Like so many business owners, Helen Feng left corporate culture to control her own destiny.
With a heavy information technology background, Feng selected a CMIT Solutions franchise. Since June 2009, she has been the sole Las Vegas-area franchisee. Soon, she may have some company.
CMIT Solutions aims to open four or five Las Vegas franchises by the end of 2013.
“It’s an area where we believe there’s a void in the market,” said Sheri Vandermause, vice president of franchise development.
With expansion plans in place for the Las Vegas market, CMIT Solutions has a specific group in mind to make its vision a reality. The company is looking for corporate escapees, much like Feng, who want to chart their own course. Or, in this case, their own technical support business.
CMIT, a national company, outsources IT services to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. But Vandermause said a potential franchisee doesn’t even really need tech skills to own an outpost.
“We need businesspeople, people who understand profit-and-loss statements. People who understand how business works,” she explained.
CMIT’s franchise fee is $49,950 and new owners typically start in a home office. Vandermause said entrepreneurs also need between $50,000 to $75,000 in working capital to get up and running.
“I think it’s the right time for us to approach the Las Vegas market,” she added.
Vandermause said CMIT’s business model aims to appeal to small business owners who may not be especially tech savvy but who use technology to run.
“The world of technology can be overwhelming if it’s not your thing. But you can’t get by without it,” Vandermause said.
CMIT Solutions takes a proactive approach to IT support, to help clients avoid lost productivity from broken systems.
In Las Vegas, Feng has about 25 clients who have multiple offices, and she said the potential to scale is there.
“It’s a lot of work. You have to have a lot of energy and get out there every day,” Feng said. “You have to be personable to help your company. There are so many IT companies out there just looking for a buck. At CMIT we really stand behind the brand.”
And, she said she’s looking forward to possibly having company in the valley.
“I think it’s great,” Feng said. “There are clusters of CMIT franchises all over the country.”
Link: http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2012/11/12/news/iq_57685437.txt
