Why is 2013 the Right Year to Franchise?

GREG AVDOIAN Toward the closing of every year, people spend significant time with their families, causing them rethink their current career situation. In these cases, people think about new opportunities and enjoy a sense of optimism and intrigue, as they ponder career transitions by asking themselves ‘what if’ or ‘what’s next’ for the future. In most cases, they are considering becoming a business owner to eliminate having a boss and be in control of their financial destiny. While opening a new business in any year is a challenge, 2013 has seen the growth of many new franchise locations, despite following some tough economic years. As the economy looks to improve, many budding entrepreneurs refuse to stay put and are taking the initiative to open their own business. Here is why some franchisees and franchisors feel that 2013 is a great year to get into the franchise world. Maral Papakhian, Fetch! Pet Care of Napa and Calistoga For me, deciding to join a franchise in 2013 was really a mix of desire and timing. I grew up always wanting to work with animals or animal welfare in some capacity, but at this stage in my life, I hadn't really been able to achieve that. I started exploring the pet care franchise in 2012. As a happy client of Fetch! for more than six years, it seemed like a business to achieve my goal. We’re in an age where pets are considered a part of the family, and the industry continues to grow every year despite difficult economic times. So, the freedom to be my own boss in an ever growing industry and having the support from a national brand seemed the best way to make this a successful business. Then in 2012 I was laid off because of budget constraints due to the downturn of the economy. It forced me to decide what to do next. If that hadn't happened, I'm not 100 percent sure I would've had the guts to become a franchisee. But, I'm glad I did! Reg Byrd, CEO, Direct Connect Ventures Over the last five years, the U.S. economic disaster has caused monumental financial catastrophe for millions of families in our country. A majority of our clients had a job yesterday and don’t today, or are in fear of losing their job tomorrow. Franchising is increasingly being recognized as the perfect opportunity for Americans to take back control of their own destiny and livelihoods. Franchising is the mechanism for building a future of success with a partner (the franchisor) who stands only to support the entrepreneur in achieving financial safety and growth. This year will make a place in history when Americans are going make a shift, using whatever psychological self-worth and financial worth they have left, to rebuild. The franchise community has made incredible breakthroughs in showcasing the prodigious promise that are at the fingertips of Americans. After all, it’s the American dream! Nick Mangiardi, Lawn Doctor* of The Greater Berkshires 2013 is a perfect year to franchise because the economy seems to be slowing rebounding. And, with the housing market on the rise, that is just right for our industry, as most people take pride in their homes and lawns. We opened our business in 2013, and are happy to have partnered with an established franchise brand like Lawn Doctor to help us weather the ups and downs of the economy well into the future. M. Stacy Swift, Franchise Specialist, FranNet Colorado It is estimated that franchises will account for over 8,262,000 jobs in 2013. In 2013, franchising will add 162,000 new U.S. jobs, add 10,227 U.S. units, and increase business output by $33 billion. It will grow contribution to GDP by 4.1 percent, which is well over the estimated 3.2 percent of the total U.S. GDP the franchise industry contributed in 2012.  As the corporate climate continues to change, more and more people are exploring business ownership as a means to take control of their lives and their futures instead of continuing to be tied to the uncertainty of corporate America. The growth of the franchise industry over the past few years is a clear indicator of this. People want security and a feeling of hope for their financial future. For many, taking control through entrepreneurship and business ownership is the best vehicle to do this.  Juanita Leung, Engineering for Kids of San Francisco County With two small children and in-laws who are retired teachers, I knew an education business was perfect for my personal situation, especially knowing parents don’t budget out their children’s education. When searching for education franchises, I looked into a number of concepts, but Engineering for Kids immediately intrigued me because they were young, full of opportunity, and in a viable industry. 2013 was a great year to open my franchise because children are falling behind in math and science in the United States and we have to get to work immediately to change this trend!