In the world of business ownership there are really four fundamental models:

• Owner/Operator
• Manage the Manager
• Semi Absentee
• Absentee

In the world of franchising, it is common, although not universal, to find three of those four models. There is not much, if any, Absentee ownership in the world of franchising.

We offer prospective franchisees an opportunity to own and operate a visual communications business. We recommend and we prefer they structure their business as an owner/operator and take an active role in the operation of their business as a “Hands on Owner.”

Our Centers are able to be structured as a “Manage the Manager” model by hiring a key employee. This type of model is really best served for franchisees that own multiple centers, as costs can be spread across multiple locations. Additionally, high performing teams require high performing leaders and multiple centers while more capital intensive; they provide the type of scale and opportunity that lends itself to this structure. It allows the Franchisee some added personal freedoms, and the ability to growth a substantial enterprise with multi-center ownership.

Semi-Absentee is a model that is always popular with prospective candidates, particularly in good economic times. The idea of being able to keep a day job while investing in a business sounds really wonderful and low risk. It is one of those ideas that would be entrepreneurs romanticize about, commit 10-20 hours a week and grow a business part time while getting paid by someone else, what is not to like about that. The reality is that it does not work in any practical fashion in the beginning. After you have the business to an acceptable performance level often 2-3 years after opening and you have a built a strong team, then it is possible to step back and reduce your efforts or reallocate your time to enjoying the fruits of your efforts.

Absentee ownership is simply a myth and does not work in our model to a significant degree. Seasoned entrepreneurs who have developed their management skills and have substantial capital through multiple businesses have done it, but it is a far cry from the norm and not a model we recommend. To be honest if this is your preferred investment strategy, you are best served by investing the parent company instead of starting a small business. It is simply a more efficient use of capital and you have a seasoned management team in place already.

Entering our brand as an Area Franchisee will afford you the opportunity to build a business that allows you to be largely absent from the responsibilities of day to day operations.

It is also possible to enter the world of franchising by purchasing an existing Center. From time to time a Franchisee will decide that they are ready to sell the location that they have opened and developed, giving the next owner an opportunity to build on what they have started. These kinds of sales are motivated by a variety of reasons, such as retirement, illness, success, failure or a decision to pursue other priorities or interests.