In today’s work landscape, there are more career options than ever before. The rise of work-from-home jobs and the gig economy have given people the freedom and flexibility to chart their own career paths based on their lifestyles and future goals.
One career option that is rising in popularity is becoming a franchisee. Franchises are a $860 billion market that collectively employs 8.7 million people. People on a quest for financial independence with entrepreneurial sensibilities are drawn to franchise options, their proven business models, and recognizable brand names.
Frank Repici, owner of Repicci’s Real Italian Ice & Gelato, has watched what began as a small, family-run enterprise grow exponentially through franchising. “A franchise is a great option for people who don’t want to take on the risk of starting a new business from scratch,” he says. “We want people to be in business for themselves but not by themselves.”
For decades, Repicci’s has remained committed to its dual mission statement: “To provide the finest quality real Italian products with a continued commitment to our end customers,” and “To sustain a financial basis of profitable growth, maintain the integrity of our product and organization, and expand development opportunities to fulfill the dream of creating economic independence for our franchisees.”
With a commitment to delivering authentic Italian ice and gelato, Repicci’s has proven to be a great option for people seeking a franchise opportunity.
The appeal of franchising
For many people, starting their own business can be a study of frustration and risk management. It can be an expensive experience where nothing is guaranteed. However, when one chooses to become a franchisee, much of the risk of entrepreneurship is waived in favor of a tested business model and recognizable brand with a built-in customer base.
“Repicci’s has already shown viability in the market, and that’s why people are interested in having their own Italian ice and gelato truck,” Repici says. “They can see how successful they are.”
With franchise options like Repicci’s, there’s no uphill climb to market a new brand, build a customer base from scratch, or cobble together equipment piecemeal. The financial commitment is relatively low compared to other franchise options from $70,000 all-in.
Repicci’s offers comprehensive training, access to food licensing, and an option for royalty-free franchising by meeting minimum annual product purchase requirements. This support and training are compelling reasons many entrepreneurs gravitate toward owning a franchise. Through the training programs and lower financial commitments, new franchisees can get up and running quickly and start building wealth.
One of the biggest draws for Repici is the family involvement available through a franchise. Repicci’s started as a family business, kicking off with Frank’s grandfather, Dominic Francesco Repicci, in 1911. This familial thread running through the business is something that Frank Repici likes to see come to fruition with his franchise owners. “Franchises allow families to work together,” he says.
Through the franchise, children learn to run a business and manage a budget, and the franchise owner creates a legacy for the next generation. Repicci’s franchise option is also great for building passive income, allowing families to run the day-to-day operations of the business with flexible scheduling in fun operating environments while generational wealth builds.
A stable path to business ownership
A franchise option offers a stable and manageable path to business ownership, allowing those who choose this path to grow their businesses with support from people who know the industry inside and out. As far as business ownership is concerned, franchises are also a relatively safe bet. According to statistics, 20% of independent businesses close after two years, compared to the 91.2% of franchises that were still going strong after two years.
Repici knows that there are a lot of options when it comes to franchises. According to statistics, 10.5% of all businesses in the US are franchises. Repici feels people are drawn to Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato because the food truck businesses offer something special. They focus on fostering a fun, happy work environment for all their franchisees. The mobile capabilities of the Italian ice food trucks mean franchisees can go to where the customers are instead of waiting for the customers to come to them. It’s a unique business opportunity that can reap massive financial and personal freedom rewards.
The franchise business model is special because it offers a proven business model to those with an entrepreneurial spirit. With built-in customer bases, comprehensive training, and lower barriers to entry from independent businesses, franchisees face lower risk and a flexible option for business success.
As Repici and his team grow their franchise family, Repici proudly carries forth the legacy of his grandfather, who simply wanted to share his Old World Italian ice recipe with his neighbors. Now, the Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato franchise family is creating its own family legacies through a mobile franchise option that brings smiles wherever the trucks go.
