Hey Sherice Buckley 👋 Just checked out Buckley Business Development. You're still early enough to structure the community properly before growth starts kicking in — which honestly is the best possible timing. We're currently helping new Skool owners turn empty/basic communities into launch-ready ecosystems completely free. Examples + full breakdown here: 👉 Community Launch Before vs after examples below 👇

Restaurant ownership requires more than just your mother special recipe. BBDG can help

One Decision Changed Everything — What’s Your Story? For our co-founder, Melvin Buckley, the year was 1997. At the time, we were not married yet. Melvin was with his first wife and their two children, and he was making good money selling copiers for Xerox Corporation. But while he was working his regular job, he was also working part-time for free to become a McDonald’s owner. That is something a lot of people miss about success. Sometimes the opportunity does not show up first. Sometimes you have to prepare before the opportunity arrives. One morning, Melvin walked into his office knowing he had just been approved for his first McDonald’s. He sat down at his desk, thought about where his life was going, and made a decision. He quit. His manager came looking for him and said, “Hey Mel, why aren’t you at the meeting?” Melvin said, “I’m not coming. I quit.” His manager said, “What? Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back.” He went to the meeting, came back shortly after, and asked Melvin what was going on. Melvin told him, “I just got approved to own a McDonald’s, so I quit.” His manager thought he was lying. But Melvin was not lying. He left that job, took the chance, and later went on to own up to three McDonald’s. That one decision changed the direction of his life. At BBDG, we understand that business is not always about knowing everything before you move. Sometimes it is about preparing, learning, taking the next step, and having the courage to trust the lane that is opening for you. Let BBDG help you find your lane in business. What year was it for you? What decision changed your direction? What is your story?

Melvin Buckley, someone you should know!

In 1997, I was 27 years old. I was hanging out in Chicago, going to all the hottest clubs, and enjoying life. There was a man I would see often who would always say to me, “I own a mortgage company. You should come work for me.” At the time, I had just been laid off and I was a single mother. Eventually, I said, “Okay, sure.” When I stopped by his office, he explained that the position was commission-based. My first thought was, “There is no way I can live off commission. I need the security of a regular paycheck.” But something changed. I had to change my mindset. I took the chance in 1997, and now, in 2026, I am still self-employed. I will be 56 in August, and when I look back, I realize that one decision changed the direction of my life. So my question for you is: What year was it for you? When did you realize you wanted more? What is your story?