Franchisor Spotlight: Meet Young Rembrandts

FranchiseWorks presents Young Rembrandts, the next franchisor to be featured on our Franchisor Spotlight Series. As a leading resource for prospective entrepreneurs, FranchiseWorks is dedicated to providing information that any individual can use to find the right franchise or business opportunity for them.

The vision and mission of Young Rembrandts is to combine our love of art and children. We teach art to empower them and build self-confidence. Children learn the fundamentals and value of art as they delight in the artistic process, they also acquire tools for successful learning and develop increased academic abilities. This drives everything we do, especially in building a culture of like-minded franchisees- joined together by a powerful mission. We are raising generations that value the power, the passions and the significance of art.

Interview with Young Rembrandts Director of Marketing, Liz Fetter:

How has your company evolved since the first class founded in 1988 by Bette Fetter?

The first class in 1988 was just 8 neighborhood kids around Bette’s kitchen table. It was something she did as a favor to friend and eventually it morphed into “Bette’s Art Class” that took place in the living room because it held more kids. We still have her original roster of those classes. Since then it has changed dramatically; Bette, and her husband Bill, ran the business for years together. Operating out of a home office they, along with a part-time teaching staff- taught thousands of kids in the Chicagoland area. They started franchising in 2001- and now Young Rembrandts is a global franchise. Serving children and communities in the US, Canada, Germany, South Korea and the Middle East.

Why is Young Rembrandts a significant part of education for children?

There is a significant correlation between involvement in the arts and achievement in the classroom. Children who learn to draw using the Young Rembrandts method develop spatial reasoning and fine motor skills, order and sequencing abilities, visualization, and self-discipline as well as fundamental art skills. Our original curriculum introduces concrete ideas and techniques that enlarge their visual vocabularies, enrich their imaginations and their minds. "There are visible academic and art benefits for children that participate in our program. Young Rembrandts' students have fun while developing fundamental art literacy and improved academic abilities," notes Bette Fetter. "We are passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to be successful."

How many franchised units do you have?

99 North American units.

Are you available in Canada and Internationally?

Yes.

What are the competitive advantages of your business?

Our business is home-based and all in, an under $50k investment. The Young Rembrandts business opportunity allows franchisees to create jobs in their community, become a thought leader in their network and create a lifestyle that reflects what they want for themselves. The Young Rembrandts method is a fun activity that kids flock to- drawing- that helps kids develop socially, emotionally and academically.

What is the desired background/qualities of your ideal candidate?

• Strong leadership and people skills.

• Committed to quality.

• Networker and connector in the community.

• Management experience with the desire to grow a profitable business.

• No artistic or teaching background necessary.

• Sales and marketing insight.

What do you hope for the future of Young Rembrandts?

We have a lot of growing to do. North America alone has many territories still available. In the next 5 years we hope to open another 100 units. We want to impact education in a profound way- by reaching kids where they are comfortable, in the art classroom, we’re able to assist them in ways that reach far beyond crayons and markers. We are calling out to those individuals with the same passion. Reaching as many kids as we can, while creating a positive lifestyle for our franchisees.

Learn more about Young Rembrandts and find classes near you!

The Truth Behind Franchise Business Ownership

What does it take to own a franchise? In many ways, the responsibilities of a franchise owner align quite similarly with those of a small business owner. Even though they are essentially the same, the franchise owner starts of with a few more advantages.

There are many franchise concepts and some of them offer a type of product or service that connects directly with the customer. Depending on which franchise you choose, you could be very involved with the public on a daily basis. If you don’t have the patience or personality to deal with complaints, demands and the occasional attitude, then you might want to look for a franchise that does not need you on the front lines. Carefully understand the outline of your responsibilities and don’t settle for something you aren’t passionate about.

As an owner you need to make sure you have a strong team of employees, so you need to prepare for effectively training and motivating your team. The franchisees’ training and on-going support will come from the franchisor; however, the franchisee must pass on their knowledge and use it to better their individual operation.

You’ll also need to consider the marketing of your business. Your franchisor may have national or regional advertising, which they will handle. However, you may be also tasked with leading local marketing activities to actively promote your business. Are you prepared for this?

You will also need to plan for additional costs in starting of your business. There are the expenses of the initial investment, but keep in mind the royalty fees, equipment costs and the expense of keeping your business running day to day. Don’t set yourself up to fail — money is important and so is time. You will be pulled a lot of different directions and you will need to dedicate a great deal of time on your business so your business can get up on its feet the right way.

Simply put, a franchise owner is a leader with an inability to quit. They take initiative, communicate effectively and are pro-active. Expect to fill this role wholeheartedly and you’re setting yourself up for great success.

Are you ready to be your own boss? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation with a qualified and experienced franchise consultant. FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Did You Lower The Bar For Your Business?

You’ve done it. You successfully own a franchise or new business and the first three years have passed without too much trouble. Now 10 years…15…20, each with its own unique opportunity to keep your business perspective fresh and exciting. How do you stay motived and keep your passion thriving?

You’ve already overcome one of the hardest obstacles about business ownership, which is finding a business you find fulfilling and from which you gain a level of satisfaction. When your career matches up with your passions, it is hard to dread the workweek. Yet, that doesn’t mean you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to smell the roses at each ding of the alarm. While your emotions may fluctuate, you can’t lower the bar in your business relationship. It’s a constant give and take and your standards should remain resolute even in the roughest times.

• Realistic Goals: The world around you is rapidly changing, which means your business will be affected. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment, track your progress and celebrate the small milestones as well.

• Embrace Competition: Nothing like a good challenge to awaken the competitor within. Face it, we all like to win and a little healthy competition will encourage you to innovate and explore. Lacking in competition? That’s great! Challenge yourself. Let your friends and coworkers speak their mind and keep your business from becoming stale one way or another.

• Your Business is a Result of Your Efforts: That’s right. Your intentions, actions, efforts will show in your business. It is ideally an extension of you, after all. Make sure you put your best foot forward, or the lack of motivation will start to show in your work.

• Self Mastery: Continue to use the courage that got you to this point to achieve your dreams. Fear, if left unmanaged, will slowly deteriorate your business. Protect your future with courage and self-belief. Master your fears and always say you can do better. In turn, appreciate what you have accomplished and forgive your mistakes.

The bar, so to speak, is never set. It will be reached and repositioned, but only if you’re pushing professional (and personal!) boundaries. Always defy your limits and keep your passions alive.

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.

Be The Problem Solver

Here is the situation: you own a franchise or small business. It’s the first year, so you are working through the speed bumps every business faces. You have a handful of employees that are pulling your attention to a million different things, the budget is tight but your demands keep growing, and you are still figuring out how to market your brand.

What is the one thing you have to be good at to succeed in this situation? Problem solving.

The only way your business (and your sanity) will make it is if you can take these problems and solve them -- for both your employees and your customers. The more you learn to master critical thinking and problem solving, the more time, energy and money you will save. Excellent problem solvers all go about it differently; however, there are some key steps that you can follow to find a solution.

Before you can do any solving, you must first identify the correct problem. It isn’t as simple as you may think as you need to be asking the right questions and find the root of the issue. After you’ve correctly identified the real problem, you can start the brainstorming.

You may like the idea of working alone, but the brainstorm process may better serve you if you include others. You never know, someone on your team might have the perspective that leads to a quick solution. This is the step that involves a great deal of critical thought, which is more a state-of-mind rather than techniques or tools. Looking at the issues from multiple viewpoints and remaining open minded will lead to the most creative, longer-lasting results.

Evaluate the different ideas you come up with and see how they will impact your goals within the constraints that you have. Shoot for high impact-low complexity ideas and get it done. Try to have a couple plans as a backup in case your original idea falls through; a problem can be solved many ways.

As a franchise owner, you will face many issues – some big and others little. No matter the size, you need to approach and resolve each hurdle with a sense of calm and purpose. Look for the opportunities within the problems, keep it positive and you’ll be ready for any situation.

Do you want to be your own boss? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation! FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Is It Possible To Own A Franchise After Years In The Workforce?

However, you’re the only one who can convince your stubborn, scared self that it’s possible. Spending years in corporate America or working for other small/large businesses doesn’t have to cripple your franchise ownership dreams. In fact, the experience and knowledge you’ve gained to this point will prove to be very useful! At FranNet, we want you to know that it is certainly not time lost – look at it instead as time preparing for this new path.

Think about your current social circle and the activities with which you are involved. Slowly start to transition it all toward your new franchise goals. Look for local franchising events – they will provide opportunities to become acquainted with the right people who will then refer you to the right places, provide you with resources and contacts as well as give valid advice.

Do your research and look for a consultant to guide and help you toward a field that is right for you. See what’s out there and get to know the players. Your current skill set will without a doubt align with a franchise. You may watch online seminars and read several blogs by current franchisees and discover where your budget and needs will fit into the industry.

Keep moving forward. The only guaranteed roadblock that will stand in the way of owning a franchise is you. Don’t continue to sit and wait with the expectation that it will someday change. There is an appropriate amount of due diligence and testing that comes with the process, but ask for help and afterwards go through with it. Can you really own a franchise after years in the workforce? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! The real question is: where do I sign?

Do you feel that you’re ready to get started? Let FranNet connect you with the business you’ve been looking for. Ask us about a free consultation. Our purpose is to connect the dots and make the transition from corporate employment to the freedom of business ownership manageable and safe.

How Big Is Franchising Anyway?

The number of franchise establishments in the United States has grown to 781,794 – the highest it has ever been. Along with the steady growth, the International Franchising Association (IFA) projects the industry to continuing its impressive expansion for a fifth consecutive year.

When talking about the franchise industry, some may debate the many benefits of such an investment while others will cautiously warn against getting involved. The truth is, there are both positives and negatives to owning a franchise and it depends almost entirely on the person and the process. However, after the extensive research the IFA completed, no one can deny the numbers for 2015. The number of direct jobs in franchise establishments will increase 2.9%, from 8.6 million to 8.8 million jobs. The monetary output of franchise establishments will increase 5.4% in nominal dollars from $844 billion to $889 billion.

From: Entrepreneurs Source

In an article by the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of women that become franchisees are 28.1% vs. the 71.9% of men. The median age of franchise owners is between 45 and 54, with 12% younger than 34 and 28% over the age of 55. When it comes to education level, 44% of franchise owners have a bachelor’s degree and a significantly less 19% hold an advanced degree.

Franchising is becoming a more appealing option for entrepreneurs who are ready to be a business owner, but don’t want to go through the hassle of beginning a business completely from scratch. After extensive research and counseling, finding a franchise can prove to be a very rewarding experience – for both your heart and wallet.

Do you want to be your own boss? Perhaps it’s time for a free consultation. FranNet has a great track record of assisting individuals on their path to business ownership. Make arrangements to speak with one of our representatives today!

Many Businesses Thrive in All Economic Conditions

If you’re considering franchise business ownership, then you’re most likely aware of the number of options available to you. From quick-service restaurants to IT services and health and wellness businesses, there are more than 3,000 concepts available across more than 90 industries.

Having experienced an economic recession, you may be among the potential business owners thinking, “What about the economy?” Fortunately, the franchise industry is expected to see a continued increase in employment growth and franchise units established for 2014, according to a report released by the International Franchise Association.

Even so, if the economy is on your mind, you should know that there are many businesses that thrive in all economic conditions. So what are they and why is that the case? Below we discuss three areas of franchise businesses considered to be recession-resistant.

Growing markets driven by demographics
Senior care, residential repair and cleaning are just a few of the markets that continue to see steady growth within the franchise industry. What sets these markets apart is how they are driven by demographics.

Take senior care, for example. There are nearly 76 million baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, in the U.S. They make up approximately 24 percent of the U.S. population. As a matter of fact, there’s a person who turns senior age every seven seconds in the U.S. As this generation ages, we will continue to see a growing need for specialized services, care and products. These are needs that, regardless of the economic climate, will need to be met.

Essential services
Essential services are those things that, for the most part, we have to have. These types of services range from the automotive and damage restoration industries to health and wellness, and even hair care.

Let’s look at the automotive industry. From getting to work, to driving to school or dropping the kids off at practice, many of us depend on our cars daily. The best way to keep your car in tip-top shape is to perform routine maintenance, cleaning and detailing.

If you’re thinking, “I can do an oil change myself,” consider that cars today can have fairly advanced issues. Problems with the electrical or fuel system, for instance, may require the expertise of a professional. Plus, many people just don’t have the time, even if they have the knowhow, for DIY. In other words, if you’re a car owner, it’s likely you’ll make needed financial adjustments in order to keep your vehicle up and running.

Businesses that help other small businesses
Franchise opportunities that help other small businesses are things like business coaching, professional consulting, expense analysis and sales training. These types of franchise businesses are great for taking the skills you’ve developed over your tenure and applying them through your own business to help others succeed in theirs.

In an economic downturn, companies may need to re-budget, improve their sales process or decide how best to retain current clients. Often times, additional expertise is needed in these situations. But if you think about it, even in a good economy, these types of business issues are equally important, helping companies focus on business growth or staff development.

There are more than 3,000 concepts to choose from in the franchise industry. We’ve touched on just a few. If the thought of an uncertain economy makes you weary about business ownership, remember that many businesses thrive in all economic conditions.