War and Its Effects on the Franchise Industry

by Pamela Gold

The United States might never be the same again. The events of September 11, 2001 will surely have a place in history. Forever, lives and businesses will be changed. The franchise industry, like many other industries, has found the positive in this tragic event. From selflessly helping out to seeing increased prosperity, the franchise industry has been touched by war and tragedy and is making the most of a horrible situation.

Duty Comes First
Scott Humphrey, owner of three Spring-Green Lawn Care franchises, had to leave much of the responsibility of running his businesses to his father-in-law, when he was called to active service by the Washington Air National Guard. Humphrey's active duty shows no signs of abating, and he is thankful to have help from his family.

Many of his 600 customers understand his circumstances, as he attends to their questions or concerns, either before or after putting in a 12-hour shift at McChord Air Force Base. With only two full-time employees to help during the slower, winter season, Humphrey is determined to keep his customers satisfied. "What's been interesting is that many people compare their lawn problem with the fact that I'm defending the country and then they tell me it can wait." Approaching his 2nd anniversary of his upstart business, he is determined to preserve his reputation for superior customer service. "My level of care and concern does not allow either of my commitments to slide - my business or service to my country."

Helping Out
In the wake of September 11, the franchise industry quickly came to the aid of those involved, with acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

"In times of tragedy, candles have traditionally symbolized hope and remembrance for the victims and their loved ones. In keeping with this sentiment, a number of our stores have written us to say that they have given free products to people involved in candlelight vigils across the country," stated Tricia Wise, Marketing Manager for Candleman.

"Our owners, like everyone else in the country, were devastated by the attacks," said Linda Burzynski, president and CEO of Computer Moms'. "We wanted to find something that we could do of significance, that gave of ourselves and our time. It was very important for us to do something." Computer Moms' is offering a free two-hour training or mentoring session to any American Airlines employee who has been laid off because of the crisis.

Turn Dirt Into Dollars, President and CEO, Jack Lieberman, a retired Naval Officer, and Vice President of the Philadelphia Council of the U.S. Navy League held a charity dinner/fund raiser at the Freedoms Foundation, located in Valley Forge, PA. All proceeds of the dinner/fund raiser were donated to the victims and their families affected by the recent terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania.

Many FASTSIGNS franchisees found creative ways to use their products to help the relief effort and help people express the national pride they felt in the United States. Wes Snyder, owner of FASTSIGNS of Indianapolis, Indiana, made hundreds of "God Bless America" bumper stickers. All proceeds went directly to the relief efforts.

Romance Blooms
After September 11, Americans took a good look at their lives and made many changes. Things that were once important, took a back seat. Love, family, and friends have become many people's number one priority. Dating services, such as The Right One and Together Dating franchises report a 22 percent increase over the same period last year. In times of tragedy or sadness, people don't want to be alone. Thus, people are searching now more than ever for a special person to share their lives with and dating service franchises are taking notice.

SBA Offers Disaster Loans
In partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and other federal, state, and local agencies in support of the NYC Mayor's Office of Emergency Management, the Small Business Association (SBA) is offering financial assistance to the residents of NYC who have felt the impact of September 11. Many business owners and residents of New York City who lived and worked in the declared disaster area, have suffered economic injury and/or damage to their property and belongings. These people are eligible for this special loan.

The Franchise Community is Resilient
Franchises tend to flourish during hard economic times. This is a fact. When unemployment levels go up, people find new careers by purchasing a franchise and working for themselves but not by themselves. Additionally, in horrific times that not only impact our economic state, but also affect the mental and social states of people in the United States and throughout the world, people tend to want comforts in their lives. Familiar and affordable foods and services and trustworthy brands, all of which franchises offer, are more popular than ever. People are indulging in ice cream and coffee drinks. Familiarity in such an unstable world is necessary and needed. Thus, the franchise community as a whole is doing okay. We cannot forget some of the industries in our community that are facing hard times. Luckily, the strength of the franchise community lies in its numbers, quality, strength and diversity.

Pamela Gold is the Marketing Coordinator at Franchise Solutions Corp., based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her primary responsibilities include the creation of original content on FS's web site, bi-weekly newsletter, and client ad pages.