Batteries Plus Franchisee Builds Business, Leading the Charge in Battery Industry

By: Batteries Plus | 1 Shares 168 Reads

March 19, 2025 // Franchising.com // HARTLAND, Wis. – What started as a personal search for a particular laptop battery, has turned into a business for Batteries Plus franchise owner Brenda Phipps. After nearly two decades of franchising the specialty battery retailer, Phipps now oversees three Florida stores. As she takes on a larger leadership role within her own business, Phipps is proving that curiosity, dedications, and hands-on learning are the keys to success in the battery industry, regardless of background or gender.

Phipps left her career as a flight attendant shortly after September 11, 2001. Around that time, she met her husband, Rick Phipps, a multi-unit automotive franchisee who had recently sold his business. During a frustrating search for a new laptop battery, the couple discovered Batteries Plus. Intrigued by the retailer’s supply of essential products and specialized niche, the Phippses decided it was time for a new business opportunity, opening their first Batteries Plus store in Lake Worth, FL in 2006.

What started as a 50-50 partnership between the couple has since evolved, with Brenda now leading operations as Rick transitions into retirement.

“In the beginning, Rick and I worked side-by-side, but now I’ve taken on more responsibility as he’s taken a step back,” said Phipps. “Running a business in a male-dominated industry was a challenge; I didn’t have a background in batteries or business ownership. But upon diving in, I quickly learned that developing the right team to support you can make all the difference in helping your business be successful, and I want other women to know they can do this, too.”

Phipps’ stores have been recognized with Sales Achievement honors for two consecutive years, consistently hitting revenue milestones within the Batteries Plus franchise system.

While her stores serve a diverse customer base, Phipps holds a special expertise in commercial sales, particularly within the marine industry along Florida’s East Coast. In fact, one of her stores is just three miles from the ocean, serving as the go-to resource of specialty batteries to power everything from deep-sea fishing boats to luxurious yachts.

With nearly two decades in the business and a successful track record of growth, Phipps credits much of her success to a willingness to learn and adapt.

Phipps hopes her story will inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship, especially in industries where they’re underrepresented.

SOURCE Batteries Plus

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