Although the median age for franchise owners is between 45-54-years-old, according to statistics, this new franchise owner doesn’t seem to fall in that category. Skyler Blacknall, 31, belongs to a unique group of entrepreneurs who are able to secure the capital needed to get started at a young age. Blacknall recently purchased his first Smoothie King located in Forth Worth, TX, and is currently negotiating his second with the ultimate goal of owning a total of 25 locations. “I’ve always been big on health, so that drove the decision,” he told Black Enterprise. “I lost my mother, my brother, and my cousin all to different health-related issues, so in a way, my career choice is also a dedication to them as well. I researched different brands and healthy concepts prior to making my decision. I knew that with an investment this size, [it] had to be something I could stand by.” Blacknall also opens up about the difficulty in finding plant-based options in Texas. “As someone with a...