Opportunities: Pay it forward; A couple finds an underestimated real-estate opportunity in the agents

Entrepreneur, Feb, 2002 by Stephanie Soong

IN RAY AND CYNDI WHITE'S CASE, IT really did take a rocket scientist to run a business. After Ray, a former rocket scientist at JPL, and Cyndi, a hearing specialist, retired from their careers, they sought ways to grow their capital. Opportunity soon came knocking.

In early 2000, the Whites attended a business-opportunity convention. Since they already had real estate investments in four states, friends at the convention urged the couple to check Out a franchise called Commission Express, which buys real estate agents' pending commissions at a discount and advances their pay. While Commission Express waits for escrow to close agents can use the money. "When I understood what it was all about I knew it was the business for us," says Cyndi, 53. In June 2000, the couple got a franchise in Los Angeles.

Since the Whites opened their franchise 5 other franchisees have followed suit. Commission Express' rousing success has also generated copycat companies. Still, Cyndi believes it's the company's friendly attitude that makes it stand out from the rest. "A lot of them have fallen by the wayside because clients don't get the same personal attention. That's why we've [stayed] around, and they've been struggling," she says.

In addition to enjoying close relationships with their clients, the couple has fostered friendships with the owners of the other three locations in California as well as the company's foulders. For the Whites, personal connections are what make the experience worthwhile. Says Cyndi, "Our circle of friends has grown."

Every Day's Like Recess

DANCING AND TUMBLING, THIS FRANCHISEE HELPS KIDS GET HEALTHY.

IT'S NOT OFTEN YOU GET TO GO TO work in sweats and run around in your socks all day. But in Gilon Rubanenko's line of work, dressing down is a must. As the owner of a Solon, Ohio-based My Gym Children's Fitness Center franchise, Rubanenko and his staff work closely with children ages 3 months to 9 years, a difficult task to do in a suit and tie.

"The main idea of our program is to build their self-confidence and self-esteem as well as their balance and coordination," says Rubanenko, 33. Created in 1983, My Gym offers programs and classes for children, with a basis in gymnastics and tumbling. Music, dance and puppet shows are incorporated into the program for younger children, while older participants develop basic sports skills.

Rubanenko, who was once a soccer coach and camp counselor, walked into an Illinois My Gym franchise in January 2001. Within five minutes, he knew it was the business he wanted to run. Two months later, he signed a deal with My Gym.

Now Rubanenko is having the time of his life. "I get to have a positive influence on kids. They get to have a healthy lifestyle, which is what I want for my kids," he says.

Despite the perks, Rubanenko can't avoid the challenges. "In every business, you'll have issues and concerns," he says. "This just happens to be a very fun business."