Latest news with #Racine
Entrepreneur
18 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
She Quit Her Job. Now She Makes $1 Million Selling Smoothies.
With nearly $40,000 in first-week sales and $1 million in her first year, DeSario Turner's story is a blueprint for success. DeSario Turner didn't have the classic take-this-job-and-shove-it moment — no dramatic resignation, no sudden business closure. In fact, she had a successful, stable career at Harley-Davidson, where she held a leadership role managing online ecommerce operations across the U.S. and Canada. She could have comfortably stayed in the corporate world indefinitely. But Turner had other plans. She wanted ownership, autonomy and the chance to build something meaningful in her hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. So, in 2023, she opened a Smoothie King franchise and hit the ground running. "I knew that if I wanted the freedom and the life that I desire, just a paycheck wasn't enough for me," she says. Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget. Image Credit: DeSario Turner | Smoothie King Bikes to blenders Turner spent nearly 18 years at Harley-Davidson, serving in various customer-facing roles that ranged from dealership support to managing North American ecommerce. During that time, she also explored several side hustles — from rental properties to vending machines — as part of a larger vision for long-term financial independence. Turner wanted to go all-in on a business that aligned with her values and offered a product she believed in. When she discovered Smoothie King, the concept clicked. It combined health and wellness, community impact and a scalable franchise model — all things she felt passionate about bringing to her hometown. After settling on the brand, she began the franchise application process in late 2021 while still working full-time and juggled both responsibilities for nearly two years. "That's when it really kicked off; it was definitely a busy time," she recalls. "But I had to make it happen." Related: She Was a Lawyer with No Restaurant Experience. Now, She's Reviving an Iconic Restaurant Chain. Record-breaking opening Turner's Smoothie King location in Racine shattered expectations right out of the gate, breaking the franchise's record for first-week sales when it opened in 2023. Despite being in a market unfamiliar with the brand, her store generated more than $38,000 in its opening week and quickly became a go-to destination for health-conscious locals. In addition to building a thriving business, Turner made it a priority to give back. She regularly partners with local schools, gyms and youth programs and donates smoothies for events, supports fundraisers and offers healthful catering options for student-athletes. "She believed in herself, did the work and chose a location that gave her business the best chance to thrive," says Katherine Meariman, VP of training and education at Smoothie King. "She understood from the start that there's no better way to introduce Smoothie King to a new community than through authentic connection." By the end of her first year, Turner's location had already crossed $1 million in net sales — a milestone that placed her store in the top 50 out of more than 1,200 locations in the system. Related: 70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025 Building for the future Now, Turner has an eye on the future. Her 19-year-old daughter has stepped into a key leadership role at the store, managing day-to-day operations and learning every aspect of the business firsthand. But this isn't just a job — it's a long-term investment in her future. Turner is intentionally mentoring her daughter to one day take full ownership, passing down not just a business but a blueprint for independence, responsibility and generational wealth. "Ultimately, this is her business," she says. "I'm showing her everything now so she understands what it takes — because it's for her future." And the vision doesn't stop there. With plans to expand and a second location already in the works, Turner is just getting started. Her advice to others considering the jump into business ownership like she did is simple. "Invest that current and energy into yourself and build something for you and your family in the future," she says. "Go for it." Related: I Walked Away From a Corporate Career to Start My Own Small Business — Here's Why You Should Do the Same
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Racine house fire; 1 person hospitalized for smoke inhalation
The Brief Racine firefighters responded to a house fire on Indiana Street on Sunday afternoon, June 8. One person was sent to a hospital for smoke inhalation. The cause of other fire is under investigation. RACINE, Wis. - One person was sent to a hospital for smoke inhalation after a house fire on Indiana Street in Racine on Sunday afternoon, June 8. What we know Racine firefighters were dispatched to the house fire just before 4 p.m. Sunday. The first crew on the scene encountered a large amount of fire at the front of the house. One adult, five children and two dogs were alerted by working smoke alarms and exited the home prior to Racine Fire Department arrival. A missing cat was later found outside by a neighbor. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android The fire was deemed under control within 18 minutes of the initial fire attack. The front porch sustained major fire and smoke damage, the attic sustained minor fire and moderate smoke damage, and the interior of the home sustained only minor smoke damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is not considered criminal. The Source The information in this post was provided by the Racine Fire Department.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Racine teen charged with fatally shooting brother, 11; family claims it was accident
Criminal charges have been filed against a Racine teenager in the shooting death last week of his 11-year-old brother. Racine County prosecutors on May 21 charged Pedro Sauceda, 16, with first-degree reckless homicide in Jesus Valladares' May 16 killing. He claimed in a criminal complaint he was playing around with the firearm, and that he didn't know it was loaded until it discharged. More: UW-Platteville students died in shootings, one self-inflicted, officials say The complaint says officers were called to a home on the 2600 block of Prospect Street on a report that a juvenile had been shot. Officers arrived and found Sauceda at the scene, kneeling and asking them to kill him, the document said. Sauceda was subdued as he stood up and walked toward the officers. Sauceda's sister told investigators she loaded the gun with one bullet. Her plan was to fire it while visiting a cemetery to honor a deceased relative's birthday, the document says. More: 3 teenagers among 7 people injured in separate Milwaukee shootings over the weekend The sister never fired the weapon and it was still loaded when the family returned home. Witnesses in the home told investigators Sauceda and Jesus were "play fighting" with the gun, according the complaint. They had done that on previous times, but the gun was normally not loaded. Sauceda told investigators he was playing with the gun in the house and that it went off when Jesus tried to take it from him. More: Milwaukee teen accidentally shoots, kills mother while trying to stop stepdad's assault on her Authorities noted in the report the child's gunshot wound had a dark, black circle around it, indicating the weapon was pressed closely against the victim as it was fired. Sauceda is expected to be in court May 28 for a preliminary hearing. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Racine teen charged with shooting brother, 11, claims it was accident
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Racine elementary school marks 100 years, weeks before it closes
The Brief Roosevelt Elementary School in Racine is closing for good after this school year. On Sunday, May 18, the school held a celebration and goodbye ceremony. Families turned out to share memories and thank those who have taught at the school. RACINE, Wis. - A Racine elementary school marked on Sunday, May 18 its 100-year anniversary. The catch is, the school will not make it to 101 years. What we know The school in question is Roosevelt Elementary School. After a century of guiding the community's youth, the school is closing for good at the end of this school year. The reason – declining enrollment. The celebration on Sunday was bittersweet for many. Family after family recalled the times from the past. What they're saying "The building looks familiar, it's still the same," said 95-year-old Bob Stephan. "It was a nice school. I enjoyed it." FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "It brings back a lot of memories," said Curt Stephan, a former student. "Everything looks a little bit smaller now to me, but it's awesome being back," said Mary Pierce, a former student. "It's a once in a lifetime deal, 100 years," said Jeff Rasmussen, a former principal of the school. "Lots of former students, who I always laugh, they were this tall then, they're this tall now." "I'm sad that it's going to be torn down," Pierce said. "These are my kids. My home away from home Roosevelt school, we will miss it," said Debbie Lehrer, a former teacher and current substitute teacher. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "It turned me into the person who I am, like respectful," said Marquee Haynes, 12 years old. "This school brings a lot of special vibes," said Mikayla Lee, 4th grader. The Source The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Racine police: 11-year-old boy was accidentally shot and killed by sibling
An 11-year-old boy was shot and killed at a home in Racine on May 16. Officers were informed at 10:33 p.m. that the child was shot and was transported to the hospital by family, according to a Racine Police Department news release. The boy had a single gunshot wound and did not survive. The department said preliminary information indicates the child was accidentally shot by a sibling inside a residence on the 2600 block of Prospect Street. Authorities have identified and apprehended a suspect. The investigation is ongoing. Racine police are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact the department at 262-635-7756. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 262-636-9330 or use P3 Tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Racine child, 11, killed in accidental shooting
