Get All Access for $5/mo

Franchise Slashes Fees to Spur Jobs Anago Cleaning Systems founder David Povlitz is lowering the price for its master franchises to $35,000 to help promote self-employment.

By Jason Fell

Franchise Slashes Fees to Spur JobsIf you've been searching for a recession-resistant franchise opportunity then Anago Cleaning Systems might be for you.

David Povlitz, chairman and founder of the Pompano Beach, Fla.,-based commercial cleaning franchise company says he is lowering the cost of acquiring a master franchise by as much as 85 percent to $35,000. Previously, Anago's master franchise costs ranged anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000.

"Over the years, I've lived through several recessions and seen the unemployment level rise and fall, but I don't hear anyone right now talking about any clear solution for creating new jobs," says Povlitz, who is 62. The U.S. the Labor Department said on Friday that employers hired only 18,000 workers in June -- the fewest workers in that last nine months. This as the U.S. unemployment rate increased to a six-month high of 9.2 percent.

Povlitz hopes this initiative will help create new jobs and inspire more people to be self-employed. "The hard reality is that it's going to be up to small businesses to create new jobs," he says.

After buying an Anago master territory to develop, each owner is able to sell individual unit franchises. Anago currently operates 30 master territories in the U.S. with more than 2,000 unit franchises, and says 60 more territories are still available.

"At Anago, a master franchise is going to employ an average of 10 people, so if I sold all 60, we'd help employ 600 people," he says. "On top of that, a master franchisee can sell between 24 and 40 unit franchises, on average, and those generally hire three to five more people each. One master territory can hire 60 to 100 new employees in one year."

What's more, Povlitz is challenging all the companies ranked on Entrepreneur's 2011 Franchise 500® list to lower their fees to help create new jobs and inspire people to "achieve financial freedom." He says Anago will aim to maintain its lower prices for "as long as it takes," or at least until U.S. unemployment falls "somewhere in the 6 percent to 7 percent range."

Founded in 1989 and franchising since 1991, Anago is ranked No. 110 on Entrepreneur's 500 list this year and No. 5 among the fastest-growing franchises. It was also recently recognized as one of the 50 top franchises for minorities.

What initiatives have you fostered to spur jobs in your industry? Let us know in the comments below.

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Science & Technology

5 Rule-Bending AI Hacks to Make Your Mornings More Productive and Profitable

By 2025, AI will transform productivity by streamlining workflows and cutting costs. Major companies like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI are leading the way, advancing AI into "Phase 3," where tools act as digital assistants. Discover 5 AI hacks to boost efficiency and redefine your daily routine.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Marketing

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Giving a Presentation

Are you tired of enduring dull presentations? Over the years, I have compiled a list of common presentation mistakes and how to avoid them. Here are my top five tips.

Science & Technology

5 Automation Strategies Every Small Business Should Follow

It's time we make IT automation work for us: streamline processes, boost efficiency and drive growth with the right tools and strategy.