Quick, think of a business that sells franchises to the public. Did McDonald’s, Burger King, or Taco Bell come to mind? Subway, maybe?

Chances are, restaurants are at the top of the list when people think of franchise opportunities. However, people can buy a franchise in nearly every conceivable business, from maid services to UPS shipping stores to children’s tutorial services.

It turns out that those Sylvan and Huntington Learning Center tutorial services that keep popping up around town are owned by franchisee entrepreneurs.

What’s more, the people buying into these franchises often don’t have a lick of experience in those industries. Zach Davis, 45, opened a Signs by Tomorrow sign shop franchise on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa after working for the Boy Scouts for 15 years. Richard Driscoll, 64, bought a Huntington Learning Center franchise three years ago after a career in commercial real estate.

Often, good salesmanship - pressing the flesh and calling on customers - trumps industry experience when it comes to running a successful franchise business, said Rick Shampaine of Odessa, vice president of franchiser relations for FranNet.                       —The Tampa Tribune

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