The Complexities Of Owning A Family Franchise

Msnbc:

New customers of eBay drop-off franchise iSold It in Chatsworth, California, are usually taken aback by the booming cry, “Where’s my lunch, woman?” that regularly ricochets off the walls of the store from the back office. However, if they stick around long enough, they will quickly learn that it’s just Richard Chemel’s friendly banter with his equally sarcastic wife and business partner, Helene. Married for 26 years and iSold It franchisees for two, the Chemels keep the spice in their marriage and their business with their lovingly unconventional exchanges. And it’s working. In fact, customers are so drawn to the laid-back family atmosphere in the store that they regularly stop by to say hi–or to snatch a cookie that Helene’s father has brought on what has affectionately come to be known as “Pop Tuesday.” Meanwhile, business is booming for the Chemels–the customer return rate is more than 50 percent, and they project 2006 gross sales to hit at least $500,000.

They give much of the credit to the fact that they run the business together. Says Helene, 48, “People know we’re a family, so when they’re dealing with us, there’s a comfort level on both [sides] of the counter. Read More