Franchising Offers Veterans, Women and Minorities New Career Avenues
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By Don DeBolt
Veterans returning from duty in faraway lands, women nearing the glass ceiling and business-minded minorities have a common ground. They all want to fulfill the dream of owning and operating their own small business. Franchising is one channel to career independence in this sea of layoffs, diminishing stock market returns and retail sluggishness. Many franchise systems recognize the talents that business-savvy individuals from the military, as well as women and minority business professionals, can bring to a franchised small business. And what can these entrepreneurs achieve through franchising?
The security of a proven business system and an established brand are the hallmarks of franchised small businesses. The franchise system has proven itself often through years of experience and eliminated many of the challenges that start-ups encounter. These small-business owners can also count on initial training and ongoing assistance in research and development under the franchise umbrella.
The franchise sector, often synonymous with restaurants and fast food, offers a much broader variety of concepts to fit just about any interest. Veterans, women and minorities can choose from concepts that span 75 industries and a myriad of investment levels.
After prospective franchisees have chosen a category, they should examine several concepts within that category. Once they’ve narrowed down the choices, they should thoroughly evaluate each company. An important rule of thumb is to consult an attorney and accountant familiar with franchising before signing on the dotted line. Talking with as many franchisees as possible in the system being considered to learn as much about the company as possible is also suggested.
The companies noted below are just a sampling of the hundreds of franchise companies available for those exploring new careers:
BATTERY SERVICES
Batteries Plus
925 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, Wisc. 53029
262- 369-0690
www.batteriesplus.com
Batteries Plus provides a comprehensive selection of batteries including national and control brands, battery-related products and technical support. Stores also provide services to both retail and commercial customers, including an on-site Tech Center equipped to design, assemble, rebuild and test custom battery packs. Accounts include Fortune 500 companies, manufacturers, other retail channels, local municipalities, fire and police departments, the Armed Forces and school districts. The franchise fee is $25,000; start-up costs, not including building and property costs, range from $185,000–$225,000.
BEVERAGES
Wine Not International, Inc.
235310 Grey Road 13
Box 80
Kimberley, Ontario N0C 1G0
Canada
519-599-7400
www.winenot.com
A supplier of custom winery systems for North America, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom, Wine Not International also provides on-the-premises winemaking and produces house wines for restaurants, hotels and wine pubs. Start-up costs $50,000–$75,000; total investment $200,000.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Island Ink-Jet Systems, Inc.
244 Fourth St.
Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 1G6
Canada
877-768-6168
www.islandinkjet.com
Island Ink-Jet started as a one-man operation in 1997. Today it provides marketing, packaging and merchandising of alternative ink-jet and laser toner products in bilingual, bar-coded packaging. The products are available in kiosks located in shopping malls. Start-up costs $70,000–$200,000; total investment $69,900–$159,900.
We the People
1501 State St.
Santa Barbara, Calif. 93101
805-962-4100
www.wethepeople.bz
Established in 1985, We the People is a computerized legal document preparation service. Legal document assistants help customers represent themselves on uncontested legal matters, including divorce, bankruptcy, incorporations, living trusts, wills and probate. Start-up cash $89,500–$109,500; total investment $109,500–$119,500.
CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
KidzArt
1327 Dime Box Circle
New Braunfels, Texas 78130
1-800-379-8302
www.kidzart.us
KidzArt provides children the opportunity to have art in their lives, increase their skills and knowledge of various art mediums and learn to draw, which in turn contributes to self-confidence. Start-up cash $9,900–$11,000; total investment $$9,900–$21,000.
LAWN & GARDEN
Border Magic
1503 County Road, 2700 North
Rantoul, Ill. 61866
217-892-2954
www.bordermagic.com
Border Magic creates custom concrete edging for commercial and residential yards in a variety of colors and styles to enhance the beauty of a home or business. The long-lasting seamless edging can be custom colored to match buildings and other landscaping and can feature different designs in brick, stone and flagstone. Total investment $70,000.
RECREATION
Pawsenclaws & Co.
1055 Parsippany Blvd.
Parsippany, N.J. 07054
866-797-6259
An interactive experience of stuffing, naming and dressing of stuffed animals at Pawsenclaws & Co. allows customers to take advantage of choices and originality in their shopping. Customers can watch as the stuffed bear or animal of their dreams is created. Once the stuffed toy is brought to life, the customer can use an in-store kiosk to complete an adoption application. Total investment $535,500–$814,000.
Pump It Up
1233 Quarry Lane
Pleasanton, Calif. 94588
925-249-2273
www.pumpitupparty.com
Parents and families looking for a unique way to make a child’s major milestone memorable can count on Pump It Up. The company provides specialized inflatable structures that put the bounce, slide, climb and tumble into a fun celebration. Total investment $110,000–$180,000.
RETAIL STORE
The Resettlers, Inc.
5811 Kennett Pike
Centreville, Del. 19807
302-658-9110
www.resettlers.com
The Resettlers manage the transition of individuals moving from their homes to retirement communities. Since 1981, The Resettlers have assisted clients by coordinating the details of their move by providing innovative packing, moving and consignment service. Start-up cash $60,000–$120,000.
Expressions Custom Furniture
401 11th St., N.W.
Hickory, N.C. 28601
800-323-1160
www.expressionsfurniture.com
Customers become their own designers with Expressions Custom Furniture. Each customer works with a personal consultant with services available either in the store or in the home. The furniture is made to custom specifications at the company’s factory. Start-up cash $100,000–$125,000; total investment $250,000–$500,000.
To learn more, contact the International Franchise Association (IFA) at 202-628-8000 or search IFA’s Web site, www.franchise.org.
Prospective franchisees who are veterans may want to consider companies that have signed up with VetFran (Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative), IFA’s program promoting access to franchise ownership to former military personnel. These companies have agreed to offer veterans special incentives to ease the way for America’s veterans who want to achieve the dream of small-business ownership. A list of participating companies can be found at www. franchise.org.
Don DeBolt is president of the International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest trade organization representing the trillion-dollar franchise sector. There are more than 320,000 franchised small businesses in the United States, spanning more than 75 industries.
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