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Many entrepreneurs have lofty goals when they start a business, whether it’s a full-time job or a side hustle. And that’s the case for Demetra Markopoulos, a full-time sales executive, mother, and part-time entrepreneur. “My goal is to build a poop empire in Los Angeles,” says the Doody Coles franchise owner. And she means it.
Part-time but profitable
With a background in corporate sales, Markopolos always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She wanted to start a profitable part-time business that wouldn’t interfere with her full-time job. With a family to support and the high cost of living in California, she realized she needed to make a smart choice. Markopolos began learning about franchising through a consultant.
“[In franchising]”There’s a bit more security there and a proven business model,” she says.[I thought], Maybe he can help me find something that doesn’t require 24/7 focus.“It’s a place where you can have control and the investment isn’t necessarily as high as other franchises.”
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A side hustle? Not at first.
Markopolos was attracted to the Doody Coles job because of its flexibility, low start-up costs, ability to run the business remotely or part-time — the pet waste removal franchise is ranked #450 on the 2024 Franchise 500 (the only franchise in its category to make the top 500) — and the added benefit of not needing a skilled workforce.
Markopolos purchased the Doody Coles franchise in January 2024. Though she keeps her day job, she doesn’t like to put her name on her business.
“I wouldn’t call it a side hustle,” she says. “It’s definitely hard work, and I don’t mean to downplay that. I’m working extremely long hours right now.”
She said she works more than 40 hours a week in her full-time job and has worked up to 30 hours a week at her Doody Calls franchise.
Luckily, Markopoulos says she knew she would have to work long hours initially, with the hope that after a few months she would earn enough to be able to hire staff. “That’s where we are right now,” she said.
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Stay Organized
As someone who works on a corporate leadership team by day, being organised and flexible was essential when running a part-time business in my limited free time.
“I learned quickly that I had to create my own schedule and prioritize my week,” Markopoulos says.[I know] We have to pivot. It fluctuates from week to week.”
She also constantly reviews her side hustles to ensure they don’t affect her main job, and vice versa.
“It’s about prioritizing and thinking about what needs to be done,” she says. “What is the most effective use of my time?”
By all accounts, she did well.
“Demetra’s grit and determination was impressive from the beginning,” said Larry Amos, president of Doody Calls. entrepreneur“She has an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit and works tirelessly to bring DoodyCalls to the local community.”
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Mom-Friendly Franchises
Another benefit for Markopoulos is the flexibility to be with her 6-year-old son: “95% of the time, I can take him to marketing events, farmers’ markets, client visits,” she says.
Markopolos said Doody Coles Prestigious Brand Umbrella’s parents support her in many ways. “They understand that I have a son and a job, and they’re very flexible, but they also push me. I don’t need a lot, but more like reassurance and encouragement.”