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In Sickness and in Wealth |
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BOUND BROOK, NJ -- Today many franchise
companies are run by husband-and-wife teams. Some say it’s a
great experience; most say there are things that need to be
considered to make it work.
Franchising is one of the fastest paths to
small business success. Over 900 new business opportunities were
introduced by the International Franchise Association in 2007, and
many of these concepts are small mom-and-pop shops run by
couples. But how does a husband-and-wife team successfully
operate a business without destroying their relationship – or the
business?
Kathleen Austin Kuhn has been married for 20
years, and for 18 of those years she has been working with her
husband, Mike, at HouseMaster, the first company to franchise in
the home inspection industry. According to Kuhn almost 30 percent
of HouseMaster’s 375 franchises are run by husband-and-wife
teams.
Kuhn warns, “Some couples really need some
regular time apart, working separately, during the weekdays.”
However, for those who don’t need such space, there are bonuses to
team work. “My husband knows when things are hectic at work
because we work together,” Kuhn adds. “He understands when to
pitch in more at home or with the kids.”
It’s also important to remember that it’s
unrealistic to think you can avoid taking work home with you,
particularly since many small businesses operate out of the home.
That’s why it’s critical that couples set aside time that is free
from work-related issues.
Some successful
HouseMaster
husband-and-wife franchisees shared some tips:
·
You won’t love working with all your co-workers all
the time, and the same rule applies to your spouse.
·
Communicate and don’t let issues build up. Don’t
expect your spouse to know what you’re thinking.
·
Make sure you each have well-defined roles -- one
does computers, the other does marketing; one performs
inspections, the other runs the office. Then decide on joint
responsibilities like hiring/firing employees. This not only helps
you match skills and talents appropriately, it can aid in time
management.
·
Do not have disagreements in front of the employees.
Do
not make the business so central to your lives, that you do
nothing else.
www.housemaster.com
Media Contact: Eson Kim
Communications Manager, HMA Franchise Systems
800.526.3939;
ekim@housemaster.com
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