Are you sick and tired of working inside all day while glued to a computer in a stuffy office? Guess what, you’re not alone. Research shows that most Americans would prefer to work outdoors. An L.L. Bean study from 2018 found that while 87 percent of indoor Americans enjoy the outdoors, and 65 percent felt that their job was the biggest barrier.
Spending time outdoors has proven to be healthy. It has a positive effect on the brain and body. Of the many benefits of being outdoors, the most significant include:
- Memory improvement
- Blood pressure reducer
- Mood enhancer
- Energy booster
- Stress reducer
- Depression reliever
But the advantages don’t stop there. Being outdoors has proven also to be an effective sleep aid, with exposure to natural light potentially providing an average of 46 more minutes of sleep a night. Sunlight provides 166 times more light than office light, preventing sunlight deprivation and seasonal depression. Studies show exposure to outdoor light can also reduce inflammatory levels and overall body pain, and decrease your annual sick leave.
The good news is there are plenty of businesses today that demand outdoor activity. And many of them even offer great opportunities to earn a good living while representing well-established brands. Franchise Business Review has identified 15 outdoor-focused franchises that score well on their all-important Franchisee Satisfaction Index. They include a variety of in-demand services in landscaping, travel and cruise planning, food trucks, wildlife appreciation, summer camps, fitness and more.
“With my job I was working from home, so I wasn’t really getting outside or getting much exercise or anything of that nature. I was kind of just at home every day working. It was an adjustment for me to actually start getting out and moving around and having a lot more responsibilities,” said Justin Sapp, a NaturaLawn of America franchise owner in Oxford, Mississippi.
“I have always loved being outside. I love seeing the resulting from hard work,” Sapp said.
If you’re a lover of the outdoors and are looking to invest in a business that feeds your passion, a franchise business opportunity offers you a proven model for success, including training and support and the power of a recognized brand.
But, before you invest in any franchise, it is critical to do your research. Compare brands side by side and carefully consider feedback from existing franchisees. A great place to start is Franchise Business Review’s List of Top Franchises.
To help you get you started in your journey to franchise ownership and want to work in or promote the outdoors lifestyle, here are some of the top outdoorsy brands to consider in 2021.
Sort By Amazing Athletes Amazing Athletes uses a multi-sport program designed to benefit children aged 18 mos. to 6 years physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Clean Air Lawn Care Clean Air Lawn Care is the nation’s only full-service, sustainable, and organic lawn care franchise. They provide lawn care maintenance with our solar-powered equipment and organic lawn treatments t… Critter Control Critter Controls’ model operates on the simple concept of getting pests out and keeping them out, using humane techniques to handle nuisance wildlife such as birds, moles, squirrels, mice, racco… Cruise Planners Cruise Planners is the nation’s largest home-based travel agency franchise specializing in booking travel experiences such as cruises, land tours, and all-inclusive resort vacations around the world… Dream Vacations-CruiseOne Home-based Dream Vacation franchise owners sell travel packages, including travel protection, shore excursions, hotels and tours to individuals, couples, families, businesses and groups. Kona Ice Kona Ice mobile trucks specialize in serving premium, low-sugar shaved ice in a variety of flavors. 99% of Kona Ice franchise owners would recommend the franchise to others. Download the Kona Ice Fran… NaturaLawn of America NaturaLawn of America’s environmentally friendly approach to lawn care has been creating green lawns quickly, more naturally, since 1987. The company provides a healthier, environmentally friend… Pinch A Penny Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa provides a wide selection of pool supplies including liquid chlorine, tablets, pumps, filters and more. Soccer Shots Soccer Shots is a children’s soccer program with a focus on character development and impacting children’s lives on and off the field through coaching, communication and curriculum. Truly Nolen of America Truly Nolen Pest Control is a pest and termite control service for homes or businesses. Truly Nolen’s development team created a proprietary program which proactively addresses the changes in pe… Wild Birds Unlimited Wild Birds Unlimited provides a comprehensive array of bird feeding products, as well as local nature information. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts Family-friendly Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts™ offer pools, water slides, splash grounds, jumping pillows, wagon rides, foam parties and interactions with Yogi Bear-costumed charact…