Small Firms Are Taking On Second Jobs: Franchises

The Wall Street Journal:

While Maury and Beth Frankel’s events company had grown in size and clientele over the past 10 years, it still had months when business was pretty slow. The company sets up inflatable attractions in town festivals and other events in the Pittsburgh area, most of which happen outdoors from May to October.

So this past summer, the couple took on a second job of sorts to fill the gap during the slow months: They added on a franchise to their existing business, E.L.F. Entertainment Inc. of Gibsonia, Pa.

The Frankels opened a Christmas Decor Inc. franchise, which provides installation and removal of outdoor holiday lighting for homes and businesses. They already have 20 houses signed up. A typical Christmas Decor franchise decorates between 80 and 125 houses on average. More.