Detroit - 30 January, 2006 -

After weeks, months or even years of rumors, you finally get the news you've been dreading: Your job is being eliminated. It's a situation playing out across our state by the hundreds of thousands in recent years as a result of a shrinking domestic auto industry that is impacting not only carmakers and auto suppliers but many other industries. The situation has left many wondering what to do next. For some, the world of franchising is taking on added luster as they toy with the notion of becoming a small-business owner by hooking up with a larger enterprise. There are an estimated 760,000 franchised small businesses in the United States, reports the International Franchise Association. And the IFA says a new franchise opens in this country every 8 minutes. Since opening four years ago, Mark Cory, president of FranNet's Detroit office, has helped more than 50 clients find franchises to acquire. "It's been picking up again since the start of the year and with news of more auto layoffs I expect it will continue," Cory says. Cory, 48, of Grosse Pointe Park knows about changing careers. After working 20 years at Olympia Entertainment in Detroit (he was senior vice president when he left) he decided to do something new. He liked working with people and wanted a franchise that would allow him to deal directly with customers. He decided on FranNet, a San Diego-based franchise that specializes in helping match people and franchisees. Buyout spurs inspiration Joe Dyament is one of his customers. Dyament had been working as a marketing executive at DCI Marketing's Troy office for 16 years, focusing on its General Motors business, when times got tight in 2004. The company offered him a buyout. "I could see the writing on the wall and had already started to investigate starting my own business," says Dyament, 45, of Grosse Pointe. He decided franchising was for him and worked with Cory before selecting Foot Solutions, an Atlanta-based shoe store franchise. Foot Solutions offers customized shoes and inserts to maximize comfort. He and his wife, Diane Dyament, opened the store at 21528 Harper Ave. near 8 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores in February 2005. "The business has actually exceeded my expectations," he says. "We started out strong and right now we're going through the growing pains of running a new business and making sure people know what we are about." That includes paying visits to doctor's offices to let them know about his store. The couple has invested more than $100,000 in the franchise thus far. "We used a home equity loan, bank loan and our own money," he says He says other advantages to his new career: he feels far less stress in his new job and also has more time for their two children, a 9-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl. Many options Cory's clients have ended up selecting franchises in numerous industries. He interviews perspective clients and offers them a questionnaire that will help them match their interests. Generally, he recommends three different companies and the person investigates them. Cory coaches them through the process. Most clients end up choosing a franchise that they did not consider at the start, he adds. He is paid by the company if a person selects the franchise. Among areas Cory sees as being popular right now: Fitness and weight loss: As baby boomers age, more are looking to stay fit. Business services: These franchises allow small businesses to outsource their needs for everything from signage to technical services. Home improvement: As more people stay put in their homes, they want to spruce them up. Consumer services: Companies that offer the staples of daily life, like cleaning services and dry cleaning. Services for elderly people: Home services like home maintenance and personal assistance are in demand. Though franchising offers advantages, it isn't for everyone. Among reasons some people may not want to consider it: They might not have enough money to get started or they want to run their business their own way -- a no-no in franchising, where people need to adhere to company rules. "But franchising can be attractive, particularly for those who have spent their entire career working for others and want to start their own business but are apprehensive about starting from scratch," he says. Contact FranNet at: 313-821-5060 or visit www.frannet.com. Contact Foot Solutions at 586-552-3668 or visit www.footsolutions.com/stclair.

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