>> Friends Jared Rothberger and Bryan Lubaway celebrate the opening of Jan-Pro Detroit, which helps people start commercial cleaning businesses. Open For Business! Franchise and friendship go together. Zoe Schubot I JN Intern W HUGE ANNUAL NOVEMBER SALE STARTS NOVEMBER 9 IN DETROIT CONTINUES NOVEMBER 16 IN BLOOMFIELD HILLS 313-873-8300 16 October 29.201 • www.dittrichfurs.com / ges 248-642-3000 hen Jared Rothberger and Bryan Lubaway, both 33, sought to open a single TCBY/Mrs. Fields in the Renaissance Center, they had no idea they were about to embark on a journey that would lead them down a completely different path. Following a discovery that the frozen yogurt venture wouldn't generate the revenue they expected, these entrepre- neurs pulled the plug and started over. The partners sought the counsel of their mentors, one of whom is franchise expert Richard Simtob, president of Zoup! Fresh Soup Company. His wealth of franchise knowledge and understanding of the franchise pro- cess steered them in a completely new direction. After examining all of their options, the partners bought the rights to the Detroit market of Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems, an internationally recognized, franchise-based commercial cleaning company that helps individuals start their own cleaning businesses. "It's definitely not a sexy business, but as long as there are offices that need someone to empty their trash, our franchise owners will have work" said Rothberger. From their days as president and vice president of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity at Michigan State University, Rothberger and Lubaway knew they wanted to be in business together. Rothberger, who now lives in Bloomfield Hills, said that he was initially drawn to entrepreneurial ven- tures because he wanted to experience both the freedoms and challenges that come with running one's own business. "There's something to be said for building something on your own and being able to control all of the mov- ing parts" Rothberger said. "It's a lot of responsibility — making sure that your business is run the way you want" Rothberger knew he wanted Lubaway as a partner. Lubaway is the outgoing and charismatic people-person who can bring in the customers, while Rothberger is dedicated to providing excellent cus- tomer service. Lubaway said his and Rothberger's background in providing service to people ended up being the deciding factor in choosing Jan-Pro. The company's dedication to helping their clients achieve financial success was widely appealing to both Rothberger, who previously worked at BBYO, JARC and Korotkin Insurance group, and Lubaway, who managed restaurants and yoga studios. "Jan-Pro has a proven track record and the accolades to back it up, but its real success is being able to help other people build their own wealth" said Lubaway, who lives in Royal Oak. Rothberger added, "To realize that we could help people who are struggling in this economy — it was a really cool experience. Everyone wants to make money, but I feel great about being able to lay my head down at the end of the day knowing that I helped someone put food on the table" Lubaway said having a background in service helps keep their "moral compass headed in the right direction" when making business decisions. Rothberger and Lubaway focus on doing what is best for their franchise owners. New owners Gene Markowitz, who lives in Southfield, and Tom Wozniak, who lives in Dearborn, of Progressive Strides LLC started their business in late June and already have multiple accounts with a business that is cash-flow positive.