that. They talk about College Pro and what makes it unique compared to the other brands that Edward has worked with and they give a small glimpse into what College Pro might be in to the future.