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Taking a Smart Plunge

Sarah Stowe

With change comes great opportunity

We’ve all heard of the infamous ‘mid-life crisis’ that entices obscene spending on unnecessary items like motorbikes and cars, attempts to ‘find oneself’ on around-the-world trips, or a sudden obsession with marathon running. Given less attention however, are some of the positive and lucrative major life changes people make when they find themselves having second thoughts about the value of staying in the 9-5 rat race, working for someone else.

While many of us dream about starting a new business and working for ourselves, few of us are willing to go at it alone from scratch and invest a significant amount of personal capital into an idea that may or may not succeed, with very little if any support – and rightly so. According to a study conducted by Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months – a whopping 80% crash and burn.[1]

Revival of the retail franchise

But the outlook is remarkably different for those who take the plunge and invest in an already established franchise, which can be largely attributed to the level of support provided by this business model and the level of support provided by the franchisor. According to 30-year veteran of the entrepreneurial world, Eric.T Wagner, one of the main reasons for business failure is the inability to nail a profitable business model with proven revenue streams;[2] an issue negated by the backing of a reputable brand and a tried and tested system with decades of growth and success to its name.

For a ‘mid-life lifestyle change’ sought by many and proven to actually give back on both personal and financial levels, the retailing sector in the franchise industry has never looked so good. Of the $144 billion that the franchising sector contributes to the Australian economy, the 2014 Franchising Australia report indicated that retail franchise systems have grown overall more than any other franchise models; signs of a promising opportunity for potential franchisees.[3]

Support breeds success

As a national retail icon of 65 years, Clark Rubber offers a varied product mix of above ground pools, foam and rubber as well as a tried and tested support system resulting in proven revenue streams year round and a model whereby both the franchisor and franchisee build successful businesses.

With support being the main attraction for people getting into franchising, the level of support offered to Clark Rubber franchisees through operations, training, product, store development, marketing and business management gives Clark Rubber franchisees the tools, knowledge and support to help them build their own successful franchise business and help them realise a successful and profitable lifestyle change.

To find out more about Clark Rubber and their franchise business visit www.clarkrubber.com.au. Alternatively, you can contact Jeff Poyser via email at jeff.poyser@clarkrubber.com.au or call on 03 8727 9999


[1]Wagner, Eric. T. “Five Reasons 8 Out Of 10 Businesses Fail.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwagner/2013/09/12/five-reasons-8-out-of-10-businesses-fail/

[2]Wagner, Eric. T. “Five Reasons 8 Out Of 10 Businesses Fail.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine. Web. 10 Nov. 2014. http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericwagner/2013/09/12/five-reasons-8-out-of-10-businesses-fail/

[3] Stowe, Sarah. “What Does Franchising Look like Now? New Report.” Franchise. 29 Oct. 2014. Web. 10 Nov. 2014.http://www.franchisebusiness.com.au/news/what-does-franchising-look-now-new-report