Women in Franchising

In a traditionally male business, several women are finding more than success; they're finding passion - for leaks. Meet two of the Ladies of Leak Detection...

Karen Peterson - Palm Beach FL
As the owner of a consulting practice specializing in feasibility studies for international mixed-use resorts, Karen Peterson didn’t appear a likely candidate for the leak detection business. Her practice included travel to exciting destinations around the world. Clients used her firm’s studies to secure funding for the development of major projects.

In 1995, Karen gave up her career, and a crazy travel schedule, so that she could manage the business responsibilities of an American Leak Detection franchise. Her husband, Bill, had been working as a single truck operator for over six years. He did not want to deal with the business administration headaches of managing employees and a business; he liked finding leaks. Like many of the couple-owned ALD franchises, they agreed that he would run the technical side of the business while she took over the business side.

The decision to bring Karen in to run the business was key to growing the franchise to what it is today. Since Karen has come on board, the Peterson’s franchise has grown to include eight technicians, achieving sales consistently in the top three franchises in the system. Karen is not only involved in marketing activities of their Palm Beach franchise, she also works closely with another woman in the system, Debbie Pflug, to plan and implement the regional advertising for a group of eight franchises in Florida. Karen says, “For years I focused on how to make other people’s projects successful, I'm so glad that my efforts now benefit Bill and me.”

Patti Godwin - Spokane WA
In 1993, when Patti Godwin and her husband decided to forgo their fast-paced lifestyle in southern California, she didn't realize how such a technical business would ignite a passion within her. Looking for opportunities, the Godwins set their sights on Spokane, WA. Patti recounts, "We wanted to live here, but what were we going to do here?" As they researched franchises, they eliminated food services right away. The choices were interesting and American Leak Detection's services leapt off the page. The technical aspects interested and challenged Joe, Patti's husband, and starting a business meant she'd be included too. As it is turning out... as long as the responsibilities are clear... the marriage/business partnership works. Patti finds the leak jobs, and Joe finds the leaks.

Challenges from the beginning...
On the way from Orange County, CA to Spokane, WA, with the movers way ahead of them, their new, used truck broke down in San Francisco with one black Labrador, and 1-year old twin girls - crying all the way! Joe likes to say they went from: 2 incomes and 0 kids to 2 kids and 0 income - as they slowly built the local American Leak Detection office and reputation. This business is very successful with the demographics of 1.5 million people within 1.5-hour radius. The Spokane area has less than 800,000 people in that 1.5 hr radius, and often the techs travel 3 hours one way to other communities to find leaks. This challenge pushed Patti to develop a sophisticated municipal market. She's been involved with associations that provide opportunities to network with water purveyors, pool companies and plumbers. "This time has been extremely worthwhile, as I've learned their specific technical aspects and regulatory issues, while gaining a high respect for water. It really boils down to: No Water - No Community. This understanding has provided an education to better market our services and understand our customers' challenges."

Previously, working in a fast-paced environment for a video production company, Patti enjoyed her jobs. ”But starting from absolutely nothing, providing a viable service that is really needed while taking care of a precious natural resource, AND living the life-style we have chosen...ignited a passion I've never experienced before,” says Patti.

Contact us to find out more about this environmentally beneficial franchise opportunity.