Tom’s Franchise Information Blog

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The freedom to be your own boss is pretty appealing. But, the risks involved and capital required aren’t for everyone. In today’s business climate we need to ask, what about the risks of being an employee? You can have the best of both worlds by owning your own construction related franchise, and the security that comes from partnering with an established and successful company, in any number of the building trades.

Whether you are, or were, a project manager for a general contractor, a PM for any of the subcontracting trades, or a sales rep calling on the aforementioned companies, owning a franchise can enable you to benefit from all your years of experience in the construction industry. There is a saying in the franchise world “In business for yourself, but not by yourself”. By owning a franchise you will be supported with 24/7, hands on training in every aspect of whatever trade you choose, be it painting, drywall, roofing, etc…

You will also receive all the marketing training and materials you will need an operations manual that covers every aspect of the business from A to Z, and the use of the franchising company’s website, which gives you instant credibility when calling on a GC. You are not a small start up. You are immediately part of a successful company with a proven track record that is now expanding in to new markets. Think about it. While other companies are laying off people left and right, you will be part of an organization that is expanding. That in itself is an excellent sales tool.

I remember when my partner and I started our commercial painting company in 1994. Everything was trial and error and we became quite adept at learning from our mistakes. In retrospect it would have been much easier to have learned from someone else’s mistakes. That is the beauty of a franchise. You enjoy all the benefits of being your own boss without so many of the pitfalls that come with starting a business. From the very basic rule of NEVER lending your employees money to the more advanced skills needed for controlled and manageable growth. Your franchise manual covers them all. You receive everything you need to estimate a project, prepare the proposal, follow up with a well timed sales call, and ultimately negotiate the deal. It does not stop there either. You also have everything you need to set up and complete your project in the most professional manner possible. Done properly, it is laid out, for you, in such a manner that you cannot help but to implement it properly.

Because you have a thorough understanding of the construction process you can easily transition from being a GC to a sub. And if you’re currently a PM for a subcontractor? You can make the same seamless transition, in to another trade, as well. You already know how to read blueprints, you know your way around a job site, and you understand the dynamic that exists between subs and GC’s. All you need is the immersion in your new field, that is part of the thorough training you will receive, and you will be on your way to enjoying the benefits of being your own boss. Remember, you will be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Jeffrey Clarke is President of Merit professional Coatings in Tampa, FL. Merit is a commercial painting and wallcovering contractor. Merit is currently awarding commercial painting franchises to qualified individuals. Take our Franchise Quiz at http://meritnow.com/. You can also watch our video at http://meritnow.com/

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