How Franchise Organizations Can Assist in Times of Natural Disaster

Back in the late 1990s The International Franchise Association had a program where franchisors would volunteer their services in the event of a natural disaster helping those regions of the country in their time of need. Each franchisor would make a list of the things that they were able to do, such as use their fast food restaurant to feed FEMA, first responders, or firefighters. Many of these franchisors were able to do all sorts of great things using their economies of scale, supply chains, and manpower to come to the aid of victims of natural disasters.

Prior to retirement, I ran a franchising company in the mobile car washing sector. Our machines were high pressure washers which used hot water. We also had 500 gallon tanks on each of our units. These water tanks could bring fresh water to victims where the water mains had broken. In fact during the Northridge California Earthquake my company did just that, we have brought fresh water into the parks were many folks who were victims of that earthquake had set up tents because they couldn’t go back home, and with the aftershocks they were afraid too.

Best of all, it restored my faith in humanity because we were not the only company doing this. The bakeries, beer companies, soda companies, and the local grocery stores also brought in food and supplies for people – all at no charge. They figured their brand names would be stronger by helping people after a natural disaster, after everything got back to normal. Indeed, as people went back home, we used our pressure washers to clean all the sidewalks at the park, all the picnic tables, and all the playground equipment.

It is great to see our business community both locally, and the major large franchise brands get together and work together to help our fellow Americans during such catastrophic challenges. It shows that we are willing to come together and overcome any adversity. And really isn’t that what America is all about? Indeed franchising is all about using the economies of scale and synergies to do great things, and push franchise independent outlets forward in the marketplace.

It only makes sense that it is the responsible thing to do for these companies to help, and it also makes sense for our first responders, FEMA, and other nonprofit groups and government groups to take advantage of this tool. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this, and if you own a franchise company and you do not have a plan in case of a catastrophic natural disaster, perhaps you will e-mail me and we can discuss this.