This article is based on an exclusive YouTube video interview with Michele Martelli, multi-franchisee in France and master franchisee for Belgium of the Mail Boxes Etc. network. Watch the full video below to hear his complete story.
The Mail Boxes Etc. franchise has demonstrated remarkable growth in European markets, particularly through the success of entrepreneurs like Michele Martelli. His journey from university student to master franchisee offers valuable insights into franchise growth strategy, business development, and the shipping services industry.
Michele Martelli’s Entrepreneurial Journey with MBE
Michele Martelli’s path to becoming a Mail Boxes Etc. multi-franchisee began unexpectedly during his university years. While searching for supplementary income as a student, he started working as a delivery driver for the franchise network. This entry-level position proved to be the foundation of an extraordinary business career.
The franchise owners recognized Martelli’s potential when he successfully sold a particular service offering. Impressed by his performance, they offered him the opportunity to purchase part of the business. At just 19 years old, Martelli accepted this opportunity and began his entrepreneurial journey with Mail Boxes Etc.
Strategic Expansion Across Multiple Markets
Building a Multi-Unit Franchise Portfolio in Italy
After completing his initial training period and mastering the various business operations and services, Martelli expanded his franchise presence significantly. Together with business partners Paulo de la Marter and Pietro de Riso, he developed four Mail Boxes Etc. locations in Italy. This multi-unit franchise strategy laid the groundwork for future international expansion.
International Growth: Entering the French Market
The franchise network owners presented Martelli and his partners with an opportunity to develop the Mail Boxes Etc. concept in France. Despite facing significant challenges, including language barriers and limited market knowledge—the team’s confidence in the business model drove them forward.
Martelli emphasized their strong belief in the franchise system, stating that they accepted the challenge of entering a country where they barely spoke the language and had minimal familiarity with local business practices. This calculated risk has proven successful, with their French operations performing exceptionally well.
Master Franchisee Role in Belgium
Beyond his multi-franchisee operations in France, Martelli serves as master franchisee for Belgium, expanding the Mail Boxes Etc. network across multiple European markets. This dual role demonstrates both the scalability of the franchise model and Martelli’s proven track record in franchise development.
Key Success Factors of the Mail Boxes Etc. Franchise Model
Customer Proximity as a Competitive Advantage
According to Martelli, the primary strength of Mail Boxes Etc. lies in its proximity to customers. The franchise operates through a network of physical store locations that provide direct, personalized service to clients. This brick-and-mortar approach enables franchisees to deliver customized solutions, particularly for international shipping services.
The physical presence of Mail Boxes Etc. stores creates opportunities for face-to-face interaction and tailored service delivery that online-only competitors cannot replicate. This customer proximity strategy has become increasingly valuable in the shipping and business services sector.
Dual Market Strategy: B2C and B2B Services
A significant competitive advantage of the Mail Boxes Etc. franchise is its ability to serve both individual consumers and business clients effectively. This dual market approach provides franchisees with flexibility in developing their locations based on local market characteristics.
For tourist-oriented cities: Franchisees can focus on developing services for individual consumers, including tourists and residents requiring personal shipping services.
For industrial or artisan-focused areas: Franchisees can emphasize business-to-business services, catering to companies requiring professional shipping, printing, and mailbox solutions.
This adaptability allows Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees to optimize their service offerings based on their specific geographic location and local economic profile. The dual possibility facilitates easier market penetration and sustainable growth across diverse urban environments.
The Mail Boxes Etc. Franchise Value Proposition
The Mail Boxes Etc. franchise model demonstrates several key attributes that contribute to franchisee success:
Comprehensive training programs that prepare franchisees to manage all aspects of the business operations and service offerings.
Flexible business model that adapts to different market conditions and customer demographics, whether serving individual consumers or business clients.
International shipping expertise that provides competitive advantages in the growing e-commerce and global trade sectors.
Physical retail presence that establishes trust and enables personalized customer service in local communities.
Scalability opportunities that allow successful franchisees to develop multiple locations and even expand into master franchisee roles across different countries.
Lessons from a Multi-Franchisee Success Story
Michele Martelli’s progression from delivery driver to multi-franchisee and master franchisee illustrates the growth potential within the Mail Boxes Etc. system. His success demonstrates that franchise opportunities can emerge from entry-level positions when combined with strong performance, entrepreneurial vision, and confidence in the business model.
The willingness to accept challenges—including international expansion into unfamiliar markets—has been crucial to his growth trajectory. His experience suggests that successful franchisees balance calculated risk-taking with deep operational knowledge gained through hands-on experience.
The Future of Mail Boxes Etc. Franchise Growth
The Mail Boxes Etc. franchise continues expanding across European markets, supported by successful multi-franchisees like Michele Martelli. The combination of customer proximity, dual market focus, and adaptable business models positions the franchise network for continued growth in France, Belgium, and beyond.
For entrepreneurs considering franchise opportunities in the shipping and business services sector, the Mail Boxes Etc. model offers proven success factors and scalability potential across diverse market conditions.
Watch the full interview with Michele Martelli below to learn more about his franchise journey and the Mail Boxes Etc. business model: