Expansion Plans: We Do Lines Eyes More Franchise Outlets

The idea of a business springing from an unmet need is more than anecdotal for Christopher Couri and his business partner, Dan Rella.

Two years ago, the pair started a parking lot striping company after having a difficult time searching for a contractor to do that type of work for them. Most companies did not even return telephone calls.

Thus, We Do Lines was born, and the Ridgefield company is on the verge of launching the niche industry's first national franchise.

Couri, the young company's chief executive officer, said We Do Lines is eyeing New Haven County for its franchise expansion.

"Once we got into it, we realized it was a pretty untapped industry," Couri said of himself, Rella and two other partners. "We're refining it and we're confident there's a great market." They have gained customers from Maine to Florida. We Do Lines' launch coincided with the onset of a national recession. "We've been well-received and we've proven there's a need up and down the East Coast," Couri said.

Services include parking lot striping with handicapped spacing where required; installation of traffic signs, raised pavement markers and wheel stops; curb painting; and warehouse floor striping and staging.

"Franchising is a way of nationalizing the brand," Couri said.

Director of Franchise Development Skip Barrett said many products and services are offered through franchise models, such as restaurants, hotels and income tax preparation services.

"It's just another distribution model," he said, adding that We Do Lines offers those interested in becoming franchisees a simple business model, low startup costs and the flexibility to work from home. "Franchising makes being a business owner a little more palatable," Barrett said.

According to the International Franchise Association, there are more than 900,000 franchise businesses operating in the United States, providing 20 million jobs and $2.3 trillion in economic activity.

"Fifteen percent of all small-business franchisees in the United States own between two and five units, which is the fastest growing segment of our industry," IFA President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Shay said.

Franchises are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission.

Barrett said We Do Lines wants to establish six territories in Connecticut that would also include areas in Hartford and Fairfield counties. The parking lot striping industry has no dominant national, regional or local brand, he said.

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