August 2017 Franchising USA 5#10

Franchising usa The magazine for franchisees

VOL 05, ISSUE 10, AUG 2017

$5.95 www.franchisingusamagazine.com

honkamp krueger

Offers Unique Decision Support Model

in pursuit of success special

Children’s Products FEATURE financing

your franchise dream LATEST NEWS

FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS

TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE

The public and policymakers need to understand franchising.

Our purpose

@OurFranchise is an industry-wide campaign created to spread the word about the value of franchising and share the stories of men and women just like you, who are leading the way as franchisors, franchisees, and franchise employees. The franchise business model has been proven time and time again to work, but it’s threatened when the public and politicians don’t understand how it operates to benefit local, independent franchise establishment owners and their communities. Putting a spotlight on real leaders succeeding with the franchise model is how we’ll ensure franchising is stronger than ever before.

Follow us

Share the tools and resources offered on AtOurFranchise.org/resources

Help us keep the momentum going

Since our launch in June 2016, we’ve reached 1.7 million people through outreach efforts, including events in key cities and states, where we spoke directly with business owners, employees, policymakers, and the media. Additionally, we’ve reached people across America through our website and social media channels, digital advertisements, and the promotion of We the Franchisees on Politico – but there is much more work to do. As a franchisor, franchisee, or franchise vendor, you are a leader in your community – and we need your support, now more than ever.

You benefit by joining

By joining @OurFranchise, you’ll get access to exclusive stories and resources that can help grow your franchise business, educate employees at all levels about the franchise business model, and share the economic importance of franchising with consumers. You will also have the opportunity to share your franchise success story with your peers.

Visit AtOurFranchise.org Contact Erica Farage, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy and Multi-Unit Franchisee Engagement International Franchise Association efarage@franchise.org (202) 662-0760

b

a

x

Our Franchise

@OurFranchise

@OurFranchise

This is just the beginning

Make sure you stay up to date with the campaign’s latest efforts through email updates and social media.

Visit our website to read and share the latest stories of franchisors and franchisees making an impact in their communities. Become a franchise advocate to help ensure Americans, now and in the future, have the opportunity to start franchise businesses. Take the lead today!

Franchising usa The magazine for franchisees

FRANCHISING USA VOLUME 5, ISSUE 10, 2017 president:

Comments

Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com

Publisher: Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com

advertising: Jane Jacob. advertising@cgbpublishing.com

Editorial Department: managing editor: Diana Cikes editor@cgbpublishing.com

Editorial team: Gina Gill Rob Swystun

Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com

DESIGN: Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com

COVER IMAGE: Honkamp Krueger

CGB PUBLISHING Canadian Office: Sidney B.C Canada U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 Sales: 847 607 8407 Editorial: 778 426 2446 www.franchisingusamagazine.com Proud member of the IFA:

SUPPLIER FORUM International Franchise Association 1501 K Street, N.W., Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 628-8000 Fax: (202) 628-0812 www.franchise.org

Welcome to the August issue of Franchising USA. IFA president and CEO Robert Cresanti recently spoke out about the future of franchising and according to the franchising ambassador, the future is bright. He stated that the industry is back stronger than ever from the recession, with economic statistics indicating that franchises have out-performed competing non-franchise market segments in growth. And that trend is seen to continue.

So if you’ve been thinking about getting involved in franchising, now is the perfect time to join this thriving industry, and we’ve packed this issue with plenty of success stories, profiles and expert advice to inspire and guide you through your franchising journey.

On the Cover this month is Honkamp Krueger, a Top 100 CPA and business consulting firm and market leader in franchise services. Turn to page 10 to learn more about their unique decision support model and how they can help franchise businesses leap-frog over any initial growing pains and mistakes.

This month we also take a look at Children’s Products Franchising in our Special Feature. Parents want the best for their children and children want everything, so read on to learn more about an industry that shows no signs of slowing down. Our Feature Cover Story profiles Huntington Learning Centers, a tutoring franchise that’s celebrating four decades of continued success in this lucrative industry. Read on to find out why the Franchise Business Review named Huntington a top 50 franchise based on franchisee satisfaction.

Our Veterans in Franchising Supplement this month features The Dry Boys on the Cover. Read how this New Franchise in the Drying Industry Looks to Get Off to Quick Start by Offering Exclusivity, and find out about an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a franchise poised for success.

Our Industry Experts also weigh in on a variety of issues, from franchisee training, financing and social media, to branding, website development and much more, so be sure to take a moment to check out the Expert Advice we offer in this issue.

Happy reading!

“When it gets rough or you hit a roadblock, you must forge ahead and keep going. Despite blood, sweat, and tears, do not give up on yourself. You are worth the fight for a brighter future!”

- Dana Arcuri

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.

Franchising USA

a nchsing usa f ra nchising usa

Page 3

contents

august 2017

On the Cover 10 Cover Story: Honkamp Krueger Offers Unique

Decision Support Model

40 In Pursuit of Success

12

23 Special Children’s Products Franchising Feature 14 Financing Your Franchise Dream

In Every Issue 6

What’s New! Announcements from the industry

28 Children’s Products Franchising Feature Article

14

45 Veterans Supplement

News and Information for Veterans in Franchising

61 A-Z Franchise and Services Directory

Expert Advice 12 How to Transform Training in Your Franchise

28

Matt Bingham, VP of Product, Bridge by Instructure

14 Financing Your Franchise Dream

David Banfield, President, The Interface Financial Group

20 I Need Yelp!

Alexi Venneri, co-founder and CEO, Digital Air Strike

40 In Pursuit Of Success

George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice

42 Top 6 Traits of a Properly Branded Small Business Website

34 Franchising USA

Duke Vukadinovic, FirstSiteGuide

56 The Importance of Time, Timelines, and Timing with

Your Commercial Lease – For Franchise Tenants Jeff Grandfield and Dale Willerton, The Lease Coach

36 Women In Franchising

18

Morgan Morano, Founder, Morano Gelato

Have Your Say

58

Paul Bosley, Managing Member, Business Finance Depot

Children’s Products Feature

40

On the Cover 26 Huntington Learning Centers:

Tutoring Franchise Celebrates 40 years of Excellent Results

38 4 Red Flags That Every Aspiring Franchisee Should Look Out For 36 Children’s Franchising: Parents Are Paying!

42

In Every Issue 24 Feature News 28 Feature Article Expert Advice 32 Thinking of Owning a Kid-Focused Products

and Services Franchise? Consider This…

Rick Bisio, Franchise Coach, FranChoice

34 What to Consider When Investing in a Tutoring and

56

Test Prep Franchise Darlene Viering, Vice President of Sales, Huntington Learning Center

36 Children’s Franchising: Parents Are Paying!

Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems

38 4 Red Flags That Every Aspiring Franchisee Should Look Out For Marc Collopy, Co-founder and Executive Vice President

of Sales, Rockin’ Jump

58 Franchising USA

f ra nchising usa

what’s new!

Camp Bow Wow Designs New Headquarters to Amplify its Dog-Friendly Policy Amid Growth Camp Bow Wow®, the nation’s largest Doggy Day Care and Boarding franchise, relocated its headquarters to Westminster, Colorado, as the brand has already displayed significant growth this year with an 18 percent increase in its corporate workforce, and has additional plans to increase its team by 8-12 percent by year’s end.

The brand’s new office reflects its unceasing capacity to lead the doggy day care and boarding sector both in profitability and by example in the workplace The new 8,289-square-foot space was created with careful interior design and floorplan decisions in order to recreate the Camp lifestyle at its headquarters, benefiting both pets and their working pet parents. The space’s intentionally long hallways are great places for employees to play fetch with their pups, while a gated

area in the back of the building gives dogs a chance to socialize and enjoy treats from complimentary dog treat dispensers.

Private office doorways and cubicle “pod” entrances are also affixed with dog gates

for staff who want to keep their canines

close by, while toys, water bowls and dog beds are aplenty around the office. www.campbowwow.com

AtWork Group Expands into Miami market light industrial, clerical and call center industries. Flexible employment solutions are available including temporary, temp-to-hire, payrolling and full-time placements.

AtWork Group, an award-winning national staffing franchise, recently opened a new office in Miami. The new franchise location was awarded to local entrepreneurs Piyush Adhiya and Josee-Anne Adhiya and will provide a variety of staffing services to businesses in the Miami area.

“Miami is one of the fastest growing cities

Franchising USA

in Florida with several multi-national companies headquartered in and around the city,” said Jason Leverant, president and COO of AtWork Group. “There is an untapped potential for staffing solutions in this city’s diverse economy and Piyush and Josee-Anne recognized a growing need for the brand of service that AtWork offers.”

The new AtWork office will provide staffing solutions to businesses in the

“We like to connect people and businesses,” said Piyush Adhiya. “Being part of a nationally recognized and respected staffing franchise helps us to realize our dream of owning our own business while helping people access Miami’s professional networks. We want to exceed the needs and expectations of job seekers and have a positive impact on local businesses to help them grow.”

For more information about franchise opportunities, visit: www.atwork.com/atworkfranchising.

OrthoNOW® Awards First Master Franchise in Michigan and Area Development Agreement in Augusta, Georgia OrthoNOW®, the nation’s first and only network of orthopedic urgent care franchise, announced today that it has awarded its first Master Franchise Agreement in Michigan to Kelly Olin and signed an Area Development Agreement in Augusta, Georgia to Dr. Terry Arrington and Bernard Scherer.

These awards expand the brand from coast to coast. Olin plans to open 32 centers across Michigan within five years. Arrington and Scherer plan to open two centers within 18 months.

Orthopedic medicine has a $48 billion impact on the U.S. economy annually. OrthoNOW, was Co-Founded by Dr. Alejandro Badia, Orthopedic Surgeon, and financial industry executive, Justin Irizarry. The group began offering franchises in 2014 and recently, OrthoNOW was named a “Top Ten Franchise Opportunity” in healthcare, by Entrepreneur Magazine. Chief Development Officer Christine Dura said, “We are thrilled to welcome Kelly Olin, Dr. Terry Arrington and Bernard Scherer to the OrthoNOW family. These forward-thinking franchise owners understand the value of our ground floor opportunity. Utilizing our all-in-one package, they also achieve professional satisfaction by being able to provide convenient, responsive and affordable expert orthopedic urgent care for residents in their area”.

For more information regarding OrthoNOW® franchise opportunities please contact www.OrthoNOWfranchise.com

Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa Continues Texas Expansion With Three New Locations Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa, the world’s largest swimming pool retail, service, and repair franchise, recently announced its continued franchise expansion in Texas with the opening of three additional locations in Copperfield, South Katy and Spring, Texas.

This rapid growth marks the brand’s seventh store opening across the state since the beginning of 2016.

“We’re thrilled to welcome three additional franchisees to the Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa family,” said John Thomas, CEO of Pinch A Penny Pool Patio and Spa. “We set our sights on the Lone Star State and the community response has been incredible. Pinch A Penny is experiencing tremendous growth and Texas continues to be a viable market for potential franchisees.

We are eager to serve the greater Houston area and look forward to our franchisees’ continued success and development throughout Texas.” www.PinchAPennyPoolFranchise.com

Franchising USA

f ra nchising usa

Page 7

f ra nchising usa

what’s new!

ANAGO REVVING UP GROWTH IN SOUTHEAST REGION Anago Cleaning Systems welcomes its newest Master Franchise Owner in Atlanta, Georgia.

Time After Time Targets Growth With Franchise Program Premier watch retail and repair franchise aims for strategic regional expansion Time After Time, LLC, a leading watch retail and repair concept, has launched a new franchise program to help qualified professionals create a dynamic customer experience, with full-service repairs and a selection of the market’s top watch brands.

“For 25 years we’ve been the leading watch retail and repair center in the greater Philadelphia area,” said Derek Koss, CEO of Time After Time. “Now, we’re looking to spread our expertise across the region and change the landscape of the watch retail and repair industry.”

Since its 1992 inception, Time After Time has grown to 18 retail locations across

Franchising USA

two states and a 6,500 square foot repair

facility. Franchise expansion will initially

be rolled out in Pennsylvania, New Jersey

and Delaware with additional regional and national markets to be added over the next two years.

Qualified franchise owners will gain

access to Time After Time’s vast market knowledge and time-tested business

model, in addition to comprehensive

operational training and valuable vendor relationships.

For more information about the Time After Time franchise opportunity, visit www.timeaftertimefranchise.com.

Anago of Atlanta is owned by Paul Masters, entrepreneur and founder of a successful IT firm. Paul is set to lead Anago’s strategic growth in the Atlanta area along with expanding the company’s Master Franchise footprint within the Southeast through his background in operations, sales and marketing.

“Paul exemplifies everything we look for in a Master Franchise owner,” said Adam Povlitz, President of Anago Cleaning Systems. “His experience as a chief executive and extensive sales knowledge provides both Paul and Anago with the perfect platform to grow exponentially.”

In 1998 Paul co-founded a telecommunications and information technologies firm called Ernest Communications. After 15 years of successful growth, the company was acquired by Birch Communications in 2013. Paul served as the VP of Sales for over three years before investing in Anago.

“I invested in Anago because they offered me an economic opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse,” says Paul Masters, President of Anago of Atlanta. “I’m committed to use this platform as a way to help others grow their own businesses within the Atlanta community and beyond.”

Filta Group Customers, Franchise Owners, and Employees Raise Over $5,000 for Oceans of Hope Foundation opportunities to individuals with limited mobility.

Danny was inspired to start the foundation after sustaining a serious spinal cord injury while playing in a Men’s softball game. Previously, an avid outdoorsman and athlete, he was unprepared to face his “new life” limited to a wheelchair. In light of this, Danny started the non-profit organization, which has given many the opportunity to experience the unique thrill of surfing.

Last month, The Filta Group’s customers, franchise owners, and employees exceeded the company goal of raising $5,000 for the Oceans of Hope Foundation through a unique company-wide campaign.

The Oceans of Hope Foundation is one that carries a special meaning for everyone at The Filta Group as it was started by Filta’s own Danny Paltjon. The foundation, based out of Central Florida, was established to provide adaptive ocean sport

“It’s simply an honor and a privilege to support an amazing foundation like Oceans of Hope. We couldn’t be prouder of Danny and the organization he has created to uplift the spirits of so many,” said Jason Sayers, CEO at the Filta Group.

If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or making a donation please visit oceansofhopefoundation.org.

Minuteman Press International Reports Franchise Sales Growth in Long Island Region Minuteman Press International is finding the Long Island region to be fertile ground for design, marketing, and printing franchise success in 2017.

Total sales volume increased 18% region-wide in the first quarter of 2017. This sales growth follows a productive year in 2016, where ten franchisees across the region achieved record sales as Minuteman Press franchise owners. The Long Island region encompasses Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and Brooklyn.

Brian Sisti, Minuteman Press International Area Manager for Long Island, says, “The positive sales growth we have experienced in the Long Island region is a huge credit to the hard work of our owners that are closely following the Minuteman Press franchise system. Many of these owners have taken over locations that had been in operation for over 20 years including some that were in business for over 35 years. We pride ourselves on offering the highest levels of quality and personalized service. Combine that

with the new products and services we offer to clients as well as our Internet Marketing Program and it gives us the opportunity to build faster and reach more potential customers than ever before.” www.minutemanpressfranchise.com

Franchising USA

f ra nchising usa

Page 9

cov er sto ry

H onk a mp K r u eg er

Honkamp Krueger

Offers Unique Decision Support Model Nearly every business has areas for improvement and can realize greater success whether that be in sustainable growth, accountability or achieving their grand vision.

Franchise businesses can leap-frog over the initial growing pains and mistakes (often valuable learning experiences) that got the franchise brand to the well-oiled, process-driven machine it is today. By jumping a level and foregoing the initial pain of refining the process, franchises differentiate themselves from other business models. However, according to Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C., a Top 100

Franchising USA

CPA and business consulting firm and market leader in franchise services, this creates a missing link between managing the day-to-day operations of a franchise unit and experiencing high performance and sustainable growth despite the provided resources.

Ryan Burbach, CPA, senior manager at Honkamp Krueger, states, “Inheriting immediate resources and name recognition that allow for a successful business model is a dream for many franchise owners. The problem is, when this dream turns into reality, they are wearing a never-ending rotation of hats in the form of human resources (HR), payroll, internal controls, risk mitigation, accounting, finance and tax. The franchise model has given them an advantage, but they experience the same grind as any other business owner. They struggle to prioritize business planning, measurement and growth above the dayto-day work.”

To address these issues, Honkamp Krueger has developed a business advisory model unlike anything in the market today: decision support services. This unique and flexible approach delves into a franchise’s data, both financial and non-financial, to help educate the owner and key team members on how day-to-day activities impact the performance of the company as a whole. Decision support services paints a clearer picture of how the business is currently operating and where it can go from there. Burbach explains, “With systems often in place to collect key metrics identified by the franchisor, decision support services is a natural fit for franchise owners.”

By teaming up with Honkamp Krueger’s decision support team members and CPA trusted advisors, franchise owners are provided a unique package that includes everything from outsourced bookkeeping functions, accounting, tax, and management report and dashboards,

to strategic planning, and employee engagement. This is surrounded by ongoing support and accountability to performance metrics and long-term goals.

To test this approach, Honkamp Krueger offers business owners who are highly interested in the decision support services model a complimentary 90 minute discovery session. During this time, the business owner and his/her leadership team openly discuss alignment toward the franchise’s vision. Burbach explains, “We have a culture obsessed with helping our clients achieve the success and lifestyle that drove them into business ownership in the first place. The complimentary discovery session allows interested business owners an opportunity to sample our unique approach and decide if it’s right for them.”

This process includes the critical $COPE assessment, which is conducted online by the owner and key team members.

Honkamp Krueger’s model examines financials ($), customers, sales and marketing (C), operations (O), HR (people), development and engagement (P), and the end in mind (E). This process helps the franchise owner understand his/ her long-term goals and plans to achieve them.

Results of $COPE are compiled and reviewed with the client’s team, with a focus on improving the business and obtaining buy-in from employees.

“Employee involvement is encouraged and often improves their attitude in performing jobs that may typically pay close to minimum wage. To be able to motivate and excite that type of employee tells me we are on to something special with our approach,” states Burbach.

One of the most crucial components of the model is Honkamp Krueger’s dashboard and multi-unit, or location, reporting.

The decision support team works with franchise owners to centralize and improve efficiencies in the bookkeeping and reporting process. By creating custom reports, Honkamp Krueger provides multi-unit clients with benchmarking information that can be used to compare locations or manager-specific performance, create alerts and dig into

“We have a culture obsessed with helping our clients achieve the success and lifestyle that drove them into business ownership in the first place.”

- Ryan Burbach trends which can be valuable in sharing best practices across locations.

Through greater efficiencies, better data, and implementation of this new process, the owner gets more comfortable and can start to focus on other areas of their business to improve and feel better about scaling and adding more locations.

Burbach explains, “We provide you with implementable actions and accountability to help you better understand how your processes and people affect your financial outcomes. It’s one thing to have all the data and info; it’s another to do something about it. That’s where we bridge the gap between what your numbers are saying and what they actually mean.”

Technology plays a key role in the decision support model. Through the use of cloud-based solutions, Honkamp Krueger focuses on efficiency, ensuring the time spent with their clients is high-energy and impactful. Shannon Hunter, CPA, decision support manager, explains, “The value of our client’s time is stressed to our team.

With this principle in mind, we leverage our deep understanding of our client’s situation with a suite of cloud-based solutions to provide multi-unit reporting, benchmarking and key performance indicator (KPI) reports that are timely, accurate and easy to understand. Through our process, the client and their team will understand the numbers and can strategize their day-to-day activities to see what is working and what needs to be re-evaluated.”

Comparing the data with the processes in this way and seeing in what areas each location is excelling or could use improvement, helps franchise owners develop strategies and best practices, and apply them across multiple locations for a better overall performance.

When the planning stage is complete, decision support services picks up

where most strategic planning leaves off, with thorough implementation and accountability. “Too often, we see businesses spinning their wheels unable to pinpoint the true causes of issues they are facing. They may have a strategic plan, but it’s just sitting on a shelf. We’re hoping to disrupt that,” Hunter adds.

With testing and monitoring processes in place, coupled with the accountability provided by the decision support team, owners can find time to step away from the day-to-day processes and the multiple hats they wear. Greg Burbach, CPA, CFP®, managing partner at Honkamp Krueger, adds, “When efficient processes are reinforced and consistently followed, financial and non-financial data is readily available and acted upon, and the picture of the future becomes clearer, a business becomes more attractive and valuable in the marketplace. When it’s time to exit, this often leads to bigger returns down the road and can attract a better buyer, which is something the franchisor is also happy about.”

Decision support is a model which any business, franchise or not, can benefit.

Nearly every business has areas for improvement and can realize greater success whether that be in sustainable growth, accountability or achieving their grand vision. Honkamp Krueger helps clients see the value of planning for their businesses, livelihood and the legacy they’ve envisioned for their family and their community.

“Through the entire decision support planning process, our main focus is to get the franchise owners working on their business instead of in their business. If we can help our clients get a little more sleep at night and spend more time with their families, we’ve done our job,” states Greg Burbach. www.honkamp.com

Franchising USA

cov er sto ry

Page 11

ex per t advice

Matt Bingham, VP of Product, Bridge by Instructure

How to

Transform Training in Your Franchise

Franchising has exploded in the last century. By 2001, there were more than 767,000 business establishments in all domestic franchise systems, employing nearly 10 million people and contributing an output of $625 billion and a payroll of $230 billion.

These metrics have only grown in the last 16 years as more businesses are leveraging franchises to expand. Franchising is a powerful expansion tool to create national and even global brands within short time periods. The boutique fitness craze, for example, has leveraged franchising exceptionally well in recent years, with brands like Barry’s Bootcamp and Orange Theory, and beauty franchises like drybar, experiencing rapid growth in consumer interest and subsequent spend.

The franchising industry has experienced especially massive growth in recent years, expanding from a simple fast food and automotive services industry to a multifaceted sector in which many innovative brands are deciding to franchise. With this movement, many entrepreneurially

Franchising USA

“Better training programs are the only way the franchising industry can overcome the growing pains it’s experiencing and an ever-changing workforce, a combination that can prove damaging over the long run if not addressed in the present.” inclined people are also expressing interests in franchises, not to create their own, but to be a part of an existing one by owning and operating one or various specific locations of the franchise. In fact, more than half of all franchise units in the U.S. are run by multi-unit operators, who are leveraging this business model to build their own personal capital.

While there is a clear monetary advantage to this, these operators often lose sight of the professional staff they employ at their franchise locations, and many employees aren’t receiving the information they need to be successful in their jobs as a result of this distance. This lack of information and adequate training is exacerbated by the rotating workforce franchising knows too well, with an average turnover rate of about 130 percent for hourly workers.

That’s why, as the franchising industry becomes a greater force, employee training programs should become stronger, more detailed and more frequent to ensure all staff are properly on-boarded, aligned in key branding guidelines and delivering the best service to customers. Better training programs are the only way the franchising industry can overcome the growing pains it’s experiencing and an ever-changing workforce, a combination that can prove damaging over the long run if not addressed in the present. Here are specific ways to transform your training programs to beat these challenges.

Train More Often It’s a universal truth that people forget information they don’t regularly use. This forgetfulness is only made worse by the ubiquity of smartphones, where troves of information is available literally at our fingertips.

This forgetfulness is affecting the workplace too, and is hurting the

productivity and profitability of businesses. A January 2017 survey of more than 1,000 employees across the U.S., conducted by Bridge by Instructure, found that 45 percent of respondents report spending at least 15 minutes per week looking up information that was taught in company trainings. For an organization with 1,000 employees, this means workers spend at least 5,800 hours a year looking up information previously covered — nearly 6,000 hours of productivity time wasted.

The survey also found that 78 percent of respondents participate in company training quarterly or less frequently. In the franchising industry, with new employees regularly joining, this training cadence could impair time to productivity and potential revenue.

There’s a simple solution: train more frequently! Once every three months does not suffice. Make training at least a monthly occurrence and a significant focus of on-boarding, with greater frequency depending on your unique workforce.

Focus Training on Branding Today’s popular franchises are branding experts, in part because they train their employees from the highest executive to the most junior worker on how to deliver the experience specific to their brand.

Riders know, for example, the experience they get when they attend a SoulCycle class, whether that’s in New York or Newport Beach. You’ll be greeted by a chipper employee at the front, you’ll be told by the instructor to live your best life surrounded by candles and flashing club lights, you’ll listen to upbeat music and you’ll sweat for 45 minutes. SoulCycle has championed the “360-degree lifestyle brand that celebrates fashion, fitness, friendship, music and everything in between,” according to Melissa Shapiro,

Matt Bingham

investment president at Blue 449, and has leveraged this lifestyle branding to create die-hard brand loyalists.

Similar can be said for Sport Clips, a hair salon chain that has tightly branded customer experience and was recently ranked number nine on Entrepreneur’s 2017 top franchises list. When a man or boy walks into Sport Clips, he will be in an exciting sports environment and receive an inexpensive but high-quality hair cut from devoted hair stylists embodying the Sport Clip “Heart of a Champion” culture.

Like these two successful franchises, all franchises need to train their staff on what customers expect from their services, what representing the brand looks like for their particular position and how their franchise is unlike any other.

Training more often and focusing it on branding can help today’s franchises fulfill their potential. Not only will they experience greater productivity but their employees’ better service will create brand loyalists who keep coming back, surging profitability and revenue.

Matt Bingham is VP of product for Bridge by Instructure where he is responsible for driving product management and product marketing.

With over 17 years of experience driving product messaging, strategy and development for software companies, he has developed extensive experience in global product marketing, product management, digital content marketing, and in building teams and partners both US-based and international. www.getbridge.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 13

ex per t advice

David Banfield, President, The Interface Financial Group

Financing Your Franchise Dream

David Banfield

In a recent article, we examined some of the prime reasons why people do not proceed with either starting the business of their dreams or acquiring a franchise.

Franchising USA

One of the premier reasons that people put forward for not starting an often wellresearched franchise was their perceived lack of ability to finance the venture.

Further investigation often showed that few of the would-be entrepreneurs had really explored all of the financing options available in today’s marketplace.

determine your net worth, and will prove invaluable when it comes to approaching lenders.

For individuals that are serious about acquiring a franchise, there are a number of different avenues that should always be explored. It is also prudent to properly explore all of the avenues, and then to compare options once all of the data is available.

Undertaking this exercise often gives individuals the opportunity to consider where they might be able to prune their budget and create savings that could, in turn, enhance their franchise opportunity.

1. Assess your own financial situation Before you even think about financing make sure that you have a clear understanding of your own current financial situation, and have a viable financial plan in place. To do this, you should create a personal balance sheet listing both your assets and your liabilities. This allows you to

Coupled with the creation of a personal balance sheet should be a personal or household budget. You need to create a clear and concise picture of your existing income and expenditures.

2. Franchise financing companies are your friends It is important to note that there is a vast array of specialist franchise financing companies that are there to guide you through the financing process. Search for the right company to fit your needs. They will be able to draw upon their extensive franchise expertise and provide you with a plan quickly and efficiently.

FASTEST GROWING

PIZZA CHAIN IN AMERICA! *

SELECT AREAS STILL AVAILABLE! NON-TRADITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ALSO AVAILABLE!

Visit LittleCaesars.com or call 800-553-5776 *Based on 2015 U.S. store growth. ©2016 LCE, Inc. 56333

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

JOIN THE

Page 15

ex per t advice

David Banfield, President, The Interface Financial Group

“Keep in mind that there are various ways to approach franchise financing. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach.”

As we have indicated, there are a large number of companies that specialize in this type of financing and, therefore, it is prudent to ‘shop around’ and compare different plans and options.

3. Don’t overlook your bank When it comes to financing a franchise, some may incorrectly assume that it is too specialized an activity for their bank or, in today’s climate, that the bank is just not ’open’ for business financing. That assumption may prove incorrect and it may well be that your bank has a specific department that specializes in the funding of franchise models.

Even if your bank doesn’t have a specific and dedicated franchise area, they will have funding experts that you should consult with in order to get their feedback on your proposal and your financing plan. Make use of this free expert advice from your bank.

4. Look to your franchisor Many established franchise organizations have well-developed financing plans already in place. This may come in varying forms. It could

Franchising USA

be upfront help with financing, a fee-deferral or a long-term note on equipment, etc. Even if a franchisor does not offer a specific financing plan, they will certainly have connections to suitable sources that might be of use to you.

5. Think outside the box Keep in mind that there are various ways to approach franchise financing. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, you may be in a jurisdiction where your pension funds can be used as a financing vehicle. This effectively means that you are self-financing your franchise.

Another alternative might be to consider forming a partnership to share initial set-up costs, or have a partner come in as the financial arm of the business.

Sometimes buying an existing franchise rather than a start-up in a new location can provide substantial financing benefits – therefore always consult with the franchisor regarding resale opportunities.

Whatever solution you decide upon, be sure to explore different financing avenues

to find the right plan and options to suit your circumstances.

The most important thing to remember when financing a franchise is that you are not alone. There are many ways in which you can receive advice, support and guidance, usually at no cost throughout the process.

Make sure you avail yourself of this to take the stress out of the prospect of financing a franchise that will enable you to start sooner rather than later.

David Banfield is the President of The Interface Financial Group, a position that he has held for over 20 years.

He has been instrumental in starting Interface as a franchise opportunity and building it to its current international status. Prior to his involvement with Interface, he worked extensively in the banking, credit and factoring financial service areas. www.interfacefinancial.com

Your Golden Opportunity

Page 17

Midas is a globally recognized leader in the tire and automotive service industry for nearly 60 years. We are looking for motivated people to become part of our Midas franchise family! Build your long-term success with a brand name customers know and trust.

• Powerful local and national marketing $FFHVV WR QDWLRQDO µHHW DFFRXQWV WR KHOS \RXU EXVLQHVV JURZ • Ongoing training and support • Excellent point of sale and shop management systems

This advertisement does not constitute an offer of a franchise. A franchise offering can be made by us only in a state if we are first registered, excluded, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with an appropriate franchise disclosure document. Franchises may not be available in all states.

midasfranchise.com 800-365-0007

Franchising USA

wo m en in fr anchising

Morgan Morano, Founder, Morano Gelato

Rethinking the Traditional Franchise Model I started my business at a young age, selling my scratch-made gelato at a local farmer’s market when I was in my 20s.

I came up with the idea after growing up in the restaurant industry, going to culinary school and spending time working at a Sicilian gelato store in Florence.

I wanted to bring the concept of traditionally-made Italian gelato to the US. I had dreams of owning my own gelato shop, but I didn’t know how big Morano Gelato would become. It wasn’t until I had opened my first store in Hanover,NH and began watching customers line up day after day for our gelato, that the idea of taking Morano Gelato national was born.

At the time, I recognized there was a complete void of authentic gelato, particularly Sicilian-style gelato, and saw

Franchising USA

an opportunity to fill it. Our commitment to making different flavors fresh every day, educating our customers, and delivering a traditional gelateria experience allows us to distinguish ourselves within a simplistic business model that can easily be replicated.

When I thought about opening new locations, franchising seemed like a perfect fit. It enables us to partner with members of communities we are not part of, who seek to spread our mutual love of Italian culture and gelato within towns similar to our original location in Hanover.

However, it quickly became apparent that the traditional franchising model--open as many locations in as many regions, as quickly as possible--wouldn’t work for me.

Making gelato is an intricate art. It has to be made fresh each morning with local and seasonal ingredients. There’s no product to ship across country for instant gratification. I quickly learned that the people I would partner with as franchisees would be the most important element of my business. After years of exploring franchising, I discovered that I didn’t want to sell a franchise. I wanted to award it.

And that’s why I’m rethinking the traditional franchise model. Morano

Gelato’s third shop--and first official franchise (Hanover has since been turned into our flagship franchise)--opened this spring in Westfield, NJ. We’re rejecting the trend of trying to blanket the country with hundreds of stores and instead focusing on a few quality stores at a time in concentrated regions of the country. As a woman rethinking the franchise model, here’s what I’ve learned:

People are Everything As a business owner, I’m very focused on growing a brand by hiring the right people who have a respect for franchise systems and consistency. Business savviness is nice, but what I look for is high integrity, a strong character, passion for gelato and the desire to jump in and get to work, whether that’s scooping or marketing. Leaders lead by example, and anyone who’s worked in the food industry knows how tough it is to get it right, so having the right people at the helm is the main indicator of whether my brand will succeed.

You Need to Be Flexible and Follow Your Instinct Understanding that flexibility needs to be built into your growth plan is key.

As a business owner, I initially started off on a traditional franchising path. It wasn’t until I got a bit down the road that I realized this wasn’t a good fit for me--or my brand. I started honing in the values of the Morano Gelato brand and strategizing on how to retain them when we grew, even if that meant growing more slowly than I’d originally anticipated. Ultimately, by focusing on our values at Morano Gelato and following my instinct, I know this is the right way for our business to grow, even if it’s unconventional for the franchise world.

Understand the Value of Franchising Franchising occasionally has a bad reputation. I’ve heard it disparaged as not being true entrepreneurship and that it could have a poor effect on our brand, but I think that for many people considering starting their own business, there’s value in joining the right franchise concept. I spent years training, recipe testing and market testing my product, with a ton of mistakes made along the way. Morano Gelato franchisees benefit from that, and they also get a partner to bounce ideas off of and share thoughts with. That goes both ways: as a business owner, I have already learned a lot from working with my first franchisee and I expect each new one will bring the benefits of a mutual partnership.

Through selecting the right people, we can also maintain the quality of product, service, and the consistency we are known for in New England.

Morgan Morano founded Morano Gelato in 2010. The authentic Sicilian gelato company has three locations: one company store in Chestnut Hill, MA and two franchises in Westfield, NJ and Hanover, NH with more to open in the East in 2018. For several years, Morgan spent half her year in Italy and the other half in New York City, serving in both culinary and pastry chef positions. After working with a Sicilian gelato chef in Florence, Morgan dedicated herself to the art, production and science behind gelato making. She is also the author of The Art of Making Gelato: 50 Recipes to Make at Home. www.moranogelato.com

Franchising USA

wo m en in fr anchising

Page 19

ex per t advice

Alexi Venneri, Co-founder & CEO, Digital Air Strike

I Need Yelp!

93 percent of purchase decisions are influenced by social media and review sites so it’s more important than ever before for businesses to monitor their online reviews.

Yelp is one of the best-known ratings and review sites but many businesses have a love/hate relationship with it. Do you need some help with Yelp?

Why Should You Care About Yelp?

Back in 2015, Yelp reported an astonishing 83 million users active across many different business categories - including retail, restaurants, automotive, travel and hotels. Yelp is a partner with Apple which

Franchising USA

means when someone is searching for your business the Map feature will include Yelp user ratings and businesses with better reviews rank better in local search results. Digital Air Strike conducted its Annual Automotive Social Media Trends Study and found that 50 percent of car buyers and 59 percent of service customers said social and online review sites are the most helpful in the dealership selection process.

Yelp Enhanced Features and Benefits Yelp offers businesses non-enhanced or enhanced page options. Non-enhanced is free, but that does not mean it’s without cost.

If you choose to use a non-enhanced page, you’ll experience the following: • You’ll be limited to one photo in a single size that creates a visually unappealing profile compared to competitors with enhanced pages.

• Other businesses competing for the same consumers can have their advertisements appear on your page!

Enhanced pages give you an edge with exclusive features like: • Unlimited photos and videos that can be easily viewed through a reel feature.

• Competitor ads are blocked and replaced with an expanded custom content feature, allowing your business to further appeal to potential customers.

• There is an option for a call-to-action section which will direct customers to your website.

Yelp reports that profiles with a call to action button average a 50 percent increase in traffic and customer leads vs. free profiles. Wow! One more thing to consider: when you work with a company that partners with Yelp you may be able to get better rates on Enhanced Profiles than if you work with Yelp directly!

Best Practices to Increase Engagement Opportunities and Reviews Increasing consumer engagement is critical to becoming a 5-star business on Yelp. Here are a few ways you can start increasing engagement today: • Start with simple in-store advertisements such as custom counter cards, window stickers, and personalized business cards that inform customers that your business is active on Yelp.

• Offer customer specials, also called “check-in” offers, to encourage a customer to further investigate your business. Some examples of “checkin” offers include offering discounts, freebies, or other special amenities to people who “check-in” at your business.

Customers can also filter searches in Yelp to show only businesses with special offers. “Check-in” offers allow an easy avenue for customers to leave reviews. If they choose not to write a review right away, Yelp will remind them the next time they sign-in.

• Responding to reviews can also be a great way to show potential customers that you’re engaged in conversations and

care what people are saying about your services or products. In fact, Digital Air Strike conducted a survey on millennial consumers and found the 62 percent of consumers appreciate social site interaction and say if a brand engages with them on social networks, they are more likely to become a loyal customer.

Making your responses as personalized as possible will make the reviewer and others see that their feedback is valuable.

Yelp’s Filtering Mechanism – Not Recommended Reviews Yelp’s filtering mechanism uses many signals to weed out reviews left by customers of a business. These include quality, reliability, the level of a user’s activity on Yelp, and unhelpful ranting.

Therefore, only Yelp’s recommended reviews are factored into their overall star rating. The bottom line here is, Yelp’s filtering mechanism looks for credibility.

About 75 percent of reviews submitted to Yelp are labeled as recommended.

You may also submit an inquiry to Yelp about questionable reviews. By reporting a defamatory or questionable review and including any information that Yelp’s moderators can independently verify,

Alexi Venneri

the review can be investigated by Yelp’s automated software.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, Yelp isn’t going away, so it’s best to use the tips presented here to leverage the site and engage with consumers who rely on it to make decisions about where to spend their money.

Alexi Venneri is the co-founder and CEO of Digital Air Strike, the leading social media technology and consumer engagement company. Alexi has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and is a pioneer in digital response, social marketing and online reputation management. digitalairstrike.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 21

Don’t miss an issue

Get the App

www.franchisingusamagazine.com Franchising USA

FranchisingFeature children’s products

august 2017

Tutoring Franchise

Huntington Celebrates 40 years

of Excellent Results

4 Red Flags

That Every Aspiring Franchisee Should Look Out For

Children’s Franchising: Parents Are Paying!

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

what’s new!

School of Rock Names Rob Price as CEO School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education, announced today the appointment of Rob Price as President and Chief Executive Officer. Price will work closely with School of Rock’s senior leadership team to enhance the student experience at each school, expand the global footprint, and establish creative partnerships to maximize the brand’s reach.

David Zucker, Chairman of the Board at School of Rock, said, “Rob has extensive experience helping strong brands fully reach their potential. He has an impressive track record of engaging team members, operators, and partners in support of rapid business growth.”

“As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how music can shape lives,” said Price. “I look forward to working closely with School

of Rock’s talented franchisees, parents, students, corporate team members, and industry partners to reach many thousands more aspiring rock and rollers. School of Rock is unique, and I’m thrilled to be a part of its important mission.”

Since partnering with Sterling Partners in 2009, School of Rock has grown systemwide sales from $13M to over $65M, student count from 4,000 to over 25,000, and school count from 52 to over 190 in nine countries.

Rick Elfman, Managing Director at Sterling Partners, said, “As we got to know Rob, it became clear his business skills, leadership style, and raw passion for music – he was in a rock and roll band with his wife and three kids – would be a great addition to School of Rock.” http://franchising.schoolofrock.com

Top In-Home Private Tutoring Franchise Surging Through First Half of 2017 The rise in education standards across the globe and everchanging tutoring segment that is expected to surpass $102 Billion by 2018 are driving worldwide growth for prominent brands including Tutor Doctor, the leader in one-on-one inhome private tutoring.

Serving more than 270,000 students in 16 different countries, the private tutoring franchise surpassed the 500-territory plateau at the end of 2016 and is projected to finish 2017 near 600. Through the first two quarters of the year, Tutor Doctor has opened 35 new franchised territories with another 65 on the way to close 2017.

“Our growth is a direct result of worldwide demand for academic success, quality tutors within our system and a terrific network of franchisees who are given the chance to maximize their reach in multiple cities,” said Frank Milner, President of Tutor Doctor. “By purchasing territories, our franchisees are given the freedom to build a strong base of students in many towns in a specific region.

They are able to do so and also keep them coming back thanks to our outstanding educators - now at more than 17,000 - and the evolving challenges of school systems.”

Tutor Doctor now has its sites on continued expansion throughout

Franchising USA

the United States, including major metropolitan cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia, as well as the states of Florida, California, Oregon and Washington. In addition, the company is expecting further growth in the United Kingdom, Australia and Latin America.

Tutor Doctor recently announced a $5,000 discount off its regional franchise fees for veterans and is actively recruiting people to help the company provide academic services to students all over the world.

For more information on Tutor Doctor and its franchise opportunity, visit www.tutordoctoropportunity.com.

Leading Childcare Franchise Discovery Point Unveils “Art of Happy” Campaign Company’s New Brand Campaign Underscores a Unique Focus on Learning and Exploration

recognize that there is an art to making kids happy, and all of our locally-owned centers are dedicated to meeting children where they are to leave both them and their families smiling.”

Discovery Point, a leader in the childcare industry with nearly 50 centers in the Southeast, announces “Art of Happy,” an ambitious new brand direction that highlights the company’s industry-leading programs and deep commitment to children.

“We’re dedicated to giving every child we care for a chance to learn and grow, and the Art of Happy campaign captures that commitment – it and appeals to parents and franchise owners alike,” Clark adds.

The new branding will also appear in promotional materials for Diane’s Devotion, a philanthropic program named for Discovery Point cofounder Diane Clark. Each year, Discovery Point centers partner with local charities in honor of Clark, and each center will encourage its community to celebrate the “Art of Caring.” www.discoverypoint.com

Designed to frame happiness as an art, Discovery Point’s new campaign underlines the importance of tailoring childcare to individual needs of kids.

It also emphasizes learning, play and exploration, as well as the ways these activities shape children’s well-being.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for children,” explains Cliff Clark, president and CEO of Discovery Point.

“That’s why we chose this theme for our new campaign. At Discovery Point, we

Biographer Shapes Pioneer FRANCHISOR’S Story into Children’s Book Martha Matilda Harper, an entrepreneur who created modern retail franchising, is the central character in Jane Plitt’s new “Martha’s Magical Hair,” a children’s picture book, designed to inspire children to think about going into franchising.

The book features an interactive approach to introduce franchising as a means to empower people.

“Harper transformed her life and the lives of other poor women by using business for social change,” explained Plitt, an entrepreneur herself and author of Harper’s biography, “Martha Matilda Harper and the American Dream.”

According to Plitt, in 1888 Harper

launched her healthy hair and skin salon for women (and later men) in Rochester,

Books may be purchased at www.marthamatildaharper.org or on Amazon for $8.95

N.Y., and promoted the business with

her ravishing floor-length hair. She also

designed the first reclining shampoo chair.

Key leaders applaud “Martha’s Magical

Hair.” Franchise attorney Steve Feirman of Nixon Peabody in the District of Columbia said the book “deserves a spot on the bookshelf next to Goodnight Moon.”

Debra Jacobs of the Patterson Foundation said, “Any parent interested in instilling the power of possibilities … will be turning the pages.”

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 25

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

H unting ton Lea r ning C enter

Tutoring Franchise Celebrates 40 years of Excellent Results Now in its 40th year, Huntington Learning Center has a lot to celebrate. The top tutoring and test prep franchise, which offers individualized instruction for children from kindergarten to grade 12 on basic skills and provides test preparation for the standardized SAT and ACT tests, is continuing to thrive.

Not only does the average Huntington franchisee earn over 63% more than its closest competitor, Huntington also climbed to #63 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500™ this year (it was #198 last year). On top of that, franchisee satisfaction with Huntington appears to be high, as Franchise Business Review named Huntington a top 50 franchise based on franchisee satisfaction and a top 50 franchise for women.

However, all the revenue and awards come second to the real measure of success for the company and that is watching students who are struggling in school suddenly rise to the top of their class because of the help they receive from Huntington Learning Center.

Eileen and Ray Huntington started Huntington Learning Center in 1977 when tutoring centers did not yet exist. Prior to starting the business, Eileen Huntington was teaching at the high school level and she regularly saw students who couldn’t keep up in school. Ray, who has a PhD in statistics, was employed in the business sector as a business analyst for A T &T. The couple realized they were in the perfect position to help these kids, as well as children and families all across the country.

“Our mission is to give every student the best education possible,” says Eileen Huntington, co-founder and CEO of the family-owned and operated business. “We change kids’ lives every day. It’s extremely rewarding. When I see the excitement on the faces of our students when they realize they can do it – there is no greater reward.”

Franchising USA

The Huntington Approach Using Huntington’s 4-step diagnostic prescriptive approach, the learning center analyzes a student based on in-house testing and then uses its proprietary software to develop an individualized learning program for the child so they can be successful in school.

“That’s one of the reasons for our success,” Huntington explained. “As a franchisee, you do not need to be an educator to run this business.”

Once the learning center has the child’s diagnostic test results, the software automatically creates the learning program for the child from over 700 pieces of curriculum it has developed.

The documented student results have been profound. On average, Huntington students increase over a grade levels each in reading and math over a three-month period.

“We don’t just tutor for tomorrow’s test,” Huntington explains. “We give students the skills, motivation and confidence to succeed.”

College test prep results are equally impressive. Average SAT scores increase 200 points after a two-and-a-half month program, while ACT scores increase an average of four points.

“College admission today is extremely competitive,” Huntington noted. “You wouldn’t have your child go out and start driving a car without driving instruction.

Why have your child sit down and take these tests without preparation?”

Students who perform their test preparation with Huntington Learning Center also receive millions of dollars in scholarships, which is another source of pride for the company.

franchisees who want to be involved in their community, and want to be active participants in their franchise, Darlene Viering, vice-president of sales noted.

Potential franchisees have to hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree and have to be comfortable going into schools and talking to educators and also have to be comfortable marketing the business.

They also need to have a passion for kids and education, although no previous education experience is required. “Our franchisees want a business that is both personally and financially rewarding,” Viering said. “Many of them tell us that joining Huntington was the best decision they ever made.”

Much like it does for students, Huntington Learning Center focuses on education for its franchisees, starting with four weeks of initial training at the company’s corporate headquarters in New York. They will also spend time working in one of the company’s 35 corporate-run learning centers in the greater New York area. The franchise also provides access to its online training system, which is available at all times, plus they provide training in the field multiple times per year.

But training is only one part of a multipronged support system that helps ensure franchisee success. A national call center answers all incoming calls from parents making their initial inquiries and funnels those calls to the appropriate franchisee. To help franchisees with the initial meeting with parents, the company provides training to them in the form of a team of conference coaches that coach them in how to present Huntington Learning Center to parents.

Franchisees also have constant access to the company’s franchise business consultant team, who visit the franchisees frequently.

for opening a Huntington Learning Center is from $110,000 to $225,000, Viering noted, this gives franchisees the opportunity to borrow a large portion of the initial investment if required.

On top of all that, the franchise also provides customized marketing materials.

“Our franchisees don’t have to create anything from scratch,” Viering said. “The proven system is in place – they just need to follow it to be successful.”

When helping a franchisee open a learning center, the company focuses on controlling the variable costs to keep them as low as possible. This means a franchisee doesn’t need that many new students per month to remain profitable.

One of the most important elements of support for franchisees is Huntington Learning Center’s seasoned management team, who have an average tenure of 15 years.

Future Outlook With 40 years under its belt, Huntington is firmly committed to continued growth.

While the franchise already has a large footprint in the country, it has spots available nationwide.

Huntington also prides itself on being a family-owned and operated business.

“Now, the second generation is in the business,” co-founder Eileen Huntington said during a recent interview. “Our daughter Anne is very involved and committed to carrying on our mission.

Many of our franchisees run their franchises as a family business and they’re being passed down to the second generation. When people buy a franchise, they bring their adult children into the business. We’re very excited about that.”

The New Jersey-based company started franchising in 1985 to take the concept to the rest of the country and currently has 300 locations in 39 states nationwide.

If a qualified franchisee needs help getting started, Huntington Learning Center also offers in-house financing for them. They can borrow up to $100,000 directly from the company.

With the next generation taking a leadership role, Huntington Learning Center will be around for a long time helping students prepare for college and get a boost to their education as well as helping the next generation of entrepreneurs realize their dream of business ownership.

Huntington Learning Center looks for

Considering the initial investment range

www.HuntingtonFranchise.com

Franchisee Fit and Franchisor Support

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 27

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

children’s PRODUCTS FRANCHISING FEATURE

It would be a safe bet to argue that the biggest consumers are children.

Though they have no income, or financial security, they dominate buying power in the American economy.

Parents want the best for their children and children want everything. It all starts at the womb with pregnancy. There is now an entire market geared directly towards moms-to-be that generates enough profit on its own. Once the baby is born, they

Franchising USA

have so many gadgets and protocols that the market is swamped with baby specific products.

The overwhelming demand continues to grow as children get older, between video games and toys, it’s an ongoing industry that is always changing and profiting.

There are a variety of options for franchising if kid’s products is within your radar of interest. If you are young at heart or would like to work alongside children, this type of business might be your best bet.

Of course, children’s business is not limited to products but also extends to a breath of services that range from learning services to recreational options to daycare

supervision. The needs and desires of parents and children is exceptional hefty.

Products Toy Stores There is the obvious product that is associated with children and them alone: toys. However we live in a high passed industry with rapid technology that creates more toys and makes these toys more accessible. Child’s play is not limited to toys, but includes video games, ipods, apps and the list goes on as developments continue.

There is something to be said about running or owning a toy store; it’s a great passion to consider. Research the different

“For someone who is passionate and is a child at heart but also looking for an easy way to generate profit, a children’s service would be a great fit.”

options and local competitors. Some toy stores have high product range, while other specific in certain products. The more services and options available, the better.

Inquire whether or not a franchise offers marketing and what brand names they carry on site. The only downfall would be a heavy start up investment, because location and property would cost a pretty penny. While the beginning might pack a hefty punch, the profit is evident. Toy retail sales revenue in the US, generated over 20 billion dollars in 2016. Kids continue wanting toys, and parents keep buying them.

A current competitor with the toy market is thrift stores and online venues.

Children’s products are more accessible than ever, and parents are recognizing through time that some products are short lived. So before investing in a big ticket item, they will search the web for handme-down options. If it’s a field you are considering, look at thrift store chains and research the flea markets in the area.

do not tend to stray from their trusted and established name brand and name brand equipment is expensive, therefore generating profit.

There is no necessary training needed to franchise a sporting equipment business, but it would be great to have a passion for sports and fitness. Someone who coaches or follows sports might have more of a dedication to the field and enjoy the product.

Consider if the franchise has service options available and trade in options or if they have any affiliation to any professional teams. The more the merrier, making your franchise the one stop shop would be the best option in this type of

field. Kids might change preferences, but they must remain loyal to your location.

Services Learning Services With two working parents at the office all day, it’s a lot more difficult to help kids with all the homework they bring home. Learning services not only provide homework services but tutoring as well.

These services have almost become mandatory for a lot of children, and some parents utilize them as after school programs.

Sports Equipment Of course sports equipment is not exclusively for children, but they tend to dominate purchasing power. Kid’s grow and therefore they are constantly changing equipment. Again, more things are easily accessible and that includes sports.

The reason to consider a franchise could be narrowed down to one reason: name brands. In the athletic world, people

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 29

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

is beneficial in that area. You need a lot of young families to get started, or consider setting up next to a school.

Working with and speaking with schools in the area to see if children are in need of extra learning facilities could help you get a feel for the necessity of your community.

There could be a few local competitors on a smaller scale, with at-home tutors or free programs offered at the school. It’s best to get inside the schools and see what is offered, before setting up shop.

Recreational

“Working with and speaking with schools in the area to see if children are in need of extra learning facilities could help you get a feel for the necessity of your community.”

With a better understanding of learning disabilities and the variety of approaches to learning, more and more children need access to learning services. Parents of course want what is best for their children

and will utilize any service available for their children’s education.

There are different types of learning franchises, one that mixes social programs or sports programs with homework completion or academic lessons. Some focuses on one subject, while others offer tutoring in a variety of subjects. Some learning services are specific to learning disabilities, while others offer programs for advanced students.

As someone interested in this type of franchise, there is a lot of research to consider beforehand. Again, the more programs and variety, the better, because it appeals to a larger customer base. But one of the most important factors to consider is credentials.

Does the center have a good reputation?

Are the people teaching the students qualified? Contact an owner of a franchise and ask them how it works within the community. You should consider the statistics of the location and if the market

Franchising USA

Kids obviously love to play, and the franchising world has taken that into consideration in many ways. Active play is not limited to sports; there are franchises with video game options, or trampoline and ball pits, or indoor parks and water resorts. If a kid has had an idea of fun, there is a franchise for it.

The great thing about recreational franchises, if you have a particular passion or if your children really enjoy an activity, you can turn that desire into a business and a profit. There are so many options to choose from, you can consider what best suits you and your family.

Researching what options have the best work life balance as well as reputation and credibility would be a great place to start your business plan. Also, really broaden the range of search because there is a plethora of options available.

The weather and location can also play a factor. If the area is usually located outside, it would have to be in warm climate and an indoor facility might get more profit in a rainy or cold territory.

Childhood products can be a very profitable and extremely fun business. For someone who is passionate and is a child at heart but also looking for an easy way to generate profit, a children’s service would be a great fit.

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.

Click here to find out more...

FRANGUIDE.COM 703-424-2980 FIND YOUR FRANCHISE WITH FREE GUIDANCE FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Rick Bisio, A Franchise Coach

Thinking of Owning a Kid-Focused Products and Services Franchise?

Consider This…

One of the more popular franchise sectors aspiring owners have pursued recently are products and services for children. These include learning centers, after-school care and athletic and recreational camps.

These include popular brand names such as Soccer Shots, Little Gym, Primrose Academy and others. This is a growing industry with an established customer base that continues to increase each year.

The latest U.S. Census estimates more than 20 percent of the population (approximately 74 million) is under the age of 18. The number is projected to grow to over 80 million by 2030. People are now having children later in life, in their 30’s rather than their 20’s, which often means they are more financially stable and can spend a greater amount of money on their children’s development.

According to IBIS World, child education and developmental center franchises have grown by five percent over the last five years and total more than $3 billion annually. This can be a very profitable business investment for many franchise owners out there.

As a franchise coach, I talk to many people who are passionate about working with kids. They are interested in

Franchising USA

“If you want to be active in your own child’s schedule, then be careful about getting into a children’s service or educational business.” children’s products and services businesses because they have children and like working with them, therefore they want to be in a business that deals with children.

While I think that it is great to pursue your passion in life, passion should not be the primary reason to open franchise. This is one of the most frequent misconceptions I encounter when working with people looking at franchise opportunities, and it’s even more prevalent with those interested in children’s products and services businesses.

For example, if you own a children’s education franchise, you are not going to be teaching children. Your job as an owner will to be out in the community building relationships with individuals who can refer business to you or people who will directly engage in your service.

You will interview, hire and manage people to handle the responsibility of teaching. As a franchise owner, you will do things such as managing schedules and payrolls, motivating others and conducting team meetings. If you want to build a successful business, those are some of the things you need to do.

I absolutely understand the desire to work in an area you love and I encourage people to pursue jobs in that field. When it comes to franchise ownership, however, I make sure to explain that it’s going to take a strong business acumen and specific skills to succeed. Before discussing options, we thoroughly dissect the individual’s skill set and how their skills can translate into successful business ownership. Then, we try to find specific franchise businesses in any given field that have the best skill set match for that individual. Prospective business owners can predictably increase

their potential for success by making sure the business is a strong fit with their skills and lifestyle objectives.

Another thing I caution people to think about when pursuing franchise ownership options in the child products and services field is to consider the hours of operation and the impact it could have on their family’s schedule. Many of these businesses have hours that require owners to work on weekends and other times when kids are out of school. If you want to be active in your own child’s schedule, then be careful about getting into a children’s service or educational business. Always be aware that it is a natural conflict that needs to be addressed when operating a business such as this while also focusing on your child’s activities.

author of The Educated Franchisee.

Bisio is a leading franchise coach with FranChoice, the creator of the FDD Exchange and the Franchise Glossary and the co-host of Rick Bisio’s Franchise Focus. Since becoming a franchise coach in 2002, Bisio has assisted thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide explore the dream of business ownership. Prior to joining FranChoice, he was the director of international development at AFC Enterprises, the parent company of Popeye’s Chicken, Church’s Chicken, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Cinnabon, establishing locations in more than 30 countries. educatedfranchisee.com

Children’s products and service franchises are a great opportunity for potential business owners. The initial investment costs can be relatively inexpensive and the moments/successes you enjoy as an owner can be a particularly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. It is also a growing business with increasing demand for their services. There are several important factors potential franchisees must consider, however, before determining if this is the right path for them. The children’s products and services industry might be a great choice for if you do the proper research and have the necessary skill set.

Rick Bisio recently published the third edition of his Amazon-bestselling

Rick Bisio

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 33

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Darlene Viering, Vice President of Sales, Huntington Learning Center

What to Consider

When Investing in a Tutoring and Test Prep Franchise Franchising USA

A tutoring and test prep franchise can be a great investment. It’s a $4.3 billion industry and is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2019. And students in the United States are lagging behind many other countries.

According to OECD’s PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), the United States ranks 26th in math, 21st in science and 17th in reading. At the same time, the college entrance process is getting increasingly competitive.

According to the College Board, only 43% of SAT takers in 2014 met their College and Career Readiness Benchmark.

While investing in any children’s educational franchise can be extremely

rewarding both personally and professionally, it does require a significant investment of time and money. Before making that leap, here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself: • Do you need to be an educator? If you are going to be spending your time helping struggling students succeed and helping competitive students achieve even more, you certainly should have an interest in education. It’s important to note that many children’s educational franchises do not require previous educational experience. If you choose one with a proven curriculum and system in place, you do not have to be an educator to be successful. You will need to hire teachers/tutors who are willing to follow the system. Be sure to choose a brand with a history of keeping up to date with

changes and developments in education, such as No Child Left Behind and Common Core Standards.

• Has the system been vetted? Look for a proven system with data on measurable results. While a new franchise concept may be tempting, you can minimize your risk by joining a proven system that has results that you can share with school personnel to give them the confidence to refer students to your program, and to parents to give them the confidence to invest in their children’s’ futures and sign their children up.

• Will I be able to follow the system? If you are the type of person who wants to strike out and invent something completely new,

franchising may not be for you. Yes, you need to be motivated and have the initiative in order to succeed, but the risk is minimized when you join a proven system and execute it flawlessly.

• Do you like working with children? Of course, children can be challenging at times. But if you do not truly enjoy working with children and seeing them grow personally and academically, look for a different opportunity.

• Are you currently active in your community? A key to success in a children’s educational franchise is being involved in the community. This means participating in local events and joining the Chamber of Commerce. It means visiting the schools and partnering with them.

• Are you strictly a 9-5’er?

Your franchise must be open a good number of hours when school is not. Particularly in the first 1-2 years of starting up a new franchise, you will want to be present to develop relationships with the parents and children, to train and oversee your teachers and administrators and to ensure that standards are being met.

• Does the franchise leverage and integrate current technology?

Advances in technology are a part of our everyday lives and they should be a part of the tutoring and test prep franchise you are considering. That does mean that the franchise needs to lose the personal one-to-one touch that can make a huge difference in a student’s life. But technology needs to be an integral part of delivering student outcomes.

• What kind of training is offered? You want to find a franchisor that offers training both when you’re first opening your franchise and on an ongoing basis for the life of your franchise. You also want there to be an opportunity to keep you well-trained as well as your staff.

• Does the franchise have extensive operational and marketing support? A key

Darlene Viering

advantage of owning a franchise versus striking out into uncharted territory is the support system that’s in place, especially in operations and marketing.

There should be systems in place for running your center on a day-to-day basis. In the marketing area, look for advertising and communication templates already developed that you can simply personalize to your market.

Is there a website? Is there a call center?

There should be a calendar of activities that includes critical action dates. The time you will save by not having to create these from scratch could make the difference between success and failure.

Taking a hard look at your skill set and what you enjoy doing, as well as asking the right questions of the franchisor and other franchisees of the business you are considering, will help you make a decision that’s truly right for you.

Darlene Viering is the Vice President of Sales for Huntington Learning Center, the #1 revenue-producing tutoring and test prep franchise for the K-12 market. There she leads franchise development as well as Huntington’s national call center. Founded in 1977, Huntington Learning Center’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven student results which leads to franchisee profitability. www.HuntingtonFranchise.com

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 35

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems

Children’s Franchising:

Parents Are Paying!

I have kids. My daughter is four years old and she has me completely wrapped around her finger. When she asks me to buy something and looks at me a certain way, I typically pay the bill happily.

Franchising USA

This dynamic could be part of the trouble we have with the most recent generations work ethic and other concerns, but regardless this translates to good business for people selling just about anything to kids and families.

Children’s Franchises have been part of the mainstream franchise community for the past decade. The majority of the market was made up of product-based businesses which sold items to the public and did so from a retail location. As the market has evolved, so too have children’s franchises offering a wider range of

services and products and through a

myriad of different types of business models.

What is fun about the children’s franchise market segment is that the category tends

to be quick to move towards new consumer trends and industry opportunities.

Kids can be easily swayed with good

marketing and advertising and parents dollars are soon to follow. In addition, when advertising convinces parents

that something might be good for their children, spending is soon to follow.

“Spending on children tends to be an economyresistent market as parents will cut spending on their kids only when absolutely necessary.”

When the kids market in franchising first started to gain market traction, retail was the primary focus. Brands such as USA Baby and Children’s Orchard hit the market in the 70’s and 80’s along with a wide range of other brands in the retail segment. Through the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s, more and more children’s retail franchises hit the market and had success scaling their brand into new areas. Today, the children’s segment of franchising is dominated by education, development and entertainment concepts. Entertainment franchises include the trampoline

franchise market, kids parties and other service models with a focus on providing environments for children and families to have fun.

What might be incredible to some is how much money a typical family might spend on a child’s birthday party or special event; in some markets it isn’t uncommon to see birthdays where parents spend $1,000 to $2,000 on a party. No segment exhibits this characteristic more than the incredible trampoline franchise segment. The market was started by Sky Zone initially and today newer trampoline franchise brands have captured significant growth such as Launch Trampoline and Big Air who have models that produce average revenues per unit in excess of $2 Million to $3 Million.

The parks are big, elaborate and offer an amazing experience to the families that visit, it’s no wonder people have been excited to invest in this market segment.

Current market research indicates there are 450 current trampoline parks in the U.S. with an additional 500 to be opened in the coming five years.

The largest category of growth in children’s franchising is the education and development market. This market was originally headlined by large tutoring franchise brands such as Huntington and Sylvan. Over time, the market transitioned more to modern education practices with franchises in Montessori, early childhood development and specialized education utilizing STEM. Brands such as Primrose, Mathnasium and Kumon developed education and development models that were effective and resulted in enormous franchise growth globally.

Today, the movement for a mobile, workshop based model has become a significant portion of the children’s franchise market with brands like Bricks 4 Kidz, Tutor Doctor and Mad Science Group leading the way. New brands such as Montessori League Academy and Kids Learning Tech are examples of the countless new franchise innovations which deliver specialized childhood development programs through franchising. Ultimately, in today’s ever more competitive landscape

Chris Conner

for education and the fight to get into the top colleges and universities, parents are investing in their children’s education from the age of 3 or 4 on. This willingness to spend on children’s development early has helped support the growth and expansion in this category and doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon.

Spending on children tends to be an economy-resistent market as parents will cut spending on their kids only when absolutely necessary. Certainly the willingness to spend on both entertainment and education for children increases rapidly when the economy is performing well, making the children’s franchise segment exceedingly attractive to investors. If you are like me with your own children, and spend at a moment’s notice on your children’s behalf you can understand why businesses with the right products or services enjoy a virtually endless market opportunity.

Christopher 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

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 37

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Marc Collopy, Co-founder & Executive Vice President of Sales, Rockin’ Jump

4 Red Flags That Every Aspiring Franchisee Should Look Out For “Am I making the right choice?” We’ve all reflected on this question at some point in our lives, but for prospective franchisees and small business owners, the stakes are much higher.

After all, between 2006 and 2010, about 20 percent of franchises failed.

Franchising USA

Everyone is afraid of the unknown to some extent, but business owners face an entirely different set of anxieties. No matter how well things may be going, it’s in every business owner’s nature to worry about the “what if” scenarios. What if the market crashes and your company can’t survive?

What if a new competitor lures away your customers? What if new regulations hinder your ability to do business?

Even when you’ve done your research and it looks like a good plan, you can’t help but worry whether you’re making a mistake or missing a red flag. Some red flags, after all, are right in front of you, while others are recognizable only in the rear view mirror. So before signing on the dotted line, really examine the deal to ensure

you’re not driving right into the danger zone, and look out for these four red flags:

1

The franchise is pressuring you to close.

You know the feeling when a used car salesperson is pushing you to close the deal without giving you any time to think it over? You should never feel that way with your franchise.

Franchises that push their franchisees to close deals immediately are usually only looking for quick profits from franchise fees — they don’t have a franchisee’s best interests in mind. They’re not interested in

“If the franchise’s team members aren’t willing to help you, it either means they’re inexperienced or they just don’t care enough about their franchisees — both of which are red flags.” and are willing to help. From financing and choosing a location to marketing and hiring, your franchise should offer some form of support to help you learn and grow — after all, the franchise succeeds when you do.

If your franchise leaves you high and dry and expects you to figure everything out on your own, that’s a bad sign. If the franchise’s team members aren’t willing to help you, it either means they’re inexperienced or they just don’t care enough about their franchisees — both of which are red flags.

Always ask as many questions as you can before closing the deal so you get a good idea of how you’ll be treated once you open the store. Good franchises will be able to provide plenty of information about fees, support systems, regulations, and requirements to put your mind at ease.

3 growing with you over the long run, and they typically don’t vet their franchisees well, either. This amounts to a recipe for disaster, so if your gut is telling you something is off, it probably is.

If you’re unsure whether you’re being pressured to close (or if it’s just your nerves talking), try extending your purchase into the future. If the corporate team gets angry and continues to push you to close as soon as possible, walk away from the deal.

2

You don’t get any support.

One of the greatest advantages of opening a franchise is that you have a support system of experts who’ve done it before

You’ve heard bad things about the franchise.

It’s always important to do your research before opening a franchise. Also, talking to other franchisees and reading online reviews allow you to glean insights the company won’t share with you.

Most franchisees are happy to talk about their experiences, and they’ll tell you whether there’s a support system, how transparent and communicative the franchise is with franchisees, whether the customers are loyal to the brand, etc.

Great corporate teams will sometimes even provide contact information for other franchisees and encourage you to speak with them. You can also browse Facebook, Yelp, and other social media sites to see whether the majority of the reviews are positive or negative. While there will

Marc Collopy

always be negative reviews from a few disgruntled customers, if the majority of them seem unhappy with the brand, that’s not a good sign.

4

Similar franchises have failed.

Sometimes, a certain type of company just doesn’t do well in a specific area. Occasionally, that’s due to mismanagement, but if you see a slew of failed businesses similar to the one you’re planning on launching, consider it a possible red flag.

Success can also be dangerous, though. If a powerful competitor is thriving in your area, try to avoid setting up shop too close.

It’s not always a good idea to keep your enemies closer.

As with any business venture, starting a franchise can be risky, so it’s completely normal for you to worry about whether you’re making the right decision. While you never truly know a business’s future, doing your research and understanding what you’re getting into will help your dream franchise beat the odds.

Marc Collopy is co-founder and executive vice president of sales for the Rockin’ Jump trampoline park franchise, a company dedicated to combining exercise and fun in a safe, clean, family-friendly environment.

Rockin’ Jump currently has 35 locations nationwide, with an additional 80 under construction. rockinjump.com/trampoline-parkfranchise

Franchising USA

CH I L DREN’S PRO DUCTS fr anchising fe at u r e

Page 39

ex per t advice

George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice

In Pursuit Of Success As I get the opportunity to visit with owners of franchise and independent businesses across the country I see a range of success and different levels of satisfaction with their chosen endeavor. All of those owners started with the same desire to succeed, provide for their family and have an income they control.

Why the different outcomes then?

Often it comes down to their understanding of themselves and the opportunities in front of them as well as how they build a model for their portfolio growth.

Keep in mind that the franchise development people that you will talk to are looking to sell a unit, territory or multiples of those to skilled people that can make them successful. You won’t likely find them talking about your portfolio and how you might see growing it, that is not their job. Their focus is on unit success, not portfolio success.

The first flaw in most plans is that the candidate is working to replace their corporate role with a business that feels like a job and has one location or limited trade area. For example, when they are looking into restaurant franchises they may be looking at a single location. That makes your daily role more of a restaurant manager, not a CEO, and few of those candidates would submit a resume to be a manager of a local fast food restaurant.

Businesses don’t have to feel like your past jobs.

As a franchise owner you have a few superpowers by virtue of your new ecosystem.

• You can leverage money to grow a larger operation faster • You can leverage talent but hiring people that have skills you don’t • You can leverage time by building a team that does the work that makes you money • You can leverage relationships (like

Franchising USA

“When searching for opportunities it is critical that candidates dismiss ego and preconceptions so they can open up their field of view to consider opportunities in full and with their long term portfolio growth goals in mind.” that with a franchisor) to give you advantages

grow your business and, eventually, your portfolio.

• You can leverage buying power and supply chains to lower costs below your competition

If I was to give the most basic of portfolio building success parameters, it would be these:

• You can leverage a brand so that customers know what you do and how well you do it

• Focus less on how you like the business yourself as a consumer and focus on demand and stability. Un-sexy is better than high-sizzle. Nobody checks the stock market before calling a plumber or fixing their car and a lot of people have cars, plumbing, etc., etc.

• You can leverage National employee programs to get the best employees With all these superpowers why would you leave your corporate job to become a single unit restaurant manager?

That is not to say restaurants are bad opportunities, just that starting with a vision of one unit may not fit you. I tell most candidates that wish to venture down the path of restaurant ownership that their goal should be a minimum of 5 units.

When searching for opportunities it is critical that candidates dismiss ego and preconceptions so they can open up their field of view to consider opportunities in full and with their long term portfolio growth goals in mind. If your goal will require 7 units of a particular restaurant, then what is the cost in money and time to hit that goal. Is there, then, an opportunity with another franchise company in a different industry that would give you a better use of money and time?

Also keep in mind that as you grow the systems must allow you to move from running the first unit to overseeing multiple units and eventually stepping into a CEO type role. For some owners that transition could take years, for others it happens in months. While you may find working in your business exciting at first, personally managing the daily operations limits your businesses growth as you only have so many hours in a day. You will have to leverage time and resources to

• Territory based is often better than brick and mortar. Brick and mortar has huge expenses before you open, you can’t move it and it takes a long time to open and make money. Territory based businesses have protected customers, not just lines on a map.

• Area Developer, Area Representative and Master franchise opportunities can be very desirable, especially if in a nonretail service business.

• Businesses that can quickly become semi-absentee are preferred over full time roles, gives you the freedom to grow portfolio.

• The business has to fit your model (contact me, I’ll explain how to build your model)

George Knauf

our spouse, family, community, boss and much more. We just don’t call it selling.

The vision of the old school used car salesman is from the past. Sales is now a component of customer service.

• Be involved in your community • Evangelize your business.

• Have the goal of making every customer happy. The client is not always right, but the client is always the client.

• Enjoy what you do with wild abandon!

Nobody can downsize you!

• Spend more time with family, friends and doing the non-work things you love.

What better reason to be successful?

Assembling a portfolio is complex, get assistance from someone that knows how to do it well. We work with executives and investment funds and the complexity of their needs can be daunting, but for years we have successfully built home run portfolios and you can too.

What is your success story, let’s go find it!

• Market, A LOT!

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.

• Sell, always! We all sell every day, to

www.myperfectfranchise.com

• The franchisor can be emerging or seasoned, but they have to offer great training, support and franchisee satisfaction. Emerging brands have to be run by seasoned franchise pros.

• You have to follow the system, don’t offer suggested changes for the first year, do what they have proven then tell down the road them what you would do.

You bought it, use it!

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

t s

Page 41

ex per t advice

Duke Vukadinovic, FirstSiteGuide

Top 6 Traits

of a Properly Branded Small Business Website “By making your website mobile-friendly, you will provide mobile users with an impeccable user experience, which will help you improve your SEO ranking.”

This doesn’t mean that establishing brand awareness is difficult. Quite the contrary, it is very easy to build exposure. All you need to do is combine several essential

traits that every properly branded small

business website should have, so read on

to learn what they are and how great of an impact they can have on your business.

1

Visual Components: Your Logo, Layout and Colors

Duke Vukadinovic

In this day and age, when the entire world is connected online, not having a website for your small business is certainly not an option. However, creating a website is pretty easy, but it’s another thing altogether to brand your small business.

Franchising USA

It goes without saying that you will

certainly put your logo on your website.

After all, it is your brand’s identity and the icon that people recognize your business

by. However, you need to make sure that it

is placed on every page on your website, as it helps build brand awareness. Make sure that it links directly to your homepage, so

that your visitors can easily go back when browsing.

Your site’s layout and the colors you choose are just as important as your

logo. You should choose the colors that match your logo. The same goes for

your website’s layout – make sure it is

complementary to your logo. These visual

components will help you create a site that perfectly represents your brand.

2

Simple Navigation

If your website visitors cannot find what they are looking for in a matter of seconds, they will simply leave. Therefore, in order to create a seamless user experience for every visitor, you need to make sure that they can easily navigate their way through your site. Not only will simple navigation make it easier for your visitors to browse through your website, it will also make all the content easily digestible and not at all overwhelming.

Your website’s navigation bar should be clearly visible, and the search box should be placed at the top right of your every page. The bottom of your pages shouldn’t be any different, because people should be able to easily go to any other page without having to scroll all the way back to the top.

3

Mobile Responsiveness

Optimizing your website for mobile devices is a huge step towards attracting a higher number of customers, since a majority of people are using their smartphones and tablets to browse websites. By making your website mobilefriendly, you will provide mobile users

with an impeccable user experience, which will help you improve your SEO ranking.

4

The Story of Your Brand

Your brand’s story can help you create a strong connection with your target customers. It can show them that you are the right solution to their problems and make them choose you over your competition.

Introduce your website visitors to the faces behind your brand and let them get to know the real you. Show them exactly who you are and what makes your company different.

5

Social Media Integration

In the age of social media, it is paramount that you integrate social sharing buttons.

Social media are among the most important tools available for helping

you forge strong relationships with your customers. Not only can social media help you raise brand awareness and communicate more easily with your current and potential customers, but it can also help you drive a lot more traffic.

Integrating social media buttons enables your visitors to easily share your content, which additionally helps you with branding. What’s more, it enables your customers to become your brand ambassadors.

6

A Compelling Blog

website, make sure you create one as soon as possible. Update the content on a regular basis and make sure you provide real value. Your blog can help you establish yourself as an expert in your field and it can be one of the most effective tools for communicating with your customers, so you should definitely start using it to your advantage.

These traits of a properly branded small business website should always be in the forefront of your mind. Make sure you check out some useful resources to level up your webmaster skills, as they can help you step up your game.

Having a blog on your website will help you engage your visitors. If you provide them with relevant and compelling content, they will certainly want to come back for more.

Duke Vukadinovic works for FirstSiteGuide. He is passionate about the Internet world and can be of great to help web newbies build many successful blogs in various niches.

If you still don’t have a blog on your

FirstSiteGuide.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 43

Want to stay on top of the latest news and whats happening at the forefront of franchising?

Franchising USA THE MAGAZINE FOR FRANCHISEES

Subscribe to Franchising USA’s newsletter and receive all the latest franchising news delivered straight to your inbox, every week!

To subscribe visit: www.franchisingusamagazine.com

Page 45

Veterans in Franchising AUGUST 2017

the dry boys gets off to a quick

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

start by offering Exclusivity

why making the bed sets

ground work for success eight questions for veterans

to ask about franchising 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

Page 47

V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g Suppl e m e n t august 2017 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 On the Cover

News and Expert Advice

48 The Dry Boys: New Franchise in Drying Industry Looks to Get Off to Quick Start by Offering Exclusivity

50 Why Making the Bed Sets Ground

Work for Success Dr. Chris Tomshack, Founder and CEO,

50 Why Making the Bed Sets Ground Work

for Success 52 Eight Questions for Veterans to Ask About Franchising

HealthSource

52 Eight Questions for Veterans to Ask About Franchising Tim Mackin, Owner of FirstLight Home Care, York

54 VBS is Raising Money Through KIVA to Change Veteran’s Lives Jim Mingey, Founder and Managing Director, VBS

Franchising USA

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

T he D r y B oys

New Franchise in Drying Industry

Looks to Get Off to Quick Start by Offering Exclusivity

A brand new water damage restoration franchise aims to leave the competition high and dry by offering special incentives, including exclusivity of territory.

The Dry Boys, co-founded by Leo Goldberger and Curt Swanson, currently has two corporate locations in Albany and Brooklyn, NY. Unlike other restoration companies, The Dry Boys concentrates solely on water damage and restoration caused by floods, natural disasters or some kind of failure within residential and commercial properties.

“We will find the source of the water, we will stop the water, we will extract the water, we will remove the affected

Franchising USA

materials, we will put in drying equipment, dehumidifiers — we have many different sizes and types of dehumidifiers — as well as air movers or fans,” Swanson explained during a recent interview. “Depending on the application, we might use air scrubbers to clean the air because we’re moving air inside an affected location and we will monitor the location until we have dried to industry standards.”

The Dry Boys will also apply an antimicrobial solution to the affected area to prevent mold, pores and mildew growth, he added.

With so many homes flooded across the United States each year, The Dry Boys is filling a need that many homeowners will require at some point, Goldberger noted.

“Every day in the United States, over 50,000 homes are flooded,” he said.

“Every year in the United States, two percent of basements are flooded. Every basement in the world will be flooded at least twice in its lifetime.”

Whether it’s from floods, washing machine malfunctions, leaking or broken pipes, water damage is something that happens every single day across the country, he added.

Exclusivity In addition to its singular focus on drying and water damage restoration, The Dry Boys offers its franchisees something that Goldberger says no other restoration franchise offers; exclusive territory, even during a natural disaster.

The market service area for The Dry Boys franchisees will be around 300,000 people, which is much larger than what other restoration franchises offer, Goldberger said, and even if something like a hurricane hits an area, a franchisee’s exclusivity will not be compromised.

This is in contrast to how other drying franchises operate. If a hurricane or other disaster strikes an area, Goldberger explained, other drying franchises will

“We’re here to help the franchisee. If they’re successful, we’re successful.”

- Curt Swanson encourage all their nearby franchisees to flock to that area with their equipment to make money.

With The Dry Boys, however, if a major disaster were to happen in a given area, only the franchisees in that area would get access that business, the co-founder continued. This is because as a corporation, The Dry Boys owns approximately $2 million worth of drying equipment and it can strike a deal with the local franchisees in the affected area to use the corporate equipment so they won’t lose any potential business to other franchisees coming into the area. Their only competition would come from other companies.

Now is an ideal time for entrepreneurs to join The Dry Boys, Goldberger said, because they’re just getting started and have opportunities available all over the country.

Swanson’s 25 years of experience in the drying and restoration industry and Goldberger’s experience starting and growing successful franchises — The Inspection Boys and The Patch Boys were also founded by him — also bode well for potential franchisees.

Goldberger said The Dry Boys franchising costs are lower than other restoration franchising startup costs and the company can also offer in-house financing to help franchisees get started. As an added bonus, the franchise can start off as a home-based business to further save on costs.

On top of all that, veterans get a 20 percent discount.

Both Goldberger and Swanson have veterans in their families and the cofounders feel a great deal of gratitude toward them.

“We always want to give back to those people who serve our country,” Goldberger said.

Veterans usually have an outstanding work ethic, he noted, and can diligently follow a plan, which is what makes them ideal candidates for The Dry Boys.

No Experience Necessary Franchisees need not have any experience in the drying or restoration industry.

Swanson will be in charge of training to make sure all franchisees are educated accordingly.

The Dry Boys has a training facility in Albany where they can replicate realworld flooding scenarios in buildings.

Franchisees will have two to four days in the training facility where they go over various scenarios. The training includes both classroom and hands-on training.

After going through The Dry Boys training, the franchise will require that its franchisees get certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, which is a national industry standard among drying and cleaning companies.

In addition to training, The Dry Boys will also provide ongoing support in the

form of continuous training, marketing, lead generation and employee training.

The company will also keep franchisees up-to-date with the latest technology in the industry.

Swanson said he will always be available to assist franchisees and while the company is getting started, he will be available to travel to a franchisee’s area to offer support and training on-location.

“We’re here to help the franchisee,” Swanson declared. “If they’re successful, we’re successful.”

Perhaps the biggest indicator of future success for the company, as outlined by Goldberger, is the fact that The Dry Boys operates in an industry where clients have no choice but to engage their services when required.

“This kind of business is a need business,” Goldberger said. “When you come home after work and see your basement flooded, it’s not a question of whether you want to fix it, you need to fix it.”

For veterans and civilian entrepreneurs alike The Dry Boys offers an excellent opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a franchise poised for success. www.TheDryBoys.com

Franchising USA

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

Page 49

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

Dr. Chris Tomshack, Founder & CEO, HealthSource

Why Making the Bed Sets Ground Work for Success Franchising USA

“Boot camp would be hell if we weren’t passionate about serving our country! So proudly serve your community with a business in which you believe for ultimate fulfillment.”

Civilians never guess the most valuable business lesson I learned from my military career is to make my bed every morning.

It seems unrelated when it comes to business but proves how even small tasks can leave a positive lasting mark.

I’m forever indebted to the military for my college education and numerous life lessons my officers taught me. With all I learned in the classroom and on duty, the military provided me the tools necessary to become a successful businessman and franchisor. From the way I hired my first employees and how I initially selected franchise partners to how I continuously train the franchise system and further develop my brand – the military has been influential in how I operate as a franchisor.

Let Passions Lead Your Path As veterans transition to civilian life, the first thing we typically seek is our next career move. I launched my own chiropractic business, which quickly grew to four, and then solidified systems in order to franchise the concept. When contemplating a career after the military, it’s important for veterans to follow their passion. Selecting a career based on the money will eventually become bland and the business won’t be successful. Produce something you love. If you love health, go into something medical or involving exercise. If you love to eat, go into the restaurant business. It seems basic enough, but many entrepreneurs go into businesses

for the wrong reasons. Soldiers rely on passion to be effective so the same needs to be applied to a professional career.

Boot camp would be hell if we weren’t passionate about serving our country! So proudly serve your community with a business in which you believe for ultimate fulfillment.

Leave Your Ego at the Door The military has the right mindset when it comes to training – leaders leading leaders. We put ego aside to get the task done. Not having an ego is important when it comes to running a strong organization. When I was first commissioned as an operations officer, I was put in a position to lead people who were 35 years older than me. Listening to someone with little experience who is less than half your age isn’t the easiest thing to do, but every person treated me with respect. That’s what the military teaches you – selflessness. The best example of military-instilled selflessness is World War II General, George Marshall.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt relied on Gen. Marshall to strategize the war behind closed doors, without receiving the notoriety or glory of other generals – including General Dwight Eisenhower who would become the President of the United States. I try to embody that way of thinking and also instill the same within my franchisees. Put your ego aside and do what needs to be done to accomplish the greatest good for all.

Be Prepared The military will give you the tools to be ready for anything. Unbeknownst to me, I was on the receiving end of infinite pseudo drills and situations doled out by my superiors. Now I understand that they wanted to see how I would react

Dr. Chris Tomshack

in real-time and determine whether or not I could accomplish my assigned task successfully. I use this same method within the HealthSource franchise system.

I want my franchisees to be ready for any feasible situation that could occur. When dealing with an issue like a physical injury or storm damage to a clinic, I learned that the best way to find a solution is to explain the situation and clarify what happens if the job doesn’t get resolved quickly.

After identifying the ramifications of the situation if we don’t overcome, the solution usually becomes clear on how to work together to complete the task.

It’s pure military methodology to translate a person’s level of disciple to their success.

Having the discipline day-in and day-out to accomplish small, routine acts is how greater amounts of success in business are achieved. That is why I make my bed every morning, as it sets the tone to do the small things throughout the day to reach my fullest potential.

Dr. Chris Tomshack is the founder and CEO of HealthSource – America’s Chiropractor®, the largest and fastestgrowing chiropractic franchise in the world, with more than 360 domestic and international clinics serving more than six million patients. Dr. Tomshack was in the Airforce ROTC at Ohio University and served in the National Guard.

He has also authored “The Ultimate Practice Adjustment” and co-authored “Freedom from Fat.” www.healthsourcechiro.com

Franchising USA

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

Page 51

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

Tim Mackin, Owner of FirstLight Home Care, York

Eight Questions for Veterans to Ask About Franchising Franchising USA

After careers spent serving their country, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces can be at a loss looking for a career beyond the military.

Opportunities exist in the franchise industry, but there are questions that need to be asked to determine if a franchisor is the best fit for you.

1 How do they treat veterans?

You’ve found what looks like a good business opportunity, but as a veteran entering the business world, it’s important to find an organization that truly values those who serve. How does the franchise treat veterans? Does the corporate leadership of the franchise recognize service? Is there a franchise fee discount?

2 Does their leadership walk the talk?

Does the franchise leadership believe in what they stand for? More importantly, do they put their words into action?

The leaders have to walk the talk. They need to understand their industry and be committed to the greater good for their franchise partners and customers.

You need to look for corporate leaders who are supportive and will be there every time you need them.

3 What is their culture?

What is the corporate culture of the franchise? What are the values of the leadership? Getting a new franchise business up to speed isn’t easy. It will take up much of your time and finding out after the fact that you’ve locked yourself into a toxic corporate culture is a recipe for burnout and failure.

Be patient and find a franchise with corporate values that are compatible with your own. In my own case, it was the deeply ingrained culture of care at FirstLight Home Care that made me decide to invest.

5 Does the corporate leadership communicate well?

Effective leaders are effective communicators. It’s a principle just as valid in the business world as the military. Are there clear lines of communication with the franchise leadership? Are they engaged and proactive? Do they answer all your questions?

When I was researching business opportunities, the executive director of franchise development for FirstLight Home Care took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions and walk me through its policies and procedures.

The other franchisors didn’t do that.

They weren’t really forthcoming enough to help me make a good business decision.

6 Do they have discovery days?

When it comes to learning about a franchise, face time with the leadership is invaluable. Attending a franchise discovery day will give you a chance to get to know the people in charge of a franchise and experience the culture of the business firsthand.

When I entered the franchise industry, it was a discovery day that was the game-changer for me. It made me feel comfortable with investing in a FirstLight Home Care opportunity.

Getting to know the leadership of my franchise was the driving factor of my decision-making process. I also met the leadership of two other home care franchises during their discovery days but did not have the same comfort level with them.

4 What does Google say?

When looking for a franchise opportunity, there are three very important words to remember: Research, research, and, research. The internet should be the first stop for informing yourself about the reputation and financial well-being of a franchise.

Do your homework. Start out by avoiding the sales pitches and reading up on franchises at the Small Business Administration and Federal Trade Commission websites.

7 Are veterans part of their client base?

As a veteran, it’s important to support other veterans. It’s good to look for a franchise that serves veterans as part of its client base. If you can make a living while making a difference in the lives of your brother and sister veterans,

Tim Mackin

you’ll be succeeding at much more than business.

8 Are franchise businesses a good choice for veterans?

The answer to that question is yes – if you find the right franchise opportunity. The skills you learn in the military are beneficial when it comes to running your own business.

Understanding logistics and being used to working with people of very diverse backgrounds makes it easy to transition into the ownership of a company. I see a franchise as a good investment. If you follow the business model and business plan, you will succeed.

The bottom line Veterans should know there are good opportunities in the franchise industry to be the owners of their own businesses.

Don’t allow yourselves to get caught up by the belief that you don’t have all the needed experience to succeed. Business is not brain surgery or rocket science. You have all the skills you need to accomplish anything you want to do. With a successful franchise system as blueprint for your business, the sky is the limit.

Tim Mackin is the owner of FirstLight Home Care, York. The FirstLight network is an award-winning provider of non-medical home care, providing more than 85,000 hours of service each week and caring for clients right where they live.

Franchising USA

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

Page 53

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS

VBS is raising money through Kiva to change Veterans lives When Veterans try to obtain a “grant” for their small business from the VA they realize there aren’t any grants. What exists at the VA is a small business program to help Service Disabled Veterans that have at least 20% disability rating.

But it’s not a grant and doesn’t provide cash.

Franchising USA

What it does provide is comprehensive training and support for their business idea through a VA self-employment plan. However, many challenges exist for eligible Veterans in the program because the VA understandably expects that any Veteran receiving its support will have their own “skin in the game” too. That requires the Veteran to show capital is available from their own resources and/ or a bank. Since most banks don’t like startup loans, the Veteran without capital can have a difficult problem.

Enter Kiva and Veterans Business Services!

Kiva celebrates and supports people

looking to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. That includes the Veteran community. Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco. Kiva solicits loans from individuals around the world in increments as little as $25. Kiva then lends as much as $5,000 to first time borrowers at 0% interest for time frames up to 3 years. Kiva never takes a fee from lenders, which means 100% of the funds lent on Kiva go to supporting borrowers’ loans. Kiva’s own lenders crowdfund an average of $2.5 million in loans each week, creating a unique, renewable pool of funds that are reshaping access to

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

else in the world." And what could be bett community too.

Page 55

Veterans Business Services (VBS) is laun Kiva for their own self-employment plans. develop plans to obtain their own “skin in comprehensive training from the VA and acquire franchises. VBS has been succes go to [ ] to help VBS do more for Veteran

VBS is looking for Veteran partners who w State by State basis. Prospective partner www.veteransbusinessservices.us

VBS has been designated by VA as a sm Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE). S

A Veteran who wishes to apply for VRE b https://www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonap

VBS Founder and Managing Director, Jim proud military background. An entreprene Jim Mingey personal level to the needs of the veteran knowledge to implement his experience in at Purdue University, has been a mentor approved franchise acquisition training pr Employment (VR&E) Program at Veteran first equity fund in the United States exclu franchises. Jim and his wife, Nancy, live i

VBS is raising money through K Veterans lives

VBS is raising money through Kiva to somewhere else in the world.” And what A Veteran who wishes tochange apply for Veterans lives When toWhenaobtain a “grant” for their small business from t Hyperlink image below to https://www.vab VRE benefits should click here: couldVeterans be better than try helping Veteran life Veterans try to obtain a “grant” for their small business from the VA they realize there aren’t any grants. What exists at the VA is a small business program to help Service Disabled and helping their own community too. aren’t any grants. What exists atdisability therating.

VA business program Veterans that have at least 20% But it’sis not aa grantsmall and doesn’t provide cash.

What it does provide is comprehensive training and support for their business idea through a VA self-employment plan. However, many challenges exist for eligible Veterans in the program because the VA understandably expects that any Veteran receiving its support will have their own “skin in the game” too. That requires the Veteran to show capital is available from their own resources and/or a bank. Since most banks don’t like startup loans, the Veteran without capital can have a difficult problem.

Veterans Business Services is 20% disability rating. But it’s not a grant Veterans that have at(VBS) least launching its own Kiva campaign to assist What it does provide is comprehensive training and support for their Veterans to use Kiva for their own selfEnter Kiva and Veterans Business Services! self-employment plan. However, many challenges exist for eligible V employment plans. This will help Veterans because the Rehabilitation VA understandably expects that any Veteran in Vocational develop plans VBS Founder and Managing Director,receiving obtain their own “skin in the too. game”.That requires ownto“skin in the game” the Veteran to show capita Jim Mingey, is a decorated Vietnam And these same Veterans will also receive veteran raised from a proud military resources and/or a bank. Since most banks don’t like startup loans, comprehensive training from the VA and background. An entrepreneur for Please use new head shot image below: canmentor haveother a difficult problem.

Veterans who want to start more than 35 years, Jim can relate Kiva celebrates and supports people looking to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. That includes the Veteran community. Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco. Kiva solicits loans from individuals around the world in increments as little as $25. Kiva then lends as much as $5,000 to first time borrowers at 0% interest for time frames up to 3 years. Kiva never takes a fee from lenders, which means 100% of the funds lent on Kiva go to supporting borrowers’ loans. Kiva own lenders crowdfund an average of $2.5 million in loans each week, creating a unique, renewable pool of funds that are reshaping access to financial services around the world. Kiva crowdfunds loans for borrowers in more than 80 countries who are often excluded and can’t access other fair and affordable sources of credit. In the U.S., Kiva can provide loans for Veterans whose small businesses are creating social impact in their communities.

financial services around the world. Kiva As stated by the Huffington Post, "In lieu of a financial profit from the money you lend, you get something that, in myhas opinion, is more the chance to make ato tangible businesses or acquire franchises.

VBS onvaluable: a personal level thedifference needsin the of the crowdfunds loans for borrowers in more world and to impact a stranger's life in a positive, permanent way. Kiva is not about investing been successful using Kiva to develop its veteran small businessperson, and than 80 countries who are often excluded business model. Please go to Kiva.org and possesses the practical knowledge to and can’t access other fair and affordable implement his experience in today’s search on ‘Veterans Business Services to Kiva celebrates and supports people looking to create a better future sources of credit. In the U.S., Kiva can market.

Jim participated in the EBV help.’ provide loans for Veterans whose small families and their communities. That includes the Veteran communit Program at Purdue University, has businesses are creating social impact in nonprofit, VBS is looking for Veteran founded in partners 2005 and based in San Francisco.

Kiva solicits been a mentor at American Corporate their communities. who would like to replicate the VBS around the world in increments asPartners, little as $25.the Kiva then lends as m developed first approved business model on a State by State As stated by the Huffington Post, “In franchise acquisition training program borrowers at 0% interest basis. Prospective partners should for time frames up to 3 years. Kiva never ta lieu of a financial profit from the money for the Vocational Rehabilitation and contact us at VBS website of at: the funds lent on Kiva go to supporting borrow means 100% you lend, you get something that, in my which Employment (VR&E) Program at www.veteransbusinessservices.us opinion, is more valuable: the chance to lenders crowdfund an average of Veterans $2.5 million in loans each week, cr Administration, and was make a tangible difference in the world poolVBS has been designated by VA as a small instrumental in forming the first equity around of funds that are reshaping access to financial services and to impact a stranger’s life in a positive, business service provider for Vocational fund in the United States exclusively loans for borrowers in more than 80 countries who are often exclude permanent way. Kiva is not about investing Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE). for veteran owned small businesses and and affordable sources In the canlive provide lo money in the traditional sense; it’s about fair See Veterans Administration’s M28R of credit. franchises.

JimU.S., and his Kiva wife, Nancy, in Oregon City, Oregon. using your excess cash to jump start a lifesmall Manual. businesses are creating social impact in their communities.

Enter Kiva and Veterans Business Services!

Franchising USA As stated by the Huffington Post, "In lieu of a financial profit from the

ex per t advice

Jeff Grandfield & Dale Willerton, The Lease Coach

The Importance of

Time, Timelines, and Timing with Your Commercial Lease – For Franchise Tenants without it costing you more capital or rent.

At The Lease Coach, we have heard from many franchisees who have explained how they felt pressured by real estate agents who keep pushing them to make a deal or sign a letter of intent. Many of those same franchisees have regretted caving in to that pressure and making hasty decisions.

Often you will get a call from the agent saying that someone else is looking at the space you looked at last week, so you had better hurry and sign an offer to lease.

Don’t let things like that sway you. Pace yourself. Go your own speed and get it done right.

The leasing process can take differing amounts of time, depending on whether you’re opening your first or fifth franchise location.

You can discover a lot during your first few lease deals that you can carry forward – potentially saving you both time and money with further leasing projects. The key is to give yourself ample time so you can recover from setbacks and delays

Franchising USA

Time is also money for many successful franchisees who can better spend their time doing what they do best or what only they can do for themselves and their businesses. Many commercial tenants hire professionals to save them time so why not use a professional lease consultant to handle your commercial leasing matters too? The entire lease process can take 20 to 40 hours stretched over many months – this is time that you may better delegate to someone who does this for a living.

Pay attention to timelines as well as these can be critically important. Most often, any condition stated in the offer to lease may be for a finite period of time (e.g. ten days). If you know up front that you

need more time to get your financing in order or have your contractor look over the commercial space, then ask for more days in advance. It is better to have a 20-day condition period rather than your having to keep extending five-day condition periods.

Timing plays a key role with your lease renewal. Ideally, a franchise tenant will want to start the lease renewal process 12 – 15 months in advance of their lease expiration date. More precisely, look at your renewal-option clause. If this says your cutoff date for exercising your lease-renewal is six months before your lease expires, you would need to start the renewal process six months before that – or a total of 12 months in advance.

Note that your strength or leverage may lessen the closer you get to the cutoff deadline, so the farther in advance you can find out what the landlord wants to do with your tenancy and rental rate, the more time you have to react. If you’re going to get bad news, you will want that information sooner rather than later. Do keep in mind that most landlords appreciate franchise tenants as long-term tenants which can attract other tenants (and shoppers) to a commercial property and want (and plan) to have them renew, so you’re usually on the same page plan-wise anyway.

This also applies in cases where you don’t

“Timing plays a key role with your lease renewal. Ideally, a franchise tenant will want to start the lease renewal process 12 – 15 months in advance of their lease expiration date.”

have a renewal option and want to remain in your same location. The closer you get to the end of your term the less relocation time you have, and it becomes clearer to the landlord that you can’t (or don’t) intend to consider relocating. Doing this all in advance also impacts your own peaceof-mind … when you can put the lease renewal to bed earlier, it reduces your own stress dramatically.

Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield The Lease Coach are Commercial Lease Consultants who work exclusively for tenants. Dale and Jeff are professional speakers and co-authors of Negotiating Commercial Leases & Renewals FOR DUMMIES (Wiley, 2013). www.TheLeaseCoach.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 57

H AVE YOU R SAY

Paul Bosley, Managing Member of Business Finance Depot

The Most Versatile Commercial Loan Product Do you want to expand your business or open a new location?

Do you want to refinance your existing debt to lower your monthly overhead?

Are you tired of paying rent to a landlord and would rather own the real estate you operate your business?

Do you want to open a new franchise and need financing to do it?

Franchising USA

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan may be your answer.

This national loan program designed by the federal government is offered by many national lenders and can be used for a wide variety of business purposes. The SBA offers loan guarantees ranging from 50% up to 90% of the loan amount to reduce the lender’s risk which, in turn, makes securing an approval more likely. The following information is being provided in outline form to simplify the features of the variety of uses for this loan program.

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program’s Four (4) Main Uses:

1

Finance a Start -up Business

• The SBA 7(a) Loan will finance up to 80% of the total project costs which typically includes the equipment needed to operate your business, organization costs, buildout, deposits, inventory, operating working capital and franchise fees.

• The owners’ equity injection must be at least 20% of the total costs and cannot be borrowed money such as a home equity loan.

• Good resume showing experience, transferable skills and/or related education

2

Finance the Expansion of an Existing Businesses

• Use of Funds to finance up to 80% of the total costs which typically includes the equipment needed to operate the business, working capital, buildout, deposits and franchise fees.

• Owners’ Equity injection must be at least 20% of the total costs and cannot be borrowed money such as a home equity loan.

3

Debt Consolidation for an Existing Business

• The funds are used to refinance existing business debt which can include existing

equipment leases and loans of all types.

• The refinancing can include existing credit card debt only if the debt was incurred for business purposes and can be easily identified.

• The resulting monthly payment must reduce the total monthly payments of all debt be consolidated by 10%.

Common Criteria, Terms and Conditions for the Three (3) Uses Listed Above • The collateral for the loan is all business assets. Addition collateral is often required which is typically residential real estate only up to the loan $ amount.

• Good personal credit typically 675 credit score or above • 10-year loan repayment term • Prepayment penalties typically range from 1-4% over the initial term period • The interest rate is typically prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal (4.25%) plus a risk premium typically 2.75% = 7%.

• Closing Costs are typically 3% of loan amount. The closing costs are typically added to the amount being financed.

• Timing to close - 90 days which varies with the bank work load & the responsiveness of the borrower. Since it takes time to close the SBA 7(a) loan, advanced planning and attention to detail is required.

4

Real Estate – Commercial Mortgages

• The SBA loan will finance up to 90% of the real estate acquisition cost.

• The owners’ equity injections is at least 10% of the acquisition cost of the real estate and cannot be borrowed money such as a home equity loan.

• The business must occupy at least 50% of the useable space which provides an opportunity to lease out up to 49% of the useable space.

• Terms and Conditions: o The collateral is real estate being purchased

Paul Bosley

o Good personal credit typically 675 credit score or above o Loan Repayment Term ranges from 20-25 years o Fully amortized loan with no balloon payment o Prepayment penalties – range from 1-4% over the initial term period o Interest Rate – Prime (4.25%) plus a risk premium typically 1.75% = 6% o Closing Cost – Typically 3% of loan amount added to the amount financed at closing Timing to close - 90 days.

Varies with bank work load, time for real estate appraisal & borrower responsiveness. Since it takes time to close the SBA 7(a) loan, advanced planning and attention to detail is required.

There are many benefits of using the SBA 7(a) program to finance your business. There is only one monthly debt payment which is amortized over the longest repayment term available with no significant prepayment penalty. The use of funds is nearly unlimited to any legitimate business purpose. Since the SBA 7(a) loan is backed by the federal government, it offers the lowest APR available.

Consequently, it is our recommendation that you strongly consider this form of financing for the wide variety of uses that this flexible loan product offers for business financing.

Paul Bosley is a Managing Member of Business Finance Depot. www.businessfinancedepot.com

Franchising USA

H AVE YOU R SAY

Page 59

The Ultimate Professional Franchise Opportunity

www.interfacefinancial.com/franchise

Franchising Franchising USA USA

7-Eleven Franchising with the world’s #1 convenience store is easier than you think.

Been looking for. Your earning potential is as big as you want to make it. We offer a gross profit split, which means your success is as important to us as it is to you.

It also might be the smartest business move you’ve ever made.

It’s turnkey – we provide the store, land and equipment.

Start-up is fast (3-6 months). You get extensive training and support from 7-Eleven pros.

As a 7-Eleven Franchisee, you’ll be partnering with a brand known and loved around the world. We’re consistently ranked as a top-five franchisor with more than 54,200 stores worldwide.

Our field consultants and operations teams offer a wealth of support and information. Leveraged vendor relationships mean national buying power.

World-famous brand. World-class opportunity.

Take a second and learn why franchising with 7-Eleven could be the career changer you’ve

Airport Van Rental At AVR we continue to be a pioneer in the van rental industry We have expanded to 14 locations in 7 states & we are excited for what lies ahead.

Why Should I Join the Airport Van Rental Franchise Network?

• We Have a Solid Model for Success. We became a specialized van rental company since 2007.

Phone: 1-800-782-0711 Fax: 972-828-5017 Website: Franchise.7-Eleven.com Email: Franchise.Inquiries@7-11.com

• We’ve Fulfilled a Major Need. We are confident that with our extensive fleet, we will be able to provide our clients with the van that fits their needs.

• We Provide Complete Training & Support. During training, we address the key points to running your own van rental franchise. Even after you open the doors, we will be here to help you continue to grow your business.

• We Prove There is Strength in Numbers. As recognized leader in Passenger Van Rentals, when you invest in a van rental franchise, you will join a network of highly determined individuals.

Contact: Alex Emdadi Phone: (844) 372-6100 Email: franchise@airportvanrental.com Website: www.airportvanrental.com/franchise

Clayton Kendall

displays, printed materials, promotional products and apparel. Our services include graphic design, merchandising, sourcing, warehousing and fulfillment, kitting and proprietary technology with advanced management reports. All programs are scalable and user-friendly. Customer service is our forte’.

Clayton Kendall provides comprehensive branded merchandise programs for more than sixty franchise communities nationwide, resulting in greater brand exposure, cost-savings, streamlined operations and brand compliance.

With a customized online store as the organizing principle, our websites give franchisees the ability to purchase their advertising and marketing tools in one easy-to use program.

We provide marketing collateral, signage, POP

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 ®

Foot Solutions Are You Passionate About Helping People Look Good and Feel Great?

Foot Solutions is the world’s largest specialty wellness franchise focused exclusively on helping people feel good from the feet up. We offer an individualized Holistic Foot Analysis, top-quality customized orthotics and expertly-fitted stylish shoes that are comfortable and supportive.

If you want a business that gives back to your community and improves the lives of people with foot

Contact: Dan Broudy, Chief Executive Officer Phone: 412-798-7120 Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Website: www.claytonkendall.com

• 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

and alignment conditions including diabetes, arthritis and more, Foot Solutions might be the perfect fit for you: Reasonable Hours | High Margins | Low Labor Requirements | High Consumer Retention | Not Impacted by Economy | Not Seasonal | Fastestgrowing Market Age 40+ | Opportunities from $85,000 - $240,000 Single and Multi-unit For more information: Call 770.955.0099 Email fscorp@footsolutions.com Visit www.footsolutionsfranchise.com.

Franchising USA

fr anchise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Page 61

fr anchise & serv ices di r ecto ry

honkamp krueger Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. (HK) is a Top 100 CPA and business consulting firm in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest-growing Midwest-based firm (Accounting Today, 2017). Specializing in franchise services, HK offers 40-plus forward-thinking, innovative solutions to franchise organizations in all 50 states.

In addition to our tax, accounting and consulting services, HK offers total hire-to-retire solutions through our human capital management affiliate, HKP. Through our HK Financial Services affiliate, HK offers world-class wealth management solutions.

Huntington Learning Center Huntington Learning Center is the #1 revenue producing tutoring franchise, with an average earning of 61% more revenue than our closest competitor.

Huntington was founded in 1977, began franchising in 1985 and has grown to be one of the most established and well-respected brands in education.

Today, Huntington operates nearly 300 centers in 38 states from coast to coast as a recognized pioneer and leader in the tutoring industry, providing quality instruction to tens of thousands of students through our national network of franchised and company-

International Franchise Professionals Group

When you partner with HK for your franchising needs, you will always have easy access to one of our owners who will walk in your shoes with you and who has a unique perspective on being an entrepreneur and business grower.

Phone: 888.556.0123 www.honkamp.com

owned tutoring centers.

For over 40 years, Huntington Learning Center has been the leader in the tutoring and test prep industry with an established reputation of providing highquality, individualized programs for students of all ages and in all subjects. As a Huntington franchisee, you will inherit our reputation for excellence and be recognized in your community as an industry leader and premier brand of tutoring services.

For more information, contact Gina Elliott at: Email: Franchise@HLCmail.com Phone: 800.653.8400 Website: www.huntingtonfranchise.com

IFPG to power their business. All of these individuals understand the value of being associated with IFPG.

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.

Little Caesars

nationwide. The company also offers opportunities in non-traditional franchise venues, including convenience stores, college campuses and military bases. Little Caesars works closely with franchisees to develop locations with customized architectural and build-out plans.

As the largest carryout-only pizza chain in the world, Little Caesars is doing something right. Little Caesars is an international brand and household name. It’s come a long way since starting as a single store in metro Detroit in 1959.

The Little Caesars brand and distinction of being named “Best Value in America”* for the last ten years is proof of its commitment to satisfying customers by providing one of America’s favorite meals at an affordable cost.

Today, Little Caesars is looking for franchisees to bring HOT-N-READY® pizza to a wide range of communities

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”

Franchising USA

Our depth and level of franchising expertise along with our track record for providing independent and objective franchise advisory/consulting services clearly differentiates HK from all other franchise advisors across the country.

*“Highest Rated Chain-Value for the Money” based on a nationwide survey of quick service restaurant consumers conducted by Sandelman & Associates, 2007-2015.

Phone: 800-553-5776 Email: USdevelopment@LCEcorp.com Website: www.LittleCaesars.com

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.

Our Town America For 45+ 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 community, 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, while dozens of locally-owned franchises validate the Our Town America concept as a viable business opportunity. Franchisees are neighborhood

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.

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.

This is a sales-driven, service-based business that

Remedy Intelligent Staffing Remedy Intelligent Staffing is a nationwide staffing organization with over 50 years of recruiting and selection expertise to match qualified candidates with employment opportunities where they will succeed.

Our franchise brands, Remedy Intelligent Staffing and Westaff, place candidates in a variety of positions, primarily light industrial with a secondary niche of administrative/clerical. Our three core offerings include temporary, direct hire and temporary-to-hire staffing 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

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 Top 50 Franchise by the Franchise Business Review, making them the only Advertising brand to land a spot in the 10-year Hall of Fame and the sole company to be crowned the Franchise Business Review’s All-time Top Company.

Website: http://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.

For more information contact: Lu-Ann Senia, Executive Assistant Phone: 321.504.4422 Email: lsenia@pirtekusa.com Website: www.pirtekusa.com

The parent company, EmployBridge, with corporate headquarters in Atlanta, GA, operates more than 490 offices nationwide and is the 10th largest provider of staffing and workforce solutions in the world. With annual sales over $3.2 Billion, we employed over 460,000 associates on assignment at more than 19,900 companies throughout the USA. Contact: Chad Wright, Franchise Development Director 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

Franchising USA

fr anchise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Page 63

fr anchise & serv ices di r ecto ry

ServiceM8 Field service & franchise management software ServiceM8 is a field service management app which empowers small business to thrive.

It’s a cloud-based Software for field-based contractors and home services businesses like electrical contractors, plumbers and pool care specialists. Field staff use the software via a native app for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

With powerful communication, job dispatch, estimating and invoicing capability, and real-time visibility on job status and staff location in the field, ServiceM8 helps businesses get work, complete work, and get paid faster.

Sprout Financial 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.

NO collateral required, NO financials submitted

SUBWAY® When you own a Subway® sandwich shop, you’re part of the world’s largest Quick Serve Restaurant chain and one of its most recognized brands, and you’ll get the support and experience that comes with it.

Be part of a winning brand that keeps customers coming back for delicious meals made just the way they want. Subway® is the undisputed leader in fast, wholesome food.

Our sandwiches are made to order right in front of the customer, precisely the way they want - using freshly baked breads, select sauces and a variety of delicious

Contact: Steve Olson,

Business Development Manager North America Phone: (844) 688 2880 - USA Toll-free Email: steve.olson@servicem8.com Website: www.servicem8.com/us/franchise

as we work from STATED information and your good personal credit history.

Contact: Russell Hibbert Phone: 800.358.1052 Email: contact@sproutfin.com Website: www.sproutfin.com

toppings. When you join the Subway® family, you’ll get world-class support before you even make your first sandwich and well beyond.

Our franchise support system features: training, product development, advertising, purchasing cooperative, field support and much more.

Contact: Ralph Piselli, North American Franchise Sales Manager Phone: 203 877 4281 Email: Franchise@subway.com Website: www.subway.com

sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt

and even birthday parties. At sweetFrog, we take pride in being a part of our community and we treat our guests like family.

sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt is not only one of the most rapidly-expanding frozen yogurt concepts; we are one of the fastest growing franchises of any category in the nation!

In addition to offering the best in quality service to our communities, sweetFrog has a proprietary line of our very own yogurt which ranks well above the rest in taste tests across the globe. As the industry leader, our Research and Development team is constantly searching out and testing for the next great and most delicious flavor!

Voted the #1 frozen yogurt shop in the US in 2016 by The Daily Meal, sweetFrog continues to offer amazing franchise opportunities for all entrepreneurs.

Our stores have become pillars in each community, hosting little league celebrations, school fundraisers,

Phone: 804-835-6761 Website: www.sweetfrog.com/franchise Email: shemar.pucel@sweetfrog.net Contact: Shemar Pucel

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.

Franchising USA

ServiceM8 Franchise further extends the job management platform to empower field service franchises. Franchisees use the ServiceM8 app to manage and streamline their daily operations, while each franchisee account links back to the franchisor’s head-office account. This provides amazing network-wide visibility of operations and performance, and the ability to instill great business processes and professional brand representation across an entire franchise.

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

the inspection boys The home Inspection business is one of the most In-Demand trades in the country and The Inspection Boys is the lowest Start-Up franchise inspection business opportunity in the nation.

The Inspection Boys has a unique marketing structure to get you up and running quickly, has an amazing training and support system to ensure that you’re ready to go out and conquer your territory and most of all it offers a corporate team that will be with every step of the way.

Besides for being the lowest start-up inspection

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.

UFC GYM Mixed martial arts is the fastest growing sport in the world, and UFC is the leader of MMA. UFC GYM allows everyone to train like MMA athletes. Members can get in incredible, shape in a UFC Gym. Each class offered is an experience. Being the brand extension of UFC®, UFC GYM is the first to combine the world of mixed martial arts and fitness

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.

VBS offers multiple marketing methods that have proven effective with helping franchise organizations with their expansion plans. Utilizing custom email marketing

franchise business in the nation, The Inspection Boys also offers you the lowest royalty program, the lowest overhead cost and the largest territory sizes in the trade.

When you join the Inspection Boys, you will join more than just a franchise business, you will join a family oriented team that cares and looks out for your success and accomplishments.

Reach out to us today at 800 819-4403 or at info@theinspectionboys.com and find out for yourself. You may also check us out at TheInspectionBoys.com

• 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

together. UFC GYM’s TRAIN DIFFERENT® approach has developed a fun and energetic atmosphere where members can feel and see their fitness results.

UFC GYM is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine.

Contact: Jason Losco, Director of Franchise Development Phone: 714.668.0911 Email: Jason.Losco@ufcgym.com Website: www.ufcgymfranchise.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.

Contact: James Mingey Phone: 202-349-0860 Email: info@veteransbusinessservices.us Website: www.veteransbusinessservices.us

Franchising USA

fr anchise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Page 65

LOCATION & LEADS SAME GREAT OPPORTUNITY

NOVEMBER 2 - 4 LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER We may be in a new city this year but the opportunity to expand your franchise is as great as it’s ever been. Join over 200 FRANCHISE BRANDS from over 75 INDUSTRIES for 3 days of meeting and interacting with THOUSANDS OF TOP QUALIFIED LEADS.

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH! EMAIL exhibit@mfvexpo.com SPONSORED BY

FranchiseExpoWest.com Franchising USA

#ExpoWest2017