Network A 'Franchise Of Franchises'

Sometimes, losing a job is a sign to find an alternative way to make a living.

This was true for Lou Lavetan.

Although that was a couple decades ago, Lavetan, 49, recently discussed how a bad situation in his past led him to what is now his ideal way to earn a living.

"After working for someone else . . . I wasn't going to let someone do that to me again," he said.

So in 1988, he was awarded a Mail Boxes Etc. franchise. That was successful, so in time he started about two dozen more.

"The postal system was bad (then)," he said. The Mailboxes franchise added customer service to a needed service, he said. "It was just a cool concept." Lavetan, a 1977 York Suburban Senior High School graduate, sold his franchise in 1999, just before the UPS buyout.

"It was extremely lucrative," he said of the sale. "The timing for it was just kind of perfect." He operated a maid service franchise from 2000 to 2002.

Today, he works as a franchise consultant for FranNet, a (franchised) network of experienced franchise consultants that help potential entrepreneurs learn about available franchise opportunities. FranNet also helps people find a franchise that matches their lifestyle.

"FranNet is a franchise that franchises franchises," said Lavetan, who owns the local franchise office he operates from his York Township home. "I work with people all over the world . . . I like working from home. I'm living my dream." But franchising Advertisement isn't for everybody, he said. Franchises are based on proven methods, and people who can't follow directions won't succeed, he said.

"People who can't follow instructions are bad at this," he said.

Lavetan and his wife, Barbara, have a daughter in the U.S. Navy, another daughter in graduate school, and a son in college.

He also volunteers as a counselor and is vice chairman of York County's SCORE.

"I like making an impact in peoples' lives," he said. "Small business is the backbone of America." LEARN MORE Shippensburg University's Small Business Development Center will be holding a free workshop titled "Franchising: How to Select the Right One for You" from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 31 at the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship at 605 S. George St., Suite 160, York.

The workshop will provide information on how to select the right franchise, what is needed to become a franchise owner, the advantages of being a franchise owner, and how to avoid the mistakes many business owners make when contemplating opening a franchise.

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