HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Paulino Silvano wanted to be his own boss, to live the American dream. Lisa Annitti Holgerson wanted work to be rewarding, something more than a job.

Both found what they sought in franchising.

Like millions of entrepreneurs, they went into business for themselves by buying into an existing company, rather than creating their own enterprise.

At the same time, business owners like Jeff Ryu, the founder of Kudo Beans Inc. in Fort Lee, are going the franchise route to expand successful enterprises.

The appeal for both is obvious. The business owners can grow beyond their original home territories and the buyers enjoy the advantages of being their own boss with the financial and promotional backing of established brands.

Read more at Seacoast Online.