The Glass Guru’s Erik Hilger Recognized as a 2022 Franchise Rock Star by Franchise Business Review

The Glass Guru’s Erik Hilger was identified by franchise research firm Franchise Business Review, as being one of 2022’s Franchise Rock Stars. Hilger was selected from over 30,000 franchisees, representing more than 300 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. The Franchise Rock Stars were nominated by their franchise brand’s leadership in one of eight categories as franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community. Categories included: Giving Back, Women, Millennials, Veterans, Family-Owned, “Freshmen”, Top-Performers, and Multi-Unit Owners.

There are thousands of inspiring franchise owners who are living their dreams of business ownership every day. Not only that, many of them exemplify a real commitment to being leaders, mentors and brand ambassadors in their communities. Each year it gets harder and harder to narrow down the list, but the franchisees recognized this year truly stand out as exceptional examples of achieving success within the franchise model. We are thrilled to recognize these individuals as Franchise Rock Stars.” Michelle Rowan | President & COO Franchise Business Review

Erik Hilger launched his location in February 2012 and got to one full team in 2013. Within four years, Hilger was already averaging 50-60k in 2016. By 2019 he was ready to begin our eight and out infrastructure level. This means he oversees all aspects with all roles identified and handled by other team members. By steadily networking regularly over the last nine years, he has become a strong, Trusted Advisor in the Charleston business community and gets about 50% of his work from solid referral relationships. From 2018 to 2019 he grew his yearly gross revenue by 25%. In 2018 he was at $1,037,084.38 in total gross revenue; at the end of 2019, he was at $1,299,048.90 in total gross revenue. 2020 was a great year of growth with him now completely eight and out and his location becoming a Qualified Training Location for other franchise owners preparing to launch. 

TGG of Charleston’s Erik Hilger

Christmas Eve, 2021, took a grave turn for the Hilger family as Erik ended up in the hospital with a serious health issue that nearly took his life. Having him in the hospital, his wife Brittney reached out to his Franchise Business Coach, Rob Lopez, and they had a plan in place to support him and his business. Having the proper roles already in place and setting up his location and team for success, that is exactly what happened: success. His lead estimator, Brad Moutltrie stepped up massively and became the point person. Three months in the hospital and two months of vigorous rehab later, Erik was back in the office at the end of Q1 in 2022. Despite Hilger being out the entire Q4, his team had the best overall gross revenue year in the business’s history. The goal for 2022 and beyond is to continue growing and developing the business along with the newly assembled business model while also having a strong succession plan to support his family in the best way possible in the event of another medical scare. Erik credits his strength to overcome his medical scare to his love for his wife Brittany and his two kids (Brees & Harper, ages 3 and 18 months). He is beyond grateful for his team and feels blessed to have them. “To be continually receiving recognition for our store from our corporate office at conventions and conferences. This FBR Rockstar Award is a huge achievement and very much a surprise to receive.” Hilger when asked what is the proudest achievement in his franchising career so far. 

Extremely happy for Erik’s team! This is exciting news and so well deserved. We can’t wait to watch his continued success.” Rob Lopez | Vice President Franchise Business Development The Glass Guru

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2022 Franchise Rock Stars.