When most people think about growing a successful business or launching a franchise, the first words that usually come to mind are: hard work, discipline, perseverance, and focus.

And while those traits are absolutely essential, there’s one foundational quality that often gets overlooked — even though it’s what allows all the others to flourish.

That quality is Honesty and Integrity.

Doing things the right way, even when no one’s watching. Being honest with your clients, your team, and yourself. It might not sound flashy, but at Klappenberger & Son, it’s the core reason we’ve been able to grow — and help others do the same through franchising.

Starting Small, But Doing It Right

Like many small business owners, we’ve faced tough choices — especially in the early years. Back in the ’90s, the temptation was real: pay under the table, cut corners, skip the paperwork, and save on taxes and insurance.

At the time, it felt like the only way to compete.

But here’s what we learned: Cutting corners cuts your business short.

When we committed to doing things the right way — paying taxes, insuring our employees, tracking expenses properly — something changed. Our business grew.

Why It Pays Off

You don’t have to take our word for it. We’ve seen it firsthand across our franchise network:

✅ The franchisees who follow the system
✅ The ones who stay compliant
✅ The ones who operate with transparency

They’re consistently the highest earners. They sleep better at night. They have nothing to hide. And they don’t waste energy trying to keep track of half-truths.

What Integrity Looks Like in Business

• Paying employees the right way — with protections, benefits, and respect
  
• Reporting income honestly
  
• Following safety and legal standards, even if others don’t
  
• Delivering what you promise — and more
  
• Holding yourself accountable, every step of the way
  

Integrity isn’t just a moral stance — it’s a smart, sustainable strategy for long-term success.

Build With Pride, Grow With Confidence

At Klappenberger & Son, we’ve built our brand on trust. That means doing right by our customers, our franchisees, and our team — even when it’s harder or more expensive.

The payoff? A company we’re proud of, a franchise system that thrives, and a business model that doesn’t just grow — it lasts.

If you want to grow your business, start by doing the right thing. Every time.