It’s no secret that the economy has been tough, especially for small business owners. This is especially true of business owners in the real estate industry, where the housing bubble and lending crisis have combined to create a sluggish market for home sales.

That’s the issue Danny Niemi of Memphis, Tenn. faced with his construction business, River Rock Construction Inc., which he opened just before the housing bubble burst. Although he was able to maintain his typical construction volume for around a year, things eventually fizzled – so he quickly realized his need to diversify.

In May 2012, Niemi opened a Pillar To Post franchise to help supplement his independent business. The home inspection company has given him a foot in the door as the housing market recovers, and enables him to continue his construction work. And since home inspections are highly desired for regular home sales and bank foreclosures alike, Pillar To Post is thriving.

For people who might own their own business or have a career they’re passionate about, but would like to supplement it with something stable, effective, and profitable, a franchise is the perfect solution.

You can read more about Danny Niemi and his Pillar To Post franchise in the Memphis Business Journal.