A Unique Relationship:
Husbands and Wives Who Own Different Franchise Concepts

By Pamela Gold

The special relationship between a husband and a wife becomes even more unique when spouses decide to open up a business together. Today, some entrepreneurial couples choose a slightly varied approach: They buy very different franchise concepts and run them independently. This set-up allows for separate careers, the security of being in different industries, and the support and experience of a fellow franchisee right at home.

A Perfect Example

In August 1999, Fannie Hu opened her PostNet franchise in Bakersfield, California. Two years later, her husband Bruce opened his The Maids franchise in Bakersfield. Rewind a few years, and Fannie was a stay-at-home mom and Bruce worked for a semi-conductor company. Their lives were very different then. Why did Fannie and Bruce both decide they wanted to buy franchise concepts? Fannie said, "Franchisees receive such great support with regards to marketing, training, promotions, and so much more! There's much more possibility for success than if we had started a business ourselves. The support is so beneficial. Plus, PostNet is a leading brand. They have the experience and the reputation that is very helpful. They give me information and help on the phone when I need it and I really appreciate that."

Bruce agreed, "I get such great support from The Maids as well. When I have technical questions, I just call their 800 number and they help me out. Also, with The Maids, there are franchisees located in all major cities in California so I can discuss any problems I have with other franchisees. Experienced franchisees can give great advice in terms of employees, day-to-day operations, etc."

How it Happened

"We knew a couple who lived in Bakersfield. We liked it there and moved to the city but had a problem finding work. We looked into buying different businesses and our friends actually first discovered PostNet for us. I have a computer science background and I thought this was the perfect business for me!  I really enjoy my work," stated Fannie.

Bruce commented, " When I decided to open a business two years later, I wanted a business in another industry because I enjoy different work than Fannie does. Bakersfield has been rapidly growing. In the three years that we've lived here, it has really grown and the janitorial business has such great potential here. Construction is huge and we've received so much business because of all the new homes. My business has done so well here."

How They Compliment Each Other

There are many advantages to owning a different business from your spouse and as Fannie and Bruce exemplify, even very different businesses can compliment each other when a couple can identify their strengths and learn to help each other out. Bruce explained, "We both have educations. Fannie has a computer science degree and I have an accounting degree. So, our strengths are very, very different. We definitely help each other because of our expertise in these two important areas."

Bruce continued, "We've also found that when we advertise, whether it be direct mail flyers or in-store brochures, we can help each other out. We always do direct mail pieces together and this cuts the cost of advertising in half."

Fannie added, "We have so much traffic in PostNet, so we promote The Maids in the store by offering advertisements for The Maids services."

Sometimes It Can Be Difficult

Often, couples turn to each other for help when they need advice or even extra help. When both couples are running businesses, time can be a factor. Fannie stated, "Sometimes I am short-handed at PostNet and Bruce will be busy with The Maids, so it is hard for him to help me out by going to the post office or helping with work that might need to get done at the store. Because we each run a different business, it becomes difficult when one of us needs the other's help and we just don't have the time to offer."

Schedules - Making It Work

It's important for couples, especially those with children, to make their schedules work for them and their families. "We typically work similar hours. I work in The Maids office and Fannie works in the PostNet store, but she also helps with my training and I help by delivering her store's mail to the post office. Our employees also help us out and typically, our schedules are pretty similar," explains Bruce.

The Benefits of Franchising

When both a husband and a wife decide to buy businesses, the risk of starting their own business is doubled. Why should couples consider buying franchises, instead of starting their own businesses? The reasons are varied, but the obvious benefits begin with the lowered risk, already successful and proven business system, and the support: "I think it is time-saving to buy a franchise when it comes to starting up. There's lots of support. For example, I didn't know what the most effective way would be to market The Maids, but corporate teaches you and gives you marketing materials and ultimately this saves franchisees so much time and money. When you buy a franchise, you are also buying their experience and knowledge and with The Maids, I received 20 years worth of experience which means so much," stated Bruce.

"To receive all of the benefits of owning a franchise, you have to be aggressive. Go out there and call other franchisees and call corporate whenever you have a question. They will be there for you and answer your questions. That's what they're there for! You have to be active in the franchise community. Use the resources they offer you and you will get the most value out of buying a franchise," explained Fannie.

Ultimately, the Benefits Are Phenomenal

For couples that enjoy good communication, a strong relationship, and their independence, owning different franchise concepts can be the perfect business decision.  Fannie stated, "Managing two different businesses is so great because we're able to help each other. Having different concepts reduces pressure, disagreements, and keeps us satisfied with our personal careers."

Bruce said, "I strongly recommend owning a different business from your spouse. It's good for family-oriented people because I think it makes us feel more secure to have separate businesses."

When deciding on franchise concepts to buy, think of your potential markets and your interests. As the Hu's have demonstrated, various business concepts can be owned by a husband and a wife - there will be areas in which you will each be able to help each other, compliment each other, and still have independent and successful careers.