Learn why opening a The UPS Store franchise can improve your life.
If finding a new career that allows you to spend more time with your family is on your list of New Years' Resolutions, consider franchising as a great way to accomplish your goal.
Franchising provides perks of business ownership such as independence, freedom, flexibility and limitless potential while removing some of the burdens of business ownership by supplying a proven business model, training and support. It also provides a unique opportunity for driven entrepreneurs looking for a new career that can be tailored to fit personal goals and desires.
Whether you’re looking to improve your work-life balance or evaluating small franchises to invest in with your family, here’s why opening a The UPS Store could be the best business to start to meet these objectives.
Why The UPS Store
The UPS Store has been in business for more than 35 years and has an established system to help you hit the ground running. Additionally, the strength and reputation of a world-class brand lends immediate credibility to your business.
Our comprehensive training program, ongoing support and brand resources allow you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. Opening a The UPS Store location can help you achieve success and ultimately change your life for the better.
“Owning The UPS Store has changed my life to where I have time and flexibility,” says Kristie Robison, franchise owner in Saraland, AL. “In owning your own business, you get your store up and running, you get employees that you can trust that are going to help keep your store running. And with having two boys, I can make ballgames and travel and do things with them. It’s really changed things for the better.”
A Family Affair
In addition to providing flexibility to allow for a better work-life balance, being a The UPS Store franchise owner can also be good for your family by providing an opportunity to work together as business partners and share the thrill of achievement.
Marie McKinney on opening a The UPS Store with her husband Jerry: “We joined the UPS network after doing research around a lot of different brands, and UPS really had what we were looking for with our priorities of having a better quality of life and work-life balance. It’s something that we could do together as a family. We knew we wanted a brand that was strong and reputable and that we could be proud of and be a part of.”
“And, of course, we wanted a good return on our investment and UPS really fit all of the objectives that we were looking for in going into business for ourselves.”
Running a business with your family can also be an excellent learning experience for children and teenagers. In addition to teaching responsibility, being exposed to business at an early age translates to years of valuable work experience. It provides meaningful hands-on education to learn about many facets of business including money, labor and community engagement.
Furthermore, a family-owned business creates a legacy. Who better to turn over your business to than someone who has grown up in it and is proud to carry on the family tradition?
Advantages of Running a Business with Family
Running a business with family can be an enjoyable experience that comes with many advantages.
- You have a leg up on internal relationships and collaboration. Thanks to all the time you’ve spent together, you have experience interacting and know what makes each other tick.
- Blood is thicker than water. Business relationships are more meaningful when your co-workers are more than just business partners or employees.
- It’s about more than business; it’s about working together to achieve a common goal for the success of the family.
- The workplace is a more relaxed environment since you’re comfortable with those around you.
- Although financial stability is important, there’s often less pressure and a more flexible timeframe to earn your return on investment.
- Working with family saves time in recruiting, interviewing, verifying qualifications and conducting background checks.
Take the sister success story of Debbie Adams and Denise Lewis for example. Beginning with a traditional franchise location in Louisville, KY, the sisters quickly developed a reputation for quality offerings and outstanding service that soon led to them expanding their franchise. Known for their problem-solving abilities, Debbie and Denise are experts at listening to their customers’ needs and finding creative ways to exceed the expectations of everyone that steps foot in their stores.
Tips for Running a Family Business
It’s not always smooth sailing. Small business expert Rhonda Abrams offers the following keys to set your business up for success and keep your family relationships strong.
- Define primary roles and responsibilities with clearly defined job descriptions and titles.
- All employees must earn their paycheck, including teenagers. Everyone who works in the family business should work, not just reap the benefits.
- Put all agreements in writing to reduce misunderstandings and conflict. The best way to make sure everyone is on the same page is to clearly spell it out in writing.
- Define a clear and fair decision-making process to avoid in-fighting and bad blood. And, if you empower others to make decisions, let them make them.
- Conduct objective and constructive performance reviews based solely on work history – leave anything that happened at home out of it.
- Keep the workplace a professional environment. Be respectful of one another regardless of age and don’t let family dynamics interfere with business.
- Have a plan for dealing with the worst-case scenario so you’re not caught off guard should the unfortunate happen. Think of it as a pre-nuptial agreement – you’re planning for the best but protecting yourself against the worst.
- Define a succession plan to identify who will continue to run the business and work to ensure they have the experience necessary to take the helm when the time comes.
If you’re ready to make a career change that can improve your quality of life and potentially provide an opportunity to open a family-run business, reach out to our franchise development team to learn more.
