After years of working out her biceps and improving her cardio vascular health at Curves in Great Falls, Gerri Boles was sold on the concept of the female-only health center.
So when the franchise went on the market, Boles decided to do some research.
“Curves is a proven brand that offers a great product for women,” she said. “They have a business model, tools and great support, just about everything you need to operate a successful business in a proven way.”
Boles was sold and bought the franchise two-and-a-half years ago, joining the ranks as an owner of the roughly 773,500 franchised businesses in the United States.Franchises range from gyms to quick- serve restaurants and office supply to event planning businesses.
Investors buy the rights to operate specific locations or territories. Agreements vary, but in general, the franchisee pays royalties and other fees to the parent company.“Franchises can be a really nice avenue for someone who wants to get into a business, because the general systems and processes are already in place and it can make the startup a little easier,” said Rebecca Engum, director of the Small Business Development Center in Great Falls. “Depending on the franchise, there also can be cooperative marketing to help promote a business, which is something a lot of independent start up businesses don’t have.”
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Photo: Rion Sanders | Tribune.
