Franchising usa T he ma g a z ine for franchisees
VOL 05, ISSUE 5, mar 2017
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Midas
Franchisee
Builds on Stellar Reputation for Service sell your operating franchise in
3 simple steps special
health & beauty franchising are you renting your income? LATEST NEWS
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Franchising usa T he ma g a z ine for franchisees
FRANCHISING USA VOLUME 5, ISSUE 5, 2017 president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com
Publisher: Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com
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Editorial team: Gina Gill Rob Swystun
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COVER IMAGE: Midas
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from the p u blisher & editor Welcome to the March issue of Franchising USA. Here we are kicking off March and I can’t help but wonder, where did January and February go? It feels like the new year is moving along at supersonic speed, so I challenge you to pause for a moment to reflect on where you are and where you intend to go. Are you moving towards the goals you set at the start of the year? Or have you started to veer off course? Whether you’re right on track or find that you need to redefine your goals, this issue contains the advice and inspiration to help keep you moving in the right direction. On the Cover this issue is Midas. Turn to page 10 to learn how franchisee Brian Beers is building on the stellar reputation for service forged over the past 31 years by his father and uncle. Here you can read how this franchisee has worked to expand the service menu and deliver what today’s time-pressed customers want: total car care from an auto-service brand they trust. Our Special Feature this month is on Health & Beauty Franchising. Turn to page 26 to learn how one millennial couple turned a hobby and passion for
health and wellness into a business phenomenon. Then flip over to page 30 to read Christopher Conner’s take on how Looking Good Makes for Good Looking Business, or have a look at Bob McQuillan’s examination of The Trending of Spas in Franchising on page 24. Are you a Veteran looking to join the ever-growing franchising industry? Then you’ll want to turn to page 46 to read how this Army Colonel is Applying Military Leadership Experience to the Doggy Daycare Business. And the secret is out – DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen has a soft spot for our military so turn to page 44 to learn why veterans are attracted to the franchise. As always, we’ve included plenty of advice from our Industry Experts. Turn to page 14 to hear from Jacob Orosz on how to Sell Your Operating Franchise in 3 Simple Steps, and Matthew Jonas offers tools to help you Identify Your Ideal Franchisee on page 12. Are Your Renting Your Income? George Knauf will give you the answer on page 34. Don’t forget to check out the latest in industry news starting on page 6 and take a scroll through our A-Z directory listed at the back of the magazine. Happy reading!
“Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.” - Bo Jackson
The information and contents in this publication are believed by the publisher to be true, correct and accurate but no independent investigation has been undertaken. Accordingly the publisher does not represent or warrant that the information and contents are true, correct or accurate and recommends that each reader seek appropriate professional advice, guidance and direction before acting or relying on all information contained herein. Opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publication is sold subject to the terms and conditions that it shall not be copied in whole or part, resold, hired out, without the express permission of the publisher.
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Contents
march 2017
On the Cover
10 Cover Story: Midas Franchisee Builds on
Stellar Reputation for Service
19 Special Health & Beauty Franchising Feature 34 Are You Renting Your Income?
30
24
14
14 Sell Your Operating Franchise in 3 Simple Steps
In Every Issue 06 Franchising News: Announcements from the Industry 20 Feature Article: Health & Beauty Franchising Feature Article 39 Veterans Supplement: News and Information for Veterans in Franchising 56 A-Z Franchise and Services Directoy
12 Franchisor In Depth 52 Goddard Systems Inc.
Focus 16 The Interface Financial Group
Expert Advice 12 Identifying Your Ideal Franchisee Matthew Jonas, President, TopFire Media
34 Are You Renting Your Income? George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice 36 How Asking Illegal Interview Questions Could be Hurting Your Franchise
14
14 Sell Your Operating Franchise in 3 Simple Steps Jacob Orosz, Founder and Pesident, Morgan & Westfield
Adam Robinson, Co-founder and CEO, Hireology
50 What’s the Most Important Trait to Look For In An Employee? Kyle Zagrodsky, President, OsteoStrong
HEALTH & BEAUTY FRANCHISING FEATURE ON THE COVER 26 Looking Good Makes For Good Looking Business 32 Tips For Starting a Business With Your Spouse IN EVERY ISSUE 20 Feature Article Franchisor in Depth 26 Clean Juice EXPERT ADVICE 24 The Trending of Spas in Franchising Bob McQuillan, VP of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Franchise Development 30 Looking Good Makes for Good Looking Business Chris Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems 32 Tips for Starting a Business with Your Spouse Kat Eckles, Co-Founder, Clean Juice
24
24 The Trending of Spas in Franchising
f ra nchising usa
what’s new!
Fourteen Foods Brings Dairy Queen® Back to Maryville
Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville, Tennessee based commercial design-build firm, finished construction on the new DQ Grill & Chill, owned and operated by Dairy Queen’s largest franchisee, Fourteen Foods, which opened on January 11th, 2017. Construction began on the new store, located at 1724 W. Broadway in Maryville, in September of 2016, with Leon Williams Contractors working from the ground up on the new 3,200 square foot building. Fourteen Foods partnered with Leon Williams Contractors to return Dairy Queen to the area with a particular emphasis on a fast-casual restaurant model to create a unique experience for area residents. “This was a great project for us,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “I grew up going to Dairy Queen, so this was a nice trip down memory lane. The store itself is
larger than the older-style locations, and features a new design. I’m happy we got the opportunity to work with Fourteen Foods on this store in the community that we call home.”
included a special promotion for the first
The opening of the DQ Grill & Chill
fourteenfoods.com
Chicken Salad Chick Foundation Raises Over $100,000 to Fight Hunger Auburn, AL The Chicken Salad Chick Foundation (CSCF), the non-profit organization affiliated with Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced it raised over $100,000 through its third annual Coupon Book fundraiser to provide 400,000 meals to hungry families across eight states. As part of the fundraiser, the CSCF partnered with 60 participating Chicken
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100 customers that welcomed the new Maryville location receiving free DQ Blizzards for a year.
Salad Chick locations and their respective food-related charities to sell 22,000 Chicken Salad Chick coupon books in November and December, which can be redeemed over the course of the 2017 calendar year. “We couldn’t be more proud of the impact the CSCF has had on hungry families across the Southeast,” said Stacy Brown, Chicken Salad Chick founder. “Over the past three years, the foundation has raised more than $250,000 for local food-related charities, providing the equivalent of 1 million meals. The continued success of this fundraiser is a true testament to the CSCF’s mission to feed the hungry, and we look forward to positively impacting the lives of those in need for years to come.” For more information about the CSCF, visit www.chickensaladchick.com/Foundation.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Announces 2016 Success Report Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, reported its fifth year of positive comp sales growth in 2016.
Over the last three years, the brand has experienced comp sales increases of 26 percent. The award-winning food and smoothie franchise also signed franchise agreements to develop more
than 160 new cafes across the U.S. and closed out the year with 86 new restaurant openings, expanding the brand’s presence in
cities nationwide including Charleston, Albuquerque, Dallas and Houston.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2017, Tropical Smoothie plans to open 100 restaurants nationwide and currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Indianapolis,
Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Cincinnati and Minneapolis, among others. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is looking to add qualified
franchisees to its growing brand. Candidates should have business experience; $125,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth
of $350,000; and an initial investment of between $198,050 and
$478,550. By 2020, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to have 1,000 stores open across the U.S.
www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com
Kitchen Tune-Up Announces New President Heidi Morrissey has been awarded the role of president for the Kitchen TuneUp franchise system. Heidi has served as vice president of sales & marketing for the company since 2003. Founder David Haglund will continue as chairman of the board. Kitchen Tune-Up has been family owned and operated since inception in 1988. Morrissey is Haglund’s oldest daughter and has worked side-byside with him for the past 13 years. “Heidi has been handling many of the day to day operations for the past few years and I feel she is ready to take on the responsibility and title of president,” said Haglund. Haglund intends to be available as a mentor for his daughter as she brings her vision to the franchise system. “I am honored to have the opportunity to keep serving our franchise owners and maintaining our family connection while continuing to grow the system,” said Morrissey.
the front-runner among kitchen and bath
restoration Tune-Up, cabinet refacing, cabinet redooring, new cabinets, granite sealing and storage solutions.
known for its signature one-day wood
www.ktufranchise.com
Kitchen Tune-Up is widely recognized as remodeling companies. The company is
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what’s new!
Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care Launches ‘Transmission Physician’ for Drivers and every driver – male and female. The Transmission Physician is a specialist in transmission technology and repair, and explores topics through the video series such as, checking the automatic transmission fluid (ATF), why transmissions are so expensive, the process of how a transmission works, rechecks and more. These videos are accessible via the Cottman website below.
The choice to add the female animated character to Cottman’s online video series – which includes another dynamic animated auto expert, the Cottman Man – comes as the brand prides itself on continued inclusion.
Cottman aims to boost the representation of women as experts in the auto care industry, a place where they see major gaps in gender roles. Likewise, Cottman sees this as an opportunity to remind its loyal and new customers that it is a trusted provider of automotive services for any
The Transmission Physician animated character is a tribute to those women who already work in our industry, which embodies owners, center managers and technicians alike. www.cottman.com/TransmissionPhysician
The Gents Place Expands into Austin, Texas The Gents Place, a lifestyle club bringing men’s grooming to the next level signed a franchise development agreement to expand the concept to Austin, Texas. New franchisee Paul Terracina will open the brand’s first location in the market in Fall 2017. Prior to becoming a franchisee with The Gents Place, Terracina worked at Massage Heights’ corporate office in San Antonio, where he played an integral role in the establishment of Elevated Brands — a brand management and development company that invested in The Gents Place in 2016 to help grow the brand nationally through the franchising model. The Gents Place prides itself on having one of the most unique service menus in the industry, epitomizing the exclusivity of an old-world speakeasy paired with an upscale, welcoming country club atmosphere. The company currently
Franchising USA
has three lifestyle clubs in North Texas (Dallas, Southlake and Frisco), as well as one in Leawood, Kansas. The Gents Place plans to open 150 franchised locations over the next five years. The company is seeking qualified franchisees to join the brand and
currently has opportunities nationwide in markets such as Texas, Georgia, Florida, California, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia. To learn more about ownership opportunities visit http://www.tgpfranchising.com.
Captain D’s Achieves Sixth Consecutive Year of Sales Growth and Propels National Expansion in 2016
Dunkin’ Donuts Opens Newest Hotel Location in Colorado Springs Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has opened its newest hotel location at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado in Colorado Springs, making its eighth restaurant to open under a franchise agreement between Dunkin’ Donuts and Great Wolf Resorts.
Captain D’s announced its year-end results, achieving its fourth successive year of record high system-wide AUV. Captain D’s also saw a fourth-quarter system-wide same-store sales increase of 1.3 percent and a 2.3 percent system-wide same-store sales increase for the entire fiscal year, marking the company’s 21st consecutive quarter and sixth consecutive year of positive growth. “The Captain D’s brand continues to evolve each year, but we have never wavered from our guest-centric values and our commitment to serving high-quality, innovative seafood dishes,” said Phil Greifeld, CEO and president of Captain D’s. “Coupled with our strong franchise
development pipeline, the exceptional growth we experienced last year has positioned Captain D’s for immense potential in 2017.” Throughout 2016, Captain D’s opened 13 new locations, and is projected to open 25 new restaurants this year. This ongoing growth expanded the brand’s presence in states nationwide, including Florida, Texas and Georgia. With 518 restaurants in 21 states, Captain D’s is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. The company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join in the brand’s rapid expansion. www.captaindsfranchising.com
Dunkin’ Donuts has existing restaurants at Great Wolf Lodge resorts in Concord, N.C; Williamsburg, Va.; Traverse City, Mich.; Sandusky, Ohio; Fitchburg, Mass.; Mason, Ohio and Garden Grove, Calif. with additional locations planned to open in 2017. Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. owns and operates all eight of these locations, which serve Dunkin’ Donuts’ menu of delicious food and beverages that can be enjoyed all throughout the day. Opportunities exist to grow with Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts’ sister brand, individually or as multi-brand units in the hotel sector. Flexible design options are available to suit any facility, including full retail restaurants, kiosks and self-serve hot coffee stations perfect for gift shops and general stores. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins locations can also be designed to suit specific areas such as snack bars and convention registration areas. For more information about Dunkin’ Donuts, please visit www.DunkinFranchising.com.
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cov er sto ry
Midas
M
Ever visit one of those neighborhoods where young urban professionals are moving in, renovating handsome old buildings and revitalizing the community? Brian Beers’ stewardship of his multiple Philadelphia-area Midas shops is a little like that. In the past six years, he has built on the stellar reputation for service forged over the past 31 years by his father, Tracy
Franchising USA
Beers, and his uncle, Herb Hollinger, by expanding their service menu and delivering what today’s time-pressed customers want: total car care from an auto-service brand they trust. Since he took the helm in 2009, sales at Brian’s stores have risen steadily. Buoyed by this success, he has in recent years opened two new locations, expanding the family’s retail footprint to eight Midas car-care outlets. So how has Brian maximized his Midas opportunity? • By being a hands on owner • By hiring energetic, upbeat, ambitious employees;
• By training and developing his team; • By paying for results; • By communicating with his employees and conveying a vision for the business; • By putting his faith in a service category that he feels is Midas’ future: tires; And most important: • By executing a very effective, 10 Absolutes-based “Acquire, Convert, and Retain” strategy. “We try not to pressure customers”, said Beers. “We approach it in terms of ‘this is what your car is telling me, based on our inspection.’ Our managers provide the total picture – what the customers
Midas Franchisee Builds on Stellar Reputation for Service
““There is a lot of money to be made in car care, even in today’s competitive market, provided you stay involved.” - Brian Beers need now, what they’ll need in the future and what won’t need service for a year or more. You build a lot of trust when you tell somebody that they don’t need something.” Today, Beers runs a sales– and service– focused organization staffed by a highenergy team that is committed to doing a great job for customers, and, in doing so, driving increased income for themselves. Ongoing in-house team training is a priority for the franchisee, who in recent years transitioned to an operating-profit based plan whereby managers who run very profitable stores can make very good money. A graduate of the University of Miami, where he majored in business with an
entrepreneurship focus, Brian has been around Midas as long as he can remember. “This business has supported our family my whole life. So when I graduated, I thought it would be an opportunity to take the ideas I learned in college and apply them to the business,” said Beers who minored in computer technology and ran a software development company for iPhone applications and database-driven websites while in school. Beers also picks up on business best practices through his friendships with other Midas franchisees. “It’s important to talk with other experienced dealers; otherwise you might just as well be an independent“, said Beers.
“There is a lot of money to be made in car care, even in today’s competitive
market, provided you stay involved,”
said Beers. “The programs introduced by Midas are creating opportunities. I like the advertising – it’s fresh simple and
it’s driving cars. I came out of business school with a plan and a vision”, he
concluded. “We have great advertising, a strong brand and something that we are
competitive in -- tires. So yes, I’m excited, I’m feeling good about the business,
and I think everyone should give these
programs a shot and make the best of this opportunity.”
www.midasfranchise.com
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ex per t advice
Matthew Jonas, President, TopFire Media
Identifying Your Ideal Franchisee
Tools to improve lead quality in franchise marketing Quality over quantity — it’s a frequent phrase used in franchise lead generation. And though it’s something of a cliche, it’s reiterated because it’s simply true.
Franchising USA
Any franchisor would rather have one excellent prospect than 10 so-so ones. The health of a franchise depends on the success of its franchisees, and without quality prospects, finding quality franchisees is only a pipe dream. As many seasoned franchise marketers know, however, gaining the attention of ideal prospects is easier said than done. Developing a high-impact franchise lead funnel starts with developing an
Sometimes it’s just as easy to identify who is not a good fit for a particular system as it is to identify who is. These negative personas play a critical role in eliminating unqualified buyers. ideal franchise persona to target. All of a franchisor’s targeting activities should start with a detailed development of a prospect profile — the needs, goals, pain points and behaviors of the potential franchise buyer — before any sort of outbound messaging begins. In order to shape the profile, it’s important for a franchisor to ask themselves some specific questions: Is prior experience necessary? What personality traits are right for the business? Is there a particular age range that would fit best? What motivates our ideal franchisee prospect? These questions, among others, work in conjunction to create a picture of “the ideal franchisee” and help franchise marketers develop campaigns that target them with strategic methods, at the right places and times.
Key in emotionally When a franchisor can confidently answer these detailed questions, they can begin to understand a person’s drive for seeking their franchise opportunity. This is crucial, as anyone in the franchising world knows, because people seek opportunities for a wide spectrum of reasons. While it seems reasonable to believe that potential prospects sit down and weigh each opportunity with logical arguments, we know that a majority of people buy a franchise for emotional reasons. Obviously, individuals invest in franchising because they want to own a business, that much is clear. But, the why behind that decision is a little harder to pinpoint. Perhaps they are unhappy with their current job; they want something to leave behind for their children; they want flexible hours for more free time with family. Whatever the reason, to attract the franchise prospect looking at their investment through an emotional lens, appeal to them with an emotional message.
Utilize franchisee success stories and testimonials to help prospects understand that those who came before them may have been motivated by the same drivers, and highlight those decisions as having proved fruitful in their lives. It’s human nature to be drawn to and influenced by someone who shares the same values, desires and goals in life, so providing prospects with a proverbial mirror grants them an in-theflesh example of what their potential future can hold.
Utilize your assets Current franchisees provide a third-party validator for a franchise system, and also serve as the perfect blueprint for what a quality lead looks like. By analyzing top-performing franchisees against those whose performance is marginal, a franchisor can develop a specific side-byside comparison to yield quality insight in how to alter marketing efforts. Absent of a successful franchisee blueprint — a reality faced by many emerging franchise systems — the digital world provides a great space to build the template for a model investor. With access to popular social media platforms and groups, professional cultural research studies, and self-produced surveys, even with a small sample size, digital research tools allow for a greater understanding of the wants, needs and aspirations of the ideal franchisee.
Weed out the bad Just as important as developing an ideal franchisee persona, it’s helpful to create a negative persona. Sometimes it’s just as easy to identify who is not a good fit for a particular system as it is to identify who is. These negative personas play a critical role in eliminating unqualified buyers. Nothing is as detrimental to the health of a franchise system than a franchisee who
doesn’t share the same values, motivations and devotion to the company. The same can be said for attracting unqualified leads. While not detrimental to a brand’s image and reputation, recruiting unqualified leads is a waste of valuable marketing dollars and can threaten to derail an otherwise effective strategy. Take, for instance, a Facebook advertising campaign. Facebook delivers some of the highest lead numbers across digital marketing initiatives, but when not properly targeted, these leads are often unqualified and underdeveloped. By refining parameters on Facebook based on age, location, gender, job title, interests, behaviors and more, the lead funnel transforms a massive pool of people into a specifically targeted group ideal for the franchise marketing message.
When you’ve got a persona, you’ve got success Throughout the life-cycle of a lead, strategic steps are taken to convert it into a franchise sale. A priority within those steps is connecting with people on a dynamic level. To do so, taking intentional strides to develop targeted personas is paramount. When we can understand what people are looking for, we can be prepared when they’re ready to take the plunge. Matthew Jonas is the president of TopFire Media, an award winning, integrated public relations and digital marketing agency specializing in franchise marketing and consumer branding. Together with the leaders of iFranchise Group and Franchise Dynamics, Matthew established TopFire Media to provide a strategic and synchronized method for digital marketing in the franchise industry. As a digital marketing strategist with over a decade of in-depth experience in SEO and PPC, social media publishing, conversion-based marketing, inbound marketing, sales management, and online lead generation, Matthew has built a career dedicated to delivering an integrated marketing approach that achieves client success and long-term relationships. www.topfiremedia.com
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ex per t advice
Jacob Orosz, Founder and President, Morgan & Westfield
Sell Your Operating Franchise
in 3 Simple Steps Congratulations, you have built a successful franchise and are now ready to exit. You might wonder: Is selling a franchise different from selling an independent business? What can you do to ensure a successful sale? Here are three simple ways to successfully sell your operating franchise:
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Step 1: Prepare Your Franchise for Sale Start by contacting your franchisor. There is no reason to keep the sale confidential from your franchisor who is accustomed to their franchisees exiting at some point. Ask if they can help you with a resale or transfer. Find out the extent of assistance they offer. The process varies significantly from franchise to franchise, so don’t skip this step. Ask your franchisor the following questions: • What are your transfer fees when I sell my franchise? The fees should be indicated in your franchise agreement.
Some franchises do not charge a transfer fee; others charge fees between $1,000 and $30,000.
• What are the qualifications for a
buyer of a franchise resale? Your franchisor must approve the buyer before you can sell your business.
Qualifications usually relate to credit score, net worth or experiences.
• What rules of thumb do you use
to value my business? Franchisors
normally share the basic rules of thumb in determining the sales price — i.e., what multiples of your gross revenue
or cash flow you may be able sell your franchise for.
“Selling an operating franchise has a higher success rate than selling an independent business because most buyers place a high value on the support provided by the franchisors.” Some franchisors can help you with multiple elements of the sale. Others, however, do not want any involvement with the resale other than to approve the new franchisee. Franchisors want you to succeed in selling your business not only because a new qualified franchisee in the system can potentially increase revenues (hence the rise in royalties, as well), but also because they want to avoid reporting a closed or terminated franchise in Item 20 of their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which most buyers scrutinize. The more franchises close down or fail to renew, the harder it is for a franchisor to sell new franchises. Franchise brokers who quickly review certain FDD sections including Items 3, 19 and 20 for red flags also avoid selling franchises with several terminations or non-renewals. Preparation also includes obtaining a valuation, adjusting or normalizing your financial statements, and preparing a marketing package — often called a business summary or an offering memorandum — for your business.
Step 2: Market Your Franchise for Sale Most business brokers use online portals and their own proprietary databases to market businesses for sale. If your franchisor does not aggressively market the sale of your business, a business broker can do this for you. Franchisor brokers are not ideal because they specialize in selling a new franchise, not an existing or operating franchise. In selling an operating franchise, there are two powerful tools at your disposal:
• Item 19 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (Earnings Disclaimer) – If your franchise’s performance falls below the median or average compared with those of other franchisees in your system, use this financial data from the franchisor to show buyers that your franchise has the potential to perform much better. Franchisors, however, are not required to disclose an earnings claim. • Item 20 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (Renewal, Turnover and Cancellation Rates) – Item 20 contains a list of the transfers, closures and non-renewals of the franchise. A healthy franchise has a high renewal rate and a low number of closures. An unhealthy franchise system will have a very high number of non-renewals and terminations. If your system is healthy, use this data to show the buyer that your franchise has a sound business model. Marketing the sale of your business varies from franchise to franchise, hence making resales a bit more complex than selling an independent business.
Step 3: Negotiate and Close the Deal Once you’ve found a buyer who is interested in both your business and the franchise model, you can negotiate a price and begin with the closing process. Consider these variations that make selling an independent business different from selling a franchise: • FDD – The buyer must receive a copy of the FDD 14 days prior to being ‘awarded’ the franchise. • Discovery - Because you are selling an operating business, buyers may focus
Jacob Orosz
more on your specific business than
on the merits of the franchise model. Franchisors, however, may require
buyers to attend the Discovery Day
before they buy the franchise or prior
to making an offer. The process varies based on the franchisor’s preferences and practices.
• The Closing – Closing styles also
vary from franchise to franchise. Most franchisors prefer to just review the
purchase agreement and not be involved in the closing process. Some conduct a
roundtable closing. In our case, however, all of the closings are done virtually.
Selling an operating franchise has a higher success rate than selling an independent business because most buyers place
a high value on the support provided
by the franchisors. Unlike franchises, most independent businesses lack the infrastructure and systems that make
a business attractive to buyers. In our
analysis of over 10,000 transactions, most
franchises are worth about 10%-20% more than their independent counterparts. By following the steps above and
employing an experienced business broker, you can successfully exit your business.
Jacob Orosz is the founder and president of Morgan & Westfield, a professional services firm that specializes in the confidential appraisal and sale of smallto mid-size, privately owned businesses. morganandwestfield.com
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focus
T he I nter face Fina ncial G roup
It’s Our B We are a unique financial service company helping businesses grow and reach their own potential faster.
When you tell somebody it’s your birthday, they inevitably want to know how old you are. In our case, The Interface Financial Group, it’s no secret - on April 11th, we will be celebrating 45 years of continuous business since completing our first transaction. Franchising USA
We are involved in accelerating their cash flow, thus providing the all-important energy that the company needs to grow. Cash flow acceleration is nothing new, it’s been around many many years. However, The Interface Financial Group developed a method of not only perfecting the service for a specific business niche, but also creating a franchise opportunity around the service - the first and still the only service of its kind in the franchise world. It all started as we say 45 years ago when the founder of the company, Mr. John Sheehy, purchased some invoices from his client who needed the cash immediately (rather than waiting for his customer to pay) to deal with wages and supplier payments. John created the system based on buying invoices rather than lending money to the client and, as such, The Interface Financial Group was born. That was 1972, and since that time much has happened in terms of our own growth as well as the growth of literally thousands of our client companies. We now operate
on an international basis, growing from our North American roots with operations in the UK and Ireland and Australia. We also plan to grow even beyond our current eight country operations, and develop other international markets in the near future. In most companies and organizations, a 45-year time span would represent an opportunity for extensive change and innovation. That may not be altogether true for The Interface Financial Group. 45 years on, and we are still offering the same service to our clients that we did right from day one. Some people might see this as a lack of imagination in terms of our own outlook and growth, we, on the other hand, see it as a consolidation of knowledge and a testimony to the systems and procedures that are in place and continue to work extremely well for both our clients and our franchisees. While we continue to offer the same service under basically the same parameters, much has however changed in our delivery approach. Technology has played an ever-increasing part in our own growth and development. And, while our
Birthday! underlying service remains the same, the way we deliver and execute that service has changed radically, especially over the past few years. In reviewing some of our material from 2011, it stated that we could complete our due diligence for a new transaction in approximately five business days. We have now reduced the five business days, which was at the time in itself a short period, down to a matter of hours rather than days. This rapid funding approach is, needless to say, something that is always important when a business is looking for a new funding opportunity. It may be said, therefore, that there are some values in the established standards, especially when you couple them together with today’s technology. The Interface Financial Group continues to grow and explore new market opportunities with
“While we continue to offer the same service under basically the same parameters, much has however changed in our delivery approach. Technology has played an ever-increasing part in our own growth and development.” the aid of cutting edge technology. The Interface Financial Group franchise is a blend of people and technology and, as such, the group is always looking for individuals with an entrepreneurial outlook interested in owning their own business in the financial service sector, but under the umbrella of a mature and established franchise organization.
of the franchise is built around the aspect of doing things together. Both franchisee and franchisor engage in all transactions together, thus spreading the workload and enabling the franchisees to enjoy a virtually paperless franchise. Working together also creates an extensive comfort zone for franchisees as they build their own franchise.
The Interface Financial Group, through their franchise group offers a financial service that would not be considered unique. However when you look at the service in the context of a franchise opportunity, it certainly is a one-of-a-kind situation. Much of the ongoing success
www.interfacefinancial.com
If you would like to celebrate with us and be part of our continuing growth - maybe not for the next 45 years, but certainly in the shorter term - then give some thought to the ultimate professional franchise – The Interface Financial Group.
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FranchisingFeature health & beauty
march 2 0 1 7
looking good makes for good looking business the trending
of spas in franchising tips for starting a business with your spouse Franchising USA
H e a lt h & B e au t y fr anch ising fe at u r e
Featu re
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
franch
t a e F
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HEALTH BEAUTY
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With advancements in technology, easier access to information and a better understanding of healthcare, wellness and health are at the forefront of people’s priorities. More and more Americans understand
the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the overall impact it has on their livelihood.
Health and wellness may be a lifestyle practice for many; it has also become a more powerful marketing tool and business opportunity for others.
“Health and wellness may be a lifestyle practice for many; it has also become a more powerful marketing tool and business opportunity for others.” Franchisors have jumped on this bandwagon and see the profit pour in. For some investors, it’s about pursuing a passion for a healthy lifestyle; for other franchisors it’s about focusing in on a large target audience that will create success.
America in Numbers The health market is extremely prevalent in the American Economy, for many different reasons but particularly when it comes to weight loss concerns. According to the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey of 2010, 2 in 3 adults in America are considered overweight or obese. Those who are considered overweight or obese have an increase risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and a host of other health care problems, which impacts the health care system. Investing in a health and wellness industry would be beneficial to a lot of Americans who are struggling with their weight
while also helping alleviate the strains on hospitals and doctors. In fact, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention stated the USA is currently experiencing an obesity epidemic, meaning a large portion of the population is directly affected by this health crisis and need support. For those who are passionate and altruistic, and are interested in helping the greater good, a franchising investment in the Health and Wellness industry could not only be helpful to the overall population, but also extremely beneficial considering the high number of people at risk. Western society is also facing an aging population, with baby Boomers hitting senior years. They too are more interested in the state of their health. People are living longer due to proper health care, advancements in medicine and education. This portion of the population opens another consumer base that would allow for profit and success in the franchising business.
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Fads The Health and Beauty industry is constantly growing and ever changing so it’s a competitive and fast paced industry. That being said, people are willing to invest in almost all and every quick fix health regiment, as well as willing to reach into their pocket for fitness and nutrition routine to obtain a healthier lifestyle. So the consumer market is always available, but a company has to be one step ahead of its competition at all times. Health trends could make or break a market and you don’t want to be left behind. A franchise is a safer bet because a team of researchers is available and provide tremendous support to their franchisees.
“The ability to snap and post immediately has made people picture obsessed and therefore more concerned about their outward appearance.” Power of the Selfie The ever growing popularity of social media and technology has made access at the tips of most people’s fingers. The ability to snap and post immediately has made people picture obsessed and therefore more concerned about their outward appearance. The idea that an online posting could reach anyone and everyone, influences people to try and obtain a certain standard. That online ideal includes a healthy lifestyle, a slim figure and perfect complexion. Social media is free advertisement for The Health and Beauty market, with celebrities tweeting about their experiences with certain products to kids creating popular hashtags about how they stay fit and healthy, opens up a whole other world of
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free marketing for franchisors interested in this industry.
Those considering a Health and Beauty
market should research how a company is trending in the social media and its
popularity in these marketing venues. That being said, a lot of health care
products have become online niches,
without locations. People have become
susceptible to sitting behind a computer screen and ordering the next popular item to help them lose weight fast or
become healthy immediately. Some online
markets may create direct competitions for franchisors in the field. Before considering a certain franchise, investors should
investigate whether or not an online option is available to keep interest and step ahead of the game.
Franchisees can remain aware of their competition but rest easy knowing they are ahead of the game with a team of marketers and researchers that provide a successful outcome. For those interested in the Health and Wellness franchise industry, it is suggested that you ask about the roles and availability of the support team. That being said people are getting back to basics. Younger consumers are recognizing some diet fads are neither healthy, nor safe and they are simply eating well and exercising. Though that may read as a simple concept, we all need a little help once and awhile. Gyms, exercise equipment and fitness courses allow support those interested in living an easy and healthy lifestyle. Some gyms are franchises that provide easy access to clients, with classes on nutrition and fitness regiments. In fact, it is estimated that 45 million adults in the country have a gym membership. Some avail of these services, while other pay the monthly fee and give away free money. A person with a passion for fitness and exercise could greatly appreciate a gym franchise and should consider what services and products are available at each facility. Consumers prefer a one stop shop that provides plenty of options. A lot of online markets are recognizing a trend away from diets and towards healthy
“Consumers like the idea of eating well, without all the work. We want to be healthy, but we don’t want to put in the effort.”
and “clean” foods. They provide meals that are wholesome and delivered, with weekly plans that make healthy eating more accessible and easy. Consumers like the idea of eating well, without all the work. We want to be healthy, but we don’t want to put in the effort. A franchise that provides healthy food services, especially with an online presence is a great investment and one with more options and products would provide more success due the high competition of the industry. A consideration for longevity should be considered because this could just be another health fad that could fizzle out. The Health and Beauty industry is not only detrimental to the future of America, it is also appealing to a widespread population. It’s well marketed, always popular and successful. Though it has a tough competitive market, investing in a franchise will receive a support system and a leg up on competitors. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina Gill
became a freelance journalist in 2008. She has worked as a reporter and in
communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community
information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.
Look out for our next special feature: MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISING Franchising USA
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Bob McQuillan, Vice President of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Franchise Development
The Trending of Spas in Franchising Recently, franchised spas are trending and it’s not difficult to understand why. No spa experience is necessary to become a franchise owner, and it’s a sound and easy business model to follow. In the past five years, the spa industry has seen unprecedented growth, and the growth track is building, which is great for investors. I’ve gathered a list of benefits that have contributed the trending of spas in franchising. Bob McQuillan
Franchise spas are a fast growing sector of the health and wellness industry and have steadily become affordable and accessible modes of selfcare for middle market consumers. Franchising USA
Huge amount of opportunity for spa growth Currently, there is a tremendous opportunity for spa franchise growth and brand development. Business is looking up! Annual research on financial signals in the spa industry predicts strong success for its future based on its 5 years of growth in revenue, according to a report commissioned by the International SPA Association (ISPA) released in September 2016.
We’re just massaging the surface at this point, so let’s get into the deep tissue of the issue of spa growth. In addition to forecasting gains in the spa industry, the annual ISPA study showed spa revenue increased by 5% to $16.3 billion from $15.5 billion between 2014 to 2015, attributed to the impressive increase in spa visits. The report estimates spa visits increased 2.1% to 179 million in 2015 from 176 million in 2014, while average revenues for each visit also rose 2.9% to $91 in 2015 from $88 the previous year. The study also showed how the industry itself was a positive addition to the US economy in 2015 through increases of fulltime spa employees and new spa locations.
Consumers are equating beauty with wellness According to the Global Wellness Summit 8 Wellness Trends for 2017 - and Beyond report, wellness is giving the idea of beauty a makeover as consumers’ overall attitudes about beauty change and they
demand to both feel and look good. And why shouldn’t they want both? Consumers are trying to achieve authentic beauty and well-being by focusing on the source of beauty through self-care methods like meditation, yoga, anti-aging and skin care products, clean eating, and exercise. A standout finding of the report was the trend of people being more in tune with what they use on their skin. According to a 2015 skin care market report from MarketResearch.com, skin care in the US is a fast growing segment and is set to slightly exceed $10 million by 2018. People are becoming mindful of the benefits of skin care at a younger age, and the demand remains steady from aging consumers. As consumer ideas about beauty and aging change, spas are moving to accommodate the demand for services. In response, some massage franchise spas provide related wellness services for beauty and relaxation like skin care, facials, and hair removal. In addition to in-house services, many massage franchises offer skin care products for at-home use that clear skin or smooth away signs of skin aging.
“Spa services are not just luxury indulgences anymore. Rather, they are now a part of a regular consumer’s journey to achieving health and wellness through self care.” mom in search of a self-care break from the kids? Spa services are becoming more accessible to people of all walks of life at massage and facial franchises. The Global Wellness Summit report mentions an increase in the number of cost accessible services and products focusing on well-being, including those available at affordable spa franchises. Franchises are making massage and facial services available at lower price points that fit middle class consumer budgets.
Increasing affordability and accessibility of spa services
The report also discusses a global shift towards the idea of “fairness” and how that idea is pushing the industry of wellness to grow its reach to general consumers rather than just the wealthy. Spa services are not just luxury indulgences anymore. Rather, they are now a part of a regular consumer’s journey to achieving health and wellness through self care. You can become a key part of that journey as a franchisee in the growing spa industry!
What type of client do you picture when you think of a spa consumer? Do you see a C-suite executive relaxing or a busy soccer
To recap, there is a huge amount of opportunity for franchise spa growth as spa services become more accessible
to mid-market consumers who are in tune with wellness and beauty. I’ve seen the effects of these industry trends first hand, and that’s why I encourage anyone interested in business ownership to consider spa franchising. Bob McQuillan brings a unique perspective to the franchise industry. He’s not only the Vice President of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Franchise Development, but also an owner of three Hand & Stone locations with his wife Denise. Tasked with developing and expanding the franchise, Bob is one of the earliest points of contact with future owners. He conducts one-on-one webinars with qualified candidates to answer questions about the small business process. Bob is committed to working with wellqualified franchise owners to ensure their financial success in the growing health and wellness industry with Hand & Stone’s recurring revenue business model. handandstonefranchise.com
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Clea n Juice
Millennial Couple Turns Hobby into a Business Phenomenon Franchising USA
While the concept of juicing has been around since the 1970s, its explosion over the past decade was sparked by a greater understanding of the health benefits of drinking smoothies and juice from fresh vegetables and fruits. Health-minded people have gravitated so strongly to juicing for a variety of reasons including to cleanse, detox, absorb essential vitamins in a delicious, flavorful way, and conveniently fuel up on-the-go. While the highest concentrations of juice bars are typically in New York and Los
“We originally hoped to award five to ten units in our first year of franchising, but if we keep at our current pace we will be close to 100.” - Landon Eckles the flexibility to be actively involved in their children’s lives without the constraints of Landon’s business travel. Angeles, their popularity is also growing throughout the rest of the county. Kat and Landon Eckles, a millennial couple from North Carolina, took their passion for juicing and turned it into business phenomenon. In 2014, they decided to create and launch Clean Juice, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise.
Kat Eckles, a self-proclaimed recovering junk food addict, discovered a strong interest in wellness in 2007, after the birth of their first child. She dedicated herself to learning everything she could about nutrition, taking particular interest in the benefits of enjoying a diet focused on fresh, organic vegetables and fruit.
Kat and Landon Eckles – 30 and 31 years old, respectively – are not your traditional millennial couple. At a relatively young age, they’ve turned the success of their one, local juice bar into a thriving franchised business, all while raising their five children.
With her drive to maintain and share a healthy lifestyle and her husband’s business background, the couple created a business focused on their passion, creating a juice bar that provides its customers easy, on-the-go access to organic foods. Certified organic produce was a nonnegotiable for them.
In fact, their plans to raise a big, healthy family were a driving factor behind Landon Eckles’ decision to leave his position as a managing partner with a real estate development firm to establish the juice concept with his wife. They wanted
In two short years, they’ve grown beyond the original location to four corporate stores, and they’re poised for massive growth, with close to 50 signed agreements to open additional locations across the country.
The couple originally wanted to bring the joys of juicing to the south and middle America, while staying away from the already saturated New York and Los Angeles markets. However, as the brand expands, New York and Los Angeles are viable and exciting markets for Clean Juice to enter into. The franchise’s flagship store opened in June of 2015 – on the couple’s wedding anniversary – in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, North Carolina. They launched this first location after a year of research and development, turning their vision and ideas into a business model that became an instant hit among health-conscious consumers in the Tar Heel State. The couple’s strong faith is a part of the Clean Juice brand, as they’ve incorporated their favorite bible verse, “Dear Friend, I hope all is well with you, and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit,” into their overall franchise model. They make sure the overall experience customers get from a visit to Clean Juice
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Clea n Juice
is unique, as they focus on a vibrant, positive experience. They believe strongly in transparency, providing consumers with the full details of what goes into their juice. “More and more people are beginning to understand how important it is for produce to be organic, especially in juices,” said Kat Eckles. Landon and Kat Eckles actually looked extensively at purchasing a franchise before they decided to open their own concept. “I searched high and low for a juice and smoothie bar that I believed actually did it right and just could not find one”, said Kat Eckles. Landon Eckles adds, “We were down to the wire, and Kat looked at me and said ‘OK, we can do this, but I probably just won’t drink anything from our store’. At that moment I knew that we had to do our own thing.” This also alerted him of what was missing in the marketplace, which they contribute as a big factor to their early success in franchising. The couple also claims, “Being the only certified organic concept sets us apart, but beyond that people fall in love with our brand and the experience.”
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“We’ve built an incredible team around us that are as focused and as passionate as we are about propelling the brand forward. We know that the best is yet to come and are all very excited about what the future holds.” - Landon Eckles Most of Clean Juice’s new franchise leads come from customers who enjoyed the experience enough to want to become a part of the business. Other prospective franchisees are attracted to Clean Juice’s status as the only USDA-certified organic juice bar. While many of their guests are fellow millennials, many of their franchise leads have come from parents of millennials. “Their children find our product and fall in love with it, and they present the opportunity to their parents, who get the concept and want to jump in,” said Landon Eckles. “We originally hoped to award five to ten units in our first year of franchising, but if we keep at our current pace we will be close to 100.” The couple is most proud of the way they’ve been able to do the business their own way. “Working hand in hand and
building this brand as a couple has easily been the most rewarding part of the whole experience,” said Kat Eckles, “and now, being able to take the fun and fulfillment that Landon and I have building a business together and offering it to other spouses and families to do the same is just the icing on the cake.” These millennials took a very nontraditional career path and while following their passion, have already achieved a tremendous success. “We’ve built an incredible team around us that are as focused and as passionate as we are about propelling the brand forward”, says Landon Eckles. “We know that the best is yet to come and are all very excited about what the future holds.” www.cleanjuicebar.com
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FRANGUIDE.COM 703-424-2980 FIND YOUR FRANCHISE WITH FREE GUIDANCE FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
H e a lt h & B e au t y fr anch ising fe at u r e
Chris Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems
Looking Good Makes for Good Looking Business Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have some degree of vanity that controls our day to day activities and lives. Some more than others, this vanity drives our spending and financial decisions to an extent as well. What is interesting to review is spending on health and beauty even in times where many people are struggling to pay their mortgage like 2008 through 2011 still stays relative constant. Looking good possibly trumps putting a roof over our head or eating in some cases. Recently, the market has been on an upswing and health and beauty have followed suit with a massive surge in growth across the board. This growth has translated to investment and innovation in technology, small business, franchising and other business markets. With Franchise Marketing Systems, we have the luxury of being able to see firsthand these trends and exciting market segments take shape. Certainly 2016 has been a great year for health and beauty and 2017 looks to continue that trend of experiential-driven growth.
What are the trends in health and beauty? 1. People want community. We saw this with the amazing advent of CrossFit. The volume of injuries seemed to those of us not in a program that this was just a bad idea, but people enjoyed intense workouts, positive physical results and most of all a community of people who all joined together to beat themselves up. This now is transitioning to a softer, more sustainable workout in Yoga. Possibly Tom Brady’s participation in yoga has helped, but the gains in this market segment are astounding with over $17 billion spent on yoga services and products in the U.S. during 2016 alone. Again, there is this sense of community that the health and fitness segment haven’t had with your traditional gym in the
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“In the end, don’t get lost in the fluffy, fun ideas that tend to come with the health and beauty market. Continue to focus on bottom line profits, cash flow and revenue growth.” past. In fact, I remember entire years at my gym where I never interacted with a single person, but in a yoga class people become family and truly indulge in relationships with one another. Franchise brands such as Purre Barre, SoulCycle and Orange Theory get this and have capitalized on the trend of community fitness. 2. People want natural. Never before in the history of food labels has there been so much attention to the ingredients in our food, vitamins, supplements and other “Stuff” we just ate in years past. Restaurants and food retailers are being forced by today’s knowledgeable consumer who asks the hard questions and spends good money on products that have organic, natural and healthy ingredients. Terms like “Farm to Table” are commonplace and the average 5 year old knows what a “GMO” is. If you are serving a food product or selling something people eat, it’s time to get organic and find ways to get rid of ingredients that people can’t pronounce with 14 letters in their name. 3. Everyone’s talking about Weed. You can’t pick up a magazine, go to a franchise show or watch the news without something coming up about Cannabis. Afterall, it probably is the most fun health subject to talk about. With more and more of America transitioning to a Weed-friendly business environment, the business community is going Cannabicrazy and opening businesses to serve this market as quickly as possible. A warning for weedpreneurs is that technically Cannabis is still a federally illegal drug which makes business practices tricky and cumbersome and potentially could
land you in jail with a wrong move. 4. Medically Supervised Beauty is In. Whether it is medical weight loss, skin treatments, laser work, Skin Tightening or other procedures, more people are willing to pay for these things in a spa-like environment. With the out of control insurance world, this is very appealing to medical professionals who are looking for ways to add cash flow to shrinking practices. Businesses such as MediSpas, Weight Loss Centers and even I.V. bars have all made great headway as businesses and franchises throughout global marketplace.
The Advice If you are in Health and Beauty, pay attention to the trends and be “in” with the current market trends. Unfortunately, health and beauty customers can also be a bit fickle and unpredictable. One diet may be all the rage one day and then totally out of favor the next, like what happened to the Atkins Diet? Be on top of research, pay attention to thought leaders in the industry and be willing to invest in new innovative technology. Understand your customer and have messaging/branding that speaks to the right person the right way. Health and Beauty is a sensitive category and you as a business owner need to have empathy for the consumer to not only know what drives their demand and buying decisions, but also to speak with them in a way that they will listen. For example, don’t tell the housewife she is looking heavy and needs to workout ASAP. Pun intended, the “beauty” of the health and beauty market is that you have the liberty to really play with your brand message and get as creative as any business with allow.
Chris Conner
People generally are looking for you to strike an emotional chord in them, they want to be inspired and feel like they are part of something bigger. Take for example Lulu Lemon’s manifesto to their customer; it is too long to restate here, but one line caught my attention: “A daily hit of athletic-induced endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be at peace with yourself, and offsets stress.” Now if that doesn’t get you wanting to buy some tight yoga pants, I don’t know what will. In the end, don’t get lost in the fluffy, fun ideas that tend to come with the health and beauty market. Continue to focus on bottom line profits, cash flow and revenue growth. Put a dollar figure on everything you are doing and plan to do, both revenue and expenses and make sure that there is profit behind every business decision you make. Chris Conner is the President of Franchise Marketing Systems and has spent the last decade in the franchise industry working with several hundred different franchise systems in management, franchise sales and franchise development work. His experience ranges across all fields of franchise expertise with a focus in franchise marketing and franchise sales but includes work in franchise strategic planning, franchise research and franchise operations consulting. www.franchisemarketingsystems.com
Franchising USA
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Kat Eckles, Co-Founder, Clean Juice
Tips for Starting a Business with Your Spouse
Starting a business presents a set of challenges most people never experience in their career. Leading a growing company requires you to play roles you never anticipated and understand aspects of the business you never imagined. Even rarer still is doing all of this when
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your business partner is also your spouse. For many couples, this idea may seem too crazy to work, but for the right ones, it can lead to a level of personal and professional fulfillment you can’t find anywhere else. It’s not always easy, but there are a few tips you can follow to make your unique situation successful.
Establish a Healthy Foundation A firm foundation – in both your personal and professional life – is essential to your success. Without it, everything else is almost irrelevant and something along the way will suffer. The process of building a business from the ground up can be all-consuming, so you need to make every
effort to ensure that your marriage, family and mindset are as healthy as possible. Without this first step in place, you almost guarantee failure.
Play to Each Other’s Strengths In every personality test that my husband Landon and I took, we both scored very high in the ‘dominance’ category. If you and your spouse are considering going into business together, there’s a strong chance this applies to you as well. Couples that both have this ‘High A’ personality have a good chance of success, but this combination can create a highly competitive atmosphere and lead to butting heads.
“One of the most fulfilling parts of being in business together is getting to see a side of your spouse that you may not normally see.” Find Your Connection Outside of Work & Family Landon and I just had our fifth child and our business is growing by the day; needless to say, we are very busy. It would be so easy to spend all of our time talking about and connecting over just these two things, but it’s important to have something that fulfills you as a couple beyond work and family. For us it is our faith – we make sure to pray together, go to church together, meet with our small group, volunteer together, and just use each other as confidants regarding our own walk with God. Maybe your connection isn’t faith, but hobby – yoga, a softball league, music or whatever you are passionate about. It’s important to invest time in something outside of work and family to make sure that your relationship is well-rounded and more than just a business partnership.
Understand the Time Commitment Will Cause You To Miss Out, Occasionally
We dealt with some of this early on and
took a step back to really think about our roles within the company. It was easy for
me to see that Landon should be the CEO. His presence is undeniable and he can
command a room and lead and mentor
others better than anyone I’ve ever seen.
The vision for the company was mine and
the clarity with which I saw the big picture and the future of the company was an
obvious indicator that I should be the one
creating the roadmap. Once we talked this through and acknowledged each other’s
strengths, it was easy for us to allow the
other one to lead aspects of the business we’re best suited for.
When you make the decision to build a business, you have to know it’s going to be an abnormally large part of your life. A common saying in business circles is that entrepreneurs work 80 hours a week to avoid working a 9 to 5. It’s truer than you might think, and with that intense drive to make your business successful, other areas of your life are going to get less attention. You need to accept that it’s probably not the season to worry about your golf game, planning that college reunion trip or knowing who won “The Bachelor.” This commitment of time may not last forever, but it’s inevitable in the early stages of building a business. If you have kids, much of your remaining focus must be on them. Once you factor in making sure your marriage or relationship is healthy, there may not be much time left for social or leisure activities. If you love
Kat and Landon Eckles
what you do as much as we do, this is an easy trade-off to make.
Be Each Other’s Biggest Cheerleader One of the most fulfilling parts of being in business together is getting to see a side of your spouse that you may not normally see. Most couples don’t get to truly comprehend how good their partner is at their job, and you should never miss the opportunity to let them know when they do something awesome. I try to let Landon know every time he kills it in a meeting or provides great guidance to another member of our team, and he tells me many times a week how valuable my strategy, vision and opinion is. Knowing that your partner has full confidence in you is only going to make you lead better, discern clearer and grow stronger. It won’t always be easy, but sharing the difficult challenges of entrepreneurship with your spouse provides an opportunity to for true partnership in all parts of your life. It can be difficult to find the right balance, but once you do, you’ll find fulfillment in your career that most people never get to experience. Kat Eckles is the co-founder of Clean Juice. A self-proclaimed recovering Taco Bell addict, Kat found her passion for all things wellness in 2007 after having her first daughter. She graduated from Wilmington University with a B.S. in Psychology and will finish a health coach certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition later in 2017. www.cleanjuicebar.com
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ex per t advice
George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice
Are You Renting Your Income? instead of rent, renters get a handyman when things break?” My Father said “Renters get a handyman but they already paid for him in the rent, they pay for everything in the rent as well as ongoing profits for the owner and in the end they own nothing, they can’t sell their rental. We do our own repairs when we can because we do better when we pay ourselves!”
George Knauf
Owning versus renting, it is a big differentiator in our society. Owning demands respect, renting is not something that most people brag about. And that goes for just about anything. From the time I was a kid it was put in front of me with a sense of pride that my parents owned the homes we lived in. Now I grew up in a middle class family, not rich or poor but we had to manage our money so my Father would fix the things that needed fixing and we took care of our home knowing if we did that the value of the home would go up over time and we could capture that value when we sold it. So, the idea behind owning is to make an investment in your future. I asked my Father in my teen years when we were doing a home repair that was keeping me from seeing friends “Why own
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Now, I point that out because we have also all been trained to do good in school, get a good job and work hard for our employer so our future will be taken care of. The world has changed since that timeline was a reality. Today you do well in school and amass student loan debt in college to get a job that you can be downsized from any minute. Downsizing is an everyday occurrence, I remember when any corporate downsizing was front page news but now you rarely see them as a big deal. Do you own or rent your income? Let’s look at homes as a comparison: Home owners put a little money on the table, get a loan for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, they take care of that home and the home serves a proven need. Homeowners sometimes have to follow HOA guidelines that are created to help a community maintain its resale value. When it is time to move on they sell the home and capture any increase in value. Home renters make no substantive investment to move in, they do not take out a loan or have to do any upkeep. The owner of the rental property does all the maintenance and upkeep to maintain the
value of their property. The renter must follow a set of rules provided by the owner and the owner can ask the renter to leave any time. When the renter leaves for their next home they may get their security deposit back, but they do not capture any increases in value of the property that happened while they lived there. Now, if we switch the topic to income and use the comparisons above, do you own or rent your income stream? If you have a job you make modest investments after completing school in printing resumes, getting a good “interview suit” and maybe traveling to interview. This is without considering the cost of personal expenses during mid-career pay gaps due to downsizing. Personally, I would count those too. Clearly getting into a job has many of the same cost considerations as getting into a rental property. As you work your job you have to live by the rules set by the owner of your
company/job, whether or not they are for your benefit (they are really there to benefit the employer). When you leave your job, in most cases, you pack up all the personal mementos in your cubicle or office and leave. You do not capture the value that you created for that company. We can see that leaving a job is much like leaving a rental property; you get no real financial benefit from having helped increase the value of that company other than maybe being able to demand more pay from the next company that you will go increase the value of. In comparison let’s look at owning a business, a franchise. Franchise owners put down some money and many get a loan for the remainder, just like a home owner would. They work to build their company, just like an employee would. They take a paycheck as the company grows, just like an employee would. And when it is time to move on they sell the business and capture any value they built, just like a homeowner would.
So the comparison is a bit of a blend of both worlds in that they both own and get paid without any income caps while they own it. But the big difference is at the end, when franchise owners can capture any value they built, whereas employees pass on that asset value to the owners of their company. While the homes our franchise candidates own generally run $200k to $1.5 Million, the franchises our average candidates look at only cost $50K to $400K. It is interesting that their largest investment does not pay them while they own it, in a perfect world we would invest more in creating income streams than in the roof over our heads. But while our candidates are often looking at their first move to control their income this lower investment is often just the first step towards building a portfolio. Our goal for each of our candidates is that with time they will have a diversified portfolio of income streams that will offer them predictable income through any
economic ups and downs. Additionally, we want to see them set up to have this ongoing income stream well into their retirement years for added long term benefit. Becoming a franchise owner is an investment in your future. What is your success story? Let’s go find it! George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many companies; Public, Independent and Franchised, of all sizes and in many markets. His 20 plus years of experience in both startup and mature business operations makes him uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of going into business for themselves in order to gain more control, independence, time flexibility and to be able to earn in proportion to their real contribution. Contact the Franchising USA Expert George’s Hotline 703-424-2980. www.myperfectfranchise.com
Franchising USA
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ex per t advice
Adam Robinson, Co-founder & CEO, Hireology
How Asking Illegal Interview Questions Could be Hurting Your Franchise
Asking an illegal interview question - consciously or not - can be a costly mistake leading to time and moneyconsuming litigation that most businesses aren’t prepared to absorb.
attention to the interview process will make the experience less stressful for everyone involved and improve your franchise’s ability to hire and retain quality candidates.
As a franchise owner, it’s important that you educate your hiring managers about interview questions that are off limits and how to avoid them. Paying careful
Breaking the law when asking interview questions is kind of like running a red light – we all know that we’re breaking the law but we assume that we can get away
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A harmless or conversational question could be opening your business up to disaster
with it as long as no one gets hurt. That’s why it’s important to make sure your hiring manager understands the penalties for asking illegal interview questions and has a defined interview procedure to follow. In most states, asking candidates questions unrelated to the open position is illegal, such as those concerning age, family, gender, marriage, nationality and religion. Even though certain questions might “seem harmless” if they come up in a casual conversation, they can influence your hiring decision. If a prospective employee feels their rights have been violated, they could file a discrimination
“If a prospective employee feels their rights have been violated, they could file a discrimination lawsuit.” under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employment discrimination against individuals ages 40 through 69. This includes failure to hire, discharge, denial of employment and discrimination related to the protected age. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace. Employers are prohibited from asking questions about a candidate’s physical or mental condition during the interview or application process. Job Relatedness ensures fairness and equality to any candidate. Interviewers need to have a list of job-related interview questions which are asked consistently for all applicants for the same position. If the employer asked questions unrelated to job performance, there is the potential the EEOC could scrutinize your hiring process for discriminatory practices.
How to approach or avoid hotbutton topics
lawsuit. It is the responsibility of the employer to know exactly what’s safe and let that guide the interviewer’s behavior at all stages of the hiring process.
Understanding the laws protecting potential employees and types of questions to avoid Equal Employment Opportunity refers to the rights of all people to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability and potential. Since the 1960’s federal and state laws made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. These rights are similarly covered
Within these employment laws, there are a series of potential interview topics that should be approached with caution by your hiring manager or avoided all together. Those areas that must be carefully asked include: attendance & scheduling, citizenship & nationality, arrest & conviction, disabilities, credit record, military record, language, organizations and education. For example, instead of asking, “What is your native language?” ask a candidate to explain their level of written and spoken fluency with a particular language. Or, when diving into questions about scheduling, avoid asking questions like, “Do you own a car?” or “How many children do you have?” and instead ask questions like, “do you have reliable transportation available to you?” and “are you able to fulfill the time and attendance responsibilities of this position?”
Adam Robinson
Managers should never ask candidates, directly or indirectly, about prior workers’ compensation claims, religion, gender or a candidate’s relationship status. States and municipalities are event restricting questions pertaining to the candidate’s prior pay rate or salary history – Philadelphia being the most recent example.
A better interview process Without a clearly defined hiring process, franchises face a series of hiring challenges and could experience high turnover and employee dissatisfaction as a result. If your hiring managers are asking illegal questions – even unknowingly – it can be a sign that your company lacks a consistent hiring process. Take time to educate your team on the most frequently asked illegal questions, and begin creating an interview process that evaluates candidates based on their potential for success within a specific position. A solid interview process that begins with the application and continues through the onboarding process will lead to hiring a better quality employee. It also enhances your overall brand and how potential applicants perceive your business and their potential for growth within your organization. Adam Robinson is the co-founder and CEO of Hireology – the leading integrated hiring and retention platform in franchising – working with over 100 franchise clients and more than 2,000 franchisees. He’s the author of ‘The Best Team Wins: Build Your Business Through Predictive Hiring’ available at: www.TheBestTeamWins.com.
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Veterans in Franchising march 2017
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
Franchise Restores
Ohio Man’s Work/Life Balance
Army Colonel Applies Military Leadership Experience to
Doggy Daycare Business Why Veterans are Attracted to
DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen Franchising USA
SAME DRIVE. DIFFERENT BATTLEFIELD. TAKE THE NEXT STEP > VETFRAN.COM OFFERING FINANCIAL SUPPORT, TRAINING & MENTORSHIP Veterans interested in franchising can take their skills learned in the military to successfully own and develop small businesses. Learn more and support veterans in franchising at www.vetfran.com.
• 650 franchise companies participating • 151,000 veterans and their spouses found careers in the franchise industry • 5,100 veteran franchise owners
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V eterans in F ranchisin g S u pplement march 2 0 1 7 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the next issue, please contact Vikki Bradbury, Publisher Phone: 778 426 2446 Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com
Contents Profiles 44 DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen
Franchisee in Action 42 Restoration 1 46 Camp Bow Wow
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V e t er ans in Fr anch ising
Restoration 1
Franchise Restores Ohio Man’s Work/Life Balance One Ohio man has made the switch from tedious to tremendous with the help of North America’s fastest growing building restoration franchise. Introduced to Restoration 1 by a franchise broker, Ken Sellers purchased his franchise in Cincinnati in January of 2016. Now, just over a year later, there’s no doubt it’s been the best decision he’s made in his professional life. After spending 16 years in corporate America, the last few as Vice President of National Account Sales for one of the largest manufactures of professional cleaning equipment in the world, Sellers knew he was ready for something new. “For me, I needed a life change,” Sellers said. “I was traveling constantly, away from my family, sitting in way too many
“Basically, anything and everything I needed to know and get to start and run my business was covered in the ramp up process by Restoration 1.” - Ken Sellers Franchising USA
“This is probably the best benefit to owning a franchise. My work/ life balance has greatly improved. I am home virtually every night. And I haven’t missed one of my kids sporting events since I made the change.” - Ken Sellers
useless meetings, presenting endless PowerPoints, and reviewing mind numbing spreadsheets. There had to be a better way.” That better way turned out to be franchise ownership with Restoration 1. Headquartered in Waco, TX, Restoration 1 offers emergency restoration services for water, mold, fire and smoke damage for home and business. An army veteran of four years with the Calvary, Sellers said he was attracted to franchise ownership over starting a business from scratch by the ability to be handed a “playbook” for success. The franchise has also been incredibly supportive in helping him get started as quickly as possible. Although he compared getting the franchise off the ground to “drinking from a fire hose,” due to the amount of learning involved, Sellers also acknowledged that Restoration 1 walked him through the entire process from the time he purchased his franchise right up until the doors
opened. “Restoration 1 instructed me on what certifications I needed to obtain, provided me with the necessary training, instructed me on what equipment was needed, business insurance requirements, etc,” he said. “Basically, anything and everything I needed to know and get to start and run my business was covered in the ramp up process by Restoration 1.”
Getting Schooled The training Restoration 1 gave Sellers included both class room and in the field hands-on training that covered everything from how to market the business, sell the services, perform the actual restorations, bill clients, process accounts receivables and everything else a business owner would need to know. Sellers also had high praise for the ongoing support Restoration 1 provides to him, noting that anytime he has a question or needs help, all he has to do is call the franchise to talk with someone.
Plus, the Restoration 1 family of franchisees is extremely accommodating. “I also get support from other Restoration 1 franchise owners too, which is very helpful,” Sellers said. “It’s great to be able to call other owners and ask them what’s working or not working for them, or troubleshooting through unique situations.” Sellers said anyone who is thinking about getting on board with Restoration 1 should absolutely do it, especially if they’re looking to get out of the corporate rat race. “This is probably the best benefit to owning a franchise,” Sellers said. “My work/life balance has greatly improved. I am home virtually every night. And I haven’t missed one of my kids sporting events since I made the change.” A franchise that is able to restore work/life balance to normal would be a good fit for anyone who thinks theirs has gotten a little unbalanced. www.restoration1franchise.com
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D rea m M a ker™ Bath a nd K itchen
Why Veterans are Attracted to
It’s no secret that DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen has a soft spot for our military and that we are an ideal franchise for veterans. But why is that? The experience veterans gain during their service translates extremely well to franchise ownership. Being a franchise owner requires focus, dedication and passionate execution of the franchise system, as well as perseverance and the ability to motivate and lead a team. These
are all the same qualities that lead to success in the military.
DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen has
and qualities of the men and women from
We work hard at creating a culture that speaks to veterans’ intrinsic drive to serve, appeals to their operational comfort zones and leverages their special training.
by Franchising.com about what qualities
We accomplish these things by doing the following:
grown swiftly to have locations in many
states, in part by leveraging the strengths our armed forces. In fact, when surveyed service members bring to the private
sector, veterans cited their strong work ethic, leadership skills and the ability to operate under pressure as part of a cohesive team.
These are the same hallmarks of a
successful DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen franchise owner.
Don Dwyer Sr., the father of DreamMaker™ Bath & Kitchen President and Chief Stewarding Officer Doug Dwyer, founded the IFA’s VetFran program. It is one of his many enduring legacies.
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Creating a culture where veterans feel at ease
1. Much the same way veterans are trained to be part of something bigger than themselves, DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen operates from a Code of Values™ which, in turn, generates a sense of purpose that goes beyond simply making a profit and truly makes a difference in people’s lives. “DreamMaker’s corporate philosophy emphasizes honesty and community service,” says Nate Coombs, a DreamMaker™ franchisee and a former officer in U.S. Air Force. “All franchise owners and staff sign the company’s Code of Values. It’s not about our bottom line or seeing how quickly we can get a contract signed; it’s about making sure our clients are happy.” Coombs credits the military for preparing him to lead his business. “I am proud to have served as an officer in the Air Force as a Missile Combat Crew Member. As an officer I had the
DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen franchise owner Nate Coombs served as an officer in the Air Force and was a Missile Combat Crew Member
opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills that I have carried with me into this career. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the military, serve my country and learn lifelong skills.” 2. DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen created and maintains a proven system that enables our franchisees to win. Our military is one of the most systematized organizations on the planet, replete with detailed rules, regulations and guidelines for every job. We mirror this structure by making sure that every aspect of our business follows a standard operating procedure. We believe in the adage, “People don’t fail; systems do.” 3. We foster a culture of trust and accountability. We feel that the most important ingredient in becoming a healthy organization is creating a
“I am proud to have served as an officer in the Air Force as a Missile Combat Crew Member. As an officer I had the opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills that I have carried with me into this career.” - Nate Coombs cohesive leadership team at all levels of the company. We strive to make sure that every employee has a personal sense of ownership, responsibility and pride in the company’s success.
Our purpose-driven culture makes us an ideal franchise for veterans and ripe for growth DreamMaker™ Bath and Kitchen has seen great results since incorporating the above traits into our business and has attracted skilled veterans and leaders. We have found that veterans make exceptional franchisees on par with entrepreneurial A-players. They are trustworthy, high-achieving and
independent, with the ability to make solid decisions in tough situations. They take responsibility and ownership of their business while empowering others to do the same. DreamMaker™ is working to make lives better for veterans, whether they need help remodeling or are looking for a new career. The company is part of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, which provides discounts to veterans starting a business. In fact, the VetFran program was founded by Don Dwyer Sr., the father of DreamMaker™ President and Chief Stewarding Officer Doug Dwyer. dreammakerfranchise.com
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Ca mp B ow Wow
Army Colonel Appli Military Leadership Expe to Doggy Daycare Busi It’s been nearly 11 years since Army Colonel Frank Wetegrove and his wife Tamara decided to embark on a new adventure. In 2007, they opened their first Camp Bow Wow location in San
Antonio with the dream of being their own boss and providing a much-needed service in the community to dogs like theirs who needed quality care.
It was a big change for Wetegrove who has been either active
duty or a reservist in the Army since 1985. But, he and Tamara
were looking to own their own business, build a legacy for their five children and do something as meaningful as serving in the
military. They were both excited to find Camp Bow Wow, now the largest pet care franchise in the U.S., at a time when doggy
daycare and boarding was a pretty new concept, particularly in
San Antonio. They loved how unique it was at the time and could offer a service that many canine owners desperately needed.
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“Do your homework. Look at the opportunities. You may pay a little more for a franchise, but you are getting a turnkey solution. If we hadn’t been with Camp Bow Wow, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” - Frank Wetegrove
ies erience iness Wetegrove credits his military experience for both inspiring him and enabling him to pursue business ownership. He has had a broad and varied career in the military and as a “civilian.” He has served as both enlisted and as an officer in the Army. He’s done everything from transportation, supply and logistics to military intelligence - even serving as a commander of five separate and distinct units. He’s also a graduate of two of the most distinguished military schools, the U.S. Army War College and Joint and Combined Warfighting School. Currently, he is still an active Army Reservist, serving as a Senior Intelligence Officer in the 311th Signal Command in Hawaii. He travels to Hawaii several times a year to complete his duty requirements. He joined the military, as many do, to pay for college. Since college, he has worked
as an insurance agent, a network engineer, a middle school teacher, a sales engineer, an Air Force government servant and even in the family’s produce business as an onion farmer. He spent the bulk of his civilian career as a government contractor in IT and in the intelligence community. He even worked at the Pentagon at one point, upgrading their network infrastructure. Up until 2015, Camp Bow Wow wasn’t his primary focus. Tamara ran their three Camps. But, when they added a fourth location that year, that’s when Frank decided to focus 100 percent on their Camp Bow Wow businesses. Today, the Wetegrove’s own three Camps in the San Antonio area and one in Austin with plans to open one more in each city over the next two years. They are considered Camp Bow Wow’s largest franchisee.
Search for a franchise business opportunity When they began their search for a business opportunity, they never imagined themselves in the doggy daycare and boarding business nor did they think they’d ever be this successful. “We evaluated a variety of franchise brands and looked at everything from fast food to oil changes and car washes,” said Wetegrove. “We knew we wanted to do our own thing and select something we could initially run as a side business, but then slow down. In the end, we also decided we wanted to select a franchise that was meaningful to us.” While they were evaluating different concepts, Tamara was on AOL one day and stumbled upon a story about an entrepreneur who started a franchise involving day care for dogs. She
immediately called Frank, who was working for the Army in Washington, D.C. They had a great love for dogs and no one in the area offered a service like this. As consumers, they often traveled and didn’t have a reliable place to leave their dog. The decision was made. They decided to open a Camp Bow Wow in San Antonio. “There really weren’t any competitors at that time – Camp Bow Wow was a pioneer in the space,” said Wetegrove. “Heidi Ganahl (the founder) was impressive and we were pleased that it started as a small, family business. We also liked what other owners had to say – they were all very passionate about their business and had a love for animals.” As many veterans do, they liked the idea of a franchise. It offered many advantages over starting your own business from scratch. “We wanted to minimize the risk and exposure, as well as the chance of failure,” said Wetegrove. “A franchise offers that. They’ve spent an enormous amount of time and effort figuring out the formula. All we have to do is come in and focus on executing the formula and delivering great service to our customers.” So, what started as a “side business” has steadily grown beyond their initial expectations. Now, they really do have a family business to pass down to their children and provide an alternative to “working for the man,” so to speak. “We never imagined we would continue to grow like we’ve done. You get motivated to expand – maybe even a little overconfident. But, it’s changed my life,” added Wetegrove. “Having four locations compounds the complexity of running a business, but it also gives you the
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Ca mp B ow Wow
“If you find something you can enjoy doing, the military experience will help you succeed.” - Frank Wetegrove
resources to do more. Having managers you can rely upon to help shoulder the burden makes a huge difference, as well.”
Translating military skills into business Having commanded several military units has definitely given Wetegrove a leg up in the business world. Running four locations is not unlike leading a military organization with its tiered management structure. Wetegrove likens having Camp Managers to having Platoon Leaders in the Army. His Area Director is not unlike a second in command, who communicates with his Camp Managers. He says it’s very similar to how the Chain of Command works in the military and streamlines communication. He also says that franchises are similar to the military in that they have very clear policies and manuals to follow. He has even adapted other management tools the Army uses to create a productive work
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environment. The military conducts regular professional counseling and annual reviews, which he uses in his business. “Providing feedback to employees and helping them set goals is something I’m committed to doing. It not only holds them accountable, but it sets up clear expectations and provides a very clear path to success,” he added. “I think this is greatly appreciated and employees don’t think of me as being too rigid, but instead someone who is fair and provides structure, as well as invests in mentoring all employees.” Wetegrove encourages other veterans to consider Camp Bow Wow. He advises them to go visit a location and take their dogs to see how they experience it. He also says to talk to franchisees and learn what they can from them. In addition, he says to look at reviews of Camps and check out the competitors in the same way to determine the value. “Do your homework. Look at the
opportunities. You may pay a little more for a franchise, but you are getting a turnkey solution,” he said. “If we hadn’t been with Camp Bow Wow, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It allowed us to scale more quickly and things are already vetted, so that you can be successful. We can focus on delivering a superior Camp experience and not all the other administrative stuff.” According to Wetegrove, the military, whether you are a Colonel or a Sergeant, gives you the breadth of leadership experience you just can’t get anywhere else. In the military, you are asked daily to lead a mission, to manage an initiative or to mentor a soldier. You are put in a role to react to situations at all levels. “All of this can be applied to running a business,” he added. “If you find something you can enjoy doing, the military experience will help you succeed.” campbowwowfranchise.com
Honoring Those Who Serve Through Our Special Veterans Franchise Program
INDEPENDENT • FLEXIBLE • PROVEN • GROWING • EFFICIENT • SUPPORTIVE
Grease Monkey International is proud to offer qualified military veterans a $10,000 discount on their initial Franchisee Fee! Veteran Member Incentives • Franchise License Fee discount • 50% Quarterly Royalty Rebate for the first 4 quarters after opening • 25% Quarterly Royalty Rebate for the second 4 quarters • 10% Quarterly Royalty Rebate ongoing compliance program Franchise Opportunities X Single Units X Multi Units X Territories
With over 39 years of proven success, Grease Monkey® has become one of the largest franchisors of automotive fast lube centers, with over 300 centers operating in the United States, China and Latin America. You’re In Business For Yourself, Not By Yourself! The Grease Monkey® System guides franchisees in all aspects of running a profitable automotive maintenance business through unparalleled support: • Site Selection & Negotiation • Third-Party Financing • Training (Initial, Ongoing and In-Store Employee Certification) • Marketing & Advertising • Business Management and Accounting • National Account Purchasing
For more information, visit: GreaseMonkeyFranchise.com CONTACT: Jeff King, Director of Franchise Development Phone: 800-364-0352 • Email: jking@greasemonkeyintl.com OR, Lori Schneider, Franchise Development Specialist Phone: 720-454-4412 • Email: loris@greasemonkeyintl.com
ex per t advice
Kyle Zagrodzky, President, OsteoStrong
What’s the Most Important Trait to Look For In An Employee?
Hiring is one of the most crucial decisions every entrepreneur makes. Staffing choices are some of the toughest in any business, but because every person counts in an entrepreneurial venture, the people you choose are even more vital.
bizarre interview brainteasers, later admitted that their unusual questions weren’t reliable predictors of who would ultimately become a good employee.
As the business expands, the list of things you must delegate grows, which means putting more trust in more people. With so much on the line, how do you choose the perfect people for those roles?
Some studies, such as this analysis from the Harvard Business Review, say algorithms are more successful than humans when it comes to choosing the right job candidates. However, I argue that it’s better to hire the person you have a good “gut feeling” about. According to a University of Cambridge study, sensitive instincts can be a key driver in business success, and I agree. American culture emphasizes visible facts over instinct, but
Hiring is far more art than science. You could easily ask five great business people about the best way to hire talent and get five different answers. Even hiring mammoth Google, who once tried to identify the smartest candidates with
Franchising USA
How do you sort out the smartest from the friendliest, the most skilled from those with the most potential, and the team players from those who are just out for themselves? How do you make big decisions about who to trust within a miniscule interview period? The answer is simple: Always go with your gut.
What do your instincts say?
gut feelings are one of your best hiring tools. It’s the subconscious intelligence that points out traits in people that are harder to quantify on paper, such as creativity.
Get the team involved As an entrepreneur, you may be the supreme ruler of your business, but the person you hire likely won’t work with you exclusively. Even though the hiring manager makes the decision about who to bring on board, it’s wise to involve the team the candidate will actually work with in the interview and evaluation process. You might get lucky working on your own every time, but it’s better to involve people you trust in the choice of who joins the work family. For this process to work, you also have to make sure employees have a comfortable space to provide candid feedback. Give them a place to share concerns and upsides, and listen carefully.
Diversify your interview question When someone is asked to describe their personality in an interview, they’re often
Kyle Zagrodzky
trying to tell you what they think you want to hear. Instead, tune your questions to get answers that will show who someone really is. As they speak, do you get a sense that they are competitive, driven, soft spoken, or intuitive? To get a better sense of the person, make your questions more creative and approachable. For example, what would their best friend tell you about them if they were here? What was their last Facebook post about? What do they do to blow off steam when they’re stressed, and what do they do for fun? Tim Padgett, President and CEO of The Pepper Group, asks who a candidate would ask to an intimate dinner party.
Hire specific personalities for specific job categories Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson famously believes that in hiring, personality is more important than skillset because “you can’t train a personality.” I hire different personalities for different roles. For example, managers need to be fair, accountable, encouraging, and realistic. A good manager will be positive
and want to coach employees and bring out the best in them. They also need awareness and empathy. “Front people” are the born extroverts who are energized by time with people and don’t mind being assertive; they’re the ones you want greeting people on the phone, attending trade shows, and selling. Visionaries are the sensitive, creative problem solvers who assess the present accurately and see past the moment into the future. For extra support in discerning personality type, many companies rely on the Big Five or Myers-Briggs.
Take the interview outside the office This rule applies to every role, but especially to jobs that include sales and public-facing responsibilities. Take your top candidates out to lunch, ideally with the group they will work with closely, and let everyone get a sense of them in an informal setting. How are their table manners? Are they comfortable making conversation with a group they don’t know well? How do they treat the waiter and
other people who aren’t directly related to the interview? A casual lunch is an optimal environment to just relax with a candidate and let those inner instincts go to work. Kyle Zagrodzky is president of OsteoStrong, the health and wellness system with a focus on stronger bones, improved strength, and better balance in less than 10 minutes a week using scientifically proven and patented osteogenic loading technology. OsteoStrong introduced a new era in modern wellness and anti-aging in 2011 and has since helped thousands of clients between ages 8 and 98 improve strength, balance, endurance, and bone density. In 2014, the brand signed commitments with nine regional developers to launch 500 new locations across America. Today, the OsteoStrong brand is staying true to its growth towards a brand with global reach with the addition of more franchise sales and new regional developers. www.osteostrong.me
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Why Now is the Right Time to Invest in a Franchised Childcare Business
For entrepreneurs looking to invest in their own franchised business, now is an excellent time to invest in the childcare industry. With more parents in the workforce than ever before and more and more studies evidencing the developmental benefits children receive from early childhood education, the need for high-quality childcare has never been higher. The learning that takes place from infancy to age four plays a major role in shaping the future of a child’s education. “Researchers have shown that early childhood experiences powerfully impact the young brain’s growth” (Pruett, 1999). These early years, when children are highly curious and excited about learning, present an amazing opportunity for a positive, long-term impact. Early childhood education programs that use a play-based learning approach are particularly effective because children experience the deepest, most genuine learning when they are having fun. According to Dr. Kyle Pruett, clinical professor of child psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and member of The Goddard School Educational Advisory Board, “Play is essential to the development of your child’s brain, triggering trillions of neural connections that form the basis of healthy
“Becoming a part of a thriving franchised business doesn’t take all of the challenge out of entrepreneurship, though, especially in the early childhood education industry.” Franchising USA
cognitive function and mastery of your child’s physical world.” While developing a curriculum that maximizes the learning potential during these crucial early years is an intimidating and costly task, taking advantage of the experience, resources and proven track record of a successful franchised school system presents a tremendous opportunity to hit the ground running, providing a quality education from the start. With 8.4 million children in the U.S. coming from two-parent families with both parents in the workforce (Child Care Aware of America, 2016), there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality childcare. Working parents understand the value of high-quality childcare, and they’re willing to invest in their children’s future by enrolling them in early childhood education programs. Because of this, the childcare industry continues to experience tremendous growth. This growth not only accounts for the number of locations, but also the industry’s overall revenue. Children’s daycare services in the U.S. generated a total of $47.8 billion in revenue in 2016 and is projected to
“Making a positive difference in the lives of children provides tremendous personal and professional satisfaction, and the advantages of joining a thriving franchised business are numerous.” generate $52.5 billion in revenue by 2021 (Diment, 2016). Nearly 15 million children under the age of six require childcare (Child Care Aware of America, 2016), and indicators show the demand for childcare will increase. While parents are highly motivated to find weekday childcare services, they’re also very selective when choosing a childcare facility. Reputation is everything, and the ability to demonstrate a proven track record of success and a history of high-quality care and education can mean the difference between having a waiting list and having empty seats for a new school. Joining a proven, successful early childhood education franchise gives new childcare business owners a distinct advantage in attracting families. The many incentives for becoming part of a franchised business prove themselves.
In recent years, the franchise sector has grown faster than the rest of the U.S. economy. In 2016, The Franchised Business Outlook Report released by the International Franchise Association showed the franchise sector growing at a nearly two percent faster rate than the rest of the economy over the past five years. The ability to become a franchisee takes much of the research and development out of the process of owning a business. A thriving franchise system can demonstrate the viability of its business model, prove it can run efficiently and show the potential to generate reliable revenue for its franchisees, meaning a new franchisee can enter the business confident in their ability to succeed by following the business model. This makes franchising a great option for millennials looking for the opportunity to be their own boss, but perhaps lacking in the experience
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necessary to grow a business from scratch. The same is true for baby boomers looking for a second career with more flexibility, namely those who aren’t quite ready to retire, but don’t want to work the kind of hours often required of traditional entrepreneurs. Becoming a part of a thriving franchised business doesn’t take all of the challenge out of entrepreneurship, though, especially in the early childhood education industry. New franchisees in this field have many important decisions to make before they can get their business off the ground successfully. It’s essential for new franchisees to study conditions in the local real estate market carefully. Areas experiencing a housing boom are likely to include families in need of quality childcare. Likewise, areas with new commercial development, particularly commercial properties built to support the growing tech sector, are likely to draw young families with working parents. This type of real estate can be fertile ground for a childcare franchise that caters to families with a busy lifestyle. An experienced franchisor will help in identifying the right location, but ultimately the decision is the franchisee’s.
Franchising USA
“Working parents understand the value of highquality childcare, and they’re willing to invest in their children’s future by enrolling them in early childhood education programs. Because of this, the childcare industry continues to experience tremendous growth.” Franchisees are also responsible for day-to-day business operations, operating costs, local marketing and hiring the right teachers and staff. While this can be challenging, an experienced franchisor will provide an extensive support structure to ensure consistency of programs and services for the customers as well as to offer guidance to franchisees as they achieve their personal goals as business owners. Many owners of franchised preschools have said that the most important things a franchisor can provide are quality assurance support, educational standards support and operational support in the field. The current opportunity in the franchised childcare industry is undeniable, and indicators for the industry’s continued growth are everywhere. Making a positive difference in the lives of children provides tremendous personal and professional
satisfaction, and the advantages of joining a thriving franchised business are numerous. The combination of these factors makes now the right time to invest, whether you’re a millennial hungry for the challenge of entrepreneurship and eager to make an impact in the local community, an experienced professional ready to become your own boss or a baby boomer looking to wind down your career on your own terms. By Joe Schumacher, CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc. www.goddardschoolfranchise.com Sources Child Care Aware of America. (2016). Child Care in America: 2016 State Fact Sheets. Retrieved from http://usa. childcareaware.org/advocacy-public-policy/resources/reportsand-research/statefactsheets/ Diment, D. (2016). IBISWorld Industry Report 62441: Daycare in the US. IBISWorld. Pruett, K. (1999). Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self. New York, NY: Goddard Press.
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The Ultimate Professional Franchise Opportunity
www.interfacefinancial.com/franchise Franchising USA
Franchising USA
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franchising usa A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Big O Tires® BIG O Is Your BIG Opportunity. With more than 50 years in the tire and automotive maintenance industry, Big O Tires® is proud to be a worldclass leader. As we continue to thrive in an ever-expanding market, we invite you to be a part of the exciting opportunities as a member of the Big O Tires® family. Big O Tires® is proud to be one of the most progressive tire and automotive service franchises in the nation. When you join our family, we supply you with a powerful set of tools to help bring your business to the front of the pack: This website and any request for information or forms are not a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise.
Boulder designs If you are looking to own your own business, or add a new product line to your existing business; then Border Magic® may be what you’re looking for. Border Magic® provides durable continuous concrete landscape edging, walkways, and decorative stepping stones that have the look and feel of real brick or stone. If you are looking for a rewarding career, Border Magic® may be what you’re looking for. Boulder Designs is a simple system with low entry cost and minimal inventory requirements. Our signage can turn any business, park, memorial, or
Clayton Kendall Clayton Kendall provides a simple, easy to use e-store platform that connects your franchisees to Clayton Kendall’s integrated front-to-back inventory management system allowing for the creation, production, fulfillment, distribution and shipping of all your marketing and sales materials (uniforms, signage, branded merchandise) to be controlled with a
Coverall® Coverall is a leading franchised brand in the commercial cleaning industry and one of the most respected franchisors of professional office cleaning companies focused on killing germs, removing soil and helping to create cleaner, healthier work environments. We help people start their own franchised businesses using the Coverall® brand, and processes, so they may deliver commercial cleaning services to their customers. Coverall began in 1985 as a three-person company headquartered in San Diego, California and now supports more than 8,000 Franchised Businesses in 90 markets across the United States and Internationally. Those independently owned and operated franchised
Franchising USA
Excellent for branding and recognition. Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
• Leading name-brand recognition. • Experienced franchise system. • Competitive marketing strategies. • Dynamic and perpetuating consumer engagement • Comprehensive start-up training. • Sales guidance from a network of retail experts. • Multiple warehouses stocked to meet inventory demands. • National and regional meetings/conventions. • Access to exclusive marketing resources. • On-site visits and strong support from Franchise Business Consultants. Contact us today! www.bigofranchise.com
subdivision into a landmark. In addition, the flexibility of Boulder Designs allows you to transition from your job into business ownership gradually as you do not need employees or a store front to start off like other opportunities. If you are looking for a rewarding business, or developing a niche market, Boulder Designs® may be what you’re looking for. Contact: Butch Mogavero Phone: 844-247-2632 or Email: info@bordermagic.com -info@boulderdesigns.net Website: www.bordermagic.com -www.boulderdesigns.net
simple click of a mouse. Clayton Kendall is the single source marketing solution for national franchises such as Massage Envy, Orange Theory Fitness, European Wax Center, and Blaze Pizza. Contact: Dan Broudy, CEO Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Phone: 412-798-7120 (1-888-799-4757) Website: claytonkendall.com
businesses and their employees professionally clean over two million square feet of commercial office space every day. With Coverall, becoming your own boss is easier than you might think, no experience necessary, and financing is available! Our Initial Training Program emphasizes franchised business operations and professional commercial cleaning tools and techniques, helping prepare you to run your business. The Coverall® Program sets the bar higher for healthy cleaning and differentiates Coverall franchised businesses from traditional janitorial service providers in the market. Start your franchised business with the leader in healthier office cleaning! Website: www.coverall.com/franchise-opportunities
Fastsigns® Now more than ever, businesses look to FASTSIGNS® for innovative ways to connect with customers in a highly competitive marketplace. Our high standards for quality and customer service have made FASTSIGNS the most recognized brand in the industry, driving significantly more traffic to the web than any other sign company. We also lead in these important areas: • #1 Ranked Sign Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 three years in a row • Franchise Business Review FBR50 Franchisee Satisfaction Award 2006-2015 • Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 2011-2015
• Franchise Research Institute #1 Rated Sign & Graphics Franchise 2014-2015 • CFA Franchisees’ Choice Designation 2004-2015 • FASTSIGNS is one of only a handful of franchises approved for $21 million in SBA financing for approved franchise candidates FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide. For more information: Phone: 1-214-346-5679 Email: mark.jameson@fastsigns.com Or visit our Website: www.fastsigns.com
Foot Solutions
• Satisfaction of Helping Others
What Are You Looking For In A Business?
• Opportunities from $85,000 - $240,000 Single and Multi-unit
• Reasonable Hours • High Margins • Low Labor Requirements • High Consumer Retention • Not Impacted by Economy • Not Seasonal • Fastest-growing Market Age 40+
FRANFUND FranFund provides a comprehensive set of funding solutions for your new or expanding business including our exclusive FranFundSelect® program which provides working capital loans for up to $150,000. This program enables lightning fast approvals and funding in 5 to 7 business days or less with no personal assets, no SBA guaranty fee, no training certificate required, and minimal paperwork.
Generation NEXT Franchise Brands At Generation NEXT we are focused on changing the landscape of the vending industry and continually strive to redefine the purchase experience between machine and consumer. Across all of our franchise concepts, innovation, technology and evolution are at the core of our business approach. From our revolutionary and groundbreaking Reis
Grease Monkey® Grease Monkey® centers provide preventive maintenance services and light mechanical repair services that help customers meet vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations and warranty requirements. Our Less Hassle, More Hustle customer service approach is designed to help
Foot Solutions is the world’s largest specialty wellness franchise focused exclusively on helping people feel good from the feet up. For more information, visit www.footsolutions.com, email fscorp@footsolutions.com, or call 770-916-5997.
Our team of funding experts are here to work with you to create a customized capitalization solution for your specific situation, whether you’re launching a new business or expanding a current one. After all, it’s our mission to get your business up and funded in a fraction of the time! Phone:817-730-4500 Fax:817-546-1291 Website: www.franfund.com Email: info@franfund.com Contact:ksenay@franfund.com
& Irvy’s Robotic FroYo machine, the world’s first ever frozen yogurt served by robotic technology, to our concept that pioneered the movement of healthy options; Fresh Healthy Vending which introduced healthy options to a sugar-filled industry, we are innovators and developers of the future of the vending industry. Contact: Paul Schmidt Phone: (888) 902-7558 Email: marketing@gennextbrands.com Website: www.gennextbrands.com
customers make educated, informed decisions about maintaining their vehicles in a comfortable, no-pressure setting. For more information contact: Jeff King, Director of Franchise Development Phone: 303-308-1660 Email: jking@greasemonkeyintl.com www.greasemonkeyfranchise.com
Oil Changes & More
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International Franchise Professionals Group The International Franchise Professionals Group (also known as IFPG) is a membership based organization that has over 700 members. Our members consist of Franchisors, Franchisor Brokers, Lenders, and other Franchise Professionals that help potential candidates in the process of buying a franchise.
The IFPG is a strictly membership based organization that does not participate in any referral fees from our franchisor members or our brokers, thereby allowing all of our members to work freely together. Our long-term success is predicated on retaining our members and providing all the tools needed to help you sell more franchises, and close more deals.
Hundreds of nationally recognized franchise companies have chosen the IFPG and its members to represent their brand; hundreds of experienced franchise consultants and brokers have chosen the
If you’re a franchisor, franchisor broker, or another profession that serves the franchising industry call us today at (888) 977-IFPG to learn about membership opportunities.
Kid to Kid
why Franchise Grade ranked Kid to Kid as the #12 Best Franchise for 2015.
For more than 20 years, Kid to Kid franchisees have been a fixture in their local communities, serving parents and families with growing kids. This recession-thriving store concept allows parents to sell their outgrown kids clothes and buy gently-worn toys, clothes, and baby gear at affordable prices. Kid to Kid stores provide a bright, clean, and upscale experience for customers that result in nearly 70% gross margins to the franchisee. With more than 117 stores in operation and a track record of solid franchisee earnings, it’s easy to see
Impact Permitting Impact Permitting has announced the launch of its franchise model for the state of Florida in response to the sharp increase in building throughout the state. Franchise opportunities, with an exceptional business model, extensive class room and inthe-field training and consistent ongoing support, are being offered to qualified candidates. Initial investment is $35,000 with little additional start-up costs as the franchise can be operated initially out of one’s home. No prior construction or permitting experience is needed. Impact Permitting helps companies and individuals
Kid to Kid is seeking energetic individuals with great management skills who want to make a difference in their community while earning a living. Our owners enjoy operational, technical, marketing, and financial support from our corporate headquarters and a great community of successful store owners who work together to continually improve. For more information call our business development team: 801 359 0071 ext 100, or email sales@bcfranchise.com.
through the maze of government rules and regulations that cover the permitting process by representing them at government permitting offices. Impact Permitting has grown from a small business with just three customers in 2006, to a prosperous business with a large and growing client base, comprised of both local and national companies, with a reputation earned by striving to provide the highest levels of service and care. Phone: 561-440-1001 Website: www.impactpermitting.com Email: info@impactpermitting.com Contact: Nadine Austerfield
Little Caesars
continue to receive support, expert analysis and consultation from corporate as their business grows.
Little Caesars offers strong franchisee candidates opportunities in select locations across the country. As America’s fastest growing pizza chain, Little Caesars provides candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system, a simple operating model and strong national brand recognition.
Little Caesars’ requires candidates desiring to open one store to have a net worth of $150,000 with a minimum of $50,000 in liquid, unencumbered assets (such as cash). Franchisees must also be able to obtain financing to cover the total costs of opening a franchised location.
Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive training program that focuses on all aspects of the business, including training, architectural and construction services to help with design, preferred lenders to assist with financing, the ongoing research and development of new products, and effective marketing programs. Franchisees
Le Macaron Development LLC Le Macaron French Pastries boutiques bring luxury to life with French macarons, gourmet chocolates and more. Our signature French macaron includes the best ingredients to create tasty, sweet morsels of crisp meringue and fillings made with gluten-free ingredients and no preservatives. The result? A delicate, sophisticated delicacy that invites customers to appreciate the quality of a thing done right. With a unique no-bake concept, Le Macaron Development LLC is poised for national growth in premier franchise locations alongside our more than 40 current
Franchising USA
IFPG to power their business. All of these individuals understand the value of being associated with IFPG.
For the sixth year in a row, Little Caesars was named “Best Value in America”* of all quick-serve restaurant chains. Phone: 800-553-5776 Email: USdevelopment@LCEcorp.com Website: www.LittleCaesars.com
locations. Our modern, attractive boutiques are typically housed within 800 to 1,000 square feet, ideal for outdoor shopping centers, enclosed malls, tourist areas and a variety of different high foot traffic site options. Along with eat-in and carryout options, franchisees can also provide custom and pre-packaged gift selections as well as catering and delivery services. For more information visit www.lemacaron-us.com/franchise-available Contact: Kathe Moore Phone: 941-685-2334 Email: kathemoore@lemacaron-us.com Website: www.lemacaron-us.com
Midas Midas, a recognized brand throughout the world and highly renowned name in complete car care, is proud to be one of North America’s original franchise opportunities – and one of its best. With Midas, you experience the best of both worlds - the support of an experienced franchise organization and the satisfaction of operating your very own auto service enterprise. As a Midas franchisee, you become a trusted name the day you open your doors for business. Building consumer trust is at the heart of our brand. We work every day to earn that trust by providing expertise, responsiveness, and the best value to every customer every time. Benefit from nearly 60 years of “The Midas Touch”
Our Town America For over 40 years, Our Town America has been providing new movers with traditional hospitality by mailing warm housewarming gifts from local businesses in a premium welcome package. It is Our Town America’s mission to welcome new movers into their communities, to help local businesses gain new loyal and long-term customers, and to provide franchisees with an excellent business opportunity. Thousands of satisfied business owners throughout the United States attest to the success and effectiveness of the Our Town America program
pinot’s palette Pinot’s Palette is a pioneer of the paint and sip experience – a revolutionary way to enjoy art and wine, meet new people and bond with friends. #1 paint and sip for franchisee satisfaction – Pinot’s Palette is a unique, art-inspired entertainment concept catering to adults, corporations and kids. By combining art and wine into a single concept, Pinot’s Palette now offers an inclusive, social activity for guests to enjoy with friends, family or work team members.
PIRTEK USA PIRTEK is the fluid transfer solutions leader in sales and service and the only franchise of its kind in the United States. With more than 30 years of experience in this field, PIRTEK boasts more than 400 Service & Supply Centers and a fleet of Mobile Service Vehicles in 23 countries.
Midas has built a stellar reputation in the automotive service and repair industry nearly six decades. We want to help you succeed. Before you open a location and as you continue to operate your shop, Midas will help you with the following: • Business management system for your shop • New franchisee orientation • Ongoing training and training resources • Operational support. • Development support • Optimizing and marketing your business: Join Midas today by calling 1-800-365-0007 or visiting www.midasfranchise.com! This website and any request for information or forms are not a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise.
while dozens of locally owned franchises validate the Our Town America concept as a viable business opportunity. Franchisees are neighborhood marketing consultants, showing local business owners how to target their best prospects with enticing offers via direct mail. Since beginning to franchise in 2005, Our Town America has been consistently ranked a Franchise Business Review Top 50 Franchise making them the only Advertising brand to land a spot in the 10-year Hall of Fame and the sole company to be crowed Franchise Business Review’s Top Company. Website: http://www.ourtownamerica.com Email: franchising@ourtownamerica.com
Pinot’s Palette’s entertaining environment, expert guidance from trained local artists and exceptional customer experience creates strong word of mouth, community recognition and a loyal customer base. Pinot’s Palette looks for franchisee partners who love to entertain and values that fit comfortably within the Team Pinot culture. Not art experience required! Franchising since 2010 with more than 130 locations in 33 states, Pinot’s Palette is an established, awardwinning concept leading the paint and sip industry. Website: www.PinotsPalette.com/Franchise or Email: Franchise@pinotspalette.com
focuses on repairing and maintaining hydraulic- and pneumatic-powered machines. Although the brand might sound like an opportunity better suited for someone who can work a wrench, it’s a business well-matched for entrepreneurs who understand the value of building relationships and are prepared to capitalize on the opportunity to thrive wherever industrial equipment is used—and it is used virtually everywhere.
This is a sales-driven, service-based business that
For more information contact: Gwyn T. O’Kane, CFE, Vice President of Franchise Development, PIRTEK USA Phone: 321.504.4422 Email: gokane@pirtekusa.com Website: www.pirtekusa.com
franchising usa
Excellent for branding and recognition.
Powered by an industry-leading approach to sales and service and backed by a corporate center passionate about its franchisees and customers, PIRTEK offers unmatched service and logistics.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
Franchising USA
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Remedy Intelligent Staffing Remedy Intelligent Staffing and Westaff offer premier workforce management services, including recruiting and screening professional job candidates, payroll and time attendance management, on-site supervision, and specialty staffing solutions to a wide variety of client companies, including manufacturing, industrial, clerical, administrative, accounting, finance, information technology, and professional services.
Restoration1® Restoration1 is the fastest growing restoration franchise in the emergency restoration industry for mold, water, fire and smoke damage, handling jobs of all sizes across the nation for residential and commercial property’s. ®
Our business is based on local and regional relationships with insurance adjusters, building inspectors, subcontractors and policy holders. It is always in high demand and not affected by economic trends because it is based on necessity, not discretionary spending. Our model is a powerful opportunity for the right
Sports Clips Established in 1993 and franchised in 1995, Sport Clips is one of the nation’s leading franchises with more than 1,500 stores nationwide. Founder and CEO Gordon Logan is a pioneer of the unique sports-themed haircutting franchise, including the development of the Sport Clips All-Star haircutting systems, operating procedures, and marketing programs. It’s a great recession-resistant business that’s all cash, no receivables, and no haircare industry experience is necessary.
Contact: Steve Mills, President Phone: 877-478-4033 Email: franchise@employbridge.com Website: www.remedyfranchise.com
candidates, as it involves no inventory, no brickand-mortar location and high-volume growth that continues through almost any economic climate. Our ethics, professionalism, quality and availability are carried out at each of our franchise locations. Our team is committed to giving franchisees the support system they need to succeed in these same areas. Restoration 1 Franchisees can reach full potential with our superior training, technical support and in-territory support. Contact: Gina Roberson Phone: 800-993-0803 Email: gina@restoration1.com Website: www.restoration1.com
FORBES as a “Top Ten Best Franchise” to buy for its investment category. Qualified veterans who are interested in owning a Sport Clips are eligible for a 20 percent discount off of Sport Clips’ franchise fee of $59,500 through participation in the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, also known as VetFran, which was created in 1991 during the Gulf War. At Sport Clips, it’s good to be a guy but it’s great to be an owner! Visit sportclipsfranchise.com to learn more. For more information, contact Karen Young:
Sport Clips is ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 20 “Fastest-Growing Franchises” and in the top 20 in the “Franchise 500.” It is also ranked by
Email: franchise.recruitment@sportclips.com Phone: (800) 872-4247 x. 1 Website: www.sportclipsfranchise.com
Sprout Financial
as we work from STATED information and your good personal credit history.
Sprout specifically created this financial program to help new & existing Franchise owners. We strive to ensure you have the working capital needed to promote a thriving business.
Contact: Russell Hibbert Phone: 800.358.1052 Email: contact@sproutfin.com
NO collateral required, NO financials submitted
Website: www.sproutfin.com
Sunny Days In-Home Care
marketing, operation practices, market analysis, plus ongoing training.
Sunny Days In-Home Care is a leading provider of nonmedical, in-home personal care service for seniors and disabled adults.
Franchising USA
Our team of experts in human resources, technology, risk management, and labor and employment law, ensure that we deliver on our commitment to consistently provide dependable, and flexible employees to meet and exceed our clients’ needs.
Founded in 2011, the Pittsburgh-based franchise company is focused on providing high-quality assistance to those who aren’t able to care for themselves so they can continue to live a dignified and independent life.
In addition, Sunny Days also offers franchisees a contribution of $10,000 of their initial franchise fee toward grand-opening marketing efforts. As part of the rapidly growing senior care industry, Sunny Days stands apart from its competitors by offering one of the lowest startup costs and highest care fulfillment rates in the industry.
With an experienced development team that has nurtured and grown multiple locations over the years, Sunny Days extends that same high-quality assistance to its franchisees by offering assistance with startup,
Contact: John Bennett Phone: 724-260-5186 Email: info@sunnydaysinhomecare.com Website: http://sunnydaysfranchise.com
The Interface Financial Group – IFG 50/50 The Interface Financial Group – IFG 50/50 is an affordable home-based franchise that provides short-term working capital to small and medium-sized businesses by purchasing current, quality invoices at a discount, thus accelerating the client’s cash flow and growth. All transactions are syndicated 50/50 with the franchisee and the franchisor, and that means less working capital required to fund transaction: IFG does the bulk of the due diligence and the ‘paperwork’ for the transactions, and IFG 50/50 franchisees will concentrate their efforts on building the referral relationships – they do the ‘people work’. Key advantages of being an IFG 50/50 franchisee include: • No staff to hire, fire, or manage
TopFire Media TopFire Media is an integrated digital marketing and public relations agency, specializing in the franchise industry. Our clients benefit from our years of experience in franchise SEO service, public relations, media relations, content writing and management, social media marketing, and web design. We work to bring all of these elements together to achieve a common goal – our clients’ success.
Uptown Cheapskate At Uptown Cheapskate, we buy and sell stylish clothing for teens and twenty-somethings in a fastpaced, upscale retail environment that enjoys nearly 70% gross margins. Our inventory changes every day as our stores hand-select current fashions and price them using Uptown Cheapskate’s proprietary software. Our ideal candidates pair their love of fashion with management experience, and are energetic leaders to their store teams. Our franchise owners are trained in person at corporate headquarters and in internship stores, and are given access to a robust training portal for franchisees and store employees. This tool is best-
Veterans Business Services Veterans Business Services provides the most advantageous franchise acquisition terms for Veterans and provides innovative entrepreneurial training for qualified Veterans seeking grants under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Veterans Business Services (“VBS”) specializes in entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and has an extensive reach into the Veterans community and can generate significant interest from qualified Veterans who wish to start a franchise or small business.
• No storefront to own, lease, or maintain • No Inventory or stock to purchase • No extensive travel because IFG franchisees do business locally • Business-to-Business, professional environment with regular business hours of operation • Flexibility to relocate for part of the year or permanently and continue doing business Our franchisees are excellent communicators, relationship builders with decision-making and problem-solving skills, and much more sales & marketing oriented. IFG has been in the ‘invoice discounting’ business since 1972, and employs its franchise network in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Mexico and South Africa. www.interfacefinancial.com
Our integrated approach combines our public relations and franchise SEO service prowess and is designed to generate brand awareness, drive consumer engagement, and build credibility for your company. Phone: (708) 249-1090 Fax: (708) 957-2395 Website: www.topfiremedia.com Email: info@topfiremedia.com Contact: Matthew Jonas
in-class and allows new employees and franchisees to rapidly learn the ins and outs of the business. You’ll also receive personalized operational support, professional marketing design, and assistance with everything from site selection to financing to operational tools. Explore our award-winning franchise that has rapidly grown to more than 50 locations across the United States, and learn why our franchisees find financial and personal fulfillment as Uptown Cheapskate store owners. For more information call our business development team: 801 359 0071, ext 100, or email: sales@bcfranchise.com
campaigns, news press releases, and online franchising e-magazine articles, VBS gets the message to qualified Veterans who are invested in starting a franchise. VBS supports service disabled Veterans who are enrolled in the self-employment track within the Veterans Administration and provides outreach efforts to transitioning military through TAP and ACAP programs. As a graduate business of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (“EBV”), we also assist other graduates of EBV and provide coaching support through mentoring programs. VBS is where Veterans turn to make their franchise dreams a reality.
VBS offers multiple marketing methods that have proven effective with helping franchise organizations with their expansion plans. Utilizing custom email marketing
Contact: James Mingey Phone: 202-349-0860 Email: info@veteransbusinessservices.us Website: www.veteransbusinessservices.us
franchising usa
Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
Franchising USA
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