Editorial

Recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises.

Recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises, Expetec offers individuals an opportunity to share in the lucrative IT market. "There's an entire market hungry for these services," the company's website said.

"Expetec stands for experts in technology," said Expetec President Joan Ganje-Fischer.

The Franchise provides IT assistance targeted towards small to medium-sized businesses.

Expetec supplies a distinctive service, setting it apart from other IT businesses. Some computer companies provide "break-fix" services. These businesses fix IT problems, but only after they've occurred, Ganje-Fischer said. Expetec's goal is different. Their objective is to prevent IT problems altogether, Ganje-Fischer said.

"We see that problems don't occur in the first place. We prevent failure," Ganje-Fischer said.

There are several preventative measures Expetec implements for clients such as firewalls. Additionally, Expetec franchisees have the capability to monitor their clients' overall IT networks as well, Ganje-Fischer said.

Currently, with 54 locations, Expetec is looking to share their opportunity with new franchisees. Based on geographic locale, opportunities are available throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Ideally, Expetec is seeking new franchisees with prior IT-related experience, Ganje-Fischer said.

However, previous computer experience isn't necessary. There are many successful franchisees that joined Expetec without prior experience. And, it's possible due to Expetec's extensive training. Upon program completion, franchisees become IT certified and are capable of performing all Expetec services, Ganje-Fischer said.

"But, we're not looking for someone just wanting to fix computers," Ganje-Fischer said.

While it's important to be computer savvy, franchisees must be able to sell as well.

"They must be sales-driven," Ganje-Fischer said.

Expetec franchisees need to be comfortable endorsing the company. The business revolves around selling Expetec's products and services, Ganje-Fischer said.

Expetec is a storefront franchise opportunity. Franchisees enjoy working normal business hours, Monday through Friday. It requires three to seven people to operate a franchise, Ganje-Fischer said. Employees within the franchise include the owner (or owners), technicians to supply IT service, and office management, Ganje-Fischer said. Again, Expetec owners are trained to provide IT services. However they?re primary role is sales and marketing, Ganje-Fischer said.

With an exceptional business model and a solid financial foundation, Expetec offers franchisees many benefits.

"Expetec has a sound business model and has provided me with the support I need to be successful in this ever-changing industry," franchisee Ray Pfeifer said.

Echoing Ray's sentiments, franchisees Steve and Leslie Eyton said, "Expetec has a structured business model and a national presence that provides a wealth of experiential resources, vastly increasing the entrepreneur's success rate."

Helping to make franchisees successful, Expetec prides itself on extraordinary corporate assistance.

"Our ratio of corporate staff to franchisees is the highest in the industry," Ganje-Fischer said.

"I have been very impressed with the ongoing support provided from the Expetec head office. Whether you have a sales, marketing, technical, or general operations question, Expetec has the resources available to provide answers and guidance," franchisee Steve Schmalz said.

With unmatchable corporate support, Expetec's UFOC (franchise agreement) is a rarity too.

"We have a very friendly franchise agreement," Ganje-Fischer said.

Often, the UFOC puts franchisors first. At Expetec, franchisees are at the forefront.

"Franchisees and their needs come first," Ganje-Fischer said.

In fact, Expetec begins putting the franchisee's needs first during their training program. Expetec's program guidance occurs both at the franchisee's home and at Expetec's corporate headquarters, Ganje-Fischer said. Training entails a combination of webinars and interactive exercises, Ganje-Fischer said.

Overall, Expetec training is broken down into three sections: Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III.

Phase I occurs at the company's headquarters in Aberdeen, South Dakota. And according to Expetec's website, Aberdeen is the capital of franchising!

During this 6-day experience, new franchisees become acquainted with Expetec's business operations. They become familiar with the products and services. Additionally, they learn how to run their business through sales and marketing techniques too.

After corporate headquarters training, Phase II occurs at the franchisee?s home for the following eight weeks. During this time, an Expetec Regional Support Manager helps the franchisee prepare for their grand opening.

And once a franchisee's business is up-and-running, training and support continues. Phase III is designed to be ongoing. Due to the IT industry's infinite changing environment, Expetec continuously provides tools and techniques to assist their franchisees' thriving nature.

Expetec sold their first franchise in 1996. Eleven years later, the company is continuing to flourish due to their strong commitment to franchisees.

"Expetec offers the best opportunity, support, and model for building a business beyond the typical one- or two-person shop," franchisee Steve Schmalz said.