RESCUECOM Appears in Crain's New York Business Coverage

RESCUECOM mentioned in Crain's New York Business (http://www.crainsny.com).

The full text can be found on Crain's website; excerpts from the article follow:

From: Franchise bug bites techies

Rather than pound the pavement, pros start fix-it shops for home computers

By Judith Messina (jmessina@crain.com)

Published on October 07, 2002

"Syracuse-based RESCUECOM Corp. has four franchises in the state-including two in New York City, up from none a year ago.

Mark Goldstein put up $14,000 for a RESCUECOM territory in the Princeton, N.J., area. Mr. Goldstein, 50, had been director of management information systems for Carter Laboratories, a division of pharmaceuticals company Carter-Wallace. When the parent was sold in 2001, he received enough of a severance package that he could consider possibilities other than a traditional corporate job.

"I wanted to do something more worthwhile, that I could build with sweat equity," says Mr. Goldstein, who spent the summer in training and is about to launch his business.

Out-of-work computer professionals increasingly are looking to fast-growing franchise organizations to establish new careers and new lifestyles. For roughly $1,500 to $40,000, they can buy a franchise, a support system and a brand name to start a business that installs and repairs computers for consumers and small enterprises. Nearly a dozen franchisees have surfaced here in the past year.

Facing virtual reality

Hooking up computers, performing routine maintenance and fixing glitches may seem like a step down for individuals used to working in the information technology departments of big companies. But many were fed up with corporate life; others found it difficult to match their previous positions in a tight job market.

Computer servicing franchises have been popping up around the country for several years, fueled by growth in computer systems in homes and small businesses. Until recently, the industry had comprised mainly mom-and-pop enterprises.

The trend is new enough that few statistics are available, but computer veterans are betting that franchising can only get bigger. CompTIA, a national group that certifies technicians, says hardware manufacturers and retailers urged the organization to develop its certification standards for technicians who service home computers.

Learning to sell

While the franchisees relish their newfound independence, they have discovered that acquiring the skills to run a business isn't easy.

Victor Izmaylov, 26, a former Morgan Stanley consultant who started his RESCUECOM franchise in Manhattan early this year, found his marketing skills taxed when small business owners balked at his $98-an-hour fee. He is learning how to show them that he can make their enterprises more efficient.

"It doesn't come naturally to computer people," Mr. Izmaylov says. "It's definitely possible to develop the skills, but it takes time.""

About RESCUECOM Corporation: Headquartered in Syracuse, NewYork,RESCUECOM is the premiere franchiser in the computer services industry that delivers business and sales resources to the industry's "Best of the best" computer technicians and consultants.

RESCUECOM 's main product, One-Hour On-site Response, delivers a certified technician to the customer within one hour of the request and is available throughout New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Northern Indiana, Wisconsin, Southern California, Texas, Southern New Mexico, Boston, El Paso, Northern Virginia, Arizona, South Florida, and New Hampshire. Other products and services include Enterprise System Consulting, Accounting System Implementation, Network Installation and Support of Microsoft, Novell Gold Partner and UNIX Products, Hardware/Software Sales and Internet Web, Wireless, E-mail and E-Commerce Development.