From starting work as an employee at the tender age of 17 to franchisee in a multi-million dollar, multi-store franchised quick service restaurant, I spent my life working for money. I thought hard work and success was a solid plan for my financial future. How wrong could my belief and I be?? I had to lose nearly everything in my life to realize working hard and being successful won’t magically result in Financial Freedom for me and my family. My name is Michael Tandean, and this is my story.
I worked as a waiter while studying for my Bachelors of Hospitality Management. After graduation, I took a position overseeing the functions department at the biggest water-based club in the Southern Hemisphere. I handled operations and managed a strong team of 50+ employees. By the time I resigned to start my own franchisee business, I had handled more than 6,000 events and functions over my 11 year career. I decided to be my own boss and join a small, but potentially great, franchise.
I was the second franchisee, and over the next four years, the company grew to 16 stores across Western Australia. I owned two of these stores. I worked hard in and on my business and was rewarded with both stores always being in the top three across the whole franchisee network. As a franchise owner, they sell you the dream of being your own boss. But in reality you aren’t. In 2014 tragedy struck, and the franchiser was put under voluntary administration. I lost my two stores, my income and my investment. Going from being on top to nearly losing everything, starting over again without closure and living through the financial mess left me questioning my self worth. It’s been hard moving forward, but without this pain and fall, I wouldn’t have made one very important realization.
I didn’t understand how MONEY truly worked.
Fast forward to now. If you ask me today if I know how money really works I can genuinely look you into the eye, and say “yes.” Why?? Well, I have Tony and Makaylah to thank for that. I’ve found my new passion and my calling: to help others create Financial Freedom. Coaching, support, guidance and helping is in my nature and talents, and I want to share this with the world. When you’re knocked down, there’s only one way you can go, and that’s up. If you’re honest with yourself and those around you, you’ll succeed. It’s all in your mindset, your plan and how you take action.