Julie & Gary Vadnais

Gary and Julie began their franchise search in their quest for stability and control of their destiny - fearing that either of them could lose their job in this down economy. And because their income had leveled off in corporate America, they were looking for a little extra income to "put them over the top" to secure their retirement.

After investigating several franchises that would require one or both of them to quit their jobs - they just couldn't get comfortable with that approach. So we went back to the drawing board and researched options that would allow them to keep their full-time jobs and work their business on a part-time basis..

We found just the fit for them with a Happy & Healthy Products franchise. Gary and Julie are distributors for Fruitfull - the most amazing, tasty, out-of-this world frozen fruit bars you ever laid your taste buds on. And they're healthy too!

"When we started our quest to find just the right business for us we were unsure of how to even the start the process. Luckily for us we found Carolyn from The Entrepreneur's Source to help us sort through all the options available and eventually find the right fit for us. She was an instrumental part of the process and we believe hiring her was the first good business decision we made."

Julie and Gary supply grocery stores, coffee shops, convenience stores, museums, attractions, movie theaters, schools and hospitals with these delicious, healthy treats. You can find them at Mercy Hospital, The River Market and The Daily Grind in Stillwater along with all 3 of the Lakewinds Natural Foods locations and Fresh and Natural in Plymouth - to name a few. If you don't find them where you shop, be sure to ask the proprietor to visit www.rumriverfoods.com to request the product.

"We are looking forward to growing our business because it is an outstanding product and we can't wait for everyone in the Twin Cities are to try it."

Find 'em. Taste 'em. Love 'em. Congrats, Vadnais'!

Wayne Welke

For seventeen years Wayne enjoyed the sales, negotiations, relationships and problem solving that went with his job. But he was burned out due to a schedule that regularly required long, inflexible hours. He was ready to take control and seek out a new, refreshing career.

As the father of two young kids, he was primarily interested in a flexible schedule that would allow him to attend their events during the week, spend weekends on the land that he and his wife, Sue own on Lake Vermilion and someday build a cabin there. Simply put, to be happy and healthy.

Professionally, he wanted to maintain flexible business hours and have a business that did not require employees.

Wayne chose Expense Reduction Analysts, a cost management consulting franchise that helps companies boost profits through the reduction of overhead expenses. ERA averages about 20% savings per project they complete and work on a contingency basis for their clients. If there are no savings found, there are no fees paid. He works from his home office, has flexible business hours and doesn't need employees. A match!

"I found that The E-Source's process and expertise saved me much time & money in my franchise selection. It was very beneficial to work with them."

If you know of a business that would like to reduce their overhead expenses, please drop Wayne a line at wwelke@expensereduction.com or call him at 952.226.1577. I'm sure he'd appreciate the referral.

Congratulations, Wayne!

Generation Y: Entrepreneurial Leaders of the Future

How young adults are preparing for their future by starting businesses of their own

Minneapolis, MN (Grassroots Newswire) June 26, 2008 -- An increasing number of young adults, specifically recent college graduates, are more interested in growing a business of their own rather than working for a company, trends are showing. In fact, according to an article on www.NPR.com (National Public Radio), 18- to 24- year-olds (called Generation Y) are starting their own businesses at a quicker rate than 35- to 44- year-olds.

"Starting a business at a young age comes with many advantages," said Carolyn Herfurth, Minneapolis business coach for The Entrepreneur's Source. "Young business owners are at an early stage in life where they can take that 'chance' without worrying about other financial responsibilities such as a mortgage, a spouse and children."

In today’s new career economy, according to a government study, people from ages 18-38 will have on average 10 jobs in their lifetime. And from an employer perspective, each year about one third of the nation’s workforce changes job, largely to take advantage of better opportunities.

There are many examples of entrepreneurs who became successful during their young adult years, including millionaire Bill Gates, who founded Microsoft in his early 20s. Herfurth said young entrepreneurship, including franchising, brings with it many advantages:

• Guaranteed learning experience – As entrepreneurs, young individuals will grow their overall skill set through complete responsibility for every facet of their business. During the start-up phase and throughout the growth of the business, Herfurth said they will learn from their decisions around organization, finances, leadership challenges and brand building.

• No resume, experience, or references necessary – When seeking employment positions with companies, the proper interview skills and other related protocols are not only important, but necessary. However, if someone wants to start his or her own business, they are the primary decision-makers and do not need to "apply within" or interview for a position. A business owner determines the role and future of their company, but can oftentimes benefit from the guidance and support of business coach in making the right decisions.

• Franchising, a proven system – Franchising can be a good choice for young people because instead of building on an idea of their own and completely starting from scratch, they are investing in an established concept that has proven successful for others. Each franchise typically comes with a good amount of training and support to help a start-up get their business up and running.

• Financial benefits – Business owners are limited only by their imagination and ability to think of new ways to profit, and all the while growing a company that has potential value. In addition, there are tax advantages that a young entrepreneur can reap, which will help them keep the money they earn.

According to Carolyn, "Instead of choosing traditional employment positions in the corporate world, they’re choosing a more personally rewarding option such as running a business of their own. They have more of an opportunity to learn and invest in success at a young age, which is the start of a promising future.”

The Entrepreneur’s Source is a leading business coaching firm that specializes in helping people to discover the right business for their lifestyle, goals and needs. Business coaches, such as Herfurth, offer services such as finding the right business, increased profitability, communications and leadership, marketing and business planning, exiting a business, and expanding operations.