That was 15 years ago. Last year, Pizutti got his 100 acres of land in Kentucky; and this year, from among 400 franchises, he was named Rainbow International's Franchise Owner of the Year.

Dreams of one sort or another drive most franchise purchase. Five franchise owners explain what their dream was and how franchising has help them achieve it.

Cheryl Tice owns a Contours Express ladies only fitness and weight loss franchise in Victorville, CA. "I own the business with my husband, Jim, and my youngest daughter works there with me. Allyson's help was imperative in getting the business going. It has honestly been the most wonderful bonding experience we ever could have done together." Tice says the business is going just as well. "we achieved our six-month foals after just three months and Him and I are planning on opening a second studio. I define the American Dream as health, happiness and doing a job our love. I am so happy we have been able to do this together."

Max Alligood is having a good time. He used to help downsized corporate execs find something they were passionate about. Problem was Max says he forgot about pursuing his own passion. Bark Buster changed all that. To Max, Bark Buster - A franchise that uses a natural, holistic approach to dog training - is a dream. "I am paid for doing something that is a whole lot of fun. I can't think of any more rewarding and valuable way to spend my day than working with dogs and their families - helping them keep their dogs and making families happy. What could be better than that?"

Until less than a year ago, Jim Broyles was a project engineer buried in ten-hour days. He was only 31, but Jim realized life was too short to be stuck in corporate tedium. So, he bought an Executive Tans franchise in Chicago. "I have found the ideal profession for anyone looking to be creative flexible and most of all looking to have fun while making a good living. Not only am I making more money than ever before, I'm onsite each and every day seeing how my Executive Tans salon become a tanning experience, not just a session." amazing as it sounds, in less than a year, Broyles has generated over 2,000 "regulars" at his salon and is now leading a development team looking to open additional locations throughout Northern Illinois.

Sheryl Inglat, spent over 20 years as an advertising executive in Albuquerque, NM. One day, doing some work for a local medical clinic, Inglat realized how many seniors were alone and in dire need of assistance and companionship. After extensive research on businesses that provide such services to seniors, Inglat discovered Comfort Keepers. "I can't tell you the overwhelming sense of accomplishment knowing that the thing I do every day with Comfort Keepers help a variety of families in my community," she says. "It almost makes me forget about the financial rewards of owning my own business." Inglat's 17-year old daughter has noticed though. She recently asked her mother if she could work for her at Comfort Keepers when she graduates form college.

Mike Chervais is typical of many prospective franchise owners. He was running a successful small business already, but something was missing. Mike bought a DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen franchise and the result has been terrific. "I've increased my market share, contacts, leads, jobs and clients, all as a result of opening my DreamMaker franchise." Mike's business has appreciated ten-fold, placing him among Remodeling Magazine's "Big 50" remodelers in the U.S. this year. Mike says his franchise has helped him build something substantial that will last long into the future.

"I can be away from the office, and the business still operates. [That's because] the business is about the franchise system."

In short, the dream to own a franchise is really about owning your life - whatever that mean to you. Be it the longing for financial independence, a legacy for family, career enjoyment, meaningful work, control over personal destiny, or a made-to-order lifestyle Entrepreneurs everywhere look to franchising as the read to their dream.