Canadian Franchise Magazine Apr/May/Jun 2023

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The world of franchising is vast, unique, and filled with passionate franchise owners who have chosen a career path that is supportive, collaborative, and fulfilling. As franchising in Canada continues to grow, in large part due to the sheer volume of industries and the growing interest in franchise ownership, Canadian franchises are making a mark

i n this issue we are delighted to welcome crunch Fitness on the cover, a health club chain that leads the industry in fusing fitness, fun, and entertainment. Today, they are renowned for creating one-of-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for their wildly diverse members. You can read more about this franchise on page 8.

We have some great advice from some of the top experts in the industry. david Banfield Franchise growth advisor discusses Getting old and trending up. Wayne Maillet is a franchise management consultant and founder of the consulting company Franchise specialists and in this issue he guides us on how to spot a strong Franchise system. For the past few years, there has been plenty of economic uncertainty impacting the franchise community and andrew carter, regional Market Leader for BMO covers the topic of economic Outlook

We have also featured a range of Franchises in this issue such as Floozie cookies, Pinot’s Palette, Wayback Burger plus several other franchise systems, you will also find our Latest news and additional advice from experts who can advise you on many areas of franchising when you take that step to becoming your own boss.

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KIRK ALLEN COO AND CO-FOUNDER

KIRK ALLEN COO AND CO-FOUNDER

Starting his career at one of Canada's leading publishers, Canwest Global Communications Corporation followed by Postmedia Network Inc , Kirk realized that as consumer habits and digital media evolved, a need for digital insight and an innovative approach would be the key to his client’s long-term success With the industry moving frustratingly slow to adapt around him and the changing needs of consumers a top priority, Reshift was born and with his leadership, quickly cemented itself as a digital leader

Starting his career at one of Canada's leading publishers, Canwest Global Communications Corporation followed by Postmedia Network Inc , Kirk realized that as consumer habits and digital media evolved, a need for digital insight and an innovative approach would be the key to his client’s long-term success With the industry moving frustratingly slow to adapt around him and the changing needs of consumers a top priority, Reshift was born and with his leadership, quickly cemented itself as a digital leader

STEVE BUORS CEO AND CO-FOUNDER

STEVE BUORS CEO AND CO-FOUNDER

Steve has over two decades of digital marketing experience and has earned a reputation for being on top of emerging trends in social, search and mobile solutions Throughout his career in the new media sector, Steve always centered his focus on providing fantastic service to his clients, helping them adopt new technology to drive their business forward - something that continues to be a key differentiator for Reshift With a focus on the digital demands of his clients and staying “current,” a top priority, his innovative approach continues to be a key factor in driving brands forward

Steve has over two decades of digital marketing experience and has earned a reputation for being on top of emerging trends in social, search and mobile solutions Throughout his career in the new media sector, Steve always centered his focus on providing fantastic service to his clients, helping them adopt new technology to drive their business forward - something that continues to be a key differentiator for Reshift With a focus on the digital demands of his clients and staying “current,” a top priority, his innovative approach continues to be a key factor in driving brands forward

ABOUT RESHIFT MEDIA INC.

ABOUT RESHIFT MEDIA INC.

Reshift Media is a digital marketing company specializing in helping multi-location businesses such as the franchise, retail and food services. Founded in 2010, the 100% Canadian-owned business has helped more than 200 brands in 22 countries find their footing in the digital space. Through their extensive experience with businesses worldwide, their team is comprised of sought-after experts in franchise marketing, social media, search, software, and website development

Reshift Media is a digital marketing company specializing in helping multi-location businesses such as the franchise, retail and food services. Founded in 2010, the 100% Canadian-owned business has helped more than 200 brands in 22 countries find their footing in the digital space. Through their extensive experience with businesses worldwide, their team is comprised of sought-after experts in franchise marketing, social media, search, software, and website development

Celebrating 10 years helping the franchise community grow and thrive, Reshift Media has cemented itself as the leading digital marketing agency for franchise companies in Canada

Celebrating 10 years helping the franchise community grow and thrive, Reshift Media has cemented itself as the leading digital marketing agency for franchise companies in Canada

Among the company's accolades, Reshift Media boasts the creation of two proprietary software platforms: Social Brand Amplifier and Brand Amplifier, each designed specifically for franchise and other multi-location businesses. They were also named top supplier to the franchise industry by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) in 2019.

Among the company's accolades, Reshift Media boasts the creation of two proprietary software platforms: Social Brand Amplifier and Brand Amplifier, each designed specifically for franchise and other multi-location businesses They were also named top supplier to the franchise industry by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) in 2019.

URL: WWW.RESHIFTMEDIA.COM

URL: WWW.RESHIFTMEDIA.COM @RESHIFTMEDIAINC.

@RESHIFTMEDIAINC.

c O ntents

Cover Story

8 Crunch Fitness: a Proven Formula with a World class system

In every issue

6 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

42 A-Z Franchise & Services Directory

Franchisor in Depth

12 Floozie Cookies: Oakscale and TGP Partner to Bring stuffed Vegan cookie Brand Floozie cookies to the u s. and canada.

16 Pinot’s Palette: rapidly Growing Franchisor enters canada and Plans e xpansion as Franchic zar acquires Pinot’s Palette

32 Stagecoach Performing Arts: a franchise that weathers the storm

Have Your Say

26 Andy Ruff: The value of a community rewards program for grocery franchisers to boost retention and give back to the community

38 Reshift Media: The Top 5 Franchise digital Marketing Trends for 2023

Women in Franchising

22 Laser Clinics: signs canadian media personality natasha Gargiulo as brand ambassador to help support canadian growth.

Ask the Expert

40 Mo Chaar: how restaurants can Leverage Tech to Thrive during Times of economic uncertainty

Franchisee in Action

34 Minuteman Press: Moose Jaw co-Owner roy LaBuick eceives Queen elizabeth Jubilee Medal for Outstanding ervice in saskatchewan

Franchise in Focus

28 Wayback Burgers: Passion Meets success for Franchisee in canada with Wayback Burgers

Expert Advice

10 Wayne Maillet: how to spot a strong Franchise system

14 David Banfield: Getting old and trending up

18 Edward (Ned) Levitt and Richard Schuett: Options for Growing a Franchise system

24 Paul Linenberg: Finding the right Franchisee for your company

30 Lori Karpman: sustainability in Franchising

36 Andrew Carter: economic Outlook

With half of all businesses bound to fail within five years, you would think that a boxing gym created by an entrepreneur with an oil and gas background would be one of them. But that’s far from the truth. Cissy arrived in Canada at the age of 17 and fastforward two decades she has become a leader in the fitness industry and a sought-after speaker.

Founder and ceO cissy chen is a female entrepreneur who had the guts and the fight in her from the start. With a background in the oil and gas industry after graduating from the university of calgary, cissy knew she needed a more fulfilling purpose from her career than the 9 to 5 corporate life.

With fire in the belly and extensive experience in business, she was determined to do something she felt passionate about with her career. cissy enjoyed spin for her fitness routine at the time.

One day an idea came to her; if people can ride to the music, why

From Oil + Gas To Badass, ruMble bOxing studiO Founder, Cissy Chen, Celebrates Opening of Studio in Toronto KuMOn Ranks As Entrepreneur’s No. 1 Education Franchise for 22nd Year

can’t people box to the beat? From that point, rumble Boxing was born in 2016. i t is no surprise to see rumble’s successful launch and rapid growth into the boutique fitness market. as the first of its kind in the country, rumble Boxing currently has 4 studios in Western canada, and a 5th in Toronto. rumble continues to fight with high intensity to continue dominating the canadian boutique fitness market. simply put, the demand for what rumble offers is not slowing down or a limited fad, it is only get stronger.

Kumon continued its 22-year streak as the No. 1 education franchise by Entrepreneur magazine. The company also posted an impressive No. 6 overall ranking for the third consecutive year in the magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500 list released today.

entrepreneur’s annual rankings are based on outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability and brand power. The Franchise 500 ranking is considered an invaluable tool for franchise recruitment.

“Kumon’s continued top ranking in entrepreneur’s education category is a key indicator of the strength and quality of the franchise opportunity Kumon provides,” said Mike shim, senior vice president of field and operations for Kumon north

america. “Kumon’s proven business model provides the support new franchisees in canada and the u s. need to be successful. They join a team of professionals whose goal is to sustain a high-quality learning environment that focuses on education enrichment.”

Kumon’s ranking comes during a time when the company is experiencing a surge in growth and demand from parents for enrichment services. i n 2022, Kumon opened 21 new centres in canada, including seven centres that opened nov. 1 to push the company over the 400-location mark there. i n the u s., Kumon opened 45 new centres.

“as the demand for services continues into this new year, we look forward to helping our i nstructors navigate their

way in providing valuable enrichment to students,” shim said. “Get ready for an exciting 2023 with Kumon.”

Oxi f resh carpet cleaning Announces New Goals and Developments for 2023

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, one of the nation’s greenest and fastest-growing carpet cleaning franchises, is off to a fresh start this new year, announcing several new developments that will help the franchise reach its long-term expansion goals. Capitalizing on the steady growth the brand experienced in the past year, Oxi Fresh now aims to open 50 – 60 new territories by the end of 2023, beginning with the opening of six territories this January.

“We are driven to expand Oxi Fresh’s concept into new local markets to continue sharing the benefits of our brand’s fast-drying, eco-friendly carpet cleaning process with as many communities as possible,” said Matt Kline, director of Franchise d evelopment. “i t’s been a long-term goal of ours to eventually develop into a 500-unit franchise system, and if we continue the success we’ve been experiencing, we’re set to reach that goal by the end of this new year.”

i n 2022, Oxi Fresh was pleased to award over thirty new franchise territories throughout i ndiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, california, Washington, Virginia, north carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, nebraska, Georgia, Florida, new York, nevada, and British columbia. The brand expects to continue its steady growth in 2023 to reach its goal of having 500 territories open and operating across the u s. and canada, a tremendous milestone for any franchise system.

For more information on Oxi Fresh, or if interested in a franchising opportunity, please visit https://www.oxifresh.com/

A Milestone Moment: K intOn raMen Opens First Employee-Owned Franchise in Newmarket

KinK a FaMiLY is headquartered in Toronto and operates five brands, including KinTOn raMen, KinK a iZaK aYa, JaBistro, KinTOri YaKiTOri, and neO cOFFee Bar

KinTOn raMen first opened its doors in 2012 and has quickly grown to become a household name with a dedicated customer base. With more than 24 locations coast-to-coast, KinTOn raMen represented a unique opportunity to put a spin on the traditional franchise model and focus on motivated employees who share in the brand’s passion for quality, innovation and customer service.

KINKA FAMILY is pleased to announce the opening of the first KINTON RAMEN location in Newmarket, owned and operated by its Executive Chef, Aki Urata. The announcement is a major milestone for the restaurant group and marks the first in its Employee Franchise Program, dedicated to partnering with current and past employees.

“The KinK a FaMiLY philosophy fosters and encourages the success of all team members, with a culture rooted in collaboration and teamwork,” said James Kim, chief executive Officer of KinK a FaMiLY. “This new KinTOn raMen location, owned and operated by our executive chef, is a testament to that philosophy. We are grateful to chef aki for all he has brought to us, and we can’t wait for the newmarket community to experience the exceptional food and hospitality that KinTOn raMen is known for.”

KinTOn raMen has earned its reputation for exceptional dining experiences, serving up a variety of authentic ramen dishes that have become synonymous with the restaurant.

For more information kintonramen.com/employee-franchise

crunch fitness rapidly grOwing acrOss canada!

crunch fitness is a health club chain that leads the industry in fusing fitness, fun, and entertainment. certainly, one of the greatest features of a crunch gym is the incredible value it offers to members with memberships starting at $9.95 per month. founded in new york’s east Village in 1989, the mission has been to make working out fun.

Today, they are renowned for creating oneof-a-kind group fitness classes and unique programming for their wildly diverse members. crunch has taken the name global with franchises in multiple countries around the world. With the history in fitness behind them, crunch franchise owners can become part of a revolutionary concept that’s only growing stronger.

crunch started franchising in 2010 and since arriving in canada in 2017 crunch has opened over 30 clubs and sold over 100

franchises to-date in canada. They currently serve over 2 million members with more than 1,000 franchise units sold, 420+ gyms worldwide including the u s, australia, spain, Portugal, costa rica and Puerto rico with more than 30 in canada.

The current club locations can be found in Ontario, alberta and as far as Quebec. currently offering new opportunities, crunch looks forward to working with new partners and franchisees across the

country, as they move into new markets and further accelerate the growth across canada. crunch Fitness has the most progressive and competitive fitness model in the industry, and won’t be slowing down anytime soon. canada has embraced our commitment to serious fitness,” said Wes hodgson ceO of crunch Fitness canada. “We are proud to be one of the largest full-service gym brands in canada and look forward to even more growth across all the provinces and territories.

Our ideal franchisee is a person that wants to work for themselves, but not by themselves.

at crunch, they focus on a smaller community of franchisees who develop multiple gyms.

That way, they can ensure they receive consistent support and access to the crunch team whenever and wherever they may need it. crunch is widely considered to be the top brand in the fitness industry.

inspiring hub for people Of all walks Of life

a Franchisee testimonial from Karim Toupinchaieb Franchise Owner, crunch Quebec states: “When i made the decision to open a fitness club, the clear choice for me was imposed very quickly. crunch Fitness, for me was the coolest brand out there, and it’s still the coolest brand out there.”

They have an impressive toolbox from marketing, training, and sales support. These are a key part of any successful business. crunch has a proven formula that has evolved year over year from pre-opening, staff training, and day to day

operations support. crunch has world class systems in place.

Fitness franchising has been a growing sector as canadians shift to healthier lifestyles. People are looking for new affordable and exciting ways to get in shape and help them stick to a workout routine.

navigating the franchise industry in canada

“expanding crunch into canada represents a great opportunity to provide our existing and new members with the high quality, affordable fitness experience crunch is known for” said Wes hodgson.

What makes crunch stand out primarily is the fact that they are the original “no Limits” gym. What does that mean? no Limits means room for everyone, regardless of your shape, size, age, race, gender, or fitness level. no matter your workout of choice, they want you to feel good while you reach your goals with crunch. The gyms boast state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment. depending on membership type, you’ll also get to try out their epic classes. not to mention, some of the best personal trainers in the biz at an affordable rate.

Franchising in canada is big business. Franchise businesses generate $100 billion in sales annually, and it’s estimated a new franchise opens every 2 hours, 365 days a year across the country. i n fact, we have the second-largest franchise industry in the world, outranked only by the us crunch,

always here for you!

Your success is our success. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to give you all the tools you’ll need to thrive. One of those

tools is the ongoing assistance we offer, When you work with us you’ll get 24 hour support.

the right brand, the right time, the right industry

i n terms of the high value, low priced business model goes, canada has not seen the saturation of the big box gym as the u s. With smaller regions and provinces, the canadian market is more conservative, and they want more bang for their buck, crunch provides that value to them.

i nvesting in a crunch franchise is an attractive option for those who want to work for themselves but not by their self and who also want the backing and support of a more experienced entity. When you invest in a crunch franchise to own and operate, you gain the benefits of a wellrecognized brand, an already established business model, and a successful system.

as a franchise owner, you receive support in many essential areas that can contribute to the success of your business, such as advertising and marketing, allowing your business to retain a customer base while drawing in new customers, and in turn, contributing to the growth of your business.

The advice given by crunch if you are exploring franchise opportunities is do your homework on the franchisor. i n franchising, there are often significant differences in profitability between different business concepts and industries. i t’s always a good idea to know who you’re getting into business with, so you’ll want to make sure you do your due diligence on the franchisor before you agree to start your own franchise.

What type of industry experience does the franchisor have? is there a team of people behind the franchisor? do they have a track record of success?

Our franchise operation is run by a highly motivated team of industry vets who have decades of experience. crunch will work tirelessly to keep you covered in all areas.

If you are interested in becoming a Crunch Fitness Franchisee contact Clinton Czapla via email clinton@crunchcanada.com or check out the website www.crunchfitness. ca/franchise for more information.

HoW to A Spot StroNG Fr ANCHISE SYStEM

“ A little homework at the beginning will avoid surprises down the road. You will want to go into the opportunity you select with both eyes open.”

provide the kind of leadership that earns respect and trust of franchisees. Leadership should insure an appreciation for the operating system, help internalize the desire to follow the system and result in the franchisee’s profitability and success. Finally, they should provide a clear vision and have defined the company’s values.

Continuous Improvement to the Operating System. To succeed in franchising the franchisor must have a plan for systematically monitoring the franchise operating information and analyzing return on investment from the development, operations and training departments.

there are some great franchise opportunities available in almost every industry. (Let me know if you find an industry that does not have the benefits of an established brand and the buying power of a group, as I see this as an opportunity to change an industry.) there are also a few poor franchise operators. how will you know the difference? what should a potential franchisee look for in a franchise system?

When one is looking at a franchise, it is important that one do the research so that you know what you are getting into. a little homework at the beginning will avoid surprises down the road. You will want to go into the opportunity you select with both eyes open. no franchise is perfect. no opportunity is perfect. Your goal is to uncover the strengths and weaknesses and make an informed business decision. reputable franchisors will assist in you learning about the opportunity.

an ideal system will consist of the following key fundamentals: Strong Leadership. The management must

A Focus on the Customer. strong franchisors listen to their defined customer and build the franchise concept around their expectations, wants, needs and desires. The franchisor will then measure how well they are doing in serving and satisfying the customer. Priorities will be to get and keep customers, build goodwill, which will result in the customer being the best form of marketing, and offering a wide range of products and services prompting the customer to buy more often.

Excellent Franchisees. successful franchisors believe franchises should not be sold but awarded. The strong franchisor will

Wayne Maillet is a franchise management consultant and founder of the consulting company Franchise Specialists. Respected within franchise circles, he brings a realistic, practical understanding of business and franchising. This article is based on excerpts from his book, Franchising Demystified

The book can be ordered through most book retailers or directly from the publisher at www.franchisingdemystified.com .

have an efficient system for recruiting and awarding franchises to people who will:

• Have the skillsets to be successful

• Build the value of the brand

• Follow the proven operating system

• Use the ongoing support to dominate in local markets

Effective Manuals. at a minimum, the franchisor’s manuals should clearly and concisely document a proven operating system and allow franchisees to duplicate success. all aspects of the business model are documented so that nothing is left to chance.

Participative Management. Leading franchisors constantly promote a franchisewide strategic-partner relationship. everyone should work together towards common goals of disproportionate market share, enhancement of brand image and mutual profit. This is often done through franchisee advisory councils and continuous communication.

A Focused Staff. successful franchisors will have a professional staff who will work in harmony with franchisees to help them deliver excellent customer service, build market-share and work with fellow franchisees to dominate local and regional markets. There is a positive corporate culture.

Effective Training Programs. a strong franchise system will have a carefully planned training program to assimilate new franchisees as smoothly as possible into the organization. successful franchises will also provide ongoing training, which will help further develop existing franchisees and reinforce the purpose and practice of its systems and strategies.

Financial Stability. ideally the franchisor is profitable and/ or showing over time increased profitabilty. i t is not uncommon for start-up franchisors to have weaker profits and to be reinvesting its revenues into the development of the business. established and successful franchise systems are generating more revenue from royalties than from awarding franchises.

dOing yOur research

i n order to confirm that you are pursuing the right franchise you will need to do your homework. The system is strong if it has the above mentioned items. clearly a franchise system with an established, recognized brand and extensive locations is a good indication of a strong system, but there are many start-up franchises that will be equally as strong and present a great opportunity. The established franchises often are sold out or have a high initial investment, unlike a strong start-up concept. Look at the above mentioned items and ensure that the key fundamentals are in place. You will want to ensure that if it is a startup franchise that it is well capitalized. ask to see their financial statements and get clarity on the funding.

don’t trust everything that you read in franchise directories or on the internet. Much of this information has not been independently verified by a third party. i t may not be reflective of reality.

Look at the business model or franchise, and ensure that it is not dependent on a fad. sometimes fads can be hard to spot. an example is a concept based solely on bagels. You want to ensure that it is a growing market and not limited to a shrinking audience. Be cautious of concepts that are based solely on technology, as technology is constantly changing and can have a limited life unless the franchisor is investing extensively into research and development. examples of past franchises that were technology dependent include video rental stores or camera film development.

When investigating a franchise opportunity, be sure to review their disclosure document and legal agreements. ask to see the table of contents of the operation manuals so that you can get a sense of their depth and thoroughness.

People that you will want to speak with regarding an opportunity include the franchisor’s key executive and support staff. These are the ones that you are entering into a long-term relationship with. You want to ensure that you are comfortable and will

be able to work with them. You want to share their values and the long-term vision. speaKing wi th existing franchisees…

Talking to existing franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to get validation of the franchise system you are researching. Be sure to talk to at least three franchisees, or more, to ensure you are getting a broad picture. recognize that negative feedback is normal, especially in a young franchise. nothing is perfect. don’t use this as a reason to say no to the opportunity.

i nstead, it is a step of doing your due diligence. determine if you can live with the pros and cons. determine if the franchisor is actively addressing the challenges and evolving. You can then move forward with confidence knowing that you are making an informed decision.

Talking to existing franchisees in the system gives you a different perspective of the organization and the business. i t’s a perspective that is from the front lines, from the operators who are dealing with the business on a day-to-day basis. existing franchisees for the most part are willing to share because they have been in the same place where you are currently. They have at one time looked at the franchise opportunity to determine if it was right for them and probably went through the same process, calling existing franchisees. They want to provide you with the information that they had sought when they were making their decision. They are also interested in the quality growth of the franchise. They have an interest in ensuring that the system grows with quality franchisees that are fully informed.

When calling a franchisee explain who you are and the purpose of the call. ask the existing franchisee if he could schedule 30 minutes of his time to answer some of your questions. Because he is operating a business he may be busy when you originally call so you will want to schedule a time when it is convenient for the two of you.

oaK scale and tgp partner to bring stuffed V egan coo K ie brand

FLooZIE CooKIES

to the u. s. and canada

pandemic-born stuffed cookie brand created by noted pastry chef Kimberly lin has Quickly amassed a passionate following and now eyes nearly 100 north american sites in five years

Oakscale, a leading developer helping emerging franchise brands scale to reach their full potential, announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership

with TGP i nternational, an award-winning global agency supporting development of concepts in the hospitality and retail segment, to bring the Floozie cookies brand to the united states and canada via franchise development.

Floozie cookies is a 100% vegan, handmade stuffed cookie concept created by Kimberly Lin, a canadian-born pastry chef who honed her pastry skills in some of London’s most acclaimed kitchens,

including claridge’s, corinthia London and dominique ansel Bakery. chef Lin launched the company, as part of Game changers i nvestments, in late 2020 in London’s covent Garden and at expo 2020 dubai, resulting in four locations and a pop-up store at harrods in London. With its menu of seven standing cookie options, a monthly limited edition special, and a variety of ice cream sundaes, shakes and hot chocolates, the brand has quickly gained a loyal consumer following and garnered widespread media coverage and enthusiastic social media buzz. Today the brand has confirmed locations in egypt, saudi arabia, the united arab emirates and the united Kingdom. now, through TGP’s partnership with Oakscale, Floozie cookies is targeting aggressive expansion throughout the united states. i ts five-year outlook calls for nearly 100 sites to open throughout the united states and canada.

“This is a powerful partnership,” said Joshua Kovacs, founder/ceO of Oakscale. “TGP is expert at turning food and beverage brands into successful restaurant concepts and has made great strides with Floozie cookies in england and other international markets. We excel at selling franchises in the united states. By combining our efforts, we can build on the great foundation that Floozie cookies has established overseas and bring an exciting new offering to cookie-loving consumers and franchise investors seeking an out-of-the-ordinary concept.”

“While Floozie cookies started out as a passion project during the pandemic, it’s been nothing short of incredible to see the brand take on a life of its own with international expansions and a loyal following of vegan cookie fans behind it,” said chef Lin. “i’m thrilled to continue growing our footprint working with new partners internationally, and continue developing the brand.”

“ While Floozie Cookies started out as a passion project during the pandemic, it’s been nothing short of incredible to see the brand take on a life of its own with international expansions and a loyal following of vegan cookie fans behind it.”

r yan durishin, a veteran restaurant franchise salesperson who spent more than a decade at Fransmart, is leading Oakscale’s efforts to develop Floozie cookies in north america. Kovacs worked under durishin in the past and said adding him to the team will allow Oakscale, whose success has largely been with non-food franchises, to expand very effectively into the food and beverage segment.

“The global cookie market is growing at a rate of 5.3% annually and is expected to surpass $44 billion by 2025, according to a report by Grand View research,” durishin said. “consumers are always looking to try unique concepts, and we believe the outstanding concept that Kimberly has created will do very well throughout the country.”

The first deal to bring Floozie cookies to the united states is near completion and will involve development in southern california.

For information on available franchise opportunities, visit https://flooziecookies. com/pages/franchise or contact Ryan Durishin at (703) 593-9102 or ryan@ metriccollective.com.

ABoUt FLooZIE CooKIES

Floozie cookies is a delicious stuffed cookie concept created by renowned pastry chef Kimberly Lin, formerly of claridge’s & dominique ansel Bakery. Floozie cookies opened its first store in London’s covent Garden during the pandemic and has since expanded to dubai and more recently harrods. all of its cookies and drinks are handmade and 100% vegan, with a range of seven cookies and a new monthly special. Visit flooziecookies.com, or follow the brand on i nstagram to keep up with new flavors, stores and locations. Franchise opportunities are now available throughout the united states and canada.

For information on available opportunities, visit https://flooziecookies.com/pages/franchise or contact r yan durishin at (703) 593-9102 or ryan@metriccollective.com.

ABoUt oAKSCALE

Founded in 2017, Oakscale helps emerging franchise brands reach their full potential by cutting out the middleman and stepping in as a trusted partner, supplying capital investment to help them mature, expert guidance on how to launch and scale, and sales and marketing support to attract the most qualified, growthminded franchisees.

co-Founder/ceO Joshua Kovacs, cFe, has been involved in the franchise sector for more than a decade, having worked as vice president of programs for engineering for Kids and in franchise sales with Fransmart before launching Oakscale.

now a subsidiary of Metric collective, which owns Franchisehelp, the world’s largest franchise digital marketing company, and FranFunnel, an industry leading softwareas-a-service (saas) franchise sales platform, Oakscale helps franchisors navigate the process of becoming established, thriving systems attracting more franchisees and expanding into more markets throughout the united states.

For more information, visit www.oakscale.com/ or contact Joshua Kovacs at (540) 845-0751 or joshua@oakscale.com.

ABoUt GAME CHANGErS INvEStMENtS AND tGp INtErNAtIoNAL

Game changers i nvestments (Gci) is a London-based investment company whose mission is to create opportunities for brands in the restaurant and hospitality sector to launch and grow. Formed of a team of successful entrepreneurs, the firm focuses on brands at different life-stages in the fast-growing segments of african, plant-based, bakery & coffee, asian & Latin and Gastro-pub, and strives to capitalize on these major hospitality themes to develop a sustainable portfolio.

Formed in 2002, Gci’s sister company TGP i nternational is an award-winning global agency for the hospitality and retail market dedicated to providing straightforward, 360° solutions for an ever-evolving industry, with offices in the united Kingdom, europe, the united states and across the Gulf cooperation council (Gcc ). drawing upon its team’s vast experience and skill base, TGP offers advisory services, concept development, interior design, franchising and licensing and asset management to businesses in the restaurant and hospitality category.

For more information visit www.tgpinternational.com/ or email the company at info@tgpinternational.com.

Kimberly Lin

it is official, whether you reside in canada or the united states you are getting older! the population of both countries is aging to the point where ‘seniors’ now make up a very significant portion of the population.

We are all familiar with the term ‘Baby Boomers’ but what many people fail to realize is that this group is far from the ‘Baby’ age group tag and much closer to the senior age group. Baby Boomers were individuals that were born in the time frame 1946-1965 and today those Boomers are in the 56-75 age bracket which puts a large portion of them in the senior’s strata.

Baby Boomers do not represent the only senior element in the population as there are two levels above Baby Boomers the most senior of which is The Greatest Generation with individuals born between 1901 and 1924 and then comes The silent Generation with people born between

GEttING oLD AND trENDING Up

1925 to 1945. When you group these three classifications you get a total that represents over 30% of the population.

This grouping continues to grow, and statistics tell us that the trend is for it to be an incredibly significant percentage of the population for many years to come. We are therefore looking at a substantial market that will keep renewing itself for several decades.

From a business perspective, the senior’s marketplace is not only very significant but also very wealthy. seniors are probably the wealthiest of all age classifications and the trend is ongoing. This wealth factor is predicated on higher salaries at the senior level, and pensions that are geared to those higher salaries making seniors very significant players in the overall national economy.

as the population ages, individuals tend to seek services provided by others rather than undertaking tasks for themselves, and the greater the aging the greater the reliance on third-party providers of goods

“ From a business perspective, the senior’s marketplace is not only very significant but also very wealthy.

and services. The aging process or perhaps rather the wealthy aging process creates a natural conduit to specialized service providers geared to the growing senior marketplace.

how does a discussion on aging fit into a franchise environment-the answer may be quite simple in that the growth in the senior age bracket coupled with their spending power creates the opportunity for franchise operations that are specifically geared to this marketplace. Franchisors have not been slow to recognize this opportunity and there is a wide range of franchise offerings that are very much aimed at the aging population and their needs.

The market sector and the associated

buying power are substantial, and they create a serious upward trend opportunity for established and younger franchises that can craft in-demand services, especially for the senior population. creativity in this seniors sector now goes well beyond a ‘retirement home’ format, in fact, many ‘retirement homes’ could easily compare themselves favorably to a five-star hotel. such is the buying power in this age sector.

With a greater emphasis on ‘aging in place,’ it creates a vast market for in-home care that covers a very diverse range of services. seniors choosing to continue living in their family home are likely to need services that go beyond the reach of just one supplier and they could easily employ several vendors to meet their health and property needs. Many of these in-home services already exist, they have been tried and tested and they now exist in a franchise format.

While we see this franchise sector possibly outpacing other more established sectors the sector growth will not come without associated growth problems. One major hurdle that must be tackled is staffing requirements. The majority of franchise offerings geared to the senior marketplace will l be labor intensive at the franchisee level and, in some cases, will require skill levels that may be hard to recruit. Franchisors in this sector may have to consider investing in internal training programs to keep them at the leading edge of the industry with the ability to provide a constant flow of individuals suitably qualified to work in franchised locations.

readers might be tempted after reading this far to assume that owning and operating a seniors-related franchise is a recession-proof business, or certainly so for the next few decades. While our commentary certainly indicates very positive trends in this sector potential franchisees in this and other franchise areas should always remember that while a franchisor brings a tried and tested business to the franchisee the franchisee is the main component in making that business sound and profitable.

Franchise opportunities focussed on the needs of the growing senior marketplace are definitely here for the long term and becoming more sophisticated as they evolve. clearly, they will be trending upward in the years to come as the market size continues to expand. For entrepreneurs and those considering self-employment as their next career move the opportunities in this market sector represent an area to definitely explore.

David Banfield has spent several decades engaged in the franchise industry, most recently as President of a multi-national brand. Currently he is working with emerging brands, applying an extensive background in financial services/franchising to assist emerging organisations/franchisors achieve the gaols ahead of schedule. www.linkedin.com/in/davidbanfieldifg/

Rapidly G Rowin G F R anchiso R e nte R s c anada and p lans e xpansion a s F R anchi c za R acqui R es pINot’S pALEttE

earlier this month, franchiczar, a houston, texas-based franchisor and developer of software and services designed to help franchise brands scale their growth, announced the acquisition of pinot’s palette, the upscale paint-and-sip franchise that has led the industry, enabling people to explore their creative side for 15 years.

With the acquisition, Franchiczar now has operational locations in canada and is poised to expand its canadian footprint, with plans to open franchises across multiple brands in the months and years ahead.

The move gives Franchiczar more than 80 Pinot’s Palette franchises across north america, including two locations in the Ontario Province – in Toronto and Woodbridge. That brings the Franchiczar network to more than 100 franchise locations open or in development across three brands.

Franchiczar is also home to emerging brands, including youth esports franchise Valhallan and technology-enabled gym

franchise i ron 24. Pinot’s Palette joins Franchiczar’s growing portfolio of brands and is the first established franchise brand acquired by the franchisor. Franchiczar expects growth in major metropolitan areas in canada across all its brands in 2023 and beyond.

Franchiczar has created a portfolio of “betterment brands” across education, entertainment, creativity and fitness industries and plans to add more brands that help people live better lives. i n addition to being a franchisor, Franchiczar’s core offering is an end-to-end ecosystem in which franchise brands can thrive, pairing it’s Franchiczar Operating system (FcOs) with a suite of services, including franchise

development, marketing, operations and technology.

Pinot’s Palette offers a revolutionary way to enjoy art and wine, meet new people and bond with friends. Guests enjoy a noexperience-required art class – all supplies included – directed by trained, local artists who guide guests step-by-step through a featured painting. By bringing fun, modern and creative ideas to their events, Pinot’s Palette creates a unique experience while providing a worthwhile contribution to the community.

Founded in 2009, houston-based Pinot’s Palette has been recognized numerous times in top industry rankings, including the i nc. 5000, entrepreneur’s Franchise 500

and Franchise Business review’s Top 50 for Franchisee satisfaction.

For craig ceccanti and charles Willis, the founders of Pinot’s Palette, the acquisition by Franchiczar puts their creation in trusted and familiar hands. Founder and ceO of Franchiczar, david Graham, has a longstanding relationship with them. They helped to mentor Graham when he began his first franchise, code n injas, several years ago. With both franchises based in the houston area, Graham had reached out for general networking and sharing advice, and the relationship grew to help each other out over the years.

“as an established brand with locations across north america, Pinot’s Palette is a

welcome addition to the Franchiczar family of brands and will be pivotal in the future growth of our network of brands as we continue to expand into new verticals to help individuals become the best version of themselves,” said Graham.

Graham continued by sharing his admiration, saying, “craig ceccanti and charles Willis mentored me as i began my first franchise several years ago and helped me become the leader i am today. i am grateful for their trust in allowing Franchiczar to continue the legacy they have built.”

as a result of the acquisition, Franchiczar brings a large shared services team with professionals in almost all facets of franchising, including technology, support, compliance, marketing, administration and more. The goal is to build on Pinot’s Palette’s position as the leading paintand-sip franchise and bring new growth from customer acquisition and franchise expansion.

With Pinot’s Palette’s passionate community of franchisees, employees, and customers, Franchiczar is committed to building on that legacy and taking the brand to new heights. Franchiczar believes that acquiring Pinot’s Palette is a significant and positive development for everyone involved. They are excited to work with Pinot’s Palette’s network to create a bright future for the brand.

“We know our franchisees are in good hands and that Franchiczar is the right place to drive the next growth stage for the brand,” said Pinot’s Palette co-founder craig ceccanti. “i have known david Graham for years and have full confidence in a bright future for Pinot’s Palette under his leadership and team.”

Franchiczar brings technology and expertise from franchising veterans to guide the brand into its next chapter. shauna Garner, President of Franchiczar, will assume the role of brand president of Pinot’s Palette, bringing extensive franchising and wine industry experience to the position.

Franchiczar’s Michael hataway will join Pinot’s Palette as executive vice president of operations. david Graham will be the new

ceO of Pinot’s Palette and will continue to oversee all Franchiczar brands.

Leading up to the acquisition, Franchiczar saw a strong first year of franchising for its emerging brands, i ron 24 and Valhallan. Franchiczar is targeting significant growth for all its brands for the rest of 2023, with several locations set to open in the coming months and several i ron 24 and Valhallan locations to be announced around north america and the u.K. throughout the year.

Building on its momentum, Franchiczar is targeting aggressive growth strategies. Valhallan plans to sign at least 100 new franchisees and open 75 arenas worldwide. i ron 24 wants to acquire and convert existing gym brands into i ron 24 locations, sign 60 new franchisees, and open 75 locations nationwide.

optIoNS For GroWING A Fr ANCHISE SYStEM

growth is at the very essence of franchising. it is a more efficient method of distributing products or services than other methods because of its ability to quickly grow the business throughout broader geographical territories.

While growth will fuel the financial success of a franchise system, it can also lead to its demise. Many failed franchises reveal that a failure caused by mistakes made in expansion, are readily foreseeable and avoidable.

timing and speed

Timing is a constant issue in franchising. starting a franchise program before the business concept has been adequately developed can be a mistake from which the franchisor never recovers. expanding too quickly can stretch financial and human resources to the extent a franchisor cannot adequately manage what it sells. choosing a complex expansion vehicle before the franchisor has learned what is needed to effectively franchise the particular business can ultimately bring down the entire business. The franchisor must grow its head office infrastructure in a manner that keeps pace with the expansion of the franchise system and add new capabilities as required. as the number of franchisees

Mr.

Mr.

increases, the communications capability within the system must grow. after a period of rapid growth, most franchise systems will benefit from a period of consolidation and intentional restructuring to ready itself for the next phase of expansion.

expansion vehicles

Franchisors can grow their systems in a number of ways, each of which carries with it its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

direct franchising

Granting franchises directly to franchisees will, often, be the first expansion method a franchisor will choose. i n direct franchising, the franchisor shoulders the entire burden of selling franchises and supporting franchisees. as a franchisor looks to expand in more distant markets, other expansion vehicles become more appealing and, at times, essential.

development arrangements

Multi-unit franchises, area development arrangements and territorial development arrangements all refer to situations where a single franchisee is given the right to open two or more franchises in a given territory. sometimes franchisees acquire multiple units by operation of rights of first refusal, originally granted to the franchisee for additional units within areas contiguous to the franchisee’s original territory. however, one school of thought considers the granting of rights of first refusal dangerous, and should not be done until the franchisee proves themselves to be capable and trustworthy. Otherwise, the franchisor is permitting the unit franchisee to become a multi-unit franchisee solely because another party is interested in purchasing a franchise.

a cautious approach should always be taken when considering granting to one franchisee the right to open multiple units in a system. area or territorial development arrangements will be most advantageous where the area or territorial franchisee has deep knowledge and extensive connections in a market more distant from the franchisor’s current markets.

Master franchising

When done properly, master franchising can be an effective means of expanding a franchise network, particularly for foreign markets. nevertheless, it remains one of the least understood and most poorly implemented expansion strategies in franchising.

The problems resulting from expanding too quickly and too soon will be made worse and the consequences will be more serious when master franchising is chosen as an expansion vehicle too early in the franchise system’s development.

choosing a master franchisee

While choosing the best unit franchisees is challenging, it often pales in comparison to the difficulties encountered in appointing good master franchisees. Too often, a candidate is chosen based on prior business success, without regard to how they might ‘fit’ with the franchisor’s goals, style and philosophy.

On the other hand, fatal errors have been made in selecting master franchisees who do not have sufficient financial resources to weather the initial difficulties encountered in establishing the franchise system in the new territory. Often, the master franchisee cannot perform at the same productive and efficient level as the franchisor, and the

franchisor should manage its expectations of a master franchisee.

the territory

Most master franchising arrangements provide that the rights are granted, often on an exclusive basis, for a specific territory. understandably, master franchisees frequently attempt to negotiate the broadest possible territorial rights. however, one of the most common mistakes made by franchisors is to grant exclusive rights to territories which are far too large. The franchisor will most often have a stronger system, if territories can be kept as small as possible.

having more master franchisees in one country or region allows the franchisor more maneuvering room, if a master franchisee fails or performs inadequately. One of the other master franchisees in the area can either temporarily or permanently fill the void. The franchisor can exert more control or have more influence over the performance and conduct of several lesspowerful master franchisees rather than one very powerful master franchisee. however, if a franchisor still wants to deal with only one master franchisee in a territory, careful drafting of the master franchise agreement can help to limit potential problems. also, the franchisor may impose performance quotas, which will allow themto reduce the size of the territory, if performance is not up to par in the future.

Edward (Ned) Levitt is a senior partner of Dickinson Wright LLP, Toronto, Canada. He served as General Counsel to the Canadian Franchise Association from 2000 to 2007 and, as a member of the Ontario Franchise Sector Working Team, was instrumental in the creation of Ontario’s franchise legislation. Among his many publications is Canadian Franchise Legislation published by Butterworths/LexisNexis.

Levitt can be reached at 416-646-3842 or NLevitt@ dickinsonwright.com.

Richard Schuett is an associate of Dickinson Wright LLP, Toronto, Canada. His practice primarily focuses on franchising, commercial transactions, and commercial leasing.

Schuett can be reached at 416-646-6879 or RSchuett@dickinsonwright.com.

“ When done properly, master franchising can be an effective means of expanding a franchise network, particularly for foreign markets.”

the term

another common mistake is granting indefinite contract terms or agreements that run too long. With a shorter initial term, plus more frequent and shorter renewal terms, the franchisor can more easily control the actions of the master franchisee and the quality of the territory’s development. There should be clear performance criteria and thresholds for the master franchisee to renew, maintain exclusivity and independence, and extend territorial rights.

initial franchise fees for territorial rights

One of the most difficult numbers to ascertain is the front-end franchise fee or territorial rights fee for the master franchise rights. i t is best to relate the fee to the potential for profit and return on capital for both parties.

From the franchisor’s point of view, the most common mistake is setting the fee too low. allocating a minimum amount and calculating the final fee based on the master franchisee’s performance can alleviate this problem. Master franchisees often pay too much for such fees up front, which can drain the master franchisee of capital during the early stages of development in the territory. From the

master franchisee’s point of view, the best approach is to fix the amount of the front fee, but have payments dependent on the number of franchises opened.

dividing up the spoils and job allocations

The most poorly handled issue in master franchising is the division of the front-end franchisee fees and continuing royalty fees from unit franchises between the franchisor and the master franchisee. i t is common for the franchisor to base the decision on the allocation of these fees on the anticipated return from the franchisees in the territory, without considering how the master franchisee will finance the necessary development and support services for the unit franchisees.

selection of franchisees and locations

Often, one of the franchisor’s principal motivations in choosing master franchising as a means of expansion is to pass on to the master franchisee the responsibility of finding quality franchisees and locations within the territory. however, it is a common mistake for the franchisor to abdicate the responsibility of final approval for franchisees and locations before the master franchisee has been proven capable

of making these judgment calls. The franchisor should contractually retain the right of final approval for franchisee and location selection, and exercise those rights in the early years. i f the master franchisee ends up with the de facto right of final approval, the franchisor will want to be able to step in and assume those responsibilities if circumstances change.

Joint venture franchising

Joint venture franchising occurs when the franchisor takes an equity position or a partnership role in the franchisee entity. Joint venture franchising can be used with virtually any franchise vehicle and has two distinct levels of contractual relationship. at the franchisee level, the franchisor will want to have a shareholders agreement, partnership agreement or joint venture agreement. additionally, the franchisor will want to have in place its customary franchise documentation with the franchisee entity in which it has an interest. sometimes, joint venture franchising is used as a transition to the full implementation of one or another franchising vehicle, as the franchisee assumes full ownership of the franchisee entity.

acquisition

The acquisition of a competitive business can be one of the quickest ways to expand a franchise system. such acquisitions raise issues of territorial exclusivity and encroachment, rebranding, changes in business culture and management transition. The franchise issues are laid on top of the usual and customary issues in any business acquisition.

conclusion

Franchisors must be careful in their expansion choices. expanding too quickly, without careful planning, can lead to longstanding issues with its franchisees, and without sufficient control over its system, for the long haul.

laser clinics canada

SI g NS C ANADIAN MEDIA PERSONALITY n atasha Ga RG iulo as b R and ambassado R TO h ELP SUPPORT C ANADIAN g ROWT h

laser clinics canada, part of the world’s largest cosmetic clinic group and, since february 2022, a leader in the canadian advanced beauty scene, has entered into a partnership with natasha gargiulo, award-winning, multi-platform canadian media personality and host.

The partnership is centered on helping canadians look and feel their best selves and falls within the context of the company’s continued canadian expansion. natasha will act as the spokesperson at upcoming grand openings and help create brand awareness as the business continues to grow nationally.

“The timing of this partnership could not be better,” says George Jeffrey, Managing director at Laser clinics canada. “natasha is an accomplished professional who shares in our brand values and is equally passionate in helping others feel their best. natasha embodies the style, essence and authenticity that Laser clinics canada stands for, and i’m confident she will help us to build our brand as we expand into new markets over the coming months.”

Laser clinics canada offers tailored advanced beauty treatments and skinstitut skincare products that help people achieve their desired results. The brand currently has four clinics in the Greater Toronto area – h illcrest Mall in richmond h ill, square One shopping centre in Mississauga, cF sherway Gardens in etobicoke and scarborough Town centre. The company has plans

to expand across the nation, with its next opening scheduled for this month at cF rideau centre in Ottawa.

“i am happy to be a part of this impressive brand and, most importantly, its team,” says natasha Gargiulo. “i appreciate their energy and share in the excitement for the brand’s growth potential within the medical aesthetics industry. Based on my experiences thus far, i can see the company offers a fresh perspective on beauty treatments with valuing being true to your authentic self, and a commitment to transparency, fair pricing and a welltrained team of professionals.”

Laser clinics canada, a leader in the canadian advanced beauty scene, partners with natasha Gargiulo, award-winning, multi-platform canadian media personality and host.

Laser clinics specializes in personalized skincare treatments, cosmetic injectables, body contouring and laser hair removal, which are performed with industry leading, medical-grade equipment and advanced technology. Laser clinics Group’s Medical advisory committee, comprised of leading dermatologists and medical doctors, approves the devices, protocols and services that are administered at each clinic.

“We are delighted to be partnering with natasha and look forward to educating more canadians about the Laser clinics canada brand together,” says Jeffrey.

The organization plans to have natasha at the next grand opening event, cF rideau centre in Ottawa, Ontario.

about the laser clinics group

Laser clinics Group is the global leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare.

now in canada and with plans for national expansion, the company democratizes the field of advanced beauty by offering canadians greater accessibility to an extensive range of best-in-class treatments and services using medical-grade, industry-leading technology. Laser clinics tailors treatments to the individual and ensures all clients achieve their desired results. Together, the company’s more than 1,600 professionals focus on long-term, ongoing services which reflects a true longstanding and deep relationship with their customers. Learn more at laserclinics. ca or follow #BeautyTailoredToYou.

about natasha gargiulo

natasha Gargiulo is an award-winning multi-platform media personality, TV/ radio & podcast host. The Montreal native made a name for herself as the co-host of i hear T r adio’s long running and most popular, top rated Montreal morning show. The former “entertainment Tonight canada” correspondent has interviewed multiple stars and reported from film festivals such as the cannes Film Festival, sundance Film Festival and Toronto i nternational Film Festival. she has also hosted a myriad of high-profile redcarpet events including the GraMMYs, the Golden Globes, People’s choice awards, and Juno awards. she supports a variety of philanthropic causes and has worked closely with several charitable organizations, including aPJ artists For Peace and Justice, the Quebec Breast cancer Foundation, and the Montreal children hospital foundation. she was recently appointed as canadian council chair spokesperson for the Geena davis i nstitute on Gender in Media and hosts the highly successful original content series “The Working actor” & “The Green room”.

finding the right franchisee fOr yOur cOMpany

Over the years, franchising has become the go-to solution for entrepreneurs looking to start and run their own businesses. according to Vetted biz, in 2020, there were approximately 753,700 franchise establishments in the united states, producing about $670 billion u.s. dollars and employing 7.5 million people.

i n 2021, the industry produced nearly $780 billion worth in value, according to the same report. With franchising providing financial possibilities that could change the owner’s life, it is no surprise that many aspiring entrepreneurs turn to the franchise industry.

With that said, not every entrepreneur is going to be the right fit for your franchise. simply owning the right amount of financial capital doesn’t guarantee success for both the franchisee and corporate headquarters. There are multiple factors that determine the success rate of a franchise. With the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee resembling that of a marriage, both entities have to be on the same page for the relationship to flourish and be successful.

Just like in a marriage, finding the right partner is the key to success. here are some key points to help you discover and sign the right entrepreneurs for your franchise.

the ideal characteristics

When looking for the right franchisee, there are two questions i often ask myself: are they going to be successful and are they a cultural fit? as it pertains to being successful, franchisors should look for translatable skills. is the franchisee willing to focus on the needs of the client? do they work hard? can they follow a plan? These are all good questions to think about when approached by an entrepreneur looking to join your franchise. But one of the biggest characteristics i personally look for is are they outgoing. Part of building a franchise is creating the necessary partnerships that will help your business thrive and grow. i ndividuals who are more extroverted tend to have more of a desire to get out in the public and network. This makes it easier to develop connections within the community to build your customer base.

regarding culture fit, it’s important to look for a franchisee that shares your company’s values. Whether that’s focusing on the client, helping others, or just being friendly, having those shared values makes it easier

to develop a successful partnership. For example, at Gotcha covered, if someone comes to us with a strong desire to meet the clients’ needs, then we don’t have to teach them that. We don’t have to motivate them to be client-first business owners because they naturally have that trait. They already follow a value that is extremely important to Gotcha covered.

On an opposite note, there are many misconceptions about presumed character traits required to be a successful franchisee. While in some cases the entrepreneur may need to be an expert in the services offered by a franchise, that’s not the case in the majority. You don’t have to be a master chef to own a Mcdonald’s or Taco Bell. That’s one of the main misconceptions when it comes to owning a Gotcha covered. Many entrepreneurs believe you have to be a design expert, and that’s not the case. You can be a design dummy or have no experience in window treatments at all and be very successful. i t’s all about having the desire, drive, will and work acumen to be successful. Those characteristics are vital for a franchise owner in any industry.

Paul Linenberg is the president of Gotcha Covered, a custom window treatment franchise that has over 155 franchises in the United States and Canada combined. The company specializes in providing end-to-end consultation to its clients. For more information, please visit gotchacovered.com. For more information regarding Gotcha Covered franchising opportunities, please visit gotchacoveredfranchising.com.

the red flags

While cultural fit and translatable skills are two of the biggest factors when choosing the perfect franchisee, there are a couple of red flags to keep an eye out for. While having the drive and a strong work ethic is crucial to selecting the right franchisee, proper funding is also important. as a franchisor, you wouldn’t want to put someone behind the 8-ball right out of the gate. i f an entrepreneur doesn’t have the proper funding, it could limit and minimize their ability to grow the business. a potential franchisee being extremely introverted could also be a red flag. as previously mentioned, to grow your business, it’s important to get out in the community and build relationships. Many businesses are not built to be successful by sitting in a home office. You have to mingle with the people in your community to build a reputation. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t be a successful franchise owner as an introvert. There are plenty of successful business owners who are introverted. There may just need to be a shift in your approach to building relationships. i t could be as simple as focusing on one-on-one relationships as opposed to partaking in a networking event. either way, you do have to get out and form those bonds that can make your business thrive.

a perfect Marriage

For the franchisee-franchisor relationship to be successful, both entities will need to be in sync. While franchisors are vetting entrepreneurs, potential franchisees are also looking for ways the relationship can benefit them. They are looking for a partnership that both increases their personal wealth while also creating a lifestyle that is ideal for them. While it’s important for you to select the right franchisee, it is just as important for the entrepreneur to select the perfect franchisor. i f both needs are met, it can create a seamless transition that is fruitful for both sides.

”

“ With the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee resembling that of a marriage, both entities have to be on the same page for the relationship to flourish and be successful.”

“ Regarding culture fit, it’s important to look for a franchisee that shares your company’s values. Whether that’s focusing on the client, helping others, or just being friendly, having those shared values makes it easier to develop a successful partnership.

tHE vALUE oF A CoMMUNItY rEWArDS proGr AM For GroCErY Fr ANCHISErS to BooSt rEtENtIoN AND GIvE BACK to tHE CoMMUNItY

as the cost of food rises, canadians are leaning on loyalty programs. a survey by drop found that 62 per cent of respondents are redeeming loyalty points to help manage expenses.

i n 2022, empire co. (which owns a national network of grocers, including sobeys, Freshco, and iGa) partnered with scotiabank and cineplex on the scene+ loyalty program as part of its strategy to deepen ties to shoppers and better compete with other loyalty programs. i t also allows them to have better access to customer data, which they can utilize to create a more personalized relationship

with customers. This, in turn, encourages repeat customers—and with rising food costs, customer retention for grocery franchisers is more important than ever before.

canadians are making fewer grocery store runs as food inflation persists, and loyalty programs are a proven way to motivate guests to continue visiting. having a strong loyalty strategy in place is a great tool for franchisers to build relationships, retain existing customers, and motivate buyers to make their next purchase. The value of loyalty programs is evident—but grocery franchisers can take their customer loyalty programs one step further by implementing community rewards that give back to charities at the same time.

the history of grocery and community

This approach to loyalty is not new. h istorically, community giving began in the grocery space as part of a fundraising program where grocers sold paper gift certificates to participating schools at a discounted rate. schools would then resell the gift certificates at face value. While this approach had its advantages, it also posed some administrative and financial challenges for both the grocers and the schools. now, community rewards programs provide grocers with the opportunity to give back to schools (and other non-profit organizations within the community), while also measuring the results on a customer-specific basis.

community giving in 2023

during challenging economic times—like we are in now—some organizations might

be tempted to cut back on corporate philanthropy efforts. i nflationary pressures are causing businesses to see rising costs, and companies have long seen community giving as an expense that provides minimal return on investment. however, with the right strategy, this is no longer the case.

Grocers that use community rewards are able to allocate their current community donations to the charities chosen by customers when they sign up. Just like loyalty rewards programs offer customers points for each purchase, community rewards programs allow loyalty members to select a charity of their choice that will benefit, proportionally, from their purchase each time they shop. The most powerful brand in community rewards is the organization receiving the benefits, and when customers choose the beneficiary, it becomes highly personal.

not only do community rewards programs

help to support local communities, but grocers can also take advantage of customized, customer-specific loyalty and measurable sales with the help of the right partner in technology. Meanwhile, customers get to support organizations that are dear to their hearts—a win-win.

consumer loyalty tends to diminish amid inflation, with cost savings taking priority over brand affinity for many shoppers. i t’s far more expensive for businesses to acquire new customers than it is for them to retain current ones, and a well-planned community giving program is an effective way to drive retention, while also giving back to the community.

Measuring community rewards

Grocers with a community rewards program in place also see greater customer loyalty. i t demonstrates goodwill in the local community, which in turn fosters a sense of trust amongst consumers, who will want to return to provide support. Beyond bolstering its credibility in the community, grocers can also track their rOi through community rewards.

When a customer enrolls in a community rewards program, grocers will have detailed insight into when they shopped, and the amount of revenue that was generated through their sales. having access to this type of data is highly valuable for any business, particularly when charities encourage their donors to shop at a particular grocer. This, in turn, takes the return on investment further.

there’s

no

time like the present community rewards programs are a powerful tool for organizations that are looking to drive return business and give back to the community—without compromising profitability. From a corporate image standpoint, charitable work can also bolster a franchise’s perception amongst the general public and potential franchisees.

The bottom line is that tough times are when the community needs our support the most. displaying commitment to corporate social responsibility by implementing a community rewards platform is a great place for franchisers to start.

Andy Ruff has successfully implemented retailer specific cause marketing and community give-back programs. With Givex’s Community Rewards platform, Ruff’s team has generated more than $450 million given back to schools, churches, pet adoptions and other charities over the last 15 years. He has a passion for and keen understanding of how customer information, especially in cause marketing, impacts an organization’s marketing and brand identity and has worked with dozens of grocery retailers of all sizes in successfully implementing these strategies.

passiOn Meets success fOr franchisee in canada with waybacK burgers

Meet rick di dominicis, currently holding the title Master franchisee in canada over alberta, saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and atlantic canada regions, previously rick had spent many years in the restaurant industry before taking a break to grow his family. he coached his boys’ soccer team until his son aged out, and became the Vice president of his family’s automotive group, while still retaining a passion for food and the restaurant business.

Once he considered reentering the restaurant industry field, he encountered Wayback Burgers while in the states and was blown away by their food, service, and high energy. “When i walked in the team members greeted me and on the way out they said ‘see you on the Wayback’, the level of hospitality and the quality of the food was unmatched and nothing like i’d ever experience. i knew i needed to bring Wayback to Winnipeg. When he returned home to Winnipeg, Manitoba, he reached out to the franchisor based out of cheshire, c T immediately because he knew right away that they would be a perfect fit to get him back into the restaurant world. he signed on as a Master Franchisee in 2018. since then, rick has created a legacy within Wayback Burgers and currently has 12 open locations with an additional 18 restaurants in development through the franchise model. With his previous restaurant experience before coming to Wayback Burgers, he is especially attuned to what

to look for in prospective new franchisees. Growing the franchising business through his team is key to the success. rick’s director of Growth, r yan den Teuling serves as the franchise sales representative. r yan and rick agree that the restaurant world involves difficult, yet rewarding, work, so it’s essential for potential franchisees to know what they’re in for. r yan says, “above all when looking for the right candidate as Wayback Burgers franchisee i put an emphasize on the willingness to work hard and to have a sense of coachability and align with the brand values.”

Before taking his initial journey as master franchisee, rick had an exceptional experience with Wayback Burgers that he knew made it a special brand. Beyond the excellent food and customer service, some other elements of what attracted de dominicis and den Teuling to Wayback Burgers include the history of the brand. The Burger brand started as a single, humble burger stand in newark, delaware in 1991 under the name “Jake’s hamburgers”, what would go on to be known as Wayback Burgers grew in popularity, expanded locations, and began franchising in 2008. From the start, the mission of this brand has been to bring people together through simple, delicious comfort food that everyone can enjoy.

Their plan for 2023 is to continue growing the Wayback brand, with a goal reaching 50 restaurants in development in canada by the end of the year. One of the biggest

challenges, according to de dominicis, is that “We can award restaurants faster than we can find locations.” With the quick success to 30 restaurants in Western canada, rick seeks to develop more on the east coast of canada, including Ontario. They witnessed 113% growth at the height of cOVid (2020-2022), so they want to continue with that impressive streak. de dominicis and his team have big plans for the year ahead, and for years to come. Together they exemplify the values of the brand, believe in hard work, doing the right thing, and are fun-loving. These qualities lived throughout each team member make Wayback Burgers the winning franchise that it is. as with many other Wayback Burgers

franchisees who have partnered with the brand it’s because they realized it would provide them with the ultimate opportunity to prioritize their potential. after being drawn in first as guest, rick continues to carry out Wayback Burgers’ commitment to providing a comforting environment and encouraging and supporting success within the communities they serve.

The things that brought them to Wayback Burgers in the first place are the same things that keep them committed to driving growth and supporting new franchisees every day. attracting and recruiting hardworking prospective franchisees and having team members that support the brand are key to the successful journey it’s been so far. r yan says, “We want to keep working with the best people that we can find in the industry that can run and operate the Wayback Burgers restaurants. We’re there to find and support the best people. and if we are allowing them to achieve their dreams, all the better.”

ABoUt WAYBACK BUrGErS

Founded in 1991 in Newark, Delaware, Wayback Burgers is a Connecticutbased fast-casual franchise with a reputation for made-to-order burgers and thick, hand-dipped milkshakes, served in an environment that hearkens back to a simpler place and time — when customer service meant something, and everyone felt the warmth of the community. Since 2018, Wayback Burgers has served as a proud partner of Boys & girls Clubs of America, having raised over $825,000 to date through donating a portion of the proceeds made for every burger and sandwich sold. Wayback Burgers currently operates in 35 states with over 170 locations nationally and internationally in Brunei, Morocco, Pakistan, The Netherlands, Ireland, South Africa, Japan and 7 provinces in Canada. Through its executed international master franchise agreements, Wayback Burgers is also developing in 16 provinces/countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

SUStAINABILItY IN Fr ANCHISING

sustainability is a term that has become part of today’s business vernacular. the environmental protection agency defines sustainability this way:

“Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations. sustainability is important to make sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.”

There is more and more evidence that consumers care about sustainability and want to partner with businesses that incorporate social responsibility and respect for nature into their business strategy, mission and values. as consumers become more educated, they look for businesses that share their views on preserving the environment.

While many of the current generation of consumers do not necessarily place sustainability as a reason for purchase, the younger and up and coming generations consider it to be the single most important issue of their lifetime, and hence, in the purchase decision. Both millennials and Gen

Z consider climate change as one of their top priorities. These are the generations that will fill the boardrooms and executive seats of the future. They will guide their businesses towards sustainability because it’s what they, and their customers want.

Brands that do not adopt a sustainability perspective to their business are seen as insensitive to the needs of the planet and the long-term effects of climate change. This is borne out in their financials as they see their share of the market decline in favor of “greener” businesses.

here are some sustainable business practices you can employ no matter what your industry:

Lori Karpman, CEO Lori Karpman is president of Lori Karpman & Company, A full service firm providing a full range of consulting and legal services. Visit: www.lorikarpman.com

1. make sustainability a part of your business strategy. This means looking at every aspect of how you run your business and making the sustainable changes you can. This applies to all categories of business operations including purchasing, distribution, administration and sales. sustainability should be part of a company’s mission and value statement. This will also help to attract and retain this younger generation of employees who see this element of the business as a requirement.

2. partner with employees and franchisees. solicit additional ideas on resource conservation from employees and franchisees. employees and franchisees, many of whom may be the younger generation, are a great source of ideas on how to reduce waste and preserve the environment. The fact that they are so committed and “buy in” to this concept makes implementation of these strategies easier.

3. conserve water and electricity. This applies to any and every business. converting to energy-efficient faucets, toilets, and lighting can be a great way to save water, energy, and money! The foodservice industry is the most impacted as a result of the amount of water and electrical equipment they use. The use of eco friendly cleaning products has gone a long way to creating a more efficient and planet friendly industry. even in an office environment, reducing waste by replacing water cooler cups with refillable bottle spouts, and buying energy-efficient electronic products. equipment can also be set up with environmentally friendly settings.

4. create an environmentally friendly supply chain. statistics show that businesses prefer working with sustainable companies that are environmentally friendly. When sourcing supplies make a list of your potential vendors that make the environment a priority and make a commitment to only using them for your business needs.

5. develop a recycling program. i t is easy to develop an in-house program for recyclable products like: paper,

computers, other electronics, plastic, aluminum cans, ink cartridges and more. contract with a waste management company to come and dispose of your waste. This applies to franchisees and not just the corporate head office. i n order to purchase consumers must identify with a brand’s personality, mission and vision. This has always been true to some extent but is even more so today. The only difference is that consumers today, especially the younger generation, places significantly more value on sustainability than previous generations, and companies are responding accordingly.

green franchise Opportunities

There are many green franchises for environmentally conscious entrepreneurs to buy in a diverse variety of industries. The trend setters are highlighted below. With an ever-increasing awareness about the importance of saving the planet, the fact that businesses are becoming “greener” should come as no surprise.

The franchise sector is no different, with the number of green franchises on the rise. i n particular the following industries are and will continue to flourish.

1. eco-friendly cleaning. eco-friendly dry-cleaning services use specially formulated cleansers and solvents. some brands provide clients with re-usable eco friendly cotton laundry bags, they use biodegradable plastic covers and energy efficient laundry machines. There are also home cleaning, carpet and window cleaning, and restoration businesses that use pet and family friendly products that are safe to the environment. eco friendly is a huge selling feature.

2. energy-saving franchises. solar franchise opportunities are hot right now as solar grids become a staple in new construction and renovation, both commercial and residential. Many homeowners want to cut their energy usage to help save the planet and are looking into businesses that provide sustainable home services such as better insulation, improving air quality, increasing comfort in the home, efficient lighting, appliances, windows and doors

and an overall reduction in energy bills. Franchises that cater to any one of these needs will likely be successful.

3. healthy fast-food franchises with sustainable packaging. This article would be incomplete without mentioning the foodservice industry. This industry has been heavily affected by consumer needs and wants when it comes to the environment. This includes for example, the switch to paper straws, re-usable or recyclable food packaging, as well as low energy appliances and equipment. a few brands now deliver orders in electric driverless cars. This industry is and always has been at the forefront of sustainability only now it extends to environmentally friendly sources of supply, products and services.

4. home services franchises. There is a large range and variety of franchises to choose from in the home services category. From lawn care to carpet cleaning to window washing to interior and exterior renovations, and junk removal, home service brands are flourishing. These brands use eco and pet friendly cleaning products and packaging. Junk removal has become a huge success in the age of sustainability as people are cleaning out and recycling their items. Brands that are committed to eliminating waste from landfills, donating profits to environmental causes and using eco friendly products and service providers will also do well now and in the future.

conclusion

i n conclusion, taking a proactive approach to saving the planet is more important than ever as consumers demand environmentally friendly products and services. This is not only a B2c phenomenon, but a B2B one as well. i t effects every player in the supply chain, each of whom must have sustainability as one of their business values. sustainability is non-negotiable to the up-and-coming generations. Brands must constantly innovate and experiment to find ways to become “greener”. They will be judged by their carbon footprint and the impact they leave on the planet.

a franchise that weathers the stOrM

Despite recent economic uncertainty, Stagecoach performing Arts has continued to go from strength to strength and interest in its programme has remained high. times are tough worldwide, but franchises offering extracurricular activities for children beyond traditional school curriculums have endured because parents prioritise their children’s academic, social, and emotional growth even in financially challenging times.

andy Knights, ceO, recognises the potential for success among aspiring entrepreneurs who invest in franchises that provide educational opportunities for young people and meet the growing demand for creative extracurricular activities internationally. here, he discusses the many benefits that investing in a children’s education franchise can offer and hears from stagecoach franchisees who have witnessed the results first hand. due to national lockdowns during the pandemic, learning and development for many children was hindered, prompting parents

to seek out more opportunities for their children to ensure they receive the best possible start in life and achieve their full potential. This growing demand has become evident to both our existing and potential franchisees, who are seeking to take advantage of this lucrative opportunity.

i n the face of the challenging economic outlook for 2023, cathy Birkett, franchisee and Principal of stagecoach urmston, decided to open her school earlier this year. her decision has proven successful, as she has witnessed a tremendous demand for creative extracurricular programs among local children in her community.

Andy Knights is CEO of global children’s performing arts franchise Stagecoach Performing Arts – a role he has held since 2014. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the franchising industry. For more information about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach, visit www. stagecoachfranchise.com

“ Extracurricular franchises offer children the chance to expand their personal and professional growth by teaching subjects that traditional schools may not cover.”

“after my first day of term, i was already sitting at 27 Main stage (ages six to 18) students – a number that completely exceeded my expectations,” explains cathy. “after my first week, i opened three early stages (ages four to six) schools to respond to the amount of interest we were receiving from parents who could see the benefits of the exceptional programme that stagecoach provides for its students.”

Franchising is a practical approach to starting a business if you feel you need more business expertise to succeed on your own, as it offers the benefits of owning a business without being alone in the process. One of the critical factors in thriving with a franchised brand is finding a business that suits your interests and provides practical assistance from the franchisor. Franchises typically have an established business model that has been proven to work. This can minimise the risks associated with starting a new business from scratch, especially during an economic downturn. Franchisors have typically invested significant resources into developing and refining their business model, and franchisees can benefit from this experience. a responsible franchisor will provide a comprehensive training program to ensure consistent, high-quality operations at every franchise site. as long as you are a motivated individual with a passion for children’s development, regardless of experience, you can succeed in a children’s education franchise.

For Kirsti Wenaus, franchisee and Principal of stagecoach halifax, it is the backing of a trusted brand and the support of a proven business model that assures Kirsti can weather any economic storm when running her business.

“Yes, the economic climate may be uncertain, but as a franchisee, i have the support of a proven business model, a trusted brand, and a network of experienced professionals,” says Kristi. “With hard work and dedication, i’ve seen great results and i’m confident that my business will continue to thrive in any economic environment.”

“as a franchisee of stagecoach, i have noticed that even in times of economic uncertainty, parents continue to place a high priority on their children’s education and development. regardless of the financial climate, investing in their child’s future remains a top concern for them. By being associated with a trusted brand in the education industry, i can provide families with high-quality services that can give their children an edge in life. This has given me the confidence to weather any economic turbulence, as i know that the services i offer are in demand and provide great value to my customers.”

Franchisors typically provide franchisees with a range of support services, including training, marketing, and ongoing support. This can help franchisees navigate economic uncertainty and potentially weather any economic downturns. For example, franchisors may help franchisees adapt to changing economic conditions by providing them with new marketing strategies or operational efficiencies. at stagecoach, franchisees undertake a comprehensive training course before receiving ongoing training and regular check-ins with key members of our head Office support Team. a thorough due diligence research looking at all facets of

the business model can reveal whether a franchise offers this continuous training and support. i nformation from the franchisor, existing and former franchisees, and independent sources should all be included in this. an honest franchisor will demonstrate the investment readiness of their franchise through complete transparency in their business proposition.

although children’s education franchises have proven to be highly profitable, what makes them most rewarding is the opportunity to make a real difference to children’s lives. extracurricular franchises offer children the chance to expand their personal and professional growth by teaching subjects that traditional schools may not cover. For stagecoach franchisees, witnessing the joy on their students’ faces each week makes being a Principal the most worthwhile.

i nvesting in the children’s education sector has become increasingly attractive to many investors due to the industry’s potential for longterm growth and the opportunity to positively impact children’s lives. as more parents recognise the importance of providing quality education and explore the benefits that education in performing arts can provide, investing in a well-established children’s education franchise can be a promising avenue for business ownership in 2023. With an established business model and a strong reputation, such franchises can offer a recipe for success in the competitive market of children’s education. Provided that the franchise has a proven track record, a supportive franchisor and strong brand recognition, it is always essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any franchise to ensure it is the right fit for your skills, interests, and financial goals.

“ With hard work and dedication, I’ve seen great results and I’m confident that my business will continue to thrive in any economic environment.

Kirsti Wenaus, franchisee and Principal of Stagecoach Halifax

MinuteMan press MOOse Jaw cO -Owner rOy labuicK receiVes Queen elizabeth

ii platinuM Jubilee Medal fOr

Outstanding serVice in sasKatchewan

Minuteman press Moose Jaw also sponsors and prints for snowbirds golden anniversary reunion event

roy LaBuick, second-generation co-owner of the Minuteman Press franchise in Moose Jaw, sK, was honoured to receive the Queen elizabeth ii Platinum Jubilee Medal at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – 70 Years of service event held in regina on nov. 8, 2022. at the event, roy was joined by his wife shannon along with his parents and fellow Minuteman Press co-owners carol and John LaBuick.

i n a letter to roy announcing the award, city of Moose Jaw Mayor clive Tolley wrote:

honourable russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of saskatchewan. i n addition to the medal, roy LaBuick received a certificate of acknowledgment in recognition of his “valuable contribution to the province” of saskatchewan.

roy says, “i was truly humbled to receive this medal in honour of her Majesty. i t was a real honour to attend The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with my family and be recognized for service.”

snowbirds golden anniversary reunion event

Just prior to The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event, Minuteman Press in Moose Jaw were bronze sponsors and the primary printers for the snowbirds alumni association 50th anniversary Golden reunion event held from Oct. 20-23, 2022. The snowbirds first flew in 1971, and their 50th anniversary event was delayed due to the pandemic.

dan dempsey, secretary & Past President of the snowbirds alumni association, recapped the event, saying, “The atmosphere

Pictured L-R: Shannon LaBuick; Roy LaBuick, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal recipient; The Hon. Russ Mirasty, Lt. Gov. of Saskatchewan; Carol LaBuick; and John LaBuick.

“As you may be aware, prior to her passing, Queen Elizabeth II approved the creation of a commemorative medal in honour of the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. This medal will be awarded to 7,000 residents of Saskatchewan who have made a significant contribution to Canada, Saskatchewan and their communities.

You have demonstrated exceptional qualities and outstanding service to our province in the field of Volunteer Service. I am pleased to advise that the City of Moose Jaw has nominated you to receive this honour as a lasting recognition of your dedication and service.”

throughout the weekend was electric as old snowbird teammates saw each other for the first time in decades, in some cases as many as 42 years. i t was gratifying that every one of our 52 snowbird teams since 1971 was represented by team alumni over the weekend.”

i n a display of appreciation to the entire community, dan also shared, “On the afternoon of Friday, 21 Oct the snowbirds nine-ship took to the air to conduct a series of flypasts over the city of Moose Jaw to welcome home hundreds of former snowbirds and their guests while simultaneously thanking the citizens of Moose Jaw for their unwavering support for more than five decades.”

The event was hosted across three venues in Moose Jaw, and Minuteman Press was able to meet the printing needs for the snowbirds alumni association. Printing for events like these and remaining so involved in the community is one of the key reasons that Minuteman Press in Moose Jaw had record sales for their business in 2022, joining the President’s Million-dollar circle.

Minuteman Press in Moose Jaw is located at 380 - 9th Avenue NW, Moose Jaw, SK S6h 4h4. For more information, visit their website: https://minuteman.com/ca/locations/sk/moose-jaw/

Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.ca.

“ I was truly humbled to receive this medal in honour of Her Majesty. It was a real honour to attend The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with my family and be recognized for service.”

The Hon. Russ Mirasty, Lt. Gov. of Saskatchewan, and Roy LaBuick, owner, Minuteman Press, Moose Jaw, SK.

A closer look at the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal awarded to Roy LaBuick.

ecOnOMic OutlOOK

for the past few years, there has been plenty of economic uncertainty impacting the franchise community. through the various government mandated business closures, to supply chain issues, to labour shortages, every business owner has felt pressure. now, with interest rates climbing and the geo-political conflicts persisting, how do franchisees and franchisors make planning and growth decisions?

Lets get right to the elephant in the room. economists dance around the specific forecasts for GdP, but many predict if we don’t fall into an outright recession, growth will still be minimal this year. a popular guess is that the country will enter into a shallow recession, calling for zero GdP growth in both canada and the u s. this

year. however, the chances of the much talked about soft landing are rising by the day as u s. underlying inflation declines. February’s key economic report saw the core consumer price index post a moderate rise for the third month in a row, further fuelling talk of a Goldilocks outcome in the wake of recent friendly employment report (steady job growth, moderating wages). will the bank of canada go too far?

The most widely cited risk being discussed is that policymakers would err on the side of tightening too much, rather than too little. still, many of the country’s top economists don’t believe that the central banks have overdone it yet. short-term interest rates are still below inflation trends, and the ongoing strength in the labour markets certainly gives no sense that rates have gone too far. More and more are suggesting the latest rate hike will be the last for the rest of 2023. and while we are addressing the canadian

economy, it is important to recognize how tied we are to our southern neighbours and the impact the Federal reserve decisions will make. To that end, it’s a common outlook for 25-50 bp moves from the u s Fed at its next two meetings, and then a pause for the rest of the year. Will that be enough to tame inflation? i f the central banks feel the need to do more than that, then it may be perceived as going “too far”.

Andrew Carter, Regional Market Leader for BMO, has been working with franchisees his entire career. His career has spanned from the Franchise side to the Finance side. His strong operational background complements his financing knowledge, providing holistic advice to all franchising situations.

how will this affect spending? Given canada’s high household debt levels, and a large dependence on housing, we are clearly at great risk in the wake of the most aggressive rate hikes in decades. however, much stronger population growth compliments canada’s consumer spending outlook, as does the fact that there is still more catch-up, from the restrictions of the past three years. But are we in a housing bubble? Many will say, “not any longer.” nationally, prices are down in the double digits from last year’s frenzied high, with much deeper drops in many Ontario cities (arguably the hottest market during the pandemic). While most economists expect further declines in prices this year, as the market more fully digests the steep rise in interest rates, some have been quite optimistic on the medium-term outlook— largely due again, to the relentless strength in population growth.

and to make things more complicated, household savings have also risen to beyond pre-pandemic levels. Most will say the excess savings are homeowners likely setting aside extra funds to cover the additional annual payments come mortgage renewal time or reducing consumer debt, which ultimately don’t add anything to the economy. But those households who have debt under control with sizable savings accounts, will help keep luxury goods and leisure related retailers buoyant. By contrast, sellers of lower-end discretionary items will likely face a more cautious customer.

how does this affect franchisee financing?

March 2022 began with the interest rate increase wave that we are currently riding. house prices were soaring, and people were tapping into their home equity for additional funds aiding them for investing or potentially launching a small business. With interest rates at record lows, it was a perfect time to finance your business. Fast-forward seven months and interest rates have nearly doubled. small business owners and franchisees who created business plans and projections based on early 2022 economic conditions, were

seeing cash flow crunches as soon as the doors opened. add to that, supply chain, labour, and meandering back-towork policies, it immediately became a challenging environment to open and sustain a successful franchise. With no pandemic government support to rely on, the result was many franchisees were forced to dip further into their personal resources. For a franchisee to obtain financing now, they should remember cash is still king. While we may see a slow down on interest rate increases, franchisees should account for high interest rates and cost of goods scenarios during their planning stages. This is important for a few reasons. First, the bank will sensitize financial projections to ensure the business can sustain loan payments in an economic climate with rising interest rates and consumer confidence shaken. second, franchisees analyzing their expected performance need to plan cash flows for a conservative outcome. This makes the franchise validation process– speaking to existing franchisees to understand how they’ve weathered the past years - even more important.

While it was common for business owners to tap into their available home equity based on market valuations, banks are tightening their approach. Franchisees may now have to support house equity through appraisals as the market continues to find the balance. and not only do business owners need to enter their financing obligations with eyes wide open, but franchisors also searching for qualified franchisees should be paying closer

attention to liquidity and personal leverage. More than ever, the personal financial situation will impact how the banks may be able to work with the franchisee and will also put limitations on how the banks can support the client should unexpected circumstances arise.

what’s next?

small business and franchise financing has always and will continue to be centered around the strength of the borrower. successful franchisors have consistently considered this in their valuation of a prospective franchisee. To do their part, franchisors are discussing costs and terms with suppliers to make their more brand attractive to franchise investors. some systems are looking at ways to award franchises in non-traditional setups, express formats, and or at reduced investment levels with the financial support of the franchisor. at the start of the pandemic, necessity became the mother of all invention as business adapted on the fly to meet the changing social and economic climate. We may not be at that critical point today, but franchisors and franchisees will need to be creative to attract the most qualified candidates.

While these economic concerns create headwinds for franchisees, they are minor compared with some of the geopolitical risks the global economy may need to contend with in the years ahead. We’ve already seen how fuel, energy, and supply chain disruptions have affected the franchise community, so continued conflicts may lead to continued uncertainty.

tHE top 5 Fr ANCHISE DIGItAL MArKEtING trENDS For 2023

based on our work with hundreds of franchise systems around the world, we have identified several trends that we expect will have a significant impact on digital marketing for franchise organizations in 2023.

note that we are not suggesting that franchise organizations abandon fundamental marketing tactics in favor of the “newest thing.” r ather, our advice is to consider these trends in the context of your core marketing plan to determine how you might adjust your approach to capitalize on potential opportunities.

1localization as a differentiator

While online purchasing has increased dramatically in the last few years out of necessity, there has also been a substantial increase in people making an effort to “buy local” to support their communities. according to shopify, 49% of north americans are more likely to purchase from a brand due to its local presence, and 66% of consumers say they actively make an effort to buy from small businesses.

This increase in people wanting to “buy local” is powerful for franchise organizations, as a franchise is essentially a collection of local businesses with local owners. To capitalize on this trend, forward-looking franchise systems have been implementing localized website, search, social media and advertising strategies to differentiate themselves and connect with consumers on a local level.

2increased performance through machine learning & ai

as marketers look to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their advertising in 2023, we expect to see a continued increase in the use of artificial intelligence (ai) and machine learning (ML). Many of the marketing channels you are already using (such as Meta and Google) already have ai and machine learning incorporated into them. These platforms include the ability to automatically optimize your media mix, dynamically create advertising, a/B test different creatives and landing pages, create audience segments, find new audiences that match your current customers, and a

variety of other automation opportunities.

Given this, it may be that your company is not taking advantage of the tools already available to you. We recommend talking with your marketing department and/ or agency to understand what marketing automations you are already using, and where additional opportunities may exist. develop a plan on what automations you would like to trial and consider testing them against your “standard” campaigns to compare results.

3explosion of short-form video

Online video consumption continues to grow, with video accounting for 82% of

all online traffic. But the real story is the massive growth of short-form video such as TikTok, i nstagram reels and YouTube shorts. With more than 1 billion global users and strong consumer adoption in north america, TikTok has become a mainstream marketing platform that cannot be ignored. although the platform continues to skew younger, it has seen growth across older demographics – in fact, 50% of Millennials and 38% of Gen X-ers say that they have visited TikTok in the last three months.

i f you aren’t already using video on your website and social media channels, 2023 is the time to get on the bandwagon. create a video plan that includes key objectives, a content strategy, target audience and a measurement approach. Many companies simply start creating video because it is “the thing to do”, without a clear business objective in mind. i f you are spending organizational resources on video, then it should be adding value to your company in some way – such as lead generation, website traffic, branding or general awareness. Whatever your goals are, you should be constantly assessing how you

are performing relative to your plan so you can adjust and assess the return on your investment.

4increased competition for new franchisees

Through the back half of 2022 and the start of 2023 we have seen a significant increase in the volume of franchisee acquisition campaigns and budget levels across all digital marketing channels. although lead volume has been strong, we expect demand to subside through the back half of 2023 as high interest rates and a slowing economy reduce the number of people looking to purchase a franchise location. at the same time, franchise systems will be looking to continue to grow so we do not expect to see a pullback in advertising spending. The combination of these factors will likely result in higher advertising cost, increasing cost per lead, and a lower closing rate as franchise systems are forced to compete for a smaller pool of prospective franchisees.

Given this, we recommend franchise systems review their franchisee acquisition

ABoUt rESHIF t MEDIA

Reshift Media is an award-winning digital marketing firm that develops digital marketing strategies, processes and technology custom-tailored to the specific needs of franchise and other multi-location organizations. The company’s in-house team provides support to more than 200 clients in 22 countries across all aspects of digital media including software development, social media, search and website/mobile development.

strategies to ensure they have a strong plan that is focused on platforms and creative that appeal to their target franchisees. We also recommend incorporating machine learning and automation to refine your targeting to reach the best possible candidates.

5creating competitive advantage with first-party data

With third-party cookies set to be obsolete by 2024, first-party data collection will be incredibly important in 2023 for marketers. i n addition to the major privacy changes implement by apple in 2021 on their iPhones, major browsers including safari, Firefox and chrome are actively working to implement restrictions on third-party tracking. This means that companies that rely on third party platforms for targeting and data collection such as Facebook, i nstagram, Linkedi n, Google, and display advertising networks will continue to see a degradation in their advertising performance.

First-party data will be important for marketers in 2023 and beyond, as it will allow companies to better understand and target prospective customers. all companies should be actively reviewing their data collection and digital marketing strategies in 2023 to ensure they will be successful in a post-cookie world. The first step for any data collection approach is to have a clear plan on what data you would like to gather, how you will gather it, how you will store it securely, and how you will use it.

hOw restaurants can leVerage tech tO thriVe during tiMes Of ecOnOMic uncertainty

with the restrictions from the cOVid -19 pandemic in our rear-view mirror, restaurant owners are still plagued with the resulting labour shortages, along with an additional obstacle: economic turbulence. however, restaurants will continue to serve many purposes – for some, they are a means of avoiding cooking, and for others, they are an outlet to connect with friends and family or celebrate a special life event. despite these inflationary challenges, restaurants are not going anywhere, and these obstacles can be a catalyst for change.

restaurants are now better equipped than ever to fill the gaps created by the labour shortage and inflation. Many restaurants have implemented new technology to streamline the ordering process, address staffing shortages, control costs, and engage customers, ultimately leading to a better environment for staff and guests.

technology as a tool

Over the past decade, guest preferences have advanced along with technology. Guests are changing what they eat, how they eat, and where they eat, with the

expectation that the restaurant industry will evolve alongside them.

restaurateurs must invest in cutting-edge technologies to stay up-to-date or even ahead of industry trends to meet their guests’ constantly changing preferences. Maintaining guest satisfaction is about offering best-in-class customer service – and that can be done with the help of integrated technology.

prices are rising

although 2022 marked a rebound in

Mo Chaar is the Chief Commercial Officer of Givex, where he oversees commercial strategy and development worldwide as well as managing sales teams within North America. His experience in gift card, loyalty and POS has played a pivotal role in the success of some of Givex’s largest partners. You can learn more at givex.com.

revenues for many restaurants as the pandemic’s peak disruption faded, 2023 holds continued challenges for operators with rising costs. however, it’s not all doom and gloom, and restaurants can leverage technology to save money and stay competitive in a challenging market.

an inventory management system can assist restaurants in optimizing their supply chain, reducing waste, and saving money on food costs. restaurants can also use data analytics to analyze customer behaviour and preferences. This will help them make more informed decisions about menu offerings, pricing, sales forecasting and food waste reduction.

lack of labour? add tech to the menu

adaptability and ingenuity are essential when running a successful restaurant in today’s challenging environment. restaurants can combat service industry staff shortages with the help of digital ordering systems, intelligent scheduling, kitchen display systems, and self-serve kiosks.

By introducing digital ordering systems and mobile scan-to-order, restaurants can reduce the need for human interaction, which is an ideal solution in times of staff shortages. By integrating online ordering channels and POs systems, orders can be directed straight to production. This will alleviate the need for staff members to catch orders as they come through manually.

i ntelligent scheduling software can help restaurants optimize staff schedules and reduce labour costs while ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours.

Kitchen display systems can also be used to help coordinate cook times and standardize cooking instructions, so operators can maintain quality while working with lessexperienced kitchen staff.

restaurants could even venture one step further and add self-service kiosks to streamline the ordering process, reduce wait times, and increase efficiency in the restaurant. i n addition, they can help restaurants minimize labour costs and improve the customer experience.

the importance of a regular customer

customer retention plays a vital role in business growth and profitability. Without loyal, repeat customers, succeeding in any business is challenging. dining out is set to get even more expensive in canada this year, and as restaurant operators raise prices to cover cost increases, customer retention is top of mind for restaurant owners nationwide.

Loyalty programs can deliver value to loyal guests and motivate them to return. customers seeing increasing costs are looking for ways of making their spending power go further; with loyalty rewards from trusted merchants, they see this benefit and are enticed to focus their spending where they get something in return. i n addition, loyalty programs also provide restaurants with rich customer data such as preferences and feedback. This information can be used to personalize marketing and improve the overall customer experience.

2023: an optimistic year

canada’s restaurant scene is thriving, with over 133 Michelin-recommended restaurants. restaurateurs should focus on creating outstanding culinary experiences, rather than worrying about labour and inflation challenges. i mplementing integrated technology into a restaurant

will support operators in evolving their business to create a better and more efficient working environment, setting up the restaurant for long-term success while freeing space to do what they do best: providing an exceptional dining experience. Since joining givex in 2007, Mo Chaar has helped the company expand its North American footprint. he began his tenure as a Business Development Manager before becoming Vice President of Sales for North America, and then moved to his current role of Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, Chaar oversees commercial strategy and development worldwide as well as managing the sales teams within North America. his experience in gift card, loyalty and POS has played a pivotal role in the success of some of givex’s largest partners. As givex continues to expand on a global level, with a wide array of product offerings, there is a need to keep the teams aligned on pricing, product and sales approach. As the CCO, Chaar continues to manage the North American Sales and Corporate Account Management teams and also takes on the added duties of supporting the global Managing Directors in ensuring that all functions of the organization are aligned to meet our strategic commercial objectives.

You can learn more at givex.com.

canadian franchise

Be part of our successful A-Z section and to be included online.

Making an appearance every issue in canadian Franchise magazine, each detailed, 4 color a-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

crunch fitness

Founded in 1989 new York crunch Fitness is a health club chain that leads the fitness industry by infusing fitness, fun, and entertainment. With a philosophy of ‘ no Limits’, crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals.

Today, crunch Fitness serves over two million members with 420+ gyms worldwide, including the u s., australia, spain, Portugal, costa rica, Puerto rico, with more than 30 locations in canada.

d icK inson w right

Our franchise and distribution law lawyers are some of the most widely published and most respected practitioners in the world and have decades of experience representing a broad spectrum of businesses, from start-ups to multi-national and multi-brand enterprises, in a vast range of industries. With access to dickinson Wright’s full scope of capabilities, we support our clients in their every need, including: Creating domestic and international franchise and distribution networks

• Preparation of disclosure documents and materials

Drafting and negotiating franchise and distribution agreements, including unit, area, development, master and international agreements

g reat clips, i nc.

Great clips, inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great clips has nearly 4,500 salons throughout the united states and canada, making it the world’s largest salon brand.

Great clips’ convenient walk-in haircutting salons are 100 percent franchised and are owned locally by more than 1,200 franchisees across north america.

no haircare experience is required for this multiunit franchise opportunity. an executive-model,

l ittle c aesars

Little caesars offers strong franchisee candidates opportunities in select locations across the country. We provide candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system, a simple operating model and strong national brand recognition.

Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive training program that focuses on all aspects of the business, including training, architectural and construction services to help with design, preferred lenders to assist with financing, the ongoing research and development of new products, and effective

excellent for branding and recognition. choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the a-Z directory onto your FOcus, Pr OFiLe or ad!

To learn about the a-Z directory or any other products, please contact Vikki Bradbury: vikki@cgbpublishing.com or 778 426 2446. www.canadianfranchisemagazine.com

crunch Franchise represents the most progressive and competitive fitness model in the industry. Our clubs are quick to build, easy to open and highly scalable. When you bring a crunch gym to your community, you’re bringing a world-class facility that’s attached to a world-class brand that’s synonymous with workouts that are both effective and fun

Get in on the Gym-Floor of canada’s #1 fastest growing high value, low priced full-size fitness franchise visit www.crunchfranchise.ca

Drafting and negotiating licence and dealer agreements

Litigation and alternative dispute resolution

Marketing, advertising, promotions and contests

E-commerce

• Regulatory compliance, with particular emphasis on franchise disclosure laws, product licensing and competition law

Protecting trademark and other intellectual property rights

• Purchase and sale of individual units or complete systems

Leasing and real estate acquisition

• Corporate and personal tax planning

Corporate and business law

Employment and labour law

Phone: 416-646-3842

manage-the-manager operation, the average franchisee owns 5-6 salons after being in business for 5 years. haircutting is a local neighborhood business that can’t be outsourced or sold online and is necessary no matter the economic situation.

Opportunities available in select areas of canada –Winnipeg and Ottawa are newly available.

For more information please contact Beth

Phone: 800.947.1143

email: franchise@greatclips.com

Website: https://www.greatclipsfranchise.com

marketing programs. Franchisees continue to receive support, expert analysis and consultation from corporate as their business grows.

Little caesars requires candidates desiring to open one store to have a net worth of $250,000 with a minimum of $100,000 in liquid, unencumbered assets (such as cash). Franchisees must also be able to obtain financing to cover the total costs of opening a franchised location.

contact: angelee Brown, development manager

Phone: 888-822-7981

email: Lccfranchising@littlecaesars.ca

Website: www.littlecaesars.ca

Kumon n o R th a me R ica i nc.

high school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic.

realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.

m ary b rown’s c hic K en & taters

Mary Brown’s chicken & Taters is the largest canadian-owned Quick serve chicken restaurant and one of the fastest-growing franchises in canada.

Our signature chicken is Made Fresh from scratch in-store from whole, canada Grade a chicken; our tasty Taters are hand cut from real,

massage addict

Massage addict is the country’s largest and fastest growing provider of massage therapy services, with over 40 clinics across canada. Massage addict is a proven business concept serving a gap in the market by helping canadians improve their health through affordable, convenient massage therapy without sacrificing quality or service. clients love the quality of Massage addict’s registered Massage Therapists and our franchise partners love the business model.

• Low investment and start-up costs

Recurring revenue and quick ROI

pay2day

PaY2daY is a profitable alternative retail financial services company with a multitude of locations available throughout canada. a s part of our dynamic team, our franchisees have complete operational support, including, but not limited to; full in-depth training, expert assistance with site selection,

With daily practice, Kumon’s son gradually expanded his mastery of mathematical skills and by sixth grade was able to solve differential equations and integral calculus problems.

Today, at locations throughout north america, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills.

Phone: 201-928-0444

Website: Kumonfranchise.com

farm fresh canadian potatoes.

Mary Brown’s processes are time-proven, delivering a delicious, consistent menu and genuine hospitality that brings Guests back again and again.

contact: Franchising

Phone: 1-866-640-3339

Website: www.marybrownsfranchising.com

email: franchising@marybrowns.com

Approximately 80% of treatments are paid by insurance

Opportunity for multi-clinic ownership

Straightforward clinic operations

• 100% Canadian owned and operated Massage addict is the right industry, the right business model, the right brand and most importantly it’s the right time. call today.

Phone: 1-855-852-6108

email: info@massageaddict.ca

Website: www.massageaddict.ca

advertising/marketing support, as well as the benefit of a corporate management team of knowledgeable experts with a combined 80+ years of experience in the Payday Loans and cheque cashing industry.

contact: Wesley Barker

Phone: 905-450-2274 e xt 777 email: info@pay2day.ca Website: www.pay2day.ca

canadian franchise

Be part of our successful A-Z section and to be included online.

Making an appearance every issue in canadian Franchise magazine, each detailed, 4 color a-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

excellent for branding and recognition. choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the a-Z directory onto your FOcus, Pr OFiLe or ad!

To learn about the a-Z directory or any other products, please contact Vikki Bradbury: vikki@cgbpublishing.com or 778 426 2446. www.canadianfranchisemagazine.com

Making an appearance every issue of Canadian Franchise magazine. Each detailed, 4 color A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

Excellent for branding and recognition. choose a 12 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: vikki@cgbpublishing.com www.canadianfranchisemagazine.com