Joe Six Pack: a category that makes up one of the largest percentages of working America. However, the current economic state is making it hard for many to stay afloat. According to a new report by Northeastern University's center for Labor Market Studies, the nation's blue-collar industries have slashed one in six jobs since 2007, compared with about one in 20 for all industries, leaving scores of the unemployed competing for the rare job opening in construction or manufacturing, with many unlikely to work in those fields again.
A blue-collar worker is a member of the working class who typically performs manual labor and earns an hourly wage. Blue-collar workers are distinguished from those in the service sector and from white-collar workers, whose jobs are not considered manual labor.
Blue-collar work may be skilled or unskilled, and may involve manufacturing, mining, building and construction trades, mechanical work, maintenance, repair and operations maintenance or technical installations. The white-collar worker, by contrast, performs non-manual labor often in an office; and the service industry worker performs labor involving customer interaction, entertainment, retail and outside sales, and the like.
Andrew Sum, the center’s director and author of the study, said the rate of job losses suffered by blue-collar workers matches the plunge in overall employment during the Great Depression, when the nation as a whole shed about one in six jobs.
Jim D., a Chicago repairman from a long line of tradesman, has spent the last two years searching for an alternative way to ensure long term financial stability. Even if Jim isn't a statistic of the recession, looking into the future he knows things won't get easier. “When I’m 50 or 60 it isn’t going to be as easy to climb on roofs and crawl through vents. So I needed to start thinking long term," he said.
After looking into several business opportunities, Jim purchased a franchise called American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN), a company based out of Silicon Valley that specializes in the franchising of ATM machines.
Unlike most franchises, Jim was happy to learn ACFN manages aspects of his business that might otherwise cause him stress. “I’m not a sales or marketing guy, they’re doing the work for me.” ACFN investigates heavy foot traffic locations across the country, connects them to their franchisees, and handles all the contracting, paperwork and negotiations.
Although the franchisee is responsible for maintaining the machine, they have access to a customer service team that can talk them through all repairs. "Because of my background in repairs, I wasn't as concerned about moving and fixing my machine," Jim said. "It's a great part time gig with no overhead. I would love to turn it into a fulltime thing. I’m definitely trying to get out of the dirt," he joked.
For many blue-collar workers ACFN has proven to be a great opportunity to secure income. ACFN has a low initial investment, requires no employees, no lease agreements, and most importantly no perishable goods. With Jim's initial investment he is purchasing training, his first ATM machine, and all the support and customer service he’d ever need.
With hopes to expand his business within the year, Jim would like to make enough to eventually quit his day jobs. Having spoken to other franchisees that make a living from their ATM's, his goals are well within reach.
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About ACFN
ACFN the ATM franchise business opportunity for individuals interested in developing a business with a recurring revenue stream within the financial services sector.
With over a decade of experience in ATM services and more than 150 Franchises and 1,200 locations in North America. ACFN is a leader in the ATM industry with a proven track record and an impressive client list.
American Consumer Financial Network (ACFN)
96 N. Third Street
Suite 600 San Jose,
CA 95112
Tel 888-794-2236
http://www.acfnfranchised.com
