For a city its size, Aberdeen has an unexpectedly rich tradition of entrepreneurship.
Four national franchises have their roots here. Three – Expetec, Kitchen Tune-up and Settle Inn – still base their corporate headquarters in town. The fourth is Super 8, which is now based in New Jersey.
Three is a fairly high number for a city of Aberdeen’s size, say many familiar with the business and franchise industry.
Dave Haglund, president and founder of Kitchen Tune-up, has been a member of the International Franchise Association for 20 years.
“At national shows where franchises are sold, very few cities have more than one,” Haglund said. “It’s kind of rare that you’d have even one company come out of a town this size. Even two is kind of rare.”
But instead, Haglund said it’s rare when he meets someone at a national franchising event who’s from South Dakota and not connected with Aberdeen.
Officials with the state Division of Securities in Pierre said there are seven franchises registered for 2006 that are based out of South Dakota: three in Aberdeen, three in Sioux Falls and one in Yankton.
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Eric Smith on January 22nd, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Expetec is not a good Franchise to get involved with. Their claims of success are grossly over stated. They are incapable of delivering on their contract promises. their failure rate greatly exceeds the national average for even non-franchised businesses. Ask the over 200 failed franchisees what it has cost them ! not only in wasted investment capital but also in legal/court fees. I have learned that anybody with enough money can start a franchise and rip off investors and leagally get away with it. Be Warned!