Do you find yourself simply going through the motions at work, waiting for the clock to hit 5 pm so you can jet out? We all do from time to time, but do you find yourself going to work every day dreading the motions? If your answer is yes, and emphatically yes again to the second question, then, you need to be at The Franchise Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on April 23rd and 24th.
Could you imagine if Peter Gibbons had the opportunity to attend The Franchise Show while wasting away at Initech? First, major kudos to anyone who got that reference. He could have kicked down his cubicle wall, flipped his desk, and headed straight there to connect with any one of the Franchise Show exhibitors who would have told him that making the leap and becoming their own boss was the best move they ever made.
The Franchise Show gives you the chance to see incredibly successful franchise operations around the country first-hand. When most people think of franchise businesses in America, they immediately think about fast food restaurants. But… While fast-food restaurants are some of the most popular franchise businesses they’re not the only ones.
At this year’s show, you will find everything from automotive companies, schools, restaurants of all kinds, to fitness and media brands, many of which are right here in Chicago! For now, confirmed participants (just a handful of many) include Chicago Stalwart Rosati’s Pizza, Ziebart, Minuteman Press, Bin There Dump That, Advance Auto Parts, Celebree School, and Crazy King Burrito. And more information are coming your way!
Full length shot of personal trainer guiding woman doing barbell squats at gym
Some of the greatest stories of Franchise Show past include those same people who came out for a weekend, found their match, invested, believed and grew something spectacular. Don’t believe me?
“So many people are looking for new opportunities right now,” says Fred Cox, president, National Event Management, who produces the Franchise Expo. “Franchising gives people the opportunity to start a business without feeling overwhelmed and alone. Because franchise owners have the support system of a company behind them with training, marketing and in most cases a proven brand, the chances of them staying in business past the 5-year mark are higher than an independent start-up”.
Or, how about straight from the mouth of someone who utilized The Franchise Show to change their life?
“I had considered the idea of owning a pub, restaurant or sport bar for many years, but felt that I had to wait for my children to be done with school before making the leap to business ownership. I attended the Franchise Expo in San Diego even though I wasn’t quite ready to leave the security of my full-time job. At the Expo I met Tim from Rosati’s Pizza. I had never heard of Rosati’s Pizza before attending the Franchise Expo. Having the opportunity for a face-to-face conversation with the Head of Development was perfect for me. I was able to get all my questions answered without having to search online for hours. After the show I drove to Temecula to a Rosati’s Pizza location for dinner. I met with the Franchisee of the store and he told me his story and experience with Rosati’s. That was it – I was sold! I called my wife and said “we have to do this!” Nine months later we opened the doors to our very own Rosati’s Pub.
Life is very different now. After a year of hard work we now have the operation running smoothly to the degree that my wife and I are able to come and go and enjoy more family time.
When I was working my corporate job I found myself missing significant events in my children’s lives. Now, I am able to arrange my work day to watch soccer games and spend time as a family.”
There you have it. Perhaps more so than any self-help conference, paying an asinine amount of money to listen to Tony Robbins tells you how to better your life by trademarking common practices in a loud voice. The Franchise Show is a real conference, with real companies, and real people.
So, why else should you be interested? Well, the conference also includes all the free advice you can possibly seek. No attendee is required to make an investment. Perhaps you just want more information for a future move, that’s available in bunches for you. It’s a one-stop place to talk to reps from the entire pool of franchises. And there are free seminars and workshops available to give you all of the knowledge and info you need to make the right decision for you.
And the best is yet to come: it doesn’t take much to move closer to your future success at The Franchise Show. After all, this event is your opportunity to meet face to face with representatives from top franchise concepts who want to expand or develop in your area. Attend the free seminars, get free legal, financing and business planning advice. Gather all the information you need to find the franchise that matches your skills and budget. Save hours of research time, compare opportunities and source valuable information in an informal, no pressure atmosphere.
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Hall D | 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
When: April 23rd and 24th
Times: Saturday 11am to 5pm | Sunday 11am to 4pm
Tickets: For more information two-for-one ticket purchasing (don’t worry, even those are incredibly inexpensive) on The Franchise Show, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Linkedin for up-to-date news on the weekend’s festivities.
We’ll be there. Will you?
