Corey Elias

If you want to escape the corporate world and gain independence through a franchise business of your own or you are just looking to brainstorm on your entrepreneurial aspirations, then Corey is who you need to meet.

What inspired you or led to your current career?
I worked in the corporate world for over 12 years and slowly realized it wasn’t a good fit for me. Early on, I believed in financial independence and began to save money to purchase multi-family residential and commercial properties to start earning some residual income. Years later my wife and I opened a dance school, North Georgia School of Ballet in Sandy Springs. Through this experience and some amazing mentors, I realized how much I enjoyed the process of helping others gain financial independence and escape Corporate America. From that point, I started advising potential business owners on how to find the right business and get started. I realized I had a passion for it and thus, my business, The Franchise Captain was born (a Franchise Brokerage company to help others become “Captain of their own ship”)

What do you love about Sandy Springs?
Sandy Springs has a population over 100,000 but it feels like a small town. It is so easy to get to know the community and get involved. Through Leadership Sandy Springs and involvement with the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber, I have learned so much and met so many amazing people.

Who is the most interesting person you have met?
Rick Steves, he, is a travel writer and has guides books and free walking tours for many countries. My wife and I had listened to his walking tours all throughout Europe over the years. When my wife and I were in Paris, we were using his book in the Louvre and he actually walked up and asked us how we like the book. We even got an autograph and picture.

What is something unique about you?
I was a scholarship athlete for cross country and track. I ran a 4.07 mile back in my heyday. I even had a written goal of making it to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing posted by my bed in college. Unfortunately, I couldn’t shave a few more seconds off my time, but the competitive spirit and discipline have proven to be valuable tools throughout my career.

Choosing anyone alive or past – who would you like to have lunch with?
Thomas Jefferson – I just finished a book that discussed many of his inventions and his ways of thinking. He was so unique and ahead of his time.

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am involved in the community through Reading Buddies at Dunwoody Springs Elementary reading to kids over lunch. I have been involved in programs like this for the past 7 years and just love it! So much so that I have recently joined the Board of Directors at the Sandy Springs Education Force.

What makes you happy?
My adventures with my wife and daughter and helping people find a great business and watching them succeed.

What advice would you give to people?
Have a positive outlook on life. I love the saying – “You bring the weather.”

What words come to mind when you think of the word home?
Family, Food, Fun

Debbie Soneshine of The Sonenshine Teamwould love your Faces nominations.

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