Prenatal 3D/4D Ultrasound Business Breaks the Mold of Traditional Franchising

United Imaging Partners creates unique franchising model to give entrepreneurs complete autonomy and control over their business

AUSTIN, Texas — With about four million women having babies each year in the U.S., the 3D/4D prenatal ultrasound business represents one of the hottest new franchise opportunities in the country today.

From a yawn to a stretch, three-dimensional and four dimensional ultrasounds allow expectant parents to take a peek at their baby’s first real-time movements inside the womb. Additionally, the fetal images help create a positive emotional bond between expectant parents and their baby prior to the birth.

Founded in 2002 by Kathy and Curt Dimmick, United Imaging Partners is a legally registered and licensed franchise with 90 locations nationwide and responsible for more than 80 percent of the 3D/4D ultrasound industry’s growth. They have created a totally unique model to franchising by enabling businesses to have complete autonomy and control over their business.

“This has never been done before in the history of franchising,” said Kathy Dimmick, CEO of United Imaging Partners. “We allow our partners to choose their own name, identity, hours, décor and much, much more. Instead of buying a name they are buying a brand resulting in a business they can call their own with a path to profitability typically reserved for large franchise operators.”

United Imaging Partners never takes any royalty fees or percentage of their partner’s gross receipts. They give them all the tools, benefits and ongoing services of a traditional franchise without the control issues associated with being a franchise.

Another first in the franchising world is the way that United Imaging Partners makes a decision to bring someone on board. Instead of relying on a financial statement, United Imaging Partners has five key criteria to evaluate potential new partners. The elements include: determination, motivation, persistence, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. If someone has those essentials, Kathy and Curt have proven that they can give these potential partners the necessary business tools to be successful in this industry.

“70 percent of people are introduced to the 3D/4D ultrasound industry because they are pregnant or just had a baby. They see a market void and want to bring this exciting business to their area,” said Curt Dimmick. “Many people have a dream, but don’t have any formal business training or entrepreneurial background. We understand this challenge and provide them with the foundation and necessary tools for them to succeed.”

According to the Small Business Administration, over 50 percent of small businesses fail in the first year and 95 percent fail within the first five years. Since starting United Imaging Partners, not one of their facilities has failed.

“We offer budding entrepreneurs a way to be in business for themselves – but not by themselves,” said Kathy. “What keeps us motivated is seeing the incredible success of the people we have helped to set up a thriving entrepreneurial business. We truly believe that we are only as successful as each of our individual locations.”