With a Passion for Community Impact, Housi Kakar Builds her American Dream Through Facility Management
Housi Kakar is making the most of her Sacramento-based City Wide franchise. The former banking executive knew right away that the facility management franchise was a great fit for her. “I wanted to positively impact communities and I can do that with this business. I love the corporate culture which is all about empowering others,” she says.
Kakar calls herself a “.5 immigrant.” Her parents came to the U.S. from Afghanistan with just $200 to their names when she was 5 years old. They built the American dream for their family and now she is continuing that legacy for hers. She believes the possibilities are unlimited with her City Wide business, which she opened in July 2021. “It has been an amazing experience for my kids to witness my transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship. They get to see how anything is possible with passion and determination. They are the reasons why I did this,” she says.
One of Kakar’s favorite perks of the business is the flexibility. “Corporate America is very rigid. Now I am available when I need to drive my kids somewhere or attend one of their events,” she says. Despite the flexibility, Kakar admits she had to put in a lot of hours during her first few years of business. “It’s getting easier now, but there was a lot to establish.” Her day-to-day activities involve supporting sales and operations, plus networking and securing contracts from area businesses, including medical facilities, schools, churches, office buildings and daycares.
Multiple Services
Kakar’s location offers all of City Wide’s 20-plus services such as window and rug cleaning, but she says the bread and butter of her business comes from janitorial services. Her small but growing team includes two sales executives, an account manager and two night managers. All of the hands-on work is done by subcontractors.
Being part of a supportive network has been the icing on the cake for Kakar. She enjoys participating in the League of City Wide Women, which enables female franchisees and team members to regularly meet and discuss issues important to them. “There’s a diverse franchisee base to call on. In Northern California alone, there are several peers I talk to regularly. In corporate America, you don’t see this type of collaborative environment where people genuinely want to help each other succeed.”
Facility Management Industry
City Wide is part of the growing billion-dollar facility management industry. According to Fortune Business Insights, the industry has grown significantly due to urbanization, new technologies and the trend of outsourcing. The focus on sustainability, smart buildings, and flexible workspaces has increased demand. Health and safety concerns, especially after the pandemic, have also boosted the need for these services. This industry’s growth is expected to continue, driven by innovation and better service delivery, making it essential in today’s economy.
For more information about the City Wide Facility Solutions franchise, visit http://www.citywidefranchise.com/.
