Telluride, CO, Montrose, CO, Ouray, CO, Ridgway, CO and Waitsfield, VT, August 17, 2023 — At the end of 2022, Discovery Map of San Juans’ Ethan Unverferth distinguished himself as the youngest owner of a Discovery Map franchise (he purchased the franchise with his father Patrick). In receiving Franchise Business Review’s Franchise Rockstar award in the family-owned category, the 16-year-old has moved to the head of the class in the franchising world.
A home schooled high school student from Ouray, Colorado, Ethan first saw Discovery Map on a family trip to Maine. Patrick thought it a good business opportunity for him and Ethan to take on together. When they discovered that the local Discovery Map, then Discovery Map of Telluride, was for sale, the Unverferths went ahead and made the purchase.
“Ethan recently applied for and received a $1,500 micro-grant from the Ouray Economic Development Committee. Then he put the money into updating the map design and layout, purchasing new display racks, and marketing the business. The results speak for themselves,” said Patrick Unverferth.”
Since purchasing the franchise, Ethan and his family published their very successful map. Under Ethan’s energetic hand, sales for his inaugural year map exceeded ad revenues from the previous version of the map. Most importantly, Ethan has been able to keep up his grades.
“As a home school student, you have to manage your schedule a bit more than students in a traditional school setting. It’s very good training for running a business like this one. I feel like I’m actually getting two educations, one in school and one in business,” said Ethan. “To receive the Franchise Business Review award is not exactly something I was expecting. My family and the folks at Discovery Map up in Vermont have been so supportive. This really feels like a team accomplishment.”
Discovery Map produces colorful, hand-drawn maps that are a favorite of travelers seeking local dining, attractions, businesses, cultural experiences and great destinations. Discovery Map is typically found on display in local stores, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.
For more information on the Discovery Map franchise opportunity, visit https://discoverymap.com/franchise.
