The Art of Franchising
By:  Laurie E. Pollock
 

There comes a time for many women in the corporate sector, or in the midst of raising a family, when they make a decision to shape their own destiny, rather than have it shaped for them. They want a flexible schedule so they can work and care for their children. They want to use their knowledge and experience to do something valuable and worthwhile. As a result, we are seeing a rising trend of women entering the world of franchising. This arena offers women an investment in themselves, the advantages of business ownership - control and flexibility - with a proven business system, and support.

Primarily a male dominated field until recently, franchising is now opening up for women. According to a brand new website - www.franchisesforwomen.com, “Most women executives  claim that the career path within the world of franchising is significantly smoother than that of the corporate world. Women have a tendency to bring excellent communication and leadership skills into franchise management. One could even go so far as to say that the exact qualities which women have been told to conceal in the corporate business world (passion and emotion), are the exact traits that have helped them succeed in franchising.”

Simultaneously, there is an increasing demand for education and child-related services. Working parents have expendable income, but limited time, and are looking for ways to entertain and educate their children. According to the 2002 Child Education and Services Survey, “More dollars are spent on education and learning centers than on national defense.” This is an industry that is ripe with opportunities - now available in the form of home-based businesses. These franchises  provide education and child-related services to families, catering to parents want to engage their children in wholesome, learning activities, and ranging from foreign language, science, drama, 
and art. These education/child-related service businesses also seem to be favored by women entrepreneurs and “The Wall Street Journal states that educational franchises have grown by 35% since 1989”.

One business, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth and expansion as a result of these current trends, and serves as an excellent illustration. Young Rembrandts is a Chicago-based firm founded by Bette Fetter - a mother, talented artist, entrepreneur, and most recently - franchisor. For over 12 years, Young Rembrandts has been teaching the fundamentals of drawing to children ages 3-12, with a fun, innovative technique that promotes success, regardless of a child’s artistic ability. They offer their delightful drawing classes in the form of an after school program, which has been widely received in Chicagoland pre-schools, elementary schools and park districts who happily host the program.  An original 8 students in 1988 has now reached over 3,000 students in 2002, with a staff of over 80 instructors.

Young Rembrandts’ growth is due to its organized, turnkey system, providing a structured activity children love -drawing - and the time constraints of dual working families that has created an ever increasing demand for more quality after school programs. According to Lake Snell Perry & Associates and The Tarrance Group, “our 2001 poll sends a message loud and clear that American voters, regardless of race, gender, geographic region or party affiliation, want after school programs.” Our government is also supporting and furthering this cause - The After School Alliance promotes a campaign called “Working Toward Afterschool for All Children by 2010”.

In some cases, meeting this high demand is daunting. Young Rembrandts was faced with the challenge of growing beyond the Chicago region, but still maintaining the integrity of their program, and the feel of a small, community-based organization. The answer was found in franchising their system, which they now offer as a rewarding, profitable, home-based business. With market trends on their side, Young Rembrandts has discovered a niche as both a child-related service and a women-owned franchise. 

Young Rembrandts Franchise, Inc. is already witnessing the success of its first six franchisees covering Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, all sold last year, and all to women. They represent  many walks of life women experience today -- an out-placed corporate trainer, a stay-at home mother of four, a born entrepreneur looking for just the right idea, even two Young Rembrandts employees who purchased their own territories. An interesting phenomenon occurs as each franchisee molds the business to fit her own style and territory. What starts out as an investment or career opportunity turns into a more rewarding experience than these women ever dreamed possible. The freedom and flexibility of owning a small business, and the satisfaction of providing a valuable community and educational service for hundreds of children brings these franchise owners challenge and personal fulfillment. Not to mention control over their financial destiny, in a time when layoffs are either a constant threat or a harsh reality.

This is an exciting time for women, who have more choices than ever regarding their future.   The demand for education and children’s services is up, the value of after school programs is being recognized and supported, the world of franchising is more inviting than ever, and women are making great strides in all these areas. 

The art of franchising is like fitting puzzle pieces together, matching the right person with the right business - for which there is a demand. Our spotlight on Young Rembrandts serves as a real-life example of this. Market trends, like puzzle pieces, are all coming together at the same time.  And what is truly remarkable about all of it, is the inherent value and benefit for everyone involved - for children, for parents, for schools, communities, and for working women. Everybody wins.

If you’d like more information about Young Rembrandts and the benefits for children involved in art, please contact Young Rembrandts at 847-742-6966. For Young Rembrandts Franchise information, call 1-866-300-6010 or visit www.youngrembrandts.com