Note: This article is based on a YouTube video featuring Marcello Rola, owner of an MBE Center in Milan. Watch the complete video below to hear his full story.
The MBE franchise has become one of the most attractive business opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking stability and growth in the shipping and logistics sector. The story of Marcello Rola, owner of the MBE Center on Viale Lazio 1 in Milan, perfectly illustrates how a well-established franchise model can transform a professional career into a successful business venture.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions into lockdown, many found themselves reevaluating their professional lives. For Marcello, this period of reflection became the catalyst for a complete career transformation. His journey from employee to MBE franchise owner demonstrates the potential of this business model, especially during times of market uncertainty.
The Decision to Invest in an MBE Franchise During COVID-19
The pandemic period was undoubtedly challenging for businesses worldwide. However, it also revealed new opportunities in the shipping and logistics sector. When Marcello found himself at home due to his company’s lockdown closure, he had time to reflect on his professional future and ask himself a fundamental question: “What do I really want to do?”
The answer came through research and information gathering. Marcello attended an MBE webinar that presented the franchise business opportunity. What caught his attention was the timing, during COVID-19, shipping became essential even for people who had previously resisted it. The need to stay connected with loved ones and handle business necessities drove unprecedented demand for shipping services.
The MBE franchise model proved particularly resilient during this period. While many businesses struggled or closed, the shipping industry experienced significant growth. This counter-cyclical characteristic makes the MBE franchise an attractive investment for entrepreneurs seeking stability.
A crucial turning point came when Marcello reconnected with a friend who already owned an MBE center in Milan. This personal connection allowed him to gain insider knowledge about the business, the company structure, and the industry’s potential. After continuing his research and establishing contact with MBE corporate, Marcello was offered the opportunity to take over an existing center, the location on Viale Lazio in Milan.
MBE Franchise Business Model: Why It Works
Taking Over an Established Center vs. Starting From Scratch
One significant advantage of the MBE franchise system is the option to acquire an existing center rather than building from zero. In Marcello’s case, taking over the Viale Lazio location meant inheriting an established client base and operational infrastructure.
The results speak for themselves. Marcello successfully retained 100% of the existing clients, not losing a single customer during the transition. This retention rate is remarkable and demonstrates several key factors:
- Strong brand recognition: MBE’s established reputation helps maintain client trust during ownership transitions
- Quality service continuity: The franchise model ensures consistent service standards
- Effective transition support: MBE provides guidance to new franchisees during takeover periods
- Operational systems: Established processes make it easier to maintain service quality
Beyond retention, Marcello’s center also attracted new clients, contributing to overall business growth. This combination of stability and expansion potential is a hallmark of successful franchise operations.
The Power of the MBE Franchise Network
What truly distinguishes the MBE franchise from independent shipping businesses is the network effect. As Marcello emphasizes, MBE centers are part of an interconnected network that collaborates to solve complex client problems.
This network advantage manifests in several ways:
- Resource sharing: Centers can leverage each other’s specialized capabilities
- Geographic coverage: The network provides nationwide and international reach
- Problem-solving capacity: Complex logistics challenges can be addressed through network collaboration
- Knowledge exchange: Franchisees learn from each other’s experiences and best practices
- Collective negotiating power: The network achieves better rates with shipping carriers
The franchise network transforms what could be a small local business into an operation with far-reaching capabilities. This scalability is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve as an independent operator.
Real Results: 30% Revenue Growth Strategy
Numbers tell a compelling story. Marcello’s MBE center achieved 30% revenue growth in its first full year under his ownership. For the following year, he set a target of 20% growth and expressed confidence in exceeding that goal.
These growth figures are significant for several reasons:
Sustainable growth rate: A 30% increase demonstrates strong market demand and effective business management. Unlike unsustainable explosive growth, this rate suggests a solid foundation for continued expansion.
Team development: Marcello built a team to support operations, moving from solo operator to business leader. This transition is crucial for scalability and long-term success.
Client acquisition and retention: Growth came from both keeping existing clients and attracting new ones. This dual-source expansion creates more stable revenue streams.
Market positioning: The center’s growth indicates successful differentiation in a competitive market. The Milan location serves a sophisticated customer base with complex shipping needs.
The MBE franchise model supports this growth through comprehensive training, operational systems, marketing support, and the network advantages previously discussed. Franchisees don’t need to reinvent the wheel—they can focus on execution and client service.
Solving Complex Problems: The MBE Franchise Competitive Advantage
Marcello identifies a crucial insight about the shipping business: anyone can send a simple envelope, but solving complex logistics problems requires expertise, resources, and creativity. This is where the MBE franchise truly adds value.
Case Study 1: Logistics Warehousing Solution
A client approached Marcello needing logistics support, but his center is located in central Milan without warehouse space. Many business owners would have declined this request. Instead, Marcello leveraged the MBE network.
He contacted another MBE center approximately 100 kilometers away that operates large logistics warehouses. Through network collaboration, they managed the client’s logistics needs remotely. The result was a satisfied client and a new long-term business relationship.
This example illustrates how the MBE franchise network transforms limitations into opportunities. A solo operator would have lost this client; a network member found a solution.
Case Study 2: International Emergency Delivery
Another client requested an extremely challenging delivery: a crate of wine delivered on a Saturday in August to the port of Piraeus in Athens, Greece. The timing and location made this request seem impossible.
Again, Marcello turned to the MBE network. He contacted the MBE center in Athens, where his colleague responded promptly and delivered the wine crate at noon on that Saturday. The client was thrilled with the exceptional service.
This case demonstrates several MBE franchise advantages:
- International network coverage enables cross-border solutions
- Franchisees support each other beyond simple referrals
- The network culture emphasizes collaboration over competition
- Complex requests become manageable through coordinated effort
These problem-solving capabilities justify premium pricing and build client loyalty that simple commodity shipping cannot achieve.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: From Employee to MBE Franchise Owner
Marcello’s transformation from employee to MBE franchise owner involved more than just a business transaction. It required a fundamental shift in mindset and identity.
Before becoming a franchisee, Marcello worked for a company that shut down during the COVID-19 lockdown. This experience, while difficult, provided the space for reflection and decision-making. The pandemic acted as what he calls “an accelerator for decisions.”
Key elements of his entrepreneurial journey include:
Self-reflection and clarity: Taking time to identify what he truly wanted professionally, rather than simply reacting to circumstances.
Research and due diligence: Attending webinars, gathering information, and speaking with existing franchisees before committing.
Learning from others: His friendship with an existing MBE center owner provided invaluable insights that marketing materials alone cannot convey.
Action orientation: Moving from research to actual engagement with MBE corporate, demonstrating commitment beyond casual interest.
Willingness to learn: Recognizing that he knew little about the shipping industry initially and investing time to develop expertise.
Now, Marcello describes himself as “a fulfilled entrepreneur.” This psychological satisfaction, combined with financial success, represents the complete value proposition of the MBE franchise opportunity. He’s not just earning income—he’s building something meaningful with autonomy and purpose.
Key Success Factors for MBE Franchise Owners
Based on Marcello’s experience, several factors contribute to MBE franchise success:
Put yourself out there: Marcello emphasizes the importance of visibility and proactive client engagement. Success requires more than opening doors and waiting for business.
Say yes creatively: When faced with difficult client requests, the instinct to decline must be overcome. Finding solutions, even complex ones, builds reputation and loyalty.
Leverage the network: Successful franchisees actively utilize network resources rather than operating in isolation. Collaboration multiplies capabilities.
Focus on complex problems: While simple shipping provides baseline revenue, solving difficult logistics challenges creates differentiation and premium pricing opportunities.
Build a team: Moving beyond solo operations enables scalability and creates a sustainable business rather than just self-employment.
Set ambitious but achievable targets: Marcello’s 20-30% growth targets are challenging enough to drive effort but realistic enough to maintain motivation.
Maintain client relationships: His 100% client retention rate demonstrates the importance of service quality and relationship management.
The MBE franchise system supports these success factors through training programs, operational guidelines, network facilitation, and ongoing support from corporate and fellow franchisees.
Watch the complete video below to hear Marcello’s full story and gain deeper insights into the MBE franchise opportunity:
Whether you’re reconsidering your career during uncertain times or actively seeking your next business venture, the MBE franchise model deserves serious consideration. Marcello’s advice is simple but profound: put yourself out there, embrace complex challenges, and leverage the network that makes seemingly impossible requests achievable.