The Badger State got its nickname because lead miners of the 1820s burrowed into hillsides for winter weather protection, reminding observers of the way the wild animal took shelter. There’s no lead mining going on in Wisconsin today, but a lot of other business gets done here.
If you’re thinking of becoming your own boss, Wisconsin is a good state for such plans. You’ll benefit from the educated workforce, a vibrant economy, and an audience eager for the delivery of products and services of all kinds.
You also have several well-populated metros, including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and La Crosse.
Are you thinking of purchasing a franchise in Wisconsin or becoming a Freeway Franchise owner?
The Advantages of Franchise Businesses
You see examples of the business franchising system every time you walk or drive down the commercial streets of a Wisconsin community, whether it’s a Kenosha, Mineral Point, or Milwaukee franchise. You definitely recognize several of the brands you see on signage, even if you’ve never heard of the business owner.
Franchisees are individuals who adopt the name, logo, branding, company processes and procedures, and even the reputations of another far more established business — the franchisor. Well-known franchisors include Burger King, Hertz Rental Car, Holiday Inn, Freeway Insurance, and The UPS Store — and those are only a few of hundreds or thousands of examples.
Franchisees own their own businesses, but they have the experience, recognition, and support of the older and better-known company. They also have a built-in customer base of those who’ve successfully patronized the same brand but at a different location, maybe even in another state or nation.
What all of this means is that you, the franchisee, get all of the advantages of working for an established and successful company with high brand recognition without the disadvantages of taking on a boss or partners. You’ll operate like a professional from day one, even if this is the first business you’ve even thought of owning.
The Cost of Operating a Franchise
It’s all over the map … or spreadsheet.
As you might expect, it will cost you much less to operate a low employee count business, such as a solo window-washing franchise in Appleton, than a fancy steakhouse in the commercial heart of Milwaukee. Expenses such as brick-and-mortar locations, workforce requirements, and inventory, equipment, or machinery can add up quickly.
Simplicity can be of great value. Some of the least expensive franchises are likely to be service-oriented businesses that can be operated initially with a single employee — you — or by a very small and cost-efficient workforce. For instance, you could run an insurance franchise from your kitchen table or the nearest coffeehouse. There’s no expensive equipment to own or offices to lease — at least until your operation becomes big enough that you must rent offices you can now afford.
The bottom line is that the costs of owning and operating a franchise business can vary greatly depending on the type of company, its capital requirements, and the complexity of the operation.
That’s why your start-up and operating costs must be a prime topic to address with your franchise representative. Hold that conversation early in the review process so you don’t waste your time with a franchise system that you’ll never be able to afford.
How to Invest in a Franchise in Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a business for sale in Wisconsin, you can’t do better than considering franchising opportunities here. But how — and where — do you start?
Your first step is to take an honest look at how you fit into the business world. What drives your passions and can keep you motivated? Don’t gravitate toward a company that looks simple to run or one with a low cost of entry if the business itself doesn’t hold your interest. There’s no worse fate than to die of boredom.
Make sure your selection meshes with your natural abilities, too. If the franchise operation will demand strong sales and networking abilities, and that’s not your strong suit, think twice.
Once you’ve found business opportunities in Wisconsin that seem to perfectly match your passion, natural abilities, and instincts, go online. Do search engine queries such as “(name of business) franchise operations” or “does (name of business) sell franchises?”
Queries such as those will get you basic information, such as whether the brand is actively seeking franchisees, and maybe you’ll get a ballpark idea of what it might cost you to start a company with that brand behind you.
More important than anything else, your queries should also put you in touch with a franchise representative. This is the contact individual who meets with prospective franchisees and fully and patiently explains the cost, commitment issues, and every detail of the process of starting a franchise business in their system.
Bring this person all your questions, and make sure not to sign anything until you’re satisfied that you have a complete and accurate understanding of the relationship. Also, consult a lawyer to review contracts and obligations.
When Considering Franchises in Wisconsin, Consider Freeway Insurance
If you’re looking for a business for sale in Milwaukee or anywhere else in the Badger State, we urge you to strongly consider a Freeway franchise. When you join the Freeway Insurance family, you inherit the brand’s reputation as one of the nation’s largest and most respected personal lines insurance agencies.
You’ll get top-tier training and all the insurance agent education requirements you’ll need, including certification to operate anywhere in the state of Wisconsin. Your cost of entry will be low, and you’ll instantly benefit in the form of product inventory from the business relationships we’ve established with major insurance brands. When you need support or guidance during your day-to-day operation, give us a call.
Despite the brand recognition and the support we offer, you’ll be on your own. You’ll be your own boss as an independent business owner. For more information, contact a Freeway Insurance franchise representative online or by calling (877) 822-3024.
We’ll show you, step by step, how to get into insurance as a career.
