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Franchising usa The magazine for franchisees

VOL 06, ISSUE 1, nov 2017

$5.95 www.franchisingusamagazine.com

Securing Success in a Niche Market

Mrs. Winner’s

Has Ready-Made Markets for the Right Franchisees

special

Food Franchising Feature - Part 2 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

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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 6, ISSUE 1, 2017 president: 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: MRS. WINNER’S CHICKEN & BISCUITS

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

Comments Welcome to the November issue of Franchising USA. Each year on November 11th our country takes time out to recognize and thank veterans for their loyal service. In honor of this year’s Veterans Day, we dedicate this issue to our nation’s heroes by sharing some of their stories and highlighting a few franchising initiatives that are helping support and empower veterans through their transition from active duty back to civilian life. Our Veterans in Franchising Supplement features an in-depth Cover story on air force veteran turned Mathnasium franchise owner, James Temple, who offers entrepreneurial advice for others transitioning out of service. Turn to page 50 to learn more about the math-only learning center franchise and how this veteran harnessed the skills he acquired in the air force to turn a new page as a successful Mathnasium franchise owner. Here you’ll also find a story on how Tragedy Fueled an Army Veteran with Valuable Lessons in Leadership, and learn 3 Tips for Veterans on How to Choose the Best Franchise. Then flip to page 54 to learn how a Veteran Award Program Salutes America’s Heroes and find out about a New Veterans Day campaign on page 62. Our main Cover Story features a brand that is making a comeback.

Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits is back and looking for franchisees to help the brand rebuild in the southeastern United States and continue expansion nationwide. Turn to page 10 to hear from the CEO about the brand’s plans for expansion. We are often asked which Franchises are the most popular and on trend, so this month we’re introducing our new feature, Trending Franchises, which will be showcasing a selection of franchises each month that are currently popular with the masses. Turn to page 42 to see our top picks for November. This month we also continue our focus on the food industry with Part 2 of our Special Food Franchising Feature, where you can read about the diverse franchising options in this industry, ranging from food and beverage products, cafés, food specific shops and so much more. Our Industry Experts also weigh in on the food industry, offering advice on Working Smarter Not Harder with Restaurant Delivery Services and Top Tips For Your Mobile Food Truck Franchise. I hope you enjoy the advice and stories we’ve put together this issue and that they arm you with the tools and motivation to keep marching forward in your own franchising journey. Happy reading!

“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” - Dan Lipinski

The information and contents in this publication are believed by the publisher to be true, correct and accurate but no independent investigation has been undertaken. Accordingly the publisher does not represent or warrant that the information and contents are true, correct or accurate and recommends that each reader seek appropriate professional advice, guidance and direction before acting or relying on all information contained herein. Opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publication is sold subject to the terms and conditions that it shall not be copied in whole or part, resold, hired out, without the express permission of the publisher.

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contents

NOVEMBER 2017

On the Cover 10 Cover Story: Mrs. Winner’s Has Ready-Make Markets

for the Right Franchisees

21 Special Food Franchising Feature - Part 2

10

44 Securing Success in a Niche Market

In Every Issue 6

What’s New!

Announcements from the industry

26 Food Franchising Feature Article 42 Trending Franchises

12

47

Veterans Supplement News and Information for Veterans in Franchising

71 A-Z Franchise and Services Directory

Focus

68

26

The Interface Financial Group

Expert Advice 12 Who Are Your Coaches?

George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice

14 Everyone Sells! How to Engage Your Entire Team

in the Sales Process

John Kersh, Chief Development Officer, Pure Barre

44 Securing Success in a Niche Market

30 Franchising USA

Rob Deutsch, Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, F45 Training

66 Figuring Out Where Your Franchise will Thrive, Not Just Survive Jeff Grandfield and Dale Willerton, The Lease Coach


7

36 Franchisor in Depth

16

Our Town America

Food Franchising Feature - Part 2 On the Cover

38

32 Food Service: Great Systems Equals Great Scale 38 Working Smarter Not Harder with Restaurant Delivery Services 40 Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Successful Food Industry Franchisee?

In Every Issue 22 Feature News

44

26 Feature Article Feature Focus 30 BurgerFuel Expert Advice 32 Food Service: Great Systems Equal Great Scale

Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems

36 Marketing on the Move: Top Tips For Your Mobile

66

Food Truck Franchise Matthew Jonas, President, TopFire Media

38 Working Smarter Not Harder with Restaurant Delivery Services Sterling Douglass is a Co-Founder and CEO at Chowly

40 Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Successful Food Industry Franchisee? Rick Bisio, Franchise Coach, FranChoice

68 Franchising USA


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what’s new!

Naranga Announces Marcia Mead as Head of Franchise Relations

Naranga, LLC, the second-largest provider of franchise operations software, announced the appointment of Marcia Mead as the Head of Franchise Relations. In this role, Marcia will connect franchisors with Naranga’s incredibly easy-to-use software platform that simplifies and automates operations across emerging, growing, and mature franchise systems. Marcia brings over 15 years experience in franchising to Naranga. Prior to joining in July 2017, Marcia was a member of the executive team of PuroClean as Vice President of Franchise Development, where she led PuroClean’s franchise

development efforts, generating more than $3.1 million in franchise fee revenue by signing qualified candidates to franchise agreements in three years. Prior to her role at PuroClean, Marcia served as Director of Franchise Development and Operations Manager for Floor Coverings International where she onboarded new franchise owners and provided field support for the brand’s franchise owners. She began her franchising career as a CertoPro Painters franchisee in Kansas City at the age of 25, rapidly growing her business to nearly $1 million in annual revenue. For more information on Naranga and its solutions, visit: www.naranga.com.

Kitchen Tune-Up Hosts National Reunion Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Franchise Hosts “National Reunion” in Aberdeen, South Dakota owners. They are incredibly busy but know the value of training and want to bring the best to their customers. Aberdeen can sometimes be a challenge to travel to, but our franchisees couldn’t wait to come “home” to South Dakota. This was a bonus reunion and they really enjoyed all of the training and activities.”

Kitchen Tune-Up hosted their second National Reunion of 2017 on September 24th & 25th in Aberdeen, South Dakota. This conference kicks off a new season for National Reunions that will now be held in the fall of the year. Previous annual conferences have been held in January or February throughout the company’s nearly thirty year history.

Franchising USA

Franchise owners from across the country attended the event and participated in courses in a variety of fields including project management, hiring, sales, social media, and new product offerings. “Our franchise owners never fail to impress me,” said Heidi Morrissey, president of Kitchen Tune-Up. “We have a remarkably talented group of franchise

Additionally, attendees received specialized training on a new service, cabinet painting. “Kitchen Tune-Up is pleased to add cabinet painting to our core service lineup that includes Day Wood Restoration, cabinet refacing, cabinet redooring, and custom cabinetry and design” continued Morrissey. “Painting of existing cabinetry is in high demand from homeowners and after much research we’ve refined our comprehensive process.” For more information about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ktufranchise.com.


Orangetheory Fitness Announces Gregg Koffler as Chief Development Officer Orangetheory® Fitness, the scientifically backed and fast-growing fitness franchise, has welcomed Gregg Koffler to join the company as chief development officer. Bringing over a decade of experience in the franchising industry, Koffler will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic expansion efforts to grow the brand’s presence domestically and assist the fitness franchise in achieving its goal of having 900 studios open by the end of 2017. An avid Orangetheory Fitness member himself, Koffler will relocate from Phoenix, Arizona to the company’s expansive new corporate headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida to join the executive team. In his new role as chief development officer, he will be responsible for overseeing the brand’s franchise development efforts in addition to supervising the sales, real estate, design, construction and supply chain teams and processes. Prior to joining Orangetheory Fitness, Koffler spent more than a decade leading development efforts for several major industry leaders, including Smash Burger, Corner Bakery Cafe and Wyndham Hotel Group. In March the company announced the signing of their 1,000th franchise agreement in addition to signing a master franchise agreement to develop 70 studios throughout the United Kingdom

over the next 10 years. As a result, the workout is now performed more than 3 million times a month by more than 400,000 members worldwide. More information on Orangetheory Fitness is available at: www.orangetheoryfitness.com.

Mobile Bike Service Franchise Continues Expansion with New Location in Texas Beeline Bikes, a full-service mobile bike shop, opened two new locations in San Antonio, Texas and Northern Colorado. Owned by Brian Mikiten and Aaron Martin, respectively, the two new locations offer expert bike service and advice with a fully stocked mobile bike repair shop that travels to the customer at the location, day and time of their choosing.

Founded in 2013, Beeline Bikes has serviced thousands of customers at their home, office or other convenient location. Beeline has developed a technology platform to streamline customer interaction, enhance operator efficiency and automate the supply chain, enabling owners and operators to profitably and

efficiently run their own Beeline business. Beeline Bikes is currently expanding its network of mobile bike shops and offering franchise opportunities throughout the U.S. to qualified entrepreneurs to help grow the brand. For additional information, please visit BeelineBikes.com.

Through an exclusive partnership with Raleigh and Diamondback Bikes, Beeline also offers bike sales and delivery, as well as parts, service and accessories throughout San Antonio and Northern Colorado. The two locations provide an unparalleled and convenient bike repair service to communities throughout San Antonio and the northern region of the Centennial State.

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Tint World® Establishes Presence in Alabama with First Location in Tuscaloosa “As the largest independent auto-styling franchise, we see it as part of our mission to make Tint World® available to our customers across the nation,” said Charles Bonfiglio, President and CEO of Tint World®. “We are proud to open our services to the community of Tuscaloosa and feel confident Rodney is the right guy for the job. His personality and passion for the business are going to take him far as a franchisee, and we’re happy to see this dream of his come true.”

Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has opened a new location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

community with a variety of services,

Owned and operated by local entrepreneur Rodney Guy, the store will provide the

window film, as well as marine audio and

including mobile electronics and car

stereo upgrades, vehicle customization,

automotive, residential and commercial styling.

This year alone, Tint World® has partnered with companies such as ARC Audio, Dash Designs, Directed, Keystone Automotive Operations, Romik®, Secure 24, Scrape Armor, and VOXX Electronics Corporation. To find out about franchise opportunities in your area, visit www.tintworldfranchise.com.

U.S. Army Veteran Keith Besherse Joins Minuteman Press Printing Franchise in Puyallup, Washington as Business Partner

“We help our clients find and design the printed materials that let them stand out in an information saturated world,” says Keith. Products and services include high quality prints, promotional products, wide format printing, banners, custom branded apparel, and more.

who served as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 25 years of service including tours in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Keith knew he wanted to own a business but wasn’t sure of the industry he wanted to enter. He found the right fit with Minuteman Press, as Keith explains, “As a transitioning Soldier, I knew the community I wanted to work in but not the particular industry. As a printer, we serve businesses in every industry and non-profits. Instead of working as a middle manager for a company, I get to interact with many companies in a variety of industries.”

Keith Besherse is a U.S. Army Veteran

www.minutemanpressfranchise.com

The Minuteman Press design, marketing, and printing franchise located at 2102 East Main Avenue, #111, in Puyallup, Washington, is proud to welcome U.S. Army Veteran Keith Besherse as the new business partner to long-time owner Marvin Rogers.

Franchising USA


Leading Dog Daycare Franchise Unveils Its Smallest Footprint Model, Dogtopia Lite Dogtopia, the nation’s fastest growing pet franchise, has expanded its investment opportunities with the launch of its smallest franchise model – Dogtopia Lite. Dogtopia Lite facilities average 3,000 square feet, compared to the 5,000–10,000 square feet facilities currently offered. This compressed model opens the door to nontraditional real estate opportunities in urban areas, corporate campuses, and other markets. “The Dogtopia Lite model now gives us the freedom to expand our footprint in urban markets that previously weren’t feasible with our larger facilities,” stated Alex Samios, VP of Franchise Development for Dogtopia. “With this new level of flexibility, the sky’s the limit for where and how we continue to grow nationwide.” The Dogtopia Lite model investment is targeted at or below $450,000 and is currently available in markets nationwide. With three Lite locations already sold in San Jose, California; Jacksonville, Florida;

and Boston, Massachusetts, the franchise anticipates awarding five more units by year-end.

the leading providers of specialty daycare and will continue expansion by franchising with successful entrepreneurs.

With more than 50 locations across North America and more than 120 new units sold and in development, the brand is one of

For more information on Dogtopia franchising opportunities, visit www.dogtopia.com/franchising.

UFC GYM Expands Global Brand Presence UFC GYM signed an unprecedented 10-year partnership agreement to open more than 100 gym locations throughout the Republic of India through 2028. Artaxerxes Fitness & Lifestyle P.U.T. LTD, led by franchisees Istayak Ansari and Farzad Palia, will open the first location later this year in Andheri West, a suburb of Mumbai, with an average of 10 clubs debuting across the country annually beginning in early 2018.This deal will substantially expand the global brand presence of UFC GYM to the world’s second-largest population. The Mumbai-based franchisees bring many years of combined experience leading startups, retail management, growing Gold’s Gym franchises throughout Asia and in the real estate business. Since debuting in 2009, UFC GYM has opened more than 150 locations throughout the United States and abroad now in 10

countries and growing. The fitness franchise has continued to grow at a rapid pace with more than 50 locations opening in the past two years and over 50 gyms expected to open in the next year. In addition to the corporate owned signature clubs, UFC GYM also offers the unique opportunity to own and operate a UFC GYM franchise domestically and internationally. For franchise information, visit UFCGYMFRANCHISE.COM.

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cover story

M r s. W inner ’s Chicken & B iscuits

Popular Southern Fried Chicken Restaurant Has Ready-Made Markets for the Right Franchisees

Call it a comeback After its footprint dwindled from a high of 185 stores down to zero locations, Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits is back and looking for franchisees to help the brand rebuild in the southeastern United States and continue expansion nationwide. Unlike other restaurant brands looking to establish a presence, Mrs. Winner’s is already an immensely popular brand in the southeast that people are clamoring for, CEO John Buttolph said during a recent interview from the company’s headquarters in Atlanta.

Franchising USA

“There are a number of cities throughout the southeast where the brand operated for years and remains extremely well known, where there are currently no locations: in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama and a number of other areas throughout the southeast where Mrs. Winner’s once had dozens of stores. Consumers are constantly contacting us through email and social media and asking when we will be back,” Buttolph noted. Just how missed is the once ubiquitous restaurant in the southeast? Well … “We FedEx Super Cinnamon Swirls to people around the south at their request,” the CEO explained.

Southern Fried Hospitality Mrs. Winner’s is a quick service restaurant chain that offers traditional southern fried chicken along with an array of traditional southern side dishes and the

aforementioned Super Cinnamon Swirl, which has been a staple at the restaurant for almost 50 years. Founded in 1979, Mrs. Winner’s quickly became a southern tradition and surged to nearly 200 locations at its peak. After struggling through numerous ownership transactions in the late ‘90s, Mrs. Winner’s footprint had shrunk to just a handful of licensed locations by 2010. In 2012, Buttolph was eager to leave his southern California business law practice and embark on a new journey away from the Orange County bubble. Having provided legal counsel for the former Mrs. Winner’s ownership team, he and his wife saw how beloved the brand was in the southeast and decided they wanted to revive the franchise. So, Buttolph purchased the trademarks and intellectual property and started the rebuilding process.


“We don’t want to teach people to smile. We want people to come into that first interview with a natural joy and welcoming attitude.” - John Buttolph brand from competitors by showcasing its famous southern hospitality.

Prior to his purchase of the brand, the CEO explained, Mrs. Winner’s had largely relied on corporate ownership for expansion with just a handful of franchises. When he acquired Mrs. Winner’s, he refocused the strategy to a full franchise model for expansion. So far, it’s been working well for Buttolph and Mrs. Winner’s. Currently, there are 14 franchised restaurants throughout Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina and another new location will open in McDonough, Georgia before the end of the year. The CEO said he is looking for franchisees who have a passion for service and hospitality and who can manage people with empathy and strength. An ideal franchisee would have adequate capital to start a business along with a drive to succeed and a high standard of personal integrity. Because the franchise is still growing, it is nimble and flexible when working with individual franchisees, he said. The franchisee also receives support from management in supply chain, food and labor cost management, and marketing.

Onboarding franchisees includes several weeks of in-store training in food preparation and shift management. Additionally, the franchise has its own online university for continued training. The extensive five-week franchisee training program is designed to ensure consistency and prepare franchisees for ultimate success in their business venture. If franchisees require funding, Mrs. Winner’s preferred lenders are available to provide financial assistance. Once a franchise is ready to open, Mrs. Winner’s provides on-site marketing and operations opening support. The company also partners with a vendor to provide employee screening. The company’s field support teams visit franchise locations at least once per month to assist general managers and franchisees with any issues and to introduce new programs. A strong purchasing and supply chain keeps all locations running smoothly, and a marketing co-op directed by the franchisees themselves gives them control over their promotions.

Support and Training

“Our franchisees work together to decide on a number of limited time offers and annual promotions,” Buttolph explained.

Mrs. Winner’s experienced corporate team work with franchisees on site selection and development prior to opening. They also make it easy for owners to procure the equipment they’ll need and provide training for the franchisee’s general managers.

First, to drive top line sales through marketing and public relations; second, to work with franchisees to manage food and labor costs to industry standards, and third, to differentiate the Mrs. Winner’s

The CEO outlined his three priorities for franchisee support:

“There is a difference, in our view, between typical customer service and exceptional customer hospitality and we strive for hospitality, which means we intend to hire people right from the get-go who have a heart for hospitality,” Buttolph explained. “We don’t want to teach people to smile. We want people to come into that first interview with a natural joy and welcoming attitude. We can teach them everything that they need to do, but we can’t teach them that.”

Heading in a Nontraditional Direction Historically, Mrs. Winner’s has been associated with traditional stand-alone restaurants that offer eat-in and drivethrough service. However, Buttolph is currently working to expand the brand’s franchise offerings in more non-traditional directions like express locations and smaller sites in places like food courts, military bases and travel centers. While Mrs. Winner’s is constantly receiving messages inquiring about expansion into other places around the US, right now Buttolph is concentrating on getting back into those areas throughout the southeast where the brand is well known and sorely missed. He receives weekly requests via email and social media to bring Mrs. Winner’s to places including out-state Georgia, eastern Tennessee, Memphis, Nashville, the northern panhandle of Florida, southern Virginia and the Carolina, all which are available to area developers with readymade markets. Here’s one comeback story that is well on its way to a happy ending. www.lovemrswinners.com/franchise

Franchising USA

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ex per t advice

George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice

Who Are Your Coaches? This is a fun time of year for sports fans: Baseball is in the playoffs, hockey is starting a new season and we have both college as well as professional football. What is the common thread among all of them? Franchising USA

Coaches help them pursue success! And not just one coach, multiple coaches. Keep in mind, these are pro athletes who have dedicated, in most cases, their entire lives to their profession. From the time they were kids they played their respective sports, honing their skills to make a high school team, then a college team that only a small proportion of high school players make then on to the pro level teams where getting a position is about as likely as winning the lottery. So if we compared pro athletes to business

professionals they have certainly put forth the same effort and achieved the same level of success as the best of the best in business. Then why, in business, do we tend to brush off the idea of using coaches to achieve greater success? Is it ego? Is it not understanding what a coach could bring to our game? Whatever it is we need to consider the idea that a coach can help us hit home runs or put the ball in the end zone. For those pro athletes it is a combination


“The goal is to continuously sharpen your skill set so that you can compete and achieve your greatest goals and those you haven’t even imagined yet.” of coaches that make up their support teams. The head coach oversees the team, he/she is the chief strategist (and yes there are advisors and coaches to the coach). Then there are coaches for the specific position groups that the players play or skills that are important. There are also strength and fitness coaches, nutrition coaches, psychology coaches and even coaches that help young players adapt to their new found wealth and responsibilities. Again, these are the top tier in their profession, they have been doing this all their lives and it is safe to say they know what a player in their position should be doing. Even if we look at college football, what is considered by many to be an unfair advantage used by the most successful programs? Being able to hire too many coaches! But enough about them, let’s talk about you. If you are looking at a franchise or already own one what is your plan to gain that same “unfair” advantage over your competition? Well, first of all you are looking at, or already own, a franchise. Franchises are teams of coaches and subject matter experts that you are hiring to accelerate your game plan. Do you know what one of their primary complaints are industry wide? That their franchisees don’t use them enough. Sure, most have programs to proactively go get in front of their franchisees, but should coaches have to chase their stars? Consider pro football for a moment, what does a quarterback do when they finish a series and walk off the field? They walk directly to their coordinator (coaches come with many titles) and sit down with a computer tablet to go over every play in that series to see what they did, what their teammates did and what their competitors

did so that they will be better prepared for the next time they walk on the field. Who will you walk off the field and talk to after every series of strategic actions? Will it be your franchisor’s marketing group for your next growth spurt, the support group to get added skills for your team or the training group to prepare to open your next location? Corporate America may not reinforce the benefit of coaches since their systems often have supervisors focusing on accountability. Most often this encourages their team to hide any need for coaching or support. Employees often fear that seeking help or guidance will hurt their chances for a promotion or a raise. The one exception is CEO’s who often use one or more coaches to stay at the top of their game. As a franchisee, look at yourself as the leading business athlete you are and use all of the coaching that is available from your franchise company… and then some. Do you think the best athletes stop at using the coaches the team provides? NO CHANCE! A top athlete knows the physical difference between them and other top athletes is narrow, they need to find ways to expand the gap. That can be done via hard work to build strength, skills, improve cardio ability or how they see the field and use strategy. Year round many athletes get nutritional coaching, go to visit top coaches for guidance to improve throwing or other skills as well as for personal coaching in life and their business. There are a couple great business coaching franchises that could provide you a layer of support on top of what your franchisor offers and since they are franchises themselves they understand the systems that you need to dovetail into. So while your franchisor may be on the other side of the country, you can be face to face with a

George Knauf

high powered business coach on a regular basis. The goal is to continuously sharpen your skill set so that you can compete and achieve your greatest goals and those you haven’t even imagined yet. As I type this I am preparing to step away from my office during one of the busiest times of the year and take a road trip to see one of my coaches and a group of entrepreneurs he as assembled so that we can compare notes, think outside the box and see how others achieve their goals. And never forget that there is a life outside business; get coaching for your health and fitness, for your travel to see different places, and maybe even become the coach yourself for your child’s sports team. Nobody wins a Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup or makes it into the Hall Of Fame by accident. That applies to successful business owners as well. What is your success story? Let’s go find it! George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many companies; Public, Independent and Franchised, of all sizes and in many markets. His 20 plus years of experience in both startup and mature business operations makes him uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of going into business for themselves in order to gain more control, independence, time flexibility and to be able to earn in proportion to their real contribution. Contact the Franchising USA Expert George’s Hotline 703-424-2980. www.myperfectfranchise.com

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ex per t advice

John Kersh, Chief Development Officer, Pure Barre

Everyone Sells! How to Engage Your Entire Team in the Sales Process

“There’s no single best way to reward employees for doing great work, but a culture of recognition helps improve the self-esteem of your employees and fosters a greater sense of purpose for everyone.” and family the story over and over and encouraging them to support the driver and the business.

John Kersh

A well-known pizza franchise recently made national headlines when one of its drivers delivered a pizza on foot after his car broke down. That the driver was deaf and walked a half mile at midnight to the customer’s house made the story even more compelling. This case was obviously unique and newsworthy, but the story illustrates how valuable the extra effort of one concerned and responsible employee can be on your brand and your own business. The customer was so grateful for his efforts that she tipped him $20, and set up a GoFundMe page to pay for repairs to his car. That one customer is likely to become a raving fan of the business, telling friends

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In practical terms, a sale happens when a customer pays for your product or service. But getting to the sale, and encouraging repeat purchases, involves consistent, ongoing relationship building and an occasional superhuman effort. Fortunately, each person on your team plays a part in improving your customer experience and there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your employees and managers are working toward the same goals. You may not always receive remarkable efforts from your staff, but there are three simple things you can do to get everyone on your team working toward the financial success of your business.

1

Reframe the goal

In my 10 years of experience in franchising, one of the common concerns expressed to me by franchisees is how to get employees involved in the sales process when they don’t consider themselves as natural salespeople. Or worse, when they have an internal dislike or distrust of the concept of “sales.” The simplest way through this is to

encourage your team to think not about sales, but about your mission and the broader benefits you offer to customers. Whether your business is food, retail, automotive or fitness, you offer something more important to your customers than those products or services… You offer convenience, health, peace of mind, selfesteem or any number of other emotional and physical benefits. Talk openly with your employees about the value your business provides to customers so they understand the importance of what they do every day. Any job can be more than just a way to receive a paycheck, and everyone wants to feel they are doing something worthwhile.

2

Make sure your team knows what to say to customers

To accomplish this, you need to reinforce the use of scripts for people in every position. Scripts are statements your employees should use in every interaction with customers. If your franchisor doesn’t provide them, create them yourself. Having scripts in place creates consistency for customers, and makes life easier for employees. Knowing what to say and when to say it gives employees a greater sense of mastery of their jobs.


Scripts don’t need to be complicated, and can be as short as a few words. Going back to our pizza delivery example, what if your delivery person simply thanked every customer for their business and said they looked forward to delivering a pizza to them again in the near future? Wouldn’t the customer feel surprised and grateful for those unexpected (and uncommon) words? And at a more obvious level, think along the lines of, “Would you like to upgrade your order for only an additional 50 cents?” or, “Would you like to try our latest product or service?” These simple questions can prompt customers to enhance their experience with your brand.

3

Reward employees for engaging effectively with customers Clearly, an effort like that of our pizza delivery person deserves recognition and reward. If your employees do anything that creates an exceptional experience for

“Talk openly with your employees about the value your business provides to customers so they understand the importance of what they do every day.” a customer, you should acknowledge the effort quickly, and as publicly as possible. This could be as simple as giving a high five to your employee at a staff meeting, or identifying them through other recognition programs. Personal recognition of this kind is often as important as financial reward, although both have their place. A financial reward could be a one-time expression of thanks to an employee in the form of a gift card or cash, or a broader bonus for the entire team when their work contributes to exceptional financial results. There’s no single best way to reward employees for doing great work, but a culture of recognition helps improve the self-esteem of your employees and fosters a greater sense of purpose for everyone. Everyone on your team plays a part in the experience you deliver to your customers,

and everyone’s efforts matter, no matter their role. By taking a few simple actions like these, you can simultaneously improve employee engagement, build customer loyalty and boost the results of your business. John Kersh is the Chief Development Officer for Pure Barre where he is responsible for new studio growth domestically and internationally. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of International Franchise Development for Self-Esteem Brands, the franchisor of healthy lifestyle brands Anytime Fitness and Waxing the City. In his eight years with Anytime Fitness, John grew their international footprint from a handful of gyms in Canada to over 1,000 locations in 25 countries. purebarre.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

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franchisor in dept h

O ur Tow n A mer ica

Hurricane Aftermath:

Franchising Sees a Surge in Kindness and Business Pressure bursts pipes. But pressure also creates diamonds. It’s pressure situations, such as what millions in Texas, Florida and so many other southern areas had to contend with before, during and after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, where unsung heroes, like franchise CEO Michael Plummer, Jr., shine brightest. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma pummeled the south and portions of the Gulf Coast, causing damage expected to exceed $150 billion. These hurricanes are a tragedy… but they have also produced amazing acts of charity as well as unexpected business opportunities. Back to Plummer. Plummer is the CEO of Our Town America, the nation’s premier new mover marketing franchise, based in Tampa, Florida. In early September, as Hurricane Irma threatened Florida’s west coast, Plummer, Jr. stepped up and went to work for his beloved community. Community has always been a core

Franchising USA

philosophy for Plummer and everyone at Our Town America. That belief is woven into the company’s fabric and was engrained in Plummer by his father, Michael Plummer, Sr. The elder Plummer was widely known for his generosity. That included a willingness to open his Our Town America facility as a temporary shelter for those seeking refuge during hurricanes. As Irma churned just off the coast of his beloved state, Michael Plummer, Jr., sent his family out of the state and out of harm’s way. However, he knew relocation wasn’t possible for countless Tampa area residents. The one-time Army


medic has firsthand knowledge about pressure situations and determining the best possible outcome. So, he carried on the tradition birthed by his father in the 1990’s during Hurricane Andrew, and welcomed members of his community to his makeshift office shelter.

“Our Town America is committed to helping the community, whether its welcoming new residents to the area, or in this case, making sure residents in the direct path of a hurricane have a secure place to ride out the storm.”

Our Town America is committed to helping the community, whether its welcoming new residents to the area, or in this case, making sure residents in the direct path of a hurricane have a secure place to ride out the storm. Plummer fulfilled that commitment by providing a safe-haven for dozens of people who took him up on his offer. However, that was just the beginning for Plummer and Our Town America.

Going Social to Rebuild Communities With everyone – those who camped out in his office as well as his family – safe and sound in the days following Irma’s wrath, Plummer focused his attention on a new mission – hurricane relief for local business and residents impacted by the storms. Not just in Florida, but hundreds of miles across the Gulf of Mexico, in Texas. Just a few weeks earlier, Houston was battered, pounded and subsequently swallowed by Harvey’s relentless winds and floodwaters. Plummer felt it was his obligation to lend a helping hand in both communities. He and his team determined social media would play a major role in the fundraising. The company hosted two separate Facebook fundraisers for two markets where it has deep roots – Tampa, where Our Town America is headquartered, and Houston. Our Town America sends “welcome packages,” with offers from local businesses, to people who have recently relocated. Now, those same customers and many more joined Our Town America’s efforts to help some of their favorite business owners rebound from the storm.

presented to Houston-based Shipley’s DoNuts owner, Mike Simon, who suffered structural damage due to the flooding. When Plummer called him to notify him, Simon was overcome by emotions.

Sure enough, the kind hearts of the community showed out. The Houston fundraiser generated more than $3,000 in donations. In October, this money was

But that’s not all! In a beautiful example of the “pay it forward” mindset, Simon didn’t take a dime from the raised money. Instead, he gave it all to a loyal employee,

Lucia Flores, who lost her home and all possessions during Hurricane Harvey. A Mexican immigrant and single mother of two, Flores desperately needed the money to get back on her feet following the storm. When Our Town America and Shipley’s surprised Flores with the check, her fellow colleagues gathered around to show admiration for all she does as a devoted

Franchising USA

franchisor in dep t h

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franchisor in dept h

O ur Tow n A mer ica

owners open as quickly as possible after any natural disaster to provide local communities with much needed food as homeowners struggle to cook or keep food fresh with no electricity. • Doug Waitekus, Creative Colors International – Doug Waitekus, the Creative Colors International (CCI) owner in Jacksonville, FL, is expecting to triple revenues over the next few months – a number that would equal the sales spike experienced by the New Orleans-based CCI owner after Hurricane Katrina – as insurance companies contact him about damaged cars, boats, planes, restaurants, etc. He’ll help them determine if leather, vinyl, and fabric surfaces are salvageable and will make repairs that save owners thousands over replacement costs.

“While the road to recovery won’t be smooth for anyone that was in the eye of the storm, many are thankful that local franchise business owners . . . are there to relieve some of the pressure and help rebuild the local community.” and loving mother and employee. It was an emotional moment, indeed!

sales surges as high as 300% since the storms. Here are a few examples:

Plummer and Our Town America are seeking to do something similar in Florida and have already collected more than $2,000 on Facebook for a Florida-based fundraiser. Plummer and the executive team are in the process of determining how those funds will be disseminated between the Sponsor businesses that have already reached out needing help. Clearly, Our Town America is a company that is dedicated to getting companies back in the swing of things.

• Ryan Smith, Monster Tree Service in Atlanta – Ryan Smith with Monster Tree Service has been working around the clock since Hurricane Irma clobbered the metro Atlanta area. Countless downed trees and limbs needed to be removed after crashing into homes, cutting off streets, and knocking out powerlines. Smith says his revenues have already increased 300% a number he expects to rise as he and his team continue to help homeowners get back on their feet.

Franchise Community Building Proves a Boon for Business

• Mark Powell, Golden Corral – Mark Powell, who owns two Golden Corral restaurants in the Houston metro area, has experienced a 15-20% increase in business since reopening after Hurricane Harvey (Eric Holm, who owns 32 Golden Corral restaurants in Florida and Georgia, is starting to see the same in Hurricane Irma’s aftermath). Powell and all other Golden Corral

However, fundraising isn’t the only way franchise brands are giving back. In fact, countless franchise brands are helping to restore their communities by doing what they do every day…while experiencing a serious uptick in business in the process. In fact, some local franchisees have seen

Franchising USA

• Graham Banks, America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) – Graham Banks of ASP in Jupiter, FL went above and beyond to guarantee his clients were not only safe, but their pools were prepared for what was to come. He sent an email with a link to a Facebook video detailing how customers could care for their pool (the video generated 5,000+ views). He conducted house calls up until “Hurricane Eve” to clear yards and treat pools with chlorine to help them fend off contaminants caused by flooding. Then, after the storm, he was the only pool expert in town to respond to dozens of emergencies. He worked tirelessly to clean and clear more than 100 pools in a week, gaining multiple new loyal customers in the process. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are responsible for so much pain for the families and businesses directly impacted by the storms. While the road to recovery won’t be smooth for anyone that was in the eye of the storm, many are thankful that local franchise business owners (such as those detailed here) are there to relieve some of the pressure and help rebuild the local community. www.ourtownamerica.com


Your Golden Opportunity

Page 19

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

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FranchisingFeature food - part 2

november 2017

food service:

great systems equal great scale

working smarter not harder with restaurant delivery services

do you have what it takes to be

a successful food industry franchisee?

Franchising USA


food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

what’s new! Slaters 50/50 Announces National Franchise Opportunities Within the Restaurant Industry “SLATERS 50/50 has garnered interest from many as an incredible investment, and we look forward to rolling out of franchise locations all across the United States,” says current owner, Michael Nakleh. The company has the best-in-class training programs to support franchisees and their investment in the Slater’s 50/50 brand. Training and Operational Support includes: 6 weeks of training at our headquarters, operations manual and training, grand opening assistance, new store opening support and crew training, ongoing field support and regional operations managers, field marketing and trainer managers, and operations compliance systems and tools. Slaters 50/50 is proud to announce franchise opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. Slater’s 50/50’s founders initially started the company with a passion for burgers, bacon and craft beer and a disdain for the boring. Inspired by the belief that bacon is “meat candy,” they created the original 50/50 patty– made of 50% ground bacon and 50% ground beef – and a menu full of amplified burgers and indulgent dishes to pair with one of the most mind-blowing selections of local and regional craft beer available on tap anywhere.

The company is currently present in Anaheim Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Dallas/Lower Greenville, San Diego, Huntington Beach, San Marcos, and Pasadena. Over the past six years, Slater’s 50/50 has won numerous “Best Of” awards and is constantly mentioned among the best of the best in local, regional, and national media outlets including People, Food & Wine, Huffington Post, The Howard Stern Show and many more. For more information, please visit: https://slaters5050.com.

MacKenzie River Restaurants Continues Expansion with Recent Store Openings Glacier Restaurant Group continues to expand Montana-based MacKenzie River Restaurants with their recent store openings in Las Vegas, NV, Crestview Hills, KY, and Beavercreek, OH. MacKenzie River is the flagship brand of Glacier Restaurant Group, based in Whitefish, Montana. Now with 27 locations, MacKenzie River has franchise and corporate locations with plans to expand the brand across the country. MacKenzie River was recently recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as one of the top “2017 Next 20 Restaurant Brands.” Twenty-four years and more than a million

Franchising USA

pizzas later, MacKenzie River has a casual rustic atmosphere that depicts the heart and soul of the Rocky Mountains. They have taken the concept of comfort food and elevated it to be both healthy and indulgent with made-from-scratch items using the freshest ingredients, all with a local and unique flair, like the seasonal Montana huckleberry salad. “We have a lot of pride in the fact that we’re a rapidly growing company and it’s exciting to be a part of it. This is not your typical franchise. We bring passion and energy to work everyday – that culture sets us apart and our customers notice,” said Colin Higgins, MacKenzie River

Franchisee, owner of five MacKenzie River locations.

https://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com/ franchising/


JUICE IT UP! REPORTS SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE GROWTH QUARTER Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading raw juice bar and hand-crafted smoothie franchises, announced system-wide third quarter sales increased four percent over quarter three of 2016, and year-to-date are up five percent. This also marks Juice It Up!’s seventh consecutive quarter of substantial growth in the highly competitive raw juice and smoothie segment. Expansion is also on the rise with Juice It Up! securing seven new franchise agreements in Q3 alone. With locations in California, Texas, New Mexico, Oregon and opening soon in Florida, there are currently 87 units in operation with plans to add at least 10 additional units by year-end. “We’re thrilled to see new guests and loyalists alike visiting Juice It Up! for our raw juices, functional bowls and smoothies,” said Frank Easterbrook, Juice It Up! CEO. “Over the past two decades we’ve developed a proven model that enables our franchise partners to experience continuous gains by catering to the nutritional wants and needs of a growing population.” The company’s ideal franchisees possess an entrepreneurial spirit, a creative local store marketing mindset, and are passionate about spreading the brand’s “Live Life Juiced” mantra. For details about the company’s financial landscape and franchisee opportunities, visit www.juiceitupfranchise.com.

Gatti’s Pizza Restaurant Set to Open in Killeen: First to Feature New Gatti’s Design Iconic family-friendly restaurant features popular Gatti’s Pizza buffet and expanded entertainment center Gatti’s brand in seven years, as well as the first new prototype outside of DFW, awarded to local business entrepreneurs Wallace Vernon, Nancy Hennigan and Tad Dorro. Pizza lovers in Killeen are in for a treat as Gatti’s Pizza breaks ground at 2501 East Central Texas Expressway. Since Sovrano LLC purchased the brand two years ago, Gatti’s has opened a record number of corporate-owned locations, including five featuring the new prototype. Killeen will be the first franchise for the

In addition to the traditional Gatti’s Pizza buffet and other menu favorites, the new family-friendly restaurant will feature an expanded 4500-square foot family entertainment center with 50-plus games. The restaurant is slated to open late December. Guests in the entertainment area will have access to their own food court, featuring pizza slices and Pepperoni

Rolls as well as beer, wine and gelato. There will also be separate rooms for private events and birthday parties. “We look forward to becoming an integral part of the community and expect the restaurant and the entertainment center to quickly become a popular destination for those seeking great pizza and fun served up in a family-friendly atmosphere,” said Michael Poates, president of the FortWorth based chain. More information is available at gattispizza.com or by calling 817-546-3500.

Franchising USA

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food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

what’s new! TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE SIGNS AGREEMENT TO OPEN FOUR NEW RESTAURANTS IN UTAH Herriman and American Fork over the next year. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has experienced a surge in franchise development fueled by several years of compounding success, signing more than 140 franchise agreements this year alone to propel its ongoing nationwide expansion.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, announced it signed a franchise development agreement with area developer Cody Sommer to further expand the brand’s footprint in Utah. Sommer currently operates six existing locations throughout the state, and will be opening four new cafes in Draper, Springville,

Cody Sommer, was introduced to Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2012 and opened Utah’s first Tropical Smoothie Cafe in 2013, establishing exclusive rights to develop a total of 25 cafes throughout the state by 2022. With this new agreement, Sommer has grown his portfolio to 10 locations in Utah and has plans to continue expansion throughout the state. Tropical Smoothie Cafe currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas, Cincinnati and Minneapolis, among others. For more information about opening your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, please visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com.

Randy Simon named CEO & President of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers “I have enjoyed the past 15 years of our formation and growth and I’m thrilled that I am now in the position to devote even more of my time to Freddy’s,” Simon remarked. “Completing the sale and transfer of our 34 Panera locations this summer has freed me from the responsibilities that I was entrusted with by my Panera partners. I will now be able to focus singularly on the future of Freddy’s as we move into the next chapter.”

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers recently announced that Randy Simon was named CEO & President of the company he cofounded more than 15 years ago with his brother Bill, father Freddy, and business partner Scott Redler.

Franchising USA

Simon brings a long and accomplished history in the restaurant industry. In 1974, he partnered with Howard Wilkins to form Maverick Development Company and launch a Pizza Hut franchise that grew to 42 locations in Texas and New Mexico. A decade later, Maverick turned its attention to Panera, jumping in as the second franchise group of the fledgling concept and participating in its record-

setting nationwide growth with locations throughout Kansas and Missouri. In July, Flynn Restaurant Group closed on the purchase of Maverick’s Panera Cafes where Simon was serving as President and Chairman of the Board. “Over the past couple of months, I’ve enjoyed increased exposure to our Freddy’s support team and franchise family,” Simon said. “They’ve provided me time to transition out of the last 24 years in the Panera business and the space to patch the holes left from the loss of Freddy’s original CEO and my brother Bill, who passed away last December. Bill really loved Freddy’s. He had a profound ability to turn challenges into advancement opportunities. He left us in a great position and we are going to build on the foundation he worked so hard to create.” freddysusa.com


CoreLife Eatery Continues to Sweep New York State, Nation with Aggressive Growth “We’re thrilled to see our ambitious vision for the growth of our brand coming to fruition,” Todd Mansfield, partner and Wellness Champion for CoreLife Eatery, said. “CoreLife Eatery is a concept that people believe in, and we are extremely fortunate to have a key partner in M&T Bank, which is truly allowing our brand to reach maximum potential.”

CoreLife Eatery, an active lifestyle restaurant with a healthy concept that’s

area, two in the Syracuse area, two in the Hudson Valley area, three in the Buffalo

quickly crazed the nation, is continuing

area and three in the Albany area.

its aggressive expansion with the

This New York State expansion is a key

addition of 40 new stores by the end of 2018, including 20 units in the brand’s home state of New York. Included in those 20 projected locations in New York State: one unit in the Rochester

component of CoreLife Eatery’s plans

to open 300 stores within the next five

years. The brand is currently operating 20

restaurants in eight states, with another set to open this month in Portage, Michigan.

M&T Bank, headquartered in Buffalo, has been a driving force behind the expansion of CoreLife Eatery since the company’s inception in 2015. M&T Bank is an integral part of the brand’s development and success to date, and will continue to play an important role in CoreLife Eatery’s future success, as the brand continues on a path of rapid and aggressive growth. The brand just recently began franchising with plans to significantly expand the number of communities they can serve powerful and healthy options to every day. For more information on franchising opportunities, please visit www.corelifeeatery.com/franchising.

Captain D’s Promotes Company Veteran to Director Of Operations Captain D’s, the leading fast casual seafood restaurant, announced that Summer Sims has been promoted to Director of Operations. Sims will oversee the operations and financial responsibilities of the Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas territories and help hire and develop company employees in these markets. Sims’s career at Captain D’s spans over two decades, beginning with her first role as a Guest Specialist to nearly every position in the restaurant operations arena. Her impressive results coupled with her guest-centric drive have earned her

several honorable recognitions within the company, including two “Vice President PRIDE” awards. “Summer epitomizes our core value of doing what is right for our guest and our brand every day,” said Phil Greifeld, president and chief executive officer of Captain D’s. “She has worked her way up in the company and has served as an excellent example of leadership to the new team members.” With 525 restaurants in 21 states, Captain D’s is the nation’s leading fast casual seafood restaurant and was named the #1 seafood chain in the QSR 50, ranked

by AUV. Founded in 1969, Captain D’s has been offering its customers highquality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere for more than 48 years. www.captaindsfranchising.com

Franchising USA

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food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

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

FOOD

FRANCHISING FEATURE ~PART 2~

When it comes to the food industry and franchising in particular, restaurants would be the first thought to come to mind. However, the food industry goes well beyond the doors of a sit down restaurant. Franchising is an option for food and beverage products, cafés, food specific shops and so much more. If you’re interested in the business of food, it’s best

Franchising USA


Starbucks can be found on almost every corner of any street. It’s a well-established café with a distinguished taste and highend feel. It helped catapult a economic need for high priced, good quality coffee – a need that the public didn’t realize they had. Now it’s a part of everyone’s day; a good hot cup of coffee starts the morning off right. The café is now a hang out where people open their laptops, meet for school projects or sit alone reading a book. Starbucks changed the dynamic and a lot of other cafés joined the bandwagon, and the variety of choice has been appealing to the American people.

to consider all options before taking the dive because you can easily invest in an area that peaks your interest. Let’s explore a few of the varied options available to franchise.

Cafés A new niche of the food market is the café. With a wide variety of high-end drinks, both hot and cold, as well as a range of desserts, the café has become the hangout spot for a lot of people. With a range of foods to choose from, as well as specialty drinks, the menu applies to a lot of palates. Families can stop for a coffee with treats for the kids; it’s the perfect first date stop and the drive thru allows people to get their java fix on the way to work.

There are more than 400 million cups of coffee consumed in this country per day, making it an easy product to sell. It’s a part of everyday life. For those who have always wanted to open a coffee shop, a franchise is a great option because it’s a well-known brand, the café franchisor will help choose a location that would be profitable and has a template for success. One of the downsides is local business competition. A lot of areas have local cafés that are well known in the area and preferred over the name brand establishments. Local research at the community level would be the first step when considering a coffee franchise.

Grocery Stores Sometimes you forget that grocery stores are a business. They have become

buildings of necessity but they are a part of the food industry that is very profitable. It goes well beyond food to include beauty products, cleaning products, toiletries and even clothing. It’s become more of a department store, rather than simply groceries. Though the main source of profit is food, there are a lot of brand name products loading the shelves of grocers that bring in customers for numerous reasons. Grocery stores are laid out perfectly, appealing to the consumer. The process and layout is well researched to influence selling and promotion. Sales and discounts, schedules and marketing are a process provided by the franchisor, making success guaranteed and easy to manage. The employee turnaround can be high, but the franchisee is unlikely to be involved much since the business runs like clockwork. Competition of local grocery stores is slim and the public usually prefers the big bulk stores. They like a one-stop shop with low prices. Food is a constant purchase and people want to shop where they wouldn’t spend too much money. Grocery stores have recognized the needs of the consumer from organic fruits and veggies to whole kosher and healthy aisles that appeal to everyone. Grocery stores sales were over 620 billion

Franchising USA

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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

“The food industry goes well beyond, well, food. It includes drinks and that is a wide spectrum in itself, from soda to caffeine, bottled water to alcohol and beyond.”

in 2015 in the US alone; it’s the one product that everyone has to purchase and the last thing that people will cut when making a budget. If a big department store is an appealing franchise endeavour to you, it has a lot of perks including a great work-life balance and does not need hands on experience from the franchisee. Though it does have a large start up fee, it’s an almost guaranteed success.

Beverages The food industry goes well beyond, well, food. It includes drinks and that is a wide spectrum in itself, from soda to caffeine, bottled water to alcohol and beyond. Franchisees can enter the beverage industry in a variety of ways. Some brand names offer franchise options: Coca Cola offers a franchise distribution franchise, for example. A soda brand name distribution franchise is a safe investment to consider because they have established clients with contracts for specific amounts and they have a great reputation. Bar and Pub franchises can help fulfill the dream to own a bar. A lot of entrepreneurs have a passion to run a pub, but the initially start up is overwhelming and a lot of work. Bars and Pubs now fall under the franchise field, with a supporting franchisor, a marketing plan and a better work life balance. Running your own bar can lead to managers running themselves

Franchising USA

thin but a franchise would encourage a less hands-on approach. Of course alcohol and beverages ranges far beyond distribution and nightclubs; it can include a specific spirit, or even a winery as well caffeine and tea suppliers. It’s a whole other sisterhood to the food industry that is worth researching. There are even retail stores that specialize in beverages alone, including high-end tea stores, as well as smoothie restaurants. Restaurants dominate the food industry but it is so much more. Food is a necessity, a never-ending world of product because it’s constantly consumed. In the world of business there is always a chance that consumers will lose interest. That’s never the case with food, not only will we always want it, but we need it to survive. Due to the history of this product, from the natural environment to the farming fields, it’s been ameliorated and turned into a very profitable business.

The only downfall is the long and harsh amount of research before investment. A lot of the fields have large start up fees, but great profits and success rates. There is no previous experience needed, but an interested franchisee should really look around their community to see what food industry is in need and then begin research from there. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina

Gill became a freelance journalist in 2008. She has

worked as a reporter and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.

Look out for our next special feature:

retail FRANCHISING


86 X GOURMET RESTAURANTS

USA STORE #1 IN INDIANAPOLIS

7 X COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

THE BURGER BUSINESS HAS CHANGED THIS PLACE HAS

REDEFINED WHAT A BURGER JOINT SHOULD BE!! LIONEL W

SHOWS HOW WELL THEY HAVE THIS SYSTEM DOWN ON FRANCHISING HIEN L

THIS PLACE REMINDED ME WHAT

REAL FOOD

IS SUPPOSED TO TASTE LIKE VERONICA R

NEW ZEALANDERS MAKE BURGERS BETTER THAN AMERICANS KRISTIN H

NOT YOUR ORDINARY BURGER

A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

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food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

BU RG ER FU EL

THE BURGER BUSINESS HAS CHANGED:

MEET BURGERFUEL Recently named in 3rd in the Top 31 Burgers in the USA list by Thrillist, this full-throttle New Zealand burger brand is showing no signs of slowing down in the USA!

BurgerFuel is a global, gourmet burger concept, proudly born and bred in New Zealand – and they like to do things differently. Since 1995, they’ve been driven by the purpose of engineering the ultimate experience in gourmet burgers, incorporating delicious, fresh, natural ingredients served up in an atmosphere as charged as the food. With almost 100 franchised stores across seven countries, you can currently grab a BurgerFuel burger in the mighty USA, New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East. At BurgerFuel, they live, eat and play by the motto ‘life’s too short to eat bad burgers’ and it is this mission that drives the team forward every day to provide an even better, healthier, more gourmet alternative to fast food.

Franchising USA


When you buy a BurgerFuel franchise, you’re not just buying into a gourmet burger business with a strong and modern franchise model. BurgerFuel is a 360degree lifestyle experience where fast cars, street art, music and creativity reign supreme, and unique culture is something other brands can’t emulate. The brand proudly runs its own global radio station, Radio BurgerFuel, where curated music, DJ sets, and live interviews are broadcast live all over the world from its headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. BurgerFuel also facilitates an in-house arts program called ‘Creative, Sweet’, adding custom, hand-painted street-art not only to the inside and outside of their stores, but to the communities that surround them too. With a passion for cars that started right back in ’95, BurgerFuel also has a full collection of custom built American muscle cars as part of their ‘Speed and Custom’ program. These cars can be seen cruising the streets around BurgerFuel stores as part of their local store marking efforts. Many franchisees drive their own unique BurgerFuel muscle car too!

“BurgerFuel is a 360-degree life style experience where fast cars, street art, music and creativity reign supreme, and our unique culture is something other brands can’t emulate.” BurgerFuel is currently seeking

Franchisees and Master Franchisees

franchise model, with a brand that does things others can’t?

expands within Indiana and beyond.

Hit the application link below to take the first step in your BurgerFuel USA journey.

Ready to dive full throttle into a modern

www.burgerfuel.com/us/franchise

to join the BurgerFuel movement as it

As a BurgerFuel Franchisee or Master Franchisee, you’ll benefit from the robust operational support, sophisticated systems, world-class training and innovative marketing programs that BurgerFuel provides to support their premium brand.

Franchising USA

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food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems

Food Service: Great Systems Equal Great Scale The effectiveness of franchising in food service can be seen around the world and in all industry segments of the food service business where everything from steak to sandwiches and cocktail lounges have been franchised effectively. With that being the case, not all food service businesses can franchise their model and not all franchises turn out to be wildly successful. Chris Conner

The Food Service industry has always been one of the more capital intensive and operationally difficult models to manage. This dynamic creates obstacles when considering operating even one single operating food service business, but certainly becomes an elephant in the room when considering scale and new unit growth. With each new location the same difficulties present themselves, but even in a greater degree when the owner of the business isn’t in the location every day. This scenario has been the root cause of why so many food service operations have chosen franchising as a channel for expansion, by putting an owner operator in the stores and overseeing the intricacies of managing the day to day business, franchise distribution allows food service to become scalable.

Franchising USA

At the core of what makes a food service business viable for franchising are the systems that operate the day to day model. One of the first aspects that Franchise Marketing Systems will look for in a food service business who is considering franchise expansion is whether technology has been infused into the daily operating procedures. Great food service businesses have excellent systems which allow the business to operate without relying on any one or two people to make the place go. It starts with the POS System, the heart of any

restaurant model. In today’s technology crazed market place, the number of options and variety of different flavors can make this process overwhelming quickly. But the key is to have a system that accomplishes day to day tasks easily, provides reporting needed to manage the business efficiently and has tools which can be leveraged to manage inventory, costs and daily expenses inherent in any business. Choosing the right POS system requires the advice and guidance of someone who knows the field and has worked extensively with different solutions. Not all POS systems are created equal and different systems offer different value to specific types of food service businesses. Hire someone who can help you make the right choice as early as possible and avoid headaches of having to pull the system out later. With the transition to cloud based technology, these systems have become much more cost effective and easier to install and maintain.


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OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING. GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR BEFORE IT CLOSES.

Visit LittleCaesars.com or Call (800) 553-5776 to Join the Fastest Growing Pizza Chain in America *

*Based on 2015 U.S. store growth. © 2017 LCE, Inc. 62622

Franchising USA


food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems

Online ordering and delivery are extremely important for most food service businesses and are becoming more important every day with the growing number of millennials becoming an increasingly important part of the consumer base. Systems and technology need to be developed and implemented into the fabric of the restaurant business and incorporated into daily operations. Without these systems in place, you will lose significant opportunities and market share to those who do.

“Online ordering and delivery are extremely important for most food service businesses and are becoming more important every day with the growing number of millennials becoming an increasingly important part of the consumer base.” these activities can be automated through technology. Social media marketing, email marketing, website management and other aspects of digital marketing should be structured to be consistent, professional and purpose driven.

In today’s franchise market, some of the key differentiators for franchise brands over mom and pop operations is the value of offering franchisees online ordering platforms and delivery technology. Outsourced options for both of these functions are available, find a solution provider who can work for you and integrate into your operating model.

Technology allows a food service business the time and tools needed to manage these critical marketing channels and duplicate efforts in new company owned or franchise locations. Customer retention may also be supported entirely through technology and systems allowing for restaurants and food service businesses to keep customers coming back through text message marketing and loyalty programs leveraging digital platforms.

Marketing and customer retention are critical to any food service business and need to be system-oriented and technology driven. Digital marketing is at the center of all advertising campaigns and much of

Regardless of what type of food you serve, where your restaurant is located or whether you are a QSR or full service restaurant model, systems and technology need to be embraced in order to scale.

Franchising USA

Franchising is the ultimate version of scaling food service businesses and the most successful food service franchises in the world boast incredible technology to support effective duplication of their systems. Spend the money and make the effort to structure your operation for success with great systems. 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


Own your own Own yourshop. own sandwich

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sandwich shop.

Franchise opportunities are nowavailable availablelocally locally Franchise opportunities are now worldwide with new andexisting existingshops. shops. andand worldwide with new and If you enjoy working with people, leading your ownteam, team,learning learning If you enjoy working with people, leading your own new skills and are ready for an exciting new challenge, contact us new skills and are ready for an exciting new challenge, contact us ® today! The Subway franchise fee is $15,000 which is included in the today! The Subway® franchise fee is $15,000 which is included in the total investment. The total investment can range from $147,050 to total investment. The total investment can range from $147,050 to $320,700+ (See Franchise Disclosure Document for further details.) $320,700+ (See Franchise Disclosure Document for further details.) Restaurant owners should have half of the total investment in cash Restaurant owners should have half of the total investment in cash and finance the other half. Please visit subway.com or call and Ralph finance the other half. Sales Please visit subway.com or call Piselli, Franchise Manager: 800.888.4848 x 1312 . Ralph Piselli, Franchise Sales Manager: 800.888.4848 x 1312 .

SUBWAY® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2017 Subway IP Inc.

SUBWAY® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2017 Subway IP Inc.

Franchising USA


food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

Matthew Jonas, President, TopFire Media

Marketing on the Move:

Top Tips For Your Mobile Food Truck Franchise It’s no surprise that the food truck franchise opportunity has positioned itself among the hottest concepts to own in 2017. From major cities to college towns, food truck owners are winning over the hearts of food lovers nationwide. Today, the U.S. boasts over 4,000 food trucks, so whether it’s gourmet grilled cheese, fresh sushi or health-conscious

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sandwiches, there’s sure to be a food truck for any taste and every investor. Uniquely positioned with low initial fees, mobility as the model, and a fairly low overhead, IBISWorld reported an annual industry growth rate of 7.9%. Even more appetizing, they’re fun to market on the franchise and consumer sides! Here are a few quick tips on how to best attract that potential investor or hungry customer.

Leverage local SEO As a mobile business, your most valuable target market are those in close proximity to your truck, so increasing your visibility amongst those who are searching “near me” is huge! If you park your food truck near Grant Park, leverage

that popular landmark when thinking about “near landmark” searches. Making those connections and optimizing your consumer site with references to those landmarks can pay big returns when hungry folks are on the hunt for a quick bite to eat.

Stay connected with customers What’s one huge benefit of a food truck? It’s got wheels! Stay connected with customers in real time via social media to let them know when you’re on the move. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all great platforms for posting your latest location and deals, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some fun to your posts. Hosting contests via


“Whether you’re trying to catch the eye of a customer or a prospect, your food truck’s curb appeal could be the deciding factor of whether or not people stop to see what you have to offer.” social media is a key franchise lead generator, and it’s important to keep in mind that consumers can also be prospects, even if they don’t know it yet. To ensure you don’t miss an opportunity to find your next franchisee, incorporate a mix of consumer and franchise material on your social media channels, and encourage visitors to further interact with your franchise opportunity via a whitepaper, eBook or some other offering in exchange for contact info.

First impressions are everything

social media can be a great way to catch customers’ attention. For example, if your truck’s located near Wrigley Field, snap a picture of a nearby landmark and post the hint of your location on Facebook. The first five people to comment and guess your location get a free entree item. Remember, short-term tactics can help build those long-term followers.

Express your brand via social media Like customers, prospective franchisees also want to know what they’re getting before they buy it. Your social media accounts should be a convenient way for potential investors to get an understanding of your brand and personality! Today,

Whether you’re trying to catch the eye of a customer or a prospect, your food truck’s curb appeal could be the deciding factor of whether or not people stop to see what you have to offer. Like any business, standing out amongst competitors starts with asking yourself, “How’s my brand different?” Is it your truck’s colors or vehicle wrap? Maybe it’s your striking logo. If your truck is primarily cruising city streets, consider adding graphics to the top of your truck. It might sound strange at first, but having your name and website displayed on your truck’s roof just might catch some attention from office-window onlookers. On the franchise side, ensure your leadgen website is optimized and ready to serve up a piping hot mix of benefits-based messaging and franchise information to grab the prospect’s attention. No matter what’s getting new faces to stop by, a great first impression can lead to a life-long customer or your newest investor.

Equip your franchisees It’s approaching noon in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, and the flood of button-ups and briefcases is about to pour out of the buildings surrounding your truck. Do your franchisees have information available for those potential investors that step up to order? Ensure

that franchisees are your biggest fans, and stack them with franchise fun facts to share with those interested.

Don’t underestimate the power of customer relations Some people say that politeness is a dying art, but don’t let yourself go down with that ship. Remember when I mentioned how easy it is for social media to connect you with customers? Well, it’s the rise of social media that has also made it easy for angry customers to share their displeasure of a poor experience or badmouth your business. Being courteous to customers can help you avoid those bad reviews and can take your brand reputation a long way when it comes to word-of-mouth marketing. It may even help attract your next franchisee. Matthew Jonas is the president of TopFire Media, an award-winning integrated public relations and digital marketing agency specializing in franchise marketing and consumer branding. Together with the leaders of iFranchise Group, Jonas established TopFire Media to bring a fullyintegrated marketing approach to the franchise industry. As a digital marketing strategist with more than a decade of in-depth experience in SEO and PPC, social media publishing, conversion based marketing, inbound marketing, sales management, and online lead generation, Jonas has built a career dedicated to delivering an integrated marketing approach that achieves client success and long-term relationships. www.topfiremedia.com

Franchising USA

food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

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food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

Sterling Douglass, CEO at Chowly, Inc.

Working Smarter Not Harder

with Restaurant Delivery Services drivers to fulfill the order, others have it mandatory, and some rely on the restaurant to figure it out. In the case of the latter, the restaurant has two options: hire or outsource. There are companies in most markets that simply provide the fulfillment piece of the order (outsource). They act as your own in-house delivery drivers without the W2 status and can be a great option for restaurants just entering the delivery space. Thinking hard about how the order gets to the customer is a significant part of the due diligence process.

Many restaurants go in guns blazing when it comes to adding on delivery partners. However, restaurants may not realize there are many shortcomings to not doing proper due diligence before going live.

Third-party Online Ordering Solutions (TOOS). Often times it’s more than just increased revenue.

They also may not realize all the different value they’re getting from adding on these

How are the orders going to be fulfilled? Some TOOS offer the option for their own

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DILIGENCE Think about which platforms make sense for your restaurant. It may be a situation where any-and-all platforms are welcome, or it might make more sense to only add one or two. Sometimes the kitchen or floor plan at a restaurant won’t allow for the any-and-all solution. There could be limited counter space or minimal room for drivers to pick up food.

The diligence doesn’t stop at a customer. It goes all the way to the back of house reporting. How is a restaurant going to be able to tell how well their different platforms are doing? Ensuring the TOOS data seamlessly integrates into the pointof-sale (POS) will be key if restaurants want to avoid looking at five different reports/statements from five different TOOS. Typically, a TOOS will set a restaurant up with some kind of tablet. Finding room for each tablet and managing their unique functionalities can be daunting, however there are solutions that consolidate them and save employees countless headaches and frustration. Be sure to use technology to simplify and improve restaurant operations instead of complicating them. Sometimes the desire to “come into the 21st century” can get in the way of common sense.


VALUE Before adding on a new TOOS, it’s important to understand all of the costs associated with them. Some charge set-up fees and most come with a commission fee that ranges from 10% to 35%. TOOS will tell the restaurant that a 30% commission is a fair price because the TOOS will fill unmet capacity in the kitchen resulting in only the cost of the food to the restaurant. TOOS don’t believe overhead costs should be included when doing a cost comparison. There are strong opinions on this debate, but the fact of the matter is that it depends on the restaurant. Some restaurants will add 100+ orders a day through TOOS without bringing on any additional labor. In this case, the only increased cost is food cost. Other times, they must bring on more staff to handle the increased volume, in which case the overhead does increase. That surge in orders can actually result in a more modest growth of online orders and in-store pickup too. Some of these new customers do in-fact convert to traditional ordering channels. In this situation, TOOS are considered marketing costs because they are putting a restaurant and its brand in-front of more customers. These conversion rates are not sky high, but still significant. Additionally, a 30% commission isn’t something to immediately over-react to. It can be hard to quantify how much a delivery fulfillment is worth in terms of a percentage, but let’s give this a shot. For example, let’s say a restaurant has a $32 order from a TOOS that charges a 17.5% fee. The 17.5% relies on the restaurant delivering the food themselves. If the restaurant uses a delivery fulfillment company, that will typically cost about $4 an order to fulfill the delivery. In this case the restaurant has paid $4 + $5.60 (17.5% of $32) totaling $9.60 in fees. Now let’s do the case of the TOOS that charges 30% but includes the delivery fulfillment. It is worth noting the total fees also add up to $9.60 (30% of $32). Truly understanding the value this commission is generating is paramount to how to effectively use the TOOS and delivery partners.

“Be sure to use technology to simplify and improve restaurant operations instead of complicating them. Sometimes the desire to ‘come into the 21st century’ can get in the way of common sense.” ADVICE A common misnomer in the restaurant world is that customers are loyal to their preferred brands. In actuality, customers ordering in the restaurant delivery space have a more dedicated loyalty to the TOOS. This is important to understand while working on online strategy. White labeled online ordering is great, but according to a McKinsey study done earlier this year, 80% of customers rarely, if ever, change to a different ordering app. For example, if a customer is an habitual UberEATS customer, this customer isn’t leaving that app to order food.

understand what you’re paying for, and to use technology to simplify the process, not convolute it. Sterling Douglass is a Co-Founder and CEO at Chowly, a first of its kind restaurant technology company. Chowly integrates orders from companies like UberEats, Grubhub, and many others into the restaurant’s POS system. Chowly seeks to simplify technology for restaurants by connecting software to the restaurant’s POS. www.chowlyinc.com

A couple key questions for restaurants to ask TOOS when evaluating them: 1. How many orders are they generating for other restaurants in the area? 2. How many similar restaurants are currently on the platform? Learning about how a TOOS is currently doing in a specific area and its uniqueness on the platform are great indicators on what kind of volume a restaurant can expect to see. The key to maximizing Third-party delivery is to do your research, truly

Sterling Douglass

Franchising USA

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food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

Rick Bisio, A Franchise Coach

Do You Have What It Takes

to Be a Successful Food Industry Franchisee? location. The more locations you have the more levels of management you can build to insulate yourself. I don’t want to be too negative. As your restaurant(s) becomes more successful, chances are, managers may be able to fill those gaps, and you may get to the point where you never have to work hours you don’t want to work. But, you do want to ask yourself if you’re prepared to have to possibly fill in for your staff during some inconvenient hours for several years while your business ramps up.

Food franchises are everywhere – at every highway exit, near hotels, at airports, on college campuses, in hospitals. Sure, franchises exist for just about every facet of modern day life; there are disaster cleanup franchises, professional coaching, window cleaning and educational franchises. These are good franchises but you don’t see those at every highway exit. You will, however, find McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Subway, Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A and – well, you get the idea. Which means that if you’re thinking of buying into a franchise, you’re probably giving some thought to owning a restaurant. It certainly makes sense as those franchises are so intertwined with our culture and lifestyles. Although most people find restaurant franchises intriguing, restaurants come with interesting challenges including cost, HR, inventory, customer service, and more. At

Franchising USA

the same time, restaurant ownership can be rewarding if it’s a fit for you, your skills and your lifestyle. So, how do you know if you’re a fit? Well…a food industry franchise may be a good fit for you if…

You don’t mind working evenings and weekends I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Look, I’m going to be the boss. I won’t be working weekends or evenings. My staff will do that. Here’s the problem. Most people eat dinner at the same time you eat dinner. Same with breakfast and lunch. As an owner, being available when the business is busiest is important. Even if you are using a manager, they are most likely to call you when the restaurant is busy, not when it is empty. Staffing is always a challenge in the restaurant business. You always build the staffing model for contingencies but what happens if your manager is sick. You may need to step in to keep an eye on things. Obviously these challenges are most difficult when you only have one

You like high-pressure environments You’ve seen busy kitchens at fast food and sit-down restaurants. Managing one can feel like being an air-traffic controller. Still, the way some people react when they don’t get their burger done just so, or if you give them a cappuccino instead of an espresso, you would think a customer thinks his or her life hangs in the balance. Some entrepreneurs thrive under that kind of consistent pressure; others, don’t.

You’re comfortable handling countless moving parts Every business, to some degree, has a lot of moving parts – managing employee turnover, handling inventory and keeping customers happy all at once. Every business has their own pressure points. If you run a preschool franchise, for instance, you’re going to deal with some high-strung parents – and their little kids – so, safety is going to be paramount. As a restaurant owner, unlike most jobs or entrepreneurial ventures, the fires you must put out aren’t restricted to the weekdays or the “9-5” grind. Countless problems can arise


As a restaurant owner... the fires you must put out aren’t restricted to the weekdays or the “9-5” grind. Countless problems can arise simultaneously at any time, and great owners (and managers) can handle them calmly and effectively.

simultaneously at any time, and great owners (and managers) can handle them calmly and effectively. So, running a food related franchise is much more than just opening the doors and watching the money pour in. There are six essential traits that all successful franchise owners need to possess: • Having a clear vision • Confidently communicating the vision • Setting a timetable for achievement • Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities • Standing apart from the crowd • Focusing on continual learning If you don’t have these traits, or know you don’t have the interest in mastering them, you really shouldn’t own any business, much less a restaurant that requires more pre-launch planning and investments than most franchise opportunities. But even if you have all of them, it doesn’t mean you should own a food-related franchise. Maybe you should own a pet supply store or run a maid service franchise. You could own a fitness center or a car service franchise. You might want to own a tax preparation service. There’s a wide variety of franchises out there, and you don’t want to necessarily select the most popular option.

Because while some people are natural born restaurant owners, others were born to be restaurant customers. If you can figure out who you are before buying into a restaurant franchise, you’ll save yourself a lot of heartburn and financial indigestion. Rick Bisio recently published the third edition of his Amazon-bestselling 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.

To learn more about Rick Bisio and The Educated Franchisee resource center, please visit http://www.afranchisecoach.com/thecoach/

Rick Bisio

Franchising USA

food FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E – part 2

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t rending franchises

FEATURED Franchise

Dat Dog Enterprises Founded in 2011 and franchising since 2017, New Orleans-based Dat Dog has garnered a cult following of customers drawn to the brand’s vibrant atmosphere, local beer, late-night hours and, of course, its hot dogs. The menu features a slew of gourmet sausages made from crawfish, alligator, chicken, hamburger, and duck, in addition to the traditional beef wiener. The more than 30 toppings available at no extra charge – including unconventional options like blackberry sauce, guacamole, Sriracha mayo and crawfish etouffee – allow customers to create their very own “jazz improvisation in a bun.” The restaurant also offers vegetarian and vegan sausage options, in addition to a hot dog wrapped in a lettuce leaf instead of a traditional bun for carb avoiders. The critically acclaimed restaurant – touted by The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Food Network – currently has five locations open and operating in Louisiana and nearly 30 additional locations in various stages of development.

FEATURED Franchise

Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs Established in 1984, Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs® is the world’s largest and most trusted consumer choice for jewelry and watch repairs as well as custom jewelry design, eyeglass repair and personalized engraving services. Fast-Fix has over 150 locations in the U.S. and Ireland. Each store is staffed with some of the industry’s best jewelers, watchmakers, and watch repair professionals who provide superior quality services. Franchise opportunities exist for traditional inline stores, kiosks, as well as store-in-store locations in Walmart stores. Startup cost varies based on type of location. Our Franchise Support Center offers real estate and construction support, training, and marketing support. Each Franchisee is also assigned a Franchise Business Coach for ongoing support. All new franchisees spend 2-3 weeks in extensive hands on training and have continual access to our Franchise Support Center.

FEATURED Franchise

Hansel ‘n Griddle Hansel ‘n Griddle, a fast-casual restaurant known for its more than 70 freshly cooked-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items that are served all day, has announced plans to expand its franchising program to other parts of the northeast. With five locations currently open and operating throughout New Jersey, four of which are franchised and have opened in the past three years, the company is ready to start aggressively scaling its franchising operations. University markets and downtown districts of major cities are specifically being targeted as part of the growth strategy. “We see an opportunity to fill a void in the fast-casual segment, which has plenty of burger joints, sub shops, Mexican restaurants and pizzerias. The Hansel ‘n Griddle concept defines its own category,” said owner Nick Komandis. “We’ve been blown away with the enthusiasm for our brand in New Jersey and are thrilled at the chance to open expansion through qualified partners in new markets.” To augment the company’s expansion plans, Hansel ‘n Griddle is seeking qualified candidate to primarily open franchise locations throughout the Northeastern part of the United States. Including a franchise fee of $35,000, the initial investment to open a Hansel ‘n Griddle franchise ranges from $228,500 to $488,500.

For more information contact: William (Bill) DiPaola Phone: 504-418-5456 Email: bill@datdog.com Web: http://www.datdog.com/

Franchising USA

For more information: Phone: 800.359.0407 Email: franchisesales@fastfixfranchise.com Web: www.fastfix.com

For more information visit: Web: www.hanselngriddle.com/franchising.


FEATURED Franchise

liberty tax Liberty Tax Franchise is an awardwinning tax preparation business, backed by solid growth and visionary leadership. Since 1997, we’ve opened more than 4,000 offices by keeping our focus on the future and expanding small business opportunities for our franchisees. We are committed to the communities in which we operate, and seek owners who want to change people’s lives while they build their own financial future. Low Operating Costs for High Profits More than half of all taxpayers used a tax preparer last year, making tax preparation a reliable small business opportunity. Tax preparation is important to all community members, and franchisees can earn money while providing a vital service to neighbours. Our support and planning tools make Liberty Tax a low cost franchise, and because tax preparation is a servicebased and seasonal business, inventory and overhead are low.

FEATURED Franchise

OrthoNOW OrthoNOW is the nation’s only orthopedic urgent care franchise. OrthoNOW Franchise is filling a void in the medical sector by providing ondemand access to quality, affordable, specialized healthcare 6 -7 days a week. Our centers are conveniently located in high-traffic retail locations coast to coast. Our goal is to provide immediate, specialized care for everyday musculoskeletal and sports injuries and return our patients to a better quality of life as soon as possible. Our proven, turn-key model is an attractive business opportunity in the $48B orthopedic space. We have spared no expense to build a best in class executive team that is committed to the success of our franchisees. The system creates attractive returns on investments by leveraging multiple, recession proof income streams. We are proud to have been designated a Top 10 Franchises in Healthcare by Entrepreneur Magazine. The Right Industry, in the Right Business, Right NOW.

For more information contact: Phone: 800 790 3863 Email: sales@libtaxc.com Website: www.libertytaxfranchise.com

FEATURED Franchise

Stewart’s All American Restaurants Stewart’s All American Restaurants offer classic, American food to our customers. This restaurant franchise capitalizes on Americans’ sense of nostalgia and desire for delicious, convenient food for the whole family. Stewart’s franchise owners benefit from our decades of experience serving a diverse menu to customers who just can’t get enough of our burgers, fries, FAMOUS root beer, and other tasty menu options. Our World Famous Stewart’s Root Beer Floats and Milkshakes adds a whole dessert component that is an excellent complement to our food offering. Just like our restaurants’ design, our franchise opportunity is modern-meetsretro. Modern because we support our franchisees with all the training, technology, and support they need to thrive. Retro because we still believe that using tested and proven recipes, quality ingredients, and a sense of community make the best businesses. With 2 unique formats to choose from (Fast Casual Grills and All American Full Service Restaurants), there has never been a better time to open a Stewart’s Restaurant.

For more information contact:

For more information contact:

Christina Dura, Chief Development Officer Phone: 800-951-3141 Email: christine@orthonowfranchise.com Web: www.orthonowfranchise.com

Jim LaGanke, President, Stewart’s All American Ph: 201-896-2500 (office) 781-771-6801 cell Web: www.stewartsallamerican.com

Franchising USA

t rending franchises

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ex per t advice

Rob Deutsch, Founder & Co-Chief Executive Officer, F45 Training

Securing Success in a Niche Market Solidifying your stance in a niche market kickstarts the promise of a sustainable business, and provides the key to cultivating your membership base. Here are four ways to secure your success in a niche market:

1

Find Your Focus

First and foremost, it’s important to locate which niche market your product is a part of, and how you can stand out amongst other products. It can be overwhelming in trying to decide where your brand falls, but once you’ve realized who your customer is and what you’re providing them, the rest comes easy. In some situations it may help to discover the customer you want to sell to before you even create the product. Once you’ve discovered who you’re selling to, narrowing down what you want to sell them and how will come on its own. If you’re not sure who you want as a customer, take a look at your own passions and interests. What do you like to do? What’s missing from it? Whether it’s an extracurricular activity you love or a skill that you’ve mastered, any subject is fair game in discovering what your brand will represent.

Franchising USA

2

Don’t Deviate

You’ve found your focus on what you want to be known for. Now in your chosen market, you need to clarify what your brand represents, and the identity behind the product. Have a clear proposition that is important to you, and let it be the foundation to which you build your success. To begin, choose a niche market that has defining traits, characteristics that separate it from generality and make it an easy target. It’s important to be able to describe your niche with details such as demographics, location and interests. No matter how specific your niche may seem, it’s vital to ensure that your brand can be scaled for future expansion. As you grow, you’ll want to reach a larger audience that may be interested in your market.

3

Culture And Community

It takes a village of honest testimonials, results and recommendations to create a successful business. Growing a community around your brand is an essential part of the building process. It’s not enough to understand your strengths, you have to understand who your customers are and how you can better serve them. If you’re able to connect with your market audience on a relatable level, they can soon become a team of dedicated followers who will push your business forward. Once you’ve discovered your niche and won over your core audience, you’ll be able to redirect your efforts towards reaching wider audiences and growing your business.You need to not only speak to your ideal customers, but

also activate the members of your audience who might not realize that they’re your ideal customers yet.

4

Stand Out And Strategize

It’s no secret that technology is intertwining its way into aspects of business, especially in the franchise market. There are countless apps waiting to improve your photo stash, calculate your monthly budget, and keep everyone on your staff in open communication. There are specific online services that can be found in every niche market, and guidelines to build an effective


“Allow your business to be unique, find strength in your differences from the competition, and create your own stance inside of your niche market.�

campaign via social media. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social interaction provide visions for your ideal customer and motivates them to participate. Quality service goes a long way, but a prominent presence in technology will help you stand out from the rest. Allow your business to be unique, find strength in your differences from the competition, and create your own stance inside of your niche market. Rob Deutsch, Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of F45 Training, worked as an equities trader until he

noticed a gap in the world of health and fitness studios and founded F45 Training in 2014. F45 Training is a global fitness training community specializing in innovative, high intensity group workouts which are fast, fun and proven to get rapid results for members. F45 Training’s popular training method, together with its low-cost, highly systemized business model has seen this fitness phenomenon explode across the globe, with over 800 franchises sold across 26 countries in just 3 years. f45training.com

Rob Deutsch

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

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Veterans in Franchising november 2017

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

Mathnasium -

A time for action

3 Tips for Veterans on How to choose the Best Franchise Tragedy Fueled Army Veteran with

Valuable Lessons in Leadership Franchising USA


SAME DRIVE. DIFFERENT BATTLEFIELD. TAKE THE NEXT STEP > VETFRAN.COM OFFERING FINANCIAL SUPPORT, TRAINING & MENTORSHIP Veterans interested in franchising can take their skills learned in the military to successfully own and develop small businesses. Learn more and support veterans in franchising at www.vetfran.com.

• 650 franchise companies participating • 151,000 veterans and their spouses found careers in the franchise industry • 5,100 veteran franchise owners


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V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g S u ppl e m e n t november 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

Profile

50 Mathnasium: A Time for Action

60 VetFran

58 3 Tips for Veterans on How to Choose the Best Franchise

News and Expert Advice

52 Tragedy Fueled Army Veteran with Valuable Lessons in Leadership

52 Tragedy Fueled Army Veteran with Valuable Lessons in Leadership Dan Quinlan, Franchise Owner, Chem-Dry Express

Franchisor In Depth 54 America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP)

58 3 Tips for Veterans on How to Choose the Best Franchise Don McClenney, Franchise Owner, Fastest Labs

62 Great Clips

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V e t erans in Franchising

M at hnasium

A Time for

Action How This Veteran Decided to Open a Life-Changing Business

Former airman James Temple aspired to one day have his own business, but the plan was distant. Everything changed in February of 2009 when his dad passed away unexpectedly and, as James puts it, “life just felt short.” He knew it was time to take action for himself and his family. It was time to pursue his dreams. James entered the Air Force for many reasons. He was inspired by his family’s multi-generational legacy of military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Marine Corps. He was also drawn to the life of structure, the opportunity to get a college education by participating in the ROTC, and the prospect of having a rewarding job upon graduating. Not only did James get an affordable

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education and a great job, but the military provided him with invaluable leadership experience and management training. “I spent four years as an Acquisition Program Manager learning project management; helping the customer figure out what they need, defining requirements, finding a contractor to build it, monitoring the process of building, and then delivery of the system.” The next three years of his military career as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer was more about managing people than projects. “At one point I was responsible for 400 people. In seven years I gained experience that most people get in 20.” This experience with real-

life consequences makes veterans ideal candidates for franchisees. After separating from the military James went to the Darden School of Business to get his MBA with the idea of joining corporate America and eventually becoming an entrepreneur. Shortly before he graduated, his dad passed away. There was a new urgency to make his dream a reality. “Through the course of their 30-year marriage my parents had always planned for a future together. Now those


“Those of us interested in owning a business find many reasons not to take the risk. There is never going to be a perfect time to pursue your dreams; sometimes now is the right time.” - James Temple

plans had turned upside down. It was important that my mom have a meaningful way to provide for herself.” JoAnn and James had previously discussed working together, now “owning a business started to make a lot more sense.” James liked math and his mother’s experience in early childhood education made it a good fit for them. “A lot of things happened that led us in this direction, and one day we decided to give it a try!” Over the course of running his own Mathnasium James discovered how well his military training prepared him for owning a business. “Aircraft Maintenance is a very disciplined profession. There are checklists for everything. It instills a way of thinking that’s helpful when running a business. Ask any member of our Mathnasium team, we have a checklist for how to do everything. This has allowed us to scale the business from one learning center to ten.” James and JoAnn have seen incredible growth becoming one of the top performing franchisees in the company. “We’re at the beginning of something. There is tremendous opportunity that might not exist in other businesses that

aren’t growing at the rate supplemental education is growing.” When asked what advice he would give to those transitioning out of the service, James speaks about the immense government investment of time, effort, and resources put into training our men and women in the armed forces and the confidence it should instill. “They need to understand how valuable their skills are.” As he points out, not all veterans are the same, but “for those who have enjoyed leadership, who have enjoyed figuring out, following, and executing structure, franchising provides a neat opportunity to go at it a bit more on your own but under the guidance of a franchise with a system that has been defined and is a proven success.” James is proud of the positive impact his business has made on the families he serves. He recommends Mathnasium to any veteran who wants to continue their service to the community because it “is a purpose-driven business. It’s important to understand that not all franchises are the same. Yeah you can wake up and just enjoy the game of business, but how great

is it to do that and have meaningful work?” If you are not sure when to take the next step, James says “those of us interested in owning a business find many reasons not to take the risk. There is never going to be a perfect time to pursue your dreams; sometimes now is the right time.” Mathnasium is a math-only learning center franchise that teaches kids math the way that makes sense to them. We’ve been a successful business for over a decade, ranked highly by Entrepreneur and Forbes Magazines. Mathnasium is a proud member of the International Franchise Association VetFran Program and offers qualified veterans and active military a 25% discount on the initial franchising fee. We are honored to have military veterans like James Temple as a part of our organization. If you are interested in learning more about owning a Mathnasium franchise go to www.mathnasium.com/franchise/ veterans. Photos by ShineInc Photography, Richmond, VA, www.shineincphotography.com

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Dan Quinlan, Owner, Chem-Dry Express

Tragedy Fueled Army Veter

Valuable Lessons in Lea I joined the U.S. Army in 1986, being stationed everywhere from Fort Benning, GA to the coasts of Honduras. It was through these experiences that I gained valuable lessons in leadership, determination, and teamwork, which have also served as my foundation as an entrepreneur. As I transitioned from the armed forces, I became a franchise owner of Chem-Dry, the world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise system, and have grown

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my business to seven territories. During my time in the military and as a small business owner, one thing has remained constant – I owe much of my success to the support of my team. The road to success is a truly humbling experience. Both in the military and as an entrepreneur, I’ve faced adversity and countless obstacles that could only be overcome with the efforts of a strong support team. For 12 years, my business was growing and flourishing until I was faced with a tragic accident involving a close friend and business partner. What was initially a competitive situation evolved into a partnership, and I found it rewarding to

work alongside someone who pushed me to be better. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after we began our partnership. Six weeks after his passing, I was rushed to the hospital after having a life-threatening accident myself. The recovery process kept me away from my work for over a year. While I was facing the toughest adversity, everyone around me came together to keep the business running. Colleagues, family, even long-term friends did whatever they could to help out. As business owners – and especially in the Chem-Dry network where there is a closeknit family culture – we provide guidance and support to those around us without any expectation of reciprocation. Having


“These leadership and teamwork skills strengthened my character and helped me build wonderful relationships that have carried me through my darkest moments and greatest successes.” experienced made it impossible for an individual to function at 100 percent. But more than that, how we were reviewed put us under even greater pressure. This was because as Rangers, we as squad-mates would evaluate each other. A trainee who was marked below average by their squad would be transferred to another squad, and a second review with poor marks would result in dismissal.

ran with

adership this supportive network aid in my recovery was one of the most humbling and yet inspirational experiences of my life. I cannot express enough how essential it is to build these deeply rooted relationships to grow a strong support team. This obligation and spirit of support was instilled in me and was part of my identity before the accident and even before I opened my first Chem-Dry. It was formed during my time as a young Infantry Platoon Leader and during the training and schools I attended like Ranger school. The trials one endures as an Infantry officer and at Ranger school were significant. The physical and mental stress each and every one of us

When our squad was first given the outlines for how this training worked, we had two options: compete against each other and only let the strongest survive, or work together to ensure that we would all got through training together. We chose the latter, committing to each other that none of us would let anyone in the squad fail. We did this by providing motivation and advice and even physically carrying one another if and when it came to that. For those long months, everyone in our squad had each other’s backs – literally. These leadership and teamwork skills strengthened my character and helped me build wonderful relationships that have carried me through my darkest moments and greatest successes. Being put in a position of leadership –whether it is in the military or in business – will make you a more empathetic person as you work with a team to reach your desired goals. Franchising is a great opportunity for veterans because you become part of a unit that wants you to succeed and will help you get there. Under a strong organization like Chem-Dry, you are connected to a network of people who will provide training, ongoing consultation and support, and will share best practices to help you establish and grow your business. Because

Dan Quinlan

whether you are operating a business or working as a military unit, there is no

shame in leaning on others for support.

In fact, building a strong team is one of

the most critical and rewarding aspects of being a successful business owner.

That certainly is true with my wife and business partner Ashley and the rest of

our outstanding team. And that’s one of

the things I love about franchising – as we often say, “you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself.”

Dan Quinlan is the owner of Chem-Dry Express, and has been serving residents and business owners of the Central New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania areas for more than twenty years. Prior to working with Chem-Dry, Dan graduated from Minnesota State University and the ROTC program as a commissioned officer in 1986. Dan served for three years in the national guard and later as a ranger for the 101st airborne division. After active duty, Dan served as a reservist while also working as a sales representative for Gulf Oil. He resigned from Gulf Oil after two years before deciding to invest in Chem-Dry, the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning service. www.chemdry.com

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V e t erans in Franchising

A mer ica’s S w im ming Pool C ompa ny ( ASP )

America’s Swimming Pool Company Salutes America’s Heroes with

ASP Veteran Award Program

America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) is all about attracting the best and the brightest when it comes to coveted military veterans. And they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is. The nation’s leading swimming pool service franchise knows it’s competing against so many other companies looking for those key qualities U.S. service members can bring, such as: • leadership • multi-tasking • following a plan/process • task management • adapting to challenges to complete tasks • and so much more That’s why America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) created its nationallyacclaimed annual ASP Veteran Program,

“As a former officer in supply and logistics, details were ingrained in me. ASP is strong on details... They are committed to vets and offer a proven Return on Investment with recurring monthly income.” - Miguel Macias Franchising USA


“I realized I was competing against many exceptional men and women around the country for this honor and was truly humbled upon receiving it... It’s such a great feeling being part of the ASP family!” - Brad Baglio which awards a franchise to one deserving veteran every year. That’s a $65,000 value, on average! The program, based on a nationwide competition among qualified veterans, waives the franchise fees for one winner each year who is selected based on written essays, as well as in person interviews conducted at ASP’s sprawling home office campus in Macon, GA. “We realize we have to really separate ourselves from the competition, and that means providing tangible incentives to those veteran recruits,” said ASP’s CEO and Founder, Stewart Vernon. “Our annual ASP Veteran Program has gotten a lot of publicity around the country because it honors veterans for their service and sacrifice with a business model that offers an excellent head start in civilian life.” Miguel Macias, a former Navy officer, was the inaugural winner of the ASP Veteran Program in 2015. He was doing his due diligence on life after the Navy, when a friend, who was already an ASP franchisee, introduced him to the company. “I knew absolutely nothing about ASP, or the swimming pool service, restoration, and repair business,” laughed Macias. “But when my friend showed me their comprehensive operations and business plan, plus their extensive support of ‘newbies’ in their franchise program, I got to know them in a hurry.” “As a former officer in supply and logistics, details were ingrained in me,” continued Macias. “ASP is strong on details. I liked that. As I researched deeper, ASP just kept checking off all of my boxes. They are committed to vets and offer a proven Return on Investment with recurring monthly income. Plus, my territory here in Reno, NV, is exclusive to me.” Today, Macias has six workers and says he

is busy every day. However, he said he’s thankful to be his own boss, which allows him to spend more time with his family. Vernon said it’s success stories like Miguel’s that make him so proud of what ASP does for veterans. “We have franchise owners from just about every branch of the military,” says Vernon. “Here’s why: at ASP, we provide them with the structure, and thorough training they are used to, but we also back them up with deep support every step of the way. That’s why ASP is so attractive to vets: they see a workable business model, which is similar to their military experience regarding outline of expectations and application. They realize there is a proven, strategic plan to follow, and it’s geared

solely for their success. That’s just one of the reasons why we have been recognized as a Top 10 Franchise for Veterans and Franchising by Franchise Business Review and were recently listed as one of the Top Franchises for Veterans in Entrepreneur Magazine.” Army veteran Brad Baglio was ASP’s second recipient of the ASP Veteran Program award in 2016. “I realized I was competing against many exceptional men and women around the country for this honor and was truly humbled upon receiving it,” said Baglio. “It’s such a great feeling being part of the ASP family!” Baglio’s territory is in Bell County, TX, serving Temple, Killeen, Belton, and

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V e t erans in Franchising

A mer ica’s S w im ming Pool C ompa ny ( ASP )

other communities in the hill country of Texas. He says the early days of franchise ownership can be long, but he relished the chance to be his own boss, and embraced the responsibilities of being the face of ASP in the area. “There is nothing like America’s Swimming Pool Company in this part of Texas,” according to Baglio. “People are loving the professionalism we bring to them for complete pool service and maintenance. Plus, having lived here 10 years ago, it’s always been our heart’s desire to return some day. It’s great being back among friends.” Jef Flournoy, Vice-President of Sales and Development for ASP Franchising, is proud of Macias and Baglio, as well as all of the veterans working with America’s Swimming Pool Company. “They’re all winners in my book,” says Flournoy. “Our terrific vets make such great franchisees because of their commitment, trustworthiness, and unmatched determination to succeed. We are, at this moment, conducting our competition for the next winner of the ASP Veteran Program. To apply, just go to aspfranchising.com/veterans/. The winner will be announced on Veteran’s Day, November 11th this year. But outside of this award, ASP also offers, to any qualified U.S. vet, a 15% discount on their franchise fee.”

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“Our annual ASP Veteran Program has gotten a lot of publicity around the country because it honors veterans for their service and sacrifice with a business model that offers an excellent head start in civilian life.” - Stewart Vernon “For the two ASP Veteran Program winners we have had so far, they have used this award as the foundation for successful starts to their new careers, “added Vernon. “We believe our ASP Veteran Program also sends a clear message to other vets contemplating becoming self-sufficient, by owning their own business, that ASP is willing to take the extra step to help them realize their goals of independence, and a better life-style for themselves and their families.” For any veterans interested in learning more about ASP’s industry leading ASP Veteran Program and applying to win this year’s award, please visit aspfranchising. com/veterans/.

More About America’s Swimming Pool Company Since 2002, ASP has been dedicated to serving pool owners throughout the United States. Our professionals are experienced in maintenance, equipment diagnostics and repair, and pool renovation. Whether you’re looking for an ongoing maintenance program, a routine repair or a pool makeover, ASP is your best choice. Learn more about what we do, visit our locator page to find the ASP professional team nearest you, contact us today. aspfranchising.com


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V e t erans in Franchising

Don McClenney, Franchisee, Fastest Labs

3 Tips for Veterans on How to Choose the Best Franchise

Don McClenney

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As a military veteran, I am one of many who had the desire to own my own business upon leaving the military. Each year, nearly 200,000 U.S. military personnel return to civilian life and nearly 10 percent will start a business.

In fact, military service is recognized as one of the leading indicators of entrepreneurial success. According to a report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, veterans are 45% more likely to be entrepreneurs than nonveterans, and over 13% of veterans have been self-employed in recent years. There are many characteristics those with military experience possess that make them successful entrepreneurs such as organization skills, resourcefulness and confidence to take strategic risks. However, the thought of starting a business


on your own can be daunting to many. Because of this, I chose to pursue business ownership by purchasing a franchise due to the support and guidance provided. Having a trusted team behind you when taking on a new venture is immeasurable, something else I learned during my time in the military. Franchising is a great option for veterans as franchises often provide training, proven operational excellence, and a great support system from your franchisor and peers in the franchisee community. If you have decided to pursue franchising, there are a few tips I would give to veterans considering the plethora of options.

Do Your Research It is important to choose the right type of franchise that will be the best fit for you. The business you choose should fit your personality while also taking into account your training, interests, and passions. There are many different segments within the franchising sector such as food, home service, healthcare, technology, fitness and more. My advice is to first follow your passion and then your training and experience. If you find a franchise concept that matches your expertise but you have no interest in the field, it will be much harder to be successful as you will not find the experience to be fulfilling and may burn out easily. Whereas if you follow your passions, take your time to research and find a franchise that makes you feel fulfilled and also aligns with your training, you’ve found the ‘sweet spot.’ In addition, research the resources that are available to you as a veteran. The U.S. Small Business Administration has partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to offer a national entrepreneurship training program for transitioning service members. The Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup program offers entrepreneurship training to service members.

Take Your Time and Plan Ahead If I could go back and tell my younger self

“If you follow your passions, take your time to research and find a franchise that makes you feel fulfilled and also aligns with your training, you’ve found the ‘sweet spot’.” one thing regarding starting my business, it would be to start sooner. As I mentioned, the thought of starting a business can be daunting. Because of this, I delayed pursuing my dream when I first left the service. However, once I discovered the possibility of franchising and the support that comes with it, I realized I should have taken the opportunity sooner. If you are still serving in the military but are thinking about the possibility of business ownership after service, it’s not too early to start your research now. Attend multiple franchise expos to learn what is out there. This gives you time, if you find a number of concepts that are of interest, to gain the appropriate intel to insure short- and long-term success for your future business.

Take into Account the Training and Ongoing Support Offered When you find a franchise that you think is a good fit, I recommend assessing the type of training the franchisor provides to franchisees. When I consider the parallels between my military career and the success I’ve had in running my business, the most important is the training I’ve received. When you are in the military, you go through extensive training to define your specialty and accomplish successful missions.

When I decided to buy a franchise, my ‘mission’ became to run the business as successfully as possible. To do this, I knew I needed the proper training. One of the main reasons I chose the specific franchise I did was because of the training program put in place for franchisees. From the beginning, I felt that I was set up for success, which was critical. As you operate your franchise business, the ongoing support is critical to success, giving you critical and timely information that you will need to address issues in specific situations. In regards to training, some things to take into account are: does the training measure up to what is offered by other franchisors, what backgrounds do the franchisors have, and what are the experiences of current franchisees regarding training and support? Starting a business is both rewarding and challenging, but taking the right steps before choosing a franchise can lead to the same kinds of opportunities for growth and work satisfaction found in the military. U.S. Navy veteran Don McClenney worked in the corporate world for 20 years in B2B sales after retiring from the Navy in 1994 where he served nine years as a Naval Flight Officer. McClenney now runs a successful and growing Fastest Labs, the nation’s leading drugtesting franchise, location in Texas. fastestlabs.com

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V e t erans in Franchising

VetFra n

U.S. Veterans Thrive

Through Franchise Ownership Each day, George Kok divides his time between the two Mr. Transmission/ Milex auto repair stores he owns about 15 miles from each other in Louisville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Indiana.

He is one of the longest tenured franchise owners in the system, having purchased the store in Louisville in 1983 before adding a second location 15 years ago. He credits much of his success as a business owner from the experience he gained during his three and a half years teaching operations control for Chinook helicopters in the United States Army in the early 1970’s. “I received excellent training in the military about the hydraulic systems

in helicopters, which I now apply to automotive transmissions,” said Kok. “I also learned the importance of discipline, accountability and chain of command, which has been the core of my operations as a franchise owner for more than 30 years. There is a business hierarchy with customers, employees, vendors and others, and it is my job as franchise owner to oversee this interworking system and make sure it runs correctly.” There are many other examples of veterans such as Kok who have transitioned from their time in the military to find success as franchise owners. A 2007 Census Bureau Small Business Owner survey showed there are more than 66,000 veteran-owned franchises, which equates to about 14 percent of all franchises in the United States. According to a 2014 study conducted by the International Franchise Association, 203,890 veterans started careers in franchising between 2011 and 2014, while 5,608 veterans became franchise owners over that same period of time. Why is franchising such a great fit for veterans? Consider the some of the following reasons: • Military experience requires strong leadership skills and motivating others, improving processes and accomplishing a defined mission. Like the military, successful franchisees lead their employees to accomplish the mission as a team. • The military has extensive training and teaches unique skills used to carry out

George Kok Franchising USA

“There is a business hierarchy with customers, employees, vendors and others, and it is my job as franchise owner to oversee this interworking system and make sure it runs correctly.”


very specific tasks. Franchising also has comprehensive training and support built into the franchise process. This means a veteran can enter a completely new field and be likely to succeed by following the franchisor’s proven business model and completing the training program.

Pete Baldine

• An established franchise business operates on proven systems and defined procedures. Executing systems and following procedures with precision is emphasized in military training, and leads to success in franchising. Franchisors recognize the skills and experience gained in the military translates to business ownership, and have been aggressively pursuing veterans for their companies. Sixty-five percent of franchisors surveyed in the 2014 IFA report indicated that the total number of veterans being recruited into their company had increased in the previous 12 months from the time of the study. Of the franchisors surveyed, 97 percent felt that veterans are a good fit as franchise owners within their company. “Many of the veteran prospects we meet with have the work ethic, discipline and leadership we look for in franchise owners,” said Pete Baldine, President of Moran Family of Brands, and franchisor of Mr. Transmission/Milex. “One benefit franchising offers is the opportunity to become a business owner without having a background in marketing, accounting or sales. Franchise companies offer comprehensive training in all areas of business operations, and provide an established business model to follow. That often helps veterans overcome any lack of experience in a given field gives them guidance on what they will need to do to become successful.” Moran Family of Brands assigns experienced owners in the system to serve as mentors for first-year franchisees. Baldine also noted that as veterans entering the workforce during slow times may find it difficult to find high-paying job, business ownership can be a great alternative. Moran counts 15 veterans among their total of 120 franchise owners in the system.

“Franchise companies offer comprehensive training in all areas of business operations, and provide an established business model to follow. That often helps veterans overcome any lack of experience in a given field gives them guidance on what they will need to do to become successful.” While many of Moran’s owners received technical training while in the military that they have applied to their careers in automotive repair, others get into franchising to achieve entrepreneurial success in their careers. U.S. Army reservist William Bruck opened a Visiting Angels franchise four years ago in Monroe, MI between a tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Visiting Angels provides in-home senior care to disabled and senior clients, helping them get dressed daily, organize medication, shop for groceries, and plan meals. Although he did not initially plan for a career in home care services, he developed a passion for keeping aging veterans in their homes and decided to pursue a field that allows him to serve fellow veterans and their families.

Many franchises like Moran Family of Brands and Visiting Angels are members of VetFran. The initiative provides U.S. Veterans with a 10 percent franchise fee discount, mentorship and training programs to assist any honorably discharged transition to civilian life. The transition from active duty to civilian life can be a challenge for veterans. However, as Kok and Bruck have shown, there are many great entrepreneurial opportunities for veterans through franchise ownership. This Veterans Day we can all thank those who have fought for our country as well as celebrate the success they have gone on to experience in the business world. For more information on the VetFran initiative, please visit www.vetfran.com.

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G reat Clips

Great Clips Launches new kind of

Veterans Day Campaign Great Clips, the world’s largest salon brand, has launched a new campaign that highlights the veterans, active military members, and supporters that make the brand great. Started in honor of Veterans Day 2017, the #GREATful4VETS campaign tells the stories of a dozen outstanding individuals across the Great Clips network. While Great Clips has consistently supported veterans through a variety of organizations over the years, this year the team recognized that they work among extraordinary individuals within their own network who are serving or have served their country, or are making an impact on the lives of these individuals each and every day.

Great Clips franchisee and OSC volunteer Dennis Stevens Franchising USA

In May, Great Clips began a system-wide call for nominations within its internal network and chose 13 individuals to highlight during the inaugural campaign, through a mix of video and written narratives. Those selected include franchisees, salon managers, stylists, family members and loyal customers, who have actively served or go above and beyond to support those who have served in the military.


Patty Addison, Great Clips Stylist, looks over her family’s military mementos

Individuals highlighted in the video campaign include: Dennis Stevens is a Great Clips franchisee who has spent the last 13 years helping veterans recover through Operation Second Chance (OSC). The organization takes care of younger soldiers coming home from oversees, by setting up therapeutic retreats between servicemen to rehabilitate them back into civilian life, all while making sure they receive gratitude from their countrymen for their service. Patty Addison is a Great Clips general manager who has faithfully supported her husband and two sons through multiple deployments overseas. Her family views her as a true hero, serving as the rock for the family no matter where their service takes them. Bill Jackson is a Great Clips franchisee who honed his leadership style through two decades of service as an Air Force Commander. Bill’s family was one of 13 involved in Brown v. Board of Education and as a result of this monumental decision

As a part of the campaign, Great Clips encourages people to share their own stories on social media about the military members and veterans who they are grateful for using the hashtag #GREATful4VETS. he was able to earn his college degree. A skilled basketball player, he was a member of the All American Armed Forces team during his tenure with the Air Force. Jon Jacobson is the husband of a Great Clips stylist who has found new purpose since returning home from two deployments in Iraq. In 2009, Jacobson lost the use of his left hand and part of his arm while overseas and struggled to find his path back to civilian life, until he took part in a turkey hunt through the Ft. Riley Wounded Warriors program. As an avid hunter, Jacobson traded his rifle for a bow and arrow and trained himself to shoot, even when doctors told him it wasn’t possible. He now serves as a hunting guide with Prairie Storm Outfitters, where he leads hunts for other wounded veterans throughout Western Kansas.

Chuck Mundahl, the uncle of a Great Clips franchisee, served in the 1st infantry division (a.k.a. “Big Red One”) during the Vietnam War. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart along with the Bronze Star and fought in the battle of Bong Trang, one of the largest sustained combats of the Vietnam War where 41 Americans were killed and almost 250 wounded. Big Red One’s motto? No mission too difficult, no service too great, duty first! As a Veteran, this is how Mundahl continues to live his life by helping soldiers who return home cope with the transition back to everyday life. Beth Callender is a Great Clips general manager who was inspired to join the Army after hearing stories from her grandfather about serving in World War II. She served as a Heavy Equipment Operator and enjoys the military family

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G reat Clips

Chuck Mundahl looks over his military keepsakes

she has gained from her time in the service. Farhan Merchant is a Marketing Manager for Great Clips, who served in the Canadian military as a driver/ instructor. Farhan was inspired by the strength and discipline he observed in two military members who visited his school for career day. He credits the skills he learned during his time in the service with preparing him for life challenges, including his infant daughter’s passing.

Individuals highlighted in the written campaign include: Trey Ripple, an Army military police officer stationed at Ft. Hood who “grew up Great Clips” as the son of a general manager. Jerry Painter, a US Air Force veteran and step-father to a Great Clips general manager, who spent his career making weather predictions for NASA and the President of the United States. George Davis, the father of a Great Clips franchisee, who used his Morse Code

Franchising USA

While Great Clips has consistently supported veterans through a variety of organizations over the years, this year the team recognized that they work among extraordinary individuals within their own network who are serving or have served their country, or are making an impact on the lives of these individuals each and every day. training to defend Allied supply routes during WWII. Michael Grano, who parlayed his skills learned in the Navy into a styling career at Great Clips. Dennis McFadden, who spent 36 years serving in the British Royal Army before moving to Canada to purchase his first Great Clips salon.

stories in 2017. Previously, Great Clips has supported impactful organizations including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Operation Second Chance, The Greatest Generations Foundation, Stand Down for Vets, Take a Vet Fishing, and the American Legion.

Herschel Luckinbill, a regular Great Clips customer who has dedicated his life to memorializing veterans and making the world a better place.

As a part of the campaign, Great Clips encourages people to share their own stories on social media about the military members and veterans who they are grateful for using the hashtag #GREATful4VETS.

In addition to the continuation of its fifth annual Veterans Day “get one, give one free” haircut promotion, the team is elated to shine the spotlight on these impactful

For more information about the #GREATful4VETS campaign, visit GreatClips.com or follow along on Facebook to see full videos.


The USA Market Place worth

$83 Billion

USA’s Fastest Growing Affordable Franchise

$83 Billion is spent by USA businesses advertising online. The “Whats On In” Franchise is a unique B2B Advertising opportunity with a FULLY EXCLUSIVE State

BENEFITS OF THE FRANCHISE “Exclusive” State Low cost franchise just $798 Excellent ROI Potential $5,000 to $8,000 Monthly Master Franchise Available Access to 400 affiliates British Airways, Virgin, Marriott & Hilton Group Optional 50-50 system In-depth support system Self-service online platform

Franchise for Only

$798

BENEFITS FOR YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES Self-service order platform Free sales webpage Any business can advertise Choice of multiple ad spots Cheapest ad rates in the industry Ads loaded with 12hrs

For further details visit our website www.woifranchise.com Stephen Smith: enquires@WOIFranchise.com

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SECURING SUCCESS IN A NICHE MARKET

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ex per t advice

Jeff Grandfield and Dale Willerton, The Lease Coach

Figuring Out Where Your Franchise will Thrive, Not Just Survive

Franchising USA


The location a franchisee leases is like the foundation upon every other brick is laid for the business. Franchise tenants understand this intellectually but often make poor site selection choices based on unit scarcity, bad timing, or other factors that positively or negatively influence them. Prospective first-time franchise tenants need to adopt the mindset that if they don’t find the right location, at the right rental rate, at the right time – they’ll walk away and not lease the wrong location. This, however, rarely happens in real life. When it comes to leasing commercial space, in general, you get what you pay for – and the more you pay, the better the location. But if that was an absolute truth, all a franchise tenant has to do is find the most expensive location for lease and set up shop. But it’s not an absolute truth. Franchise tenants frequently sign long-term lease agreement agreeing to pay rental rates that could have been negotiated much lower. When you’re looking for the right property, having a checklist of desirable criteria can help you stay on track. Here are just a few of the many factors to consider:

Demographics: Consider the average age of people living in a particular area, the type of home people are living in (people living in apartments can’t physically accumulate consumer goods like a large homeowner can), the mean income and proportion of two-income households, and ethnicity (leasing space for an Italian coffee shop in an area populated by Asians who may be more inclined to favor tea over coffee could be a mistake).

“When you’re looking for the right property, having a checklist of desirable criteria can help you stay on track.” Traffic flow and visibility: Study the number of pedestrians and motorists at various times throughout the day. Do motorists have to turn left across a busy intersection to enter your parking lot? Evaluate which side of the street is better for your business (e.g. restaurants do much better on the side of the street where most people are driving home from work). Lack of visibility for your store front can cause people to drive right by it, especially if the traffic is heavy. Trees in a parking lot can block signage. Some landlords overbuild their pad sites near the road, thereby blocking the visibility of the retail plaza behind. Is there a bare patch of ground between your desired site and the roadway? If so, you can safely assume that someday your landlord will lease that pad site or construct a building there that blocks visibility to your signage and store front.

Competition:

1

Join them. Locating beside or near your competition to siphon off their customers is a legitimate site selection strategy for some businesses. In many cities, there are “restaurant row” and “fashion mall” areas that attract many shoppers because so many similar tenants are close to each other.

2

Avoid them. Locating away from the competition often makes sense to personalized and/or healthcare businesses (e.g. fitness clubs, hair stylists, and/or tanning salons). Customers tend to be loyal to these businesses because they can only use one at a time. 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.

If you don’t know who your competition is and where they’re located, you can’t hope to compete with them. Not only should you be acutely aware of your competitor’s services, products, and pricing, you should have someone “secret shop” their business, try their products and/or services, and report back to you about the experience. As a bonus, have the secret shopper ask your competitor about your business (if you’re already open) to discover what is being said about you. You also have to think about future competitors. This means anticipating where your competitor may lease space or set up shop in the years ahead. Remember that there are two sides to the competition coin:

Franchising USA

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The Interface Financial Group

Working Smart Makes (Dollars) and Sense!

When you set out down the road of becoming an entrepreneur and business owner, you will have many choices and options open to you. One of those options will certainly be whether you want to work hard with long hours, or whether you want to work smart with comparatively short hours while still obtaining the same or perhaps an even better result (ROI) than taking the workhard route.

Franchising USA

Franchises also offer that same option - you can work hard or you can work smart. The Interface Financial Group (IFG) certainly falls into the work smart category. IFG has been offering the same ‘in-demand‘ financial service to their clients for over 46 years, with current operations in eight countries, and has built an impressive history and knowledge base for the benefit of their franchisees. Add to that some sophisticated technology and IFG clearly delivers a work smart opportunity, making it the quintessential white-collar franchise. The franchise comes with a long list of outstanding and unique features, the highlights of which are:

IFG goes paperless - for several years now IFG franchisees have enjoyed a truly paperless franchise. While we believe that every entity has some lingering need for paper, IFG franchisees are now looking at less than 10% of their activities having a paper involvement. Long hours? If you are exploring entrepreneurship and transitioning from the corporate world, then you may well be one of the thousands of executives that are used to working 40, 50 or even more hours every week. The IFG franchise offers a refreshing change with franchisees working core business hours only. That means something like 9:30 AM to about


“While we believe that every entity has some lingering need for paper, IFG franchisees are now looking at less than 10% of their activities having a paper involvement.”

“Putting capital to work and not putting franchisees to work is surely the smart way to go.” is created to accommodate all of these options.

3:30 PM - and quite often for less than five days a week. On the road again! Again, for many transitioning executives, being on the road is all part of the daily routine. Road warriors certainly build up an extensive ‘air miles’ collection, however it is often to the detriment of their home and family life. The IFG franchise is organized on a local basis and rarely, other than for vacations, will a franchisee be jumping on a plane. Home office - To add to our core business hours, our approach and the no-travel aspect, the IFG franchise is geared to a home office environment,

which naturally means there is no lease to sign for office premises that may or may not be used, there is no need to hire and maybe even fire employees, and with a home-based office in the financial service area there is certainly no inventory to buy and store on the shelf with the hope that somebody will buy it before it turns green….. While we are talking about things that you don’t have, we should mention that with an Interface franchise there is no territory. The franchise is non-territorial and, therefore, it becomes portable. For franchisees that wish to relocate, there are no issues in finding a new territory or taking the business with you. The structure of the franchise

It’s all about putting capital to work! The Interface Financial Group is in the business of invoice discounting, or to put it more simply - cash flow acceleration. Our clients have made their product or delivered their service and are waiting, and in some cases, waiting and waiting and waiting to get paid by their customer. Our job is to take the waiting out of the transaction, so we buy invoices from our clients as and when they have delivered their product or service, thus accelerating the cash flow. Naturally we buy the invoices at a small discount, which creates the income and return on capital for our franchisees. The transaction is a buy-sell rather than a lending approach and is completed on an individual invoice basis, which enables our clients to use the service as they need it. Putting capital to work and not putting franchisees to work is surely the smart way to go. IFG has always been about putting capital to work rather than putting people to work, and now with the addition of technology and a state-of-the-art operations platform, our franchisees can devote their time and talents to working with people rather than working with paper – working smart and not working hard. www.interfacefinancial.com/franchise

Franchising USA

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The Ultimate Professional Franchise Opportunity

www.interfacefinancial.com/franchise

Franchising Franchising USA USA


franchising usa A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

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

Excellent for branding and recognition. Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

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

America’s Swimming Pool Company Dive into the America’s Swimming Pool Company Opportunity ASP is the nation’s most recognized swimming pool franchise with over 254 locations in 20 states. If you are seeking an affordable, turn-key business with proven profit potential, the ASP swimming pool franchise opportunity is the clear choice. As the recognized industry leader, ASP offers a proven pool service franchise system to help you succeed faster, grow bigger and enjoy all the benefits of working

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

for yourself—no pool experience necessary! An ASP franchise opportunity offers a proven system to succeed and grow in the thriving swimming pool business. Our franchise leads the industry with a commitment to reliable brand reputation, world-class training, technologically advanced systems, original marketing strategies, exceptional franchisee support. Ready to test the water? Contact: Jef Flournoy Phone: 888.814.8093 Email: jefflournoy@asppoolco.com Website: www.ASPfranchising.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

bluefrog Plumbing +Drain

loyal, cheerleader clients,” describes the inspiration of the business.

bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is a Limited Liability Company that was formed on December 30, 2013. Franchises have been offered since January of 2014 and are granted for the operation of a plumbing repair business using proprietary methods and the bluefrog Plumbing + Drain mark. The headquarters are located in Phoenix, Arizona. The bluefrog Plumbing + Drain management team consists of Gary Findley, CEO, Jeff Moody, President and COO.

bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is a modern day approach to the plumbing industry. It is a strategic plumbing company that strives for perfection and makes customer service it’s number one priority. The market for plumbing products and services is well established and highly competitive; By utilizing state-of-the-art technology and streamlined systems and processes, the owner operates his or her business with simplicity, efficiency, and profitability.

The mission of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The vision statement: “bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, the premier franchise plumbing service company in North America. Founded on brand

Contact: Gina Roberson Phone: (888) 354-2806 Email: gina@bluefrogplumbing.com Website: www.bluefrogplumbing.com

Franchising USA

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BurgerFuel Worldwide Meet the ultimate gourmet burger franchise We’re BurgerFuel, a global, gourmet burger concept – and we like to do things differently. We live, eat and play by the motto ‘life’s too short to eat bad burgers’ and this drives us to provide an even better, healthier, more gourmet alternative to fast food. As a BurgerFuel Franchisee or Master Franchisee, you’ll benefit from the robust operational support, and sophisticated systems, world-class training and innovative marketing programs that we provide to support our premium brand.

Clayton Kendall 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

Grease Monkey Franchising, LLC Grease Monkey® and SpeeDee Oil Change and Auto Service® centers provide preventive maintenance and repair services that help customers meet vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations and warranty requirements. With over 500 locations, Our Less Hassle, More Hustle customer service approach is designed to help customers make educated, informed decisions about maintaining their vehicles in a comfortable, nopressure setting.

Franchising USA

When you buy a BurgerFuel franchise, you’re not just buying into gourmet burger business. BurgerFuel is a 360-degree lifestyle experience where fast cars, street art, music and creativity reign supreme, and our unique culture is something other brands can’t emulate. We’re currently seeking Franchisees and Master Franchisees to join the BurgerFuel movement as we expand within Indiana (and beyond). Hit the application link to take the first step in your BurgerFuel USA journey. Contact: Chris Mason Phone: +1 646 287 1078 Email: chris@burgerfuel.com Website: www.burgerfuel.com

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’. 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.

With over 60 years of combined automotive experience, Grease Monkey ® and SpeeDee® franchise owners enjoy a proven system and business model. Each process offers a flexible approach, so franchisees can customize their facility and menu of services for a specific market and investment profile. Contacts: Jeff King, Director Franchise Development; Jon Piper, Manager of Franchise Development Email:

jking@greasemonkeyintl.com; jpiper@greasemonkeyintl.com

Phone:

303-308-1660

Website: www.greasemonkeyfranchise.com


HealthSource –America’s Chiropractor HealthSource — America’s Chiropractor ® — is the industry leader in chiropractic and physical rehabilitation care. Our highly profitable franchise clinics provide state-of-the-art care to their local communities. We offer single and multi-unit opportunities

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.

franchising usa A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

Hooters of America, LLC Since being founded in Clearwater, FL, in 1983, Hooters has become a part of Americana. From day one, Hooters has committed to making customers happy. With our world famous, often imitated but never replicated, chicken wings, and numerous other quality menu items, Hooters

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-

for individuals looking to join the recessionresistant healthcare industry. Contact us to learn how you can own a business that cares for the community, is highly profitable, and that you can be proud of! Contact: Wes Sattler Phone: (440) 934-5858 Email: development@healthsourcechiro.com Website: www.healthsourcechiro.com

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. 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

Excellent for branding and recognition. Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

is that special place where everyone can enjoy a great meal, in a warm and inviting environment, with exceptional customer service. Contact: Stephen Sweetman Phone: 770-951-2040 Email: franchising@hooters.com Website: www.hooters.com/franchising

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

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International Franchise Professionals Group The International Franchise Professionals Group (also known as IFPG) is a membership based organization that has over 700 members. Our members consist of Franchisors, Franchisor Brokers, Lenders, and other Franchise Professionals that help potential candidates in the process of buying a franchise.

The IFPG is a strictly membership based organization that does not participate in any referral fees from our franchisor members or our brokers, thereby allowing all of our members to work freely together. Our long-term success is predicated on retaining our members and providing all the tools needed to help you sell more franchises, and close more deals.

Hundreds of nationally recognized franchise companies have chosen the IFPG and its members to represent their brand; hundreds of experienced franchise consultants and brokers have chosen the

If you’re a franchisor, franchisor broker, or another profession that serves the franchising industry call us today at (888) 977-IFPG to learn about membership opportunities.

Jiffy Lube International

A proven model, Jiffy Lube offers convenient, quality service including the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change using premium Pennzoil lubricants, brake and tire service as well as ancillary service offerings.

Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast-lube category more than 35 years ago, changing the way millions of drivers care for their vehicles. Today, Jiffy Lube remains the #1 name in the quick lube industry in North America. With more than 2,000 independently owned and operated service centers across the U.S. and Canada, Jiffy Lube sees more than 20 million customers each year.

Contact: Aimee Menard Phone: 800-327-9532 Email: aimee.menard@shell.com Website: www.jiffylube.com/franchise

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.

Little Caesars 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

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

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

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. *“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.

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.

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

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.

Our model is a powerful opportunity for the right

Contact: Gina Roberson Phone: 800-993-0803 Email: gina@restoration1.com Website: www.restoration1.com

franchising usa

Excellent for branding and recognition.

A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

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franchise & services directory

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.

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

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

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!

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

The Dry Boys

We are the ONLY water-damage restoration franchise that rewards exclusive territories.

The Dry Boys is a water-damage restoration company that concentrates strictly on floods, water damage and any water related disasters of any size.

You will receive customized One-On-one training on your schedule from myself, I will teach you and relay to you everything I have learned and experienced over the past 25 years on the field, I will duplicate real-life scenarios, floods and disasters in our state of the art training center so when you go out in the field, you have already seen it all. But training is only the beginning; the support that follows is what will make the big difference.

From a small flood in your basement to a major hurricane disaster we are ready and capable of restoring your residential of business property in rapid fashion. We’ve implemented a unique system that allows us to be more efficient when we respond to any job and our locations have an advantage of getting the work done with a resourceful process that benefits the home owner and the franchise owner alike.

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

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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

sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt

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.

The

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.

You can get more information about our business at our website www.TheDryBoys.com or call us at 844 99-DRYBOYS – I urge you to take a look at the site and learn more about our company.

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


Page 77 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.

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

• 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

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

Whats On In Franchise “Whats On In” is a unique cost effective Business to Consumer Franchise, capitalizing on the $83 Billion that is spent by businesses advertising their businesses. Acquire you OWN “exclusive state” and build the locations as you go.

We also offer Master Franchise rights throughout the USA & around the world. Full online training & support, in-depth member’s area and an excellent ROI. “Be part of our Global Franchise”.

Our unique 50-50 system allows you to develop your business with “no hands on.” A typical “Whats On In” website will offer you a $5,000 $8,000 monthly income.

Contact: Stephen Smith Phone: +44 7860 833822 Email: enquires@woifranchise.com Website: www.woifranchise.com

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Excellent for branding and recognition.

A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

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