This year, National Small Business Week, May 16-20, will again shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs and independent business owners and the unique contribution they make to the economic strength of America.

SERVPRO franchise professionals in the Brentwood area hope that the week’s focus on the opportunity inherent in small business ownership strikes a responsive chord with experienced professionals looking to take a new direction in the workplace.

Whether attracted by the lure of independence or driven by competition in the jobs marketplace, more and more seasoned professionals are investigating franchise ownership as their next career move. There’s a good reason for this, according to Rick Isaacson, executive vice president of Servpro Industries, Inc.

“Experience in business does not necessarily translate into experience in business ownership,” said Isaacson. “When you purchase a franchise, you are given a roadmap on how to operate the key areas of the business, including management, marketing, business operations, sales and finance. This guidance helps a first-time business owner stay focused on the critical operating components that contribute to running a successful small business.”

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create 60 to 80 percent of new jobs in the nation. A study commissioned by the International Franchise Association has showed that 900,000 franchise businesses provide more than 20 million jobs and generate $2.3 trillion in economic activity.

“Small Business Week is really a great time to reflect on whether business ownership is the right choice for you,” said Isaacson. “After all, all SERVPRO owners benefit when new owners join the company and are willing to work hard to maintain our reputation of integrity and professionalism.”

SERVPRO franchise professionals in the Brentwood area specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate fire or water damage for both commercial and residential customers. SERVPRO also offers mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning and other home-maintenance and restoration services.

For more information about SERVPRO in the Brentwood area, call Michael Borders, SERVPRO of Antioch, at 925-706-0106 or e-mail m.borders@embys.net.