In the newest episode of The Franchise Woman podcast, we explore more than just business. We dive into decades of grit, growth, and the deep bonds formed between two remarkable women—Bonnie Lanyon of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Carol Ann Hunter of Louisville, Kentucky.
Both franchisees with PuroClean, Bonnie and Carol Ann share their stories of building businesses with their husbands, raising families in the midst of economic uncertainty, and forming a friendship that grew stronger with each franchise convention, zipline ride, and shared experience.
This episode offers a window into the real-life challenges and rewards of running a family business, sustaining a marriage through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and finding connection and support through the franchise community.
From Recession to Restoration
Bonnie’s journey began in the early 1990s when she and her late husband Tom received multiple invitations from PuroClean to consider franchising. At the time, their construction business was suffering under the weight of a recession. After carefully considering their options and pulling together the funds, they took a leap of faith and opened their PuroClean franchise in Victorville, California.
Carol Ann’s story followed a similar path. Her husband Rob, a homebuilder, was also approached by PuroClean as the company looked to expand its restoration services through franchise partnerships. Though initially skeptical—especially after receiving a poor review of the contract from a coworker—Carol Ann trusted her husband’s judgment and supported his decision to move forward. It turned out to be the best business decision they ever made.
Building a Business and a Marriage
One of the most powerful themes in this episode is the honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to build a business with your spouse. Both women are candid about the difficulties that came with navigating roles at work while maintaining a strong relationship at home.
Carol Ann recalls the early days of working with Rob and how their very different personalities initially clashed in the office. Over time, they learned to give each other space, establish boundaries, and play to their strengths. Rob, a classic Type A personality, drove the business forward while Carol Ann managed the finances and operations with calm efficiency.
Bonnie describes her husband Tom as the risk-taker, the visionary who pulled her along into business ownership. Though she originally thought she’d be a stay-at-home mom, Bonnie became an essential partner in the franchise—handling marketing, administration, and eventually helping transition the business to her children after Tom’s passing.
A Friendship Formed Through Franchising
While their franchise journeys started independently, Bonnie and Carol Ann’s paths eventually crossed at PuroClean conventions. What began as polite interactions grew into a deep and lasting friendship. From getting pedicures together to riding donkeys and ziplining on vacation, their bond was forged not just through business, but through laughter, shared values, and mutual encouragement.
They come from different worlds—Bonnie from California suburbia, Carol Ann from Kentucky farmland—but together, they represent the power of connection in franchising. Their friendship reminds us that franchising is not just about systems and support—it’s about people.
Passing the Torch
Now in a new season of life, Bonnie has successfully passed the reins of her business to her children, who are carrying the legacy forward with vision and passion. Watching them grow into leadership roles has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.
Carol Ann and her husband are also transitioning their business to their son, while continuing to stay active in both the franchise and on their family farm.
Both women agree that this generational transition is a privilege, not just a business move. It is a continuation of something they and their husbands built with care, commitment, and sacrifice.
Lessons in Trust, Teamwork, and Tenacity
Bonnie and Carol Ann leave listeners with a wealth of wisdom. They talk about the importance of trusting your spouse, being willing to step into new roles, and supporting one another’s dreams—even when they come with risk.
Their advice for other women stepping into business with their spouse is simple: see yourselves as a team. Be different, but unified. Support each other’s strengths, and be willing to grow—individually and together.
Why This Episode Matters
In franchising, stories like Bonnie’s and Carol Ann’s often go untold. We talk a lot about systems, scalability, and profitability. But what about the relationships that make those systems work? What about the love, the struggle, the laughter, and the lifelong friendships?
This episode of The Franchise Woman is a celebration of the human side of franchising. It reminds us that behind every successful franchise is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and real connection.
Whether you’re a current franchise owner, considering entering the world of franchising, or simply love stories of strong women navigating life with purpose and partnership, this episode will leave you inspired.