Moms Successfully Minding Their Own Businesses: Women Chem-Dry Franchisees Who Do It Everyday

Mother's Day this year is on May 9, 2010. These women seem to do it all, attending to their families and owning their own Chem-Dry franchises. Each agree that the hard work managing both of their full time jobs is well worth the countless rewards. End Quote

"If you have that dream whether it is to be a mother, own your own business or just be successful, it can be achieved!" Heather Staples, ChemDry owner

(1888PressRelease) May 06, 2010 - (Logan, UT) Amy Russell, Tracy Meek and Heather Staples are three of numerous women operating their own Chem-Dry franchise. "I'm my own bookkeeper, my own marketing agent, my own customer service representative, and a mom," said Russell, owner of Johnson County Chem-Dry, Texas.

According to a 2002 Census Bureau survey, the number of women-owned businesses in the United States grew twice as fast as the national average for all privately held companies from 1997 to 2002. At this rate, the 2010 owner and businessman may not be a man at all; she may be your mom, aunt, or sister.

Heather Staples, owner of Southside Chem-Dry, Virginia explained why she carried out her dream. "I've wanted to own my own business since I became director of operations and supervisor of more than 90 Food Lion grocery stores." Staples continued, "My father owned a Chem-Dry so I knew the business. I knew the quality of the product and I knew I could be successful if I worked hard at it."

Tracy Meek opened her first Chem-Dry franchise in March, 2004. Originally looking for part time work, Meek got more than she bargained for and now owns two franchises with her husband and has five men staffed to ease the cleaning demands. Meek reflected on some of the secrets to her franchise success. "I was raised by my grandparents. My grandma was a homemaker and taught me how to balance my home and my family. My grandpa was a hard-worker and taught me how to not be lazy."

Meek said one of the biggest challenges she has had to overcome as a business owner is when men don't trust her work simply because she is a woman. Some customers think a man can do a better job. These assumptions can be debunked by Meek's business foundation. "My expectations for this business are higher than those of my customers'" Meek affirmed. "Honesty and integrity are the keys to my success, and many many work hours."

Meek's powerhouse attitude is similar to that of Phyllis Davis, owner of Chem-Dry Clearwater/Largo, Florida, Lisa Rice, owner of Chem-Dry Quality, Oregon and Patty Bagwell, owner of Suburban Chem-Dry, Georgia and many other women franchisees.

Bill Knight, Vice President of Chem-Dry Franchise Development shares a three-part recipe for success with women entrepreneurs. "Step one: Invest in a rooted brand backed by a supportive company like Harris Research, Inc. Step two: Instantly become plugged into a network of more than 4,000 experienced franchise owners. Step three: Partner up with Chem-Dry, the largest carpet cleaning franchise in the world." Along with Knight, Russell agrees that with Chem-Dry, she went into business for herself and not by herself. "I really enjoy being part of the Chem-Dry family," she said.

Although owning a Chem-Dry franchise is rewarding for these women, for Heather Staples being a mom to her 17-month-old son is the maximum payoff. "Being a mother is the hardest job, but the absolute best job! I am learning to see the world through innocent eyes, playing at amusement parks and receiving unconditional love."

Russell explained how she juggles work and her two boys. "My son, Brandon grew up before many of my customer's very eyes. At age three Brandon was promoted as my little 'office manager.'"

Russell then gave insight to all mothers in general, whether looking to own their own business or not, she said, "Cherish every day, because your children just grow up so fast. Even in the bad times, if they do something wrong you'll look back on it and laugh. You just never know what the future holds."

Heather Staples illustrates how women can do whatever their heart desires, "If you have that dream whether it is to be a mother, own your own business, or just be successful, it can be achieved! You just have to make it happen. You are the master of your own destiny. Sometimes you'll succeed, sometimes you'll fail but you have got to try because if you don't you won't get anywhere at all."

Nationally, there are several resources for woman entrepreneurs who seek franchise ownership:

•The U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Women's Business Ownership, www.sba.gov/financing/special/women.html, offers programs, training and expert assistance to promote women-owned businesses. The SBA also provides access to credit and capital, federal contracts and international trade opportunities.
•Franchiseforwomen.com is affiliated with The Franchise Opportunities Network and allows women to browse through categories such as food, cleaning, fashion, etc. to find their perfect franchise fit.
•The National Women's Business Center, www.womensbusinesscenter.org, is a private, nonprofit organization that offers entrepreneur training.
•Franchise Solutions for Women, www.franchisesolutions.com, is operated by Franchise Solutions Inc., a company that provides franchise marketing services to franchisers.
•The International Franchise Association, Women's Franchise Committee, www.franchise.org, is an organization of franchisers, franchisees and suppliers that protects, enhances and promotes the franchise industry.

Or call Amy Russell, Tracy Meek or Heather Staples and ask any questions you may have:

•Schedule an appointment with Amy Russell, Johnson County Chem-Dry, Texas, call 817-558-3113 or visit: http://www.chem-dry.net/johnsoncounty.tx
•Or Tracy Meek, Chem-Dry of Georgetown, Texas, call 512-868-6722 or visit: http://www.chem-dry.net/georgetown.tx
•Or Heather Staples, Southside Chem-Dry, Virginia, call 757-471-0087 or visit: http://www.chem-dry.net/southside.va

On behalf of Chem-Dry moms everywhere, Happy Mother's Day!

http://www.chemdry.com

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