February Franchise Discovery Newsletter: Why Boring Businesses Can Make the Best Investments

Ruth Terray
Feb 11
4 min read

Updated: May 5

Consistent, reliable, recession-proof businesses deserve our spotlight this month.

Boring but consistent and recession-proof businesses—think laundromats, pest control, commercial cleaning, and the like—often make some of the best franchise investments. These businesses may lack the flash of trendy startups, but their steady demand, low market volatility, and essential nature make them resilient in economic downturns. Unlike fads that boom and bust, recession-proof franchises provide services people need regardless of economic conditions, ensuring reliable cash flow. Additionally, their proven business models, operational simplicity, and often repeat-customer base create an attractive opportunity for franchisees looking for long-term stability and predictable returns rather than high-risk, high-reward ventures.

Read more in our February Issue of The Franchise Discovery Newsletter. Brought to you by the YOU Network. Then make an appointment with me to find out more about this exciting...and boring...opportunity!

The Franchise Discovery Vol. 19

Why Boring Businesses Can Be the Best Investment

Ever found yourself rolling your eyes at a business opportunity because it sounded too boring? If so, you might be overlooking a corner of franchising that doesn’t revolve around drive-thru burgers or trendy salons. Service-based franchises — like pest control, drain cleaning, or roofing — may not have the curb appeal of a trendy storefront, but they rank among the most stable and profitable business models around.

What Makes Service-Based Franchises Excel

Many owners of service-based brands enjoy a steady client base. After all, you can’t ignore a clogged pipe or a termite infestation until “a better time.” Emergencies don’t wait, which means these operations often remain recession-resistant. There’s rarely a quiet season because things break or require upkeep all year. Instead of juggling the overhead costs of a large commercial space, many franchisees can start lean, employ subcontractors on an as-needed basis, and lean on the franchisor for administrative support.

Advantages of Service-Based Franchises:

Consistent Demand: Home repairs, landscaping, and pest issues don’t slow down during economic dips.
Lower Overhead: Service models typically don’t require elaborate build-outs or expensive leases.
Flexible Staffing: Subcontractors allow owners to scale labor to match demand.

One Example: Zoom Drain

An ideal illustration of a thriving service-based franchise is Zoom Drain, which specializes in drain and sewer line maintenance. No matter the economic situation, clogged drains and backed-up sewer lines are urgent problems that property owners can’t afford to ignore. This type of essential service not only insulates the business from market fluctuations but also provides a consistent stream of revenue.

Rising Job Numbers and What They Mean for Franchising

Recent ADP data shows private payrolls rose by 183,000 in January, surpassing most forecasts. A healthy employment market can benefit service-based franchises in two key ways:

Easier Hiring: More people in the workforce can expand your candidate pool, whether you need technicians, sales staff, or office support.
Stronger Consumer Confidence: When people feel secure in their jobs, they tend to catch up on home repairs or invest in property maintenance, driving more business your way.

These trends create a favorable environment for franchises looking to grow or expand their territories.

Restaurants Feeling the Squeeze as Egg Prices Soar

While service-based franchises are gaining traction, many food-service brands are scrambling to cope with inflationary pressures — especially when it comes to skyrocketing egg prices. Waffle House, which once franchised but no longer does, recently tacked on a 50-cent surcharge per egg due to a nationwide shortage fueled by avian flu outbreaks.

Bird Flu: The Key Details

The CDC reports that H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds globally and has spurred outbreaks across poultry and even some dairy herds in the U.S.
Large-scale culls of egg-laying hens are underway, slashing supply and driving prices up.
The USDA expects egg costs to jump another 20% this year.
153+ million poultry affected since 2022 across 51 U.S. jurisdictions.
1 confirmed death and 67 confirmed human cases in the U.S. since 2024, with more under investigation.
CDC currently rates the overall public health risk as low.

Food-service franchises with breakfast-heavy menus are especially challenged to pass higher costs to consumers without hurting loyalty — a tough balancing act.

The Case for “Unexciting” Yet Essential

In contrast, a plumbing or pest-control franchise doesn’t hinge on the cost of a single commodity like eggs. These operations deliver critical, non-negotiable services that property owners can’t delay. That essential quality can translate into consistent revenue and often healthier profit margins, even when economic conditions are shaky.

Another Example: Temporary Wall Systems (TWS)

A construction-focused franchise like TWS fits into this “unexciting yet essential” category. Their temporary containment walls are used in medical facilities, retail renovations, and cleanroom laboratories to control dust and noise, allowing businesses to keep operating during construction. TWS provides these solutions with a lease-based inventory model and comprehensive franchisor support.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Choosing the right franchise is about matching your goals, budget, and lifestyle. Don’t let the glam factor distract you from an opportunity that could transform your future.

Contact me to learn more about these or other amazing franchise opportunities.

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