Stroller Strides® Home-Based Business Model May Be the Future of Franchising

category: Franchise
by Lisa Druxman,

Fitness Franchise Gains Competitive Edge with Low Operating Costs, Advanced Technology

SAN DIEGO, CA (December 3, 2009) – The uncertain economic climate has taken a toll on the growth of small business, and it’s no secret that the franchise industry has also felt the pinch. The credit crisis has made loans for brick and mortar establishments challenging, limiting existing franchise expansion and inhibiting new establishments.

Yet some franchises, such as San Diego, CA-based Stroller Strides, the country’s largest and fastest-growing stroller exercise program for new moms, continues to thrive, leading some to believe the future of franchising is the home-based business model.

Started by Lisa Druxman in 2001, Stroller Strides has enabled its more than 300 franchisees – almost all of whom are moms – to own and operate a rewarding business more or less from their homes. In fact, until late this year, even the Stroller Strides corporate office was headquartered in Druxman’s own residence.

“The home-based business model has great appeal, no matter the state of the economy, as it’s both low-cost and lifestyle-friendly,” Druxman said. “Our franchisees have the flexibility to create their business hours around the needs of their family, and they aren’t tied to the expenses and liability of a brick and mortar office.”

And while home-based businesses may have once been seen as less professional or credible, the growth of sophisticated and technologically-advanced companies like Stroller Strides has changed these perceptions. In fact, according to a recent article in Business Week, home-based businesses account for more than half of all U.S. businesses and actually employ more people than venture-backed companies. A new word has even emerged as a result of this growing trend – “homepreneur.”

This success can be attributed to the competitive edge home-based businesses gain in sustaining lower operating costs than their counterparts occupying commercial spaces, as well as the technological advancements that have made it feasible to run a business – or manage a fast-growing franchise – from virtually anywhere.

For Stroller Strides, technology has been a key element in maintaining company success and franchisee satisfaction, offering solutions to challenges typically associated with the home-based business model. To stave off feelings of work-at-home isolation, the company offers online chat groups to keep franchisees connected with each other and the franchise support team.

And answering critics who believe home-based businesses are light on infrastructure, Stroller Strides provides franchisees with resources and support comparable to larger businesses, from a localized PR system to help them spread the word in their specific region to an online, automated business center for accessing email, toll-free phone and fax numbers, files, forms, email templates and more. Additionally, the fitness company can even conduct new exercise trainings online.

“Stroller Strides is proof that a home-based business can be both low-cost and high-tech,” Druxman said. “It’s really the best of both worlds.”

For more information on Stroller Strides franchising, visit www.strollerstridesfranchise.com. To arrange an interview with Lisa Druxman or a Stroller Strides franchisee, editorial media can contact Jordan at On the Horizon Communications at (805) 773-1000 or jordan@thepressroom.com.

Stroller Strides classes are offered in more than 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada. The hour-long classes emphasize cardiovascular activities and muscle-strengthening exercises using resistance bands and strollers, allowing moms to interact with their babies throughout their workout. Stroller Strides now also offers prenatal Fit4Baby classes at locations nationwide. To further assist mothers in all aspects of their lives, Stroller Strides partners with Pampers®, LUNA®, Snikiddy® and BOB®. For more information about Stroller Strides, including class locations, visit www.strollerstrides.com.

Comments

1 Comment so far

Luke Turner | 01 May 2010, 06:20
i recently started our Home based business which is organically grown vegetables. i hope to earn more in this small business of ours;;: