Originally Posted: Texas Today
By: Martin Morales

“Rather than being reactive, I decided to take the wheel.”

That’s how Mario Robles, a longtime Austin resident and experienced consultant, describes his shift from a corporate career to franchise ownership.

After years in tax consulting and client success roles, Robles is placing his confidence in himself. And he’s supported by the strength of Schooley Mitchell, one of North America’s largest independent cost-reduction consulting firms.

A Strategic Move, Not a Leap of Faith

For Robles, this decision wasn’t impulsive. It was the result of several months of planning, thoughtful research, and personal reflection. He saw a growing need in his community. Many businesses were unknowingly overspending in critical operational areas such as telecom, shipping, utilities, and waste management.

These cost categories often go unnoticed, yet they can account for a significant portion of a company’s expenses, sometimes around 20–30%. With Schooley Mitchell’s contingency-based model, Robles offers a no-risk audit to help clients uncover potential savings.

“If we don’t find you savings,” he says, “the audit comes at no cost.”

This model aligns with his professional values of transparency, integrity, and long-term trust.

Built on Trust, Not Transactions

Robles’ journey into franchising began with FranNet, a franchise consulting firm known for helping aspiring entrepreneurs make informed decisions about business ownership. He connected with Merri Cronk, a FranNet consultant who helped him evaluate his goals, options, and personal values.

“Merri consulted me the way I’ve always consulted my clients,” Robles says. “She asked the right questions and built trust without pressure.”

That approach worked. Robles found in Schooley Mitchell not just a franchise, but a business framework that resonated with his client-first mindset.

From Fintech to Franchise

Before franchising, Robles worked in financial technology and client success management, primarily with community banks and credit unions. He also began his career in tax consulting. These roles sharpened his skills in client service, relationship building, and delivering value.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping clients succeed,” he explains. “Now I get to deliver ‘good news’ — real savings — with every successful engagement.”

The final push came when he witnessed rising layoffs in the fintech sector. Instead of waiting for uncertainty to affect his career, he decided to pursue business ownership with the stability and scalability of a proven franchise model.

Schooley Mitchell’s track record played a significant role in his decision. The company has served over 31,000 clients and offers benchmark data across 17 cost categories. That data-driven foundation gave Robles confidence in the business’s potential.

Not Just a Business, But a Mission

Robles isn’t driven by revenue alone. His franchise work offers him a way to impact the Austin business community in meaningful ways.

“I want to create awareness,” he says. “Businesses can often reduce costs without compromising quality. Most just don’t know where to begin.”

His goal is to establish himself as a trusted local partner who offers solutions, not pressure. Whether that means saving a business thousands or connecting them with other helpful resources, Robles keeps service at the core.

Powered by People and Process

While Robles leads client engagement, he isn’t working alone. Schooley Mitchell provides a team of expert analysts to help him evaluate cost categories and uncover opportunities. This structure allows Robles to focus on what he does best: building relationships, earning trust, and creating satisfied clients.

“I’m an avid learner,” he adds. “Every client teaches me something new about their business. That’s what makes this work engaging.”

The franchise’s structure also offers him flexibility. Without the need for a physical office, Robles can work remotely, meeting clients wherever they are—virtually or in person.

A Personal Stake in Success

Robles isn’t new to entrepreneurship. He’s guided tours, managed side projects, and led initiatives inside other companies. But this franchise represents his first full-scale business ownership.

“This time, I decided to bet on myself,” he says.

He brings to that bet the dedication of a family man—balancing work with time spent outdoors with his wife and four-year-old son—and the discipline of someone who hits the gym four to five times a week.

He’s committed to showing up for his clients and his community.

Looking Ahead

Robles doesn’t dwell on what could have been. He says he did his due diligence and entered the franchise with clarity. What excites him most now is the chance to grow the business through trust, service, and long-term value.

“My main goal is to serve,” he says. “Whether it’s through savings or connecting people to what they need. I want to help businesses move forward.”

In Austin, where innovation and small business are key to the economy, Robles sees room to make a lasting difference.

And with Schooley Mitchell’s system, FranNet’s support, and his own client-centered approach, he’s well-positioned to do just that.