Mail Boxes, Inc-Norway - Boise

Visiting relatives in Norway in 2001, Grant Kolnes wanted to ship some items home to Idaho, but couldn’t find a convenient outlet. Forced to pull an old cardboard box out of the trash, he sent his package home smelling like fish.

Upon returning to Idaho, he contacted Todd Schaefer and the duo began exploring the possibility of opening a Mail Boxes Etc. outlet in Norway. Grant had contacts within Norway but neither man had any prior experience in buying or operating a franchise, doing business in a foreign country, or building a business plan. Todd approached the Idaho Small Business Development Center in Boise for help. The ISBDC consultant was able to locate Reed Smith, former Chief Operating Officer of Mailboxes Inc, who assisted in mentoring the men on all topics inherent to Mailboxes Etc. Inc. operations.

Dr. Kent Neupert from Boise State University’s College of Business and Economics was approached to see if his international business students could assist the company. The class studied Todd and Grant’s company and the Norwegian market for one semester, providing vital information and contacts as they prepared for initial store site location and selection. In addition, business contacts were located who provided marketing for new franchise opportunities in Europe, resulting in establishment of a base organization to pursue re-franchise marketing in Norway.

Because tax laws are extremely helpful in allowing companies to expand and diversify into other markets and opportunities, Todd and Grant are considering Mailboxes Etc. Inc. as a base for exploring further business opportunities in Norway. Harold Dirdal, Grant’s cousin in Norway, joined the team to become the operations manager and a general partner in the holding company "The Norwegian Investment Group."

Their initial site in Oslo opened in June 2001. Since then sales and revenues have exceeded budget by a wide margin, causing the group to plan a second store opening in summer 2002, a year ahead of schedule. Already they have sold one franchise in Norway and secured initial commitments for several others.