Franchising Magazine USA Feature Top Trends

latest ne Ws in top f R anchises

feature article

the top t R ends

sh API ng the MAR ket

haV e YO ur saY fielding calls while wo R king in the field

expert adV ice five keys to B eing a top

pe R fo R ming f R ancise system

stagecoach

the pr O gressi O n O f the perfO rming arts sectO r

top F ranchis E s FE at U r E contents

34 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

36 Chris Conner: the top Franchise trends shaping the Market Franchisee

38 GymGuyz: From childhood best Friends to brothers-in-Law & business partners

44 Papa Johns: nadeem bajwa-From delivery driver to papa Johns Franchise Mogul

Snapshot

42 Talkin Tacos: “Less talkin-More tacos” Mexican concept Forges ahead Using technology as it’s Leader Have Your Say

48 Peter Roberts: the Franchise benefits of small business collaboration

52 Moneypenny USA: Fielding calls while Working in the Field

Franchisor in Depth

50 Stagecoach Performing Arts: the progression of the performing arts sector

Expert Advice

40 Evan Hackel: Five Keys to being a top-performing Franchise system

46 Rick Bisio: Franchising in 2023: Fewer risktakers, but still some Experimentation

ng s en I o R s e Rv I ce Expands its Services by Opening Second California Location

Caring Senior Service, a private-duty, non-medical home care services company, has expanded its reach into the California market with a new location in Orange County owned by missions pastor and businessman Dean White.

“ t he senior population in o range county has seen significant growth over the past several years and has a number of hospitals, rehabilitation centers and senior communities who will be better served by a having a c aring s enior s ervice location in this area,” White said. “ it’s my desire to help families navigate through the labyrinth of senior services as they look at options for their aging loved ones. i ’ve been in their position and i know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. i want to make this experience as pleasant and seamless as possible.”

White is native of c alifornia and grew up in o range county. h e has served as a missions pastor for s addleback community church in Lake Forest, c alifornia for nearly four years and has worked in brand marketing and as a wealth advisor for most of his professional career.

“c alifornia is expected to have one of the fastest growing aging populations in the country over the next 20 years, and this new location will help serve the needs of o range county’s aging and disabled residents,” said c aring s enior s ervice cEo and founder Jeff s alter.

White said he wants to make c aring s enior s ervice of irvine known as the best workplace for caregivers in o range county in addition to offering the most comprehensive list of home services for the aging community.

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/irvine

LIM

e

PAI

nt

I ng Named One of 2023’s Top New and Emerging Franchises

LIME Painting was recognized as one of the Top New and Emerging Franchises for 2023 in the May/June issue of Entrepreneur magazine. The ranking highlights some of the strongest companies that have begun offering franchise opportunities in the last five years (since 2018). LIME Painting was ranked #16.

“ to be recognized for our hard work and dedication, is a tremendous accomplishment for our brand,” said nick Lopez, founder of LiME painting. “ but our efforts don’t stop here. We are always working on expanding and making our business model even more efficient for our stakeholders. While this award is a sign of our success, it is also a sign that we have must keep going and serve communities in which we establish business in.”

t here are approximately 800,000 franchised businesses across the U. s ., providing over 8.4 million direct jobs and generating over $800 billion in economic output. according to o xford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

LiME painting offers 40 different painting, coating, and surface restoration services, but the brand is much more than that. LiME’s values of love, integrity, mission, and excellence motivate them to provide the best service possible using the highest quality products to maintain the aesthetic and structure of luxury properties.

For more information https://limepainting.com/lime-paintingof-northern-colorado.html

cARI

Continues to be Recognized as Top I.T. Franchises

Cinch I.T., a leading Managed I.T. Services franchise based in Massachusetts, continues to receive regional and national attention for its ongoing success with growth and its services.

t he franchise was recently ranked in the top 150 Fastest g rowing companies in the n ortheast by inc . Magazine highlighting its 84% growth rate and was included in crn ’s 2023 Manage s ervice provider 500 list. additionally, cinch i t. has been receiving praise locally by receiving the b est i t s ervice provider award from the Worcester business Journal for the sixth consecutive year and being named one of this year’s Fast 50 by the b oston business Journal.

cinch i t. began this year hosting its convention called, “cinchcon 2023: t he power of Winning together” in atlanta, at the center parc stadium, which is home to the g eorgia state football team and previously to the 1996 summer o lympic g ames and atlanta braves. t he convention united cinch i t. locations from across the Us to discuss and plan how to further grow their businesses.

Louisville franchisee owner, Jonathon Means, was recently named to the nsba (national small business a ssociation) alongside other small-business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small businesses to policymakers in Washington, d c cinch i t. has had a phenomenal first half of 2023 and looks to continue this trajectory throughout the rest of the year. “We are truly honored and appreciate all the recognition and accolades we have received so far this year,” said r ick porter, president of cinch i t. “ it was amazing to see all our franchisees nationwide at cinchcon 2023, and to share how we look to continue our ongoing success as well as future growth. We are thrilled with all our accomplishments thus far, and hope to finish the year strong.”

For more information on Cinch I.T., please visit https://cinchit.com/

Fetch! Celebrates 20 Years of Providing Exceptional Pet Care Service

Fetch! Pet Care® - America’s largest and most trusted professional dog walking and pet sitting franchise - is proud to celebrate its 20th year in business after opening in 2002 and beginning to franchise in 2008. Phoenix Franchise Brands would later acquire the company in March of 2020.

With nearly 130 locations currently operating throughout the U. s ., Fetch! pet c are has established itself as a leader in the pet services industry through its emphasis on safety and reliability. since its inception, Fetch! pet c are has been committed to providing a proven business model to franchise owners, helping them streamline their operations and improve their bottom line.

Fetch! pet c are provides its clients with a variety of various pet care services including: puppy sitting, dog walking,

overnight care, pet taxiing and pet medical administration. Each member of the Fetch Family is insured, background checked, and a highly-experienced animal lover with a passion for proper caretaking. Founded in 2002 and franchising since 2021, Fetch! pet c are prioritizes the “consistent” aspects of in-home puppy care, ensuring that all furry friends are always well-looked after in the absence of their owners.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 20th anniversary, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our loyal customers,” said g reg Longe, cEo of Fetch c are. “ in the past two decades, we have worked tirelessly to provide exceptional services to franchise owners, and we are committed to continuing to do so in the years to come.”

https://www.fetchpetcare.com/.

t he top fR anchise tR ends s haping the m a R ket

Franchising has continued to thrive post pandemic and in both good and bad economies as a popular business model that offers entrepreneurs a proven framework and established brand to build their own successful ventures.

The franchise industry continues to evolve, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and economic shifts. In this article, we will explore the top franchise trends currently shaping the market and influencing the way businesses operate and grow.

technology Integration:

One of the most significant trends in franchising is the integration of technology across various aspects of the business. Franchises are leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and improve overall efficiency. For instance, many franchises are adopting cloud-based systems for inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer relationship management. Additionally, mobile apps and online platforms are being utilized to offer seamless ordering and delivery options, allowing customers to interact with the brand conveniently. One tech franchise we like a great deal, DDS Computers provides

technology support and services in the dental services market segment and offers incredible value: https://ddsfranchise.com/

health and wellness:

As society becomes increasingly healthconscious, franchises that cater to the wellness industry are experiencing tremendous growth. Fitness centers, healthy food franchises, and wellnessfocused services are gaining popularity. Consumers are seeking convenient and accessible options to improve their physical and mental well-being. Franchises in this sector are not only providing fitness facilities but also incorporating technology, personalized training, and innovative

wellness programs to differentiate themselves in the market.

One of the brands we see big upside for in this space is the Empower Meal Prep franchise, which brings healthy, great tasting meals to the customer’s home: https://empower-mealprep.com/

sustainability and ecoFriendly Practices:

In recent years, sustainability has become a crucial consideration for both businesses and consumers. Franchises are incorporating eco-friendly practices and promoting sustainable initiatives to appeal to environmentally conscious customers. This trend includes using renewable energy

c hris conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. he founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion. v isit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information

appreciate the ability to tailor their experiences to their preferences. Franchises that prioritize personalization not only attract new customers but also foster loyalty by creating a sense of ownership and connection.

social Media and Influencer Marketing:

sources, reducing waste, implementing recycling programs, and sourcing ethically produced products. Green franchises are capturing the attention of consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility, thus boosting their market presence and customer loyalty. A solid business model in this market is the Green Earth Power Washing franchise system: https:// greenearthpowerwashfranchise.com/

non-traditional Locations:

Franchises are increasingly exploring nontraditional locations to expand their reach and cater to changing consumer behavior. This trend involves setting up franchises in unconventional spaces such as airports, train stations, malls, and even mobile units. By bringing their products and services to where the customers are, franchises can capitalize on high foot traffic areas and target new demographics. This approach allows for greater flexibility and the ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics. One great franchise system that can capitalize on this market trend is the Spins Sweet and Savory Franchise Model: https://www. spinsfranchising.com/

Personalization and customization:

In today’s era of personalized experiences, franchises are focusing on customization to meet individual customer needs. Franchises offering customizable products or services are thriving in the market. From personalized nutrition plans to build-your-own meal options, customers

With the rise of social media platforms, franchises are increasingly utilizing influencer marketing to expand their brand reach and engage with target audiences. Partnering with popular influencers and micro-influencers allows franchises to leverage their online presence and tap into their followers’ trust. Influencer collaborations, sponsored content, and social media campaigns help franchises generate buzz, create brand awareness, and drive customer engagement.

Remote and home-Based Franchises:

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and home-based businesses. Franchises that offer flexible work models, such as remote or homebased operations, have gained prominence. These franchises allow individuals to run their businesses from the comfort of their homes, offering benefits like reduced overhead costs and increased work-life balance. This trend has attracted a diverse pool of entrepreneurs, including parents, retirees, and individuals seeking alternative career options. A amazing brand that fits the mold here is the Trash Gurl franchise model, big numbers, big market and huge opportunity: https://trashgurlfranchise. com/

International e xpansion:

Globalization has opened doors for franchises to expand internationally. Established franchises are increasingly venturing into new markets, capitalizing on untapped consumer bases in different countries. The globalization trend allows franchises to adapt their business models to local preferences

For more information on some of the top franchises in the market, visit www.FranchiseConduit.com for research and information on these brands.

Fro M cH ild H ood Best Friends to Brot H ers-in- l aw & Business Partners:

How Two Entrepreneurs Brought In-Home Fitness to Their Hometown with GYMGUYZ

Sam Langer and Jimmy Bonavita are a pair of childhood best friends whose professional and personal lives have become as entangled as any two friends could possibly be. When Sam and Jimmy met in elementary school in Irvington, NY, no one could guess that the two would stay such close friends, eventually becoming business partners and even brothers-in-law.

As the first franchisees of GYMGUYZ®, the largest in-home and on-site personal training company in the world, Sam and Jimmy had no idea what their lives would look like 10 years down the road. Their involvement with GYMGUYZ started thanks to a casual conversation over a plate of brownies in Mexico, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The duo now runs up to 1,000 sessions a month with the help of 20 employees across the Westchester area, and they have seen clients physically transform through their mobile personal training program.

sam & Jimmy’s Background

Sam and Jimmy had a unique experience of being the first ever franchisees for GYMGUYZ’s franchise blueprint. Given their success from day one, they now advise new franchise partners to help set them up for success.

As the brands’ most veteran franchisees, Sam and Jimmy have grown up alongside their business. Their relationship as business partners was rooted in decades of friendship. When the duo married two sisters, their franchise became a family affair; raising the stakes for success, but ultimately strengthening their bond.

Sam has a Bachelor’s of Science from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with degrees in Finance and Operations Management, and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified

Personal Trainer, and International Sports Science Association Certified Personal Trainer.

Jimmy is a Certified Personal Trainer with a specialty in group fitness training. He earned his certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and brings a wide-ranging skill set to his clients. He began honing his skills in his college days, where he played football as an offensive lineman for Sacred Heart University. Additionally, he earned his Communications degree from Coastal Carolina University in 2012. Jimmy also serves as a youth sports coach in his community, with a goal to bring out the inner athlete in all of his clients, regardless of age or ability.

In 2014, Jimmy and Sam signed on as the first GYMGUYZ franchisees and have loved every day working together since. In navigating the highs and lows of being business co-owners, brothers-in-law, and lifelong friends, Sam and Jimmy have learned a thing or two about where to draw the line.

“The key to sustaining such a strong friendship and business partnership all starts with being transparent with one another,” said Jimmy. “You have to communicate, if not overcommunicate, when you decide to intertwine your career goals with someone you have a personal relationship with. Let the other person know what you are working on, what your strengths are, and most importantly, what you really think.”

giving Back to the community

Strong advocates for giving back to the community in which they grew up and now currently serve, Sam and Jimmy donate to and regularly support Alexandra’s

Playground, a local charity that gives the ‘gift of play’ by building playgrounds for deserving communities in the NY-NJ-CT tri-state area. They also work with adaptive populations, ensuring that their trainers have the correct certifications to assist adults and children with special needs.

Additionally, they are heavily involved with PTA boards, donating sessions to help better children’s health. They run afterschool programs at pre-schools, middle schools, and high schools, and offer fitness classes at hospitals, assisted living homes, and health companies.

“Working together to make our community a healthier place has been a true blessing,” said Sam. “Our friendship is based on honesty and understanding, which is why we are able to not only succeed in our business efforts, but our charitable efforts as well. Our business relationship was built on a handshake that specified who would handle what part of our business. We each understand what we need to do to support each other, and know that we need to respect boundaries. Letting someone know that you trust them builds mutual respect into your partnership.”

With many success stories under their belts, the ones that stands out the most was helping a 280-pound teenager lose 120 pounds through consistent workout

sessions and a healthy meal plan.

Looking to the Future with gyMguyz

“Helping our clients commit to a healthier lifestyle and build confidence is the drive behind everything that we do at GYMGUYZ,” said Josh York, Founder & CEO. “Sam and Jimmy have truly grown alongside our #1 in-home personal training company, as they were our very first franchisees, and have proven our business model to be highly effective. New and existing franchisees regularly turn to them for advice, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished. I look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Josh York, Founder & CEO, started the GYMGUYZ business after noticing dozens of reasons why many people aren’t consistent gym-goers, such as lack of accountability and motivation. Using those reasons as his own motivation, he wanted to create a concept that made fitness convenient and accessible. That concept turned into GYMGUYZ, the business that Josh began in his parents’ house in 2008. Changing over 100,000 lives since the company was founded, GYMGUYZ is the largest in-home and on-site personal training company in the world, redefining physical fitness by bringing the workout

to clients, when and where it’s convenient for them. The company announced the addition of 18 new territories over the last year, contributing to its overall growth goal of another 75 territories by the end of 2023. Jimmy and Sam have been with GYMGUYZ since the beginning, and were humbled to celebrate the brand’s 15-year anniversary. They both look forward to being a part of the future, paving the way for its next era of growth.

To set the stage for accelerated development, GYMGUYZ recently opened a two-story, 18,000 square-foot headquarters in Melville, New York, only a short drive from Sam and Jimmy’s territory.

As the brand continues to grow in size, it also grows in its service offerings. GYMGUYZ has launched highlysuccessful new fitness programs outside of in-home workouts, offering B2B fitness programs at corporations, schools, and senior living centers. The brand has fast become a critical provider in the corporate wellness space, developing on-site and at-home fitness programs for some of the world’s largest corporations. As the brand keeps growing, so will the stories and business ventures of its long-term franchisees like Sam and Jimmy.

f ive k

eys

to Being a top- pe R fo R ming fR anchise s ystem

What are the keys to being a top-performing franchise system?

We have to remember that first and foremost, franchising is a business model and regardless of the product being sold – a restaurant, a fitness center, etc. – certain

principles and practices create a topperforming franchise and bring success.

1everyone Plays a team game

There is a temptation in franchising for everyone to look at themselves and everyone in the enterprise as separate and

not part of a team. There is in fact separate ownership in a franchise, but every success is tied to every franchisee being part of a team.

Yet it is easy for every franchisee to see him or herself as independent and feel, “I’m going to do my own thing if I want in my business, and so is everyone else.”

When you allow that to happen, your franchise becomes like a boat where everyone has different oars and are all rowing in different directions. Franchisors

many times don’t realize how important it is that everyone in the system is playing like a team and following the vision of the brand. When franchisors mistakenly think this is happening without their involvement, their actions create a culture of appeasement. They fail to provide a necessary vision and get everyone to support it.

If franchise owners start to have thoughts like, “I don’t want to participate in this franchise-wide initiative or system,” it hurts everybody and holds the entire franchise system back so it cannot move forward.

This is a cultural issue, If your system does not embrace a team culture, your entire system needs to recalibrate, build trust, develop a shared clear vision, educate everyone, and create a new culture.

2Put the customer First

It is a mistake for any franchise company to focus only on what pleases its franchisees instead of the customers. When a franchise company makes this mistake, mediocrity usually follows quickly.

When you’re only trying to please and appease franchisees, you are not going to drive much business. So be sure to consistently ask, “What does the customer want and how are we delivering it to them?” The franchise system needs to be a leader and an innovator, and that can only happen when you put the customer first. This connects back to Key Number One, Everyone Plays a Team Game. If you can get all your franchisees to engage in an ongoing process/game of inventing new ways to serve your customers, you will have taken another big step toward success.

3Make sure Franchisees Are Profitable

You cannot have a successful franchise system if the franchisees are not making money. When they aren’t, your business is not sustainable. Franchisees will be unable to grow and will be unhappy, and many will go out of business. And unprofitable franchisees exert a damaging impact on franchise sales.

So your business model must focus on the

evan hackel, entrepreneur, Author, speaker, Podcaster

As author, speaker and entrepreneur, Evan hackel has been instrumental in launching more than 20 businesses and has managed a portfolio of brands with systemwide sales of more than $5 billion. he is the creator of Ingaged leadership, is author of the book Ingaging leadership Meets the younger Generation and is a thought leader in the fields of leadership and success.

Evan is the CEo of Ingage Consulting, delta Payment Systems, and an advisor to Tortal Training. reach evan at ehackel@ingage.net, 781-820 7609 or visit www.evanhackelspeaks.com

franchisee being profitable. This comes first. And remember that when franchisees are profitable, it’s much easier for them to play as a team and to focus on the customer. If profitable, franchisees can afford to invest in their business, remodel and innovate as needed. But if they are not making money, there are no funds to invest in improvement.

4Remember that you Are a training company

“In the long run, the only sustainable source of competitive advantage is your organization’s ability to learn faster than its competition,” Peter Senge writes in his book The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization.

Unfortunately, many franchise systems do not focus on training. They create training, but they don’t live and breathe as a training company. They do just enough training to assure that franchisees are not unhappy. In part, this is caused by the fact that when a franchise is still small, it’s easy for management to educate the system on culture and how to be effective. But when the system gets larger, it outgrows the ability to effectively train via management interaction. The initial training franchisees received gets lost with turnover of staff.

A franchise organization needs to constantly be training. To execute a successful business model, everyone needs to know what their role is and how to execute it. And that means training people who work in franchise management, training franchisees, and training all employees. As it is the role of the franchisee to train their employees, the franchisee management needs to be trained on how to effectively train their team and must be provided the tools to do so.

Another critical aspect of your training should be to explain the rules you have in place for owning and operating one of your franchises. In other words, don’t simply make rules and require people to follow them. In your training, explain the logic behind your rules. If franchisees can only sell certain products or use your franchise’s approved systems to provide service to customers, explain why in your training. If you require franchisees to use your marketing programs, explain them and explain why.

If franchisees start to run their franchises without regard to rules, chaos will quickly undermine your franchise’s success. And great training is the way to prevent that.

5create a culture of Listening

Everybody in the system should be listening. Listening goes in all directions and it should be a core priority that you emphasize in everything you do. Franchise system management is listening to franchisees and customers. Franchisees are listening to their franchisor and consumers and are meeting their demands. They are also listening to their employees.

So stress the value and the practice of listening in your training and in your regular communications with everyone in your organization. The result will be that more people will understand more of what is taking place in your whole, holistic franchise system. And what a positive and profit-building thing that will be.

“ The franchise system needs to be a leader and an innovator, and that can only happen when you put the customer first.”

“ less talK in-More tacos” Mexican conce P t

Forges aH e ad using tec H nology as it’s leader

Over the course of the past three years, Talkin’ Tacos has adopted various technology integrations that have been delivering industry-leading profitability and impeccable standard of service. The brand’s technology features self-serving kiosks where guests can place their orders efficiently, eliminating the cashier position and allowing faster speed-ofservice. Additionally, a Mobile App for iPhone users was recently launched which makes ordering easier with lightening fast ordering, tracking and instant notifications about deals and rewards.

South Florida-Based Fast-Casual Sensation Talkin’ Tacos Ignites Expansion with Additional Corporate and Franchise Locations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Florida

Talkin’ Tacos, a food truck turned fast-casual Mexican eatery based in South Florida, announced the signing of additional franchise agreements in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, GA.

This news comes after the brand recently signed multi-unit franchise deals in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville with additional locations opening in New York. Four additional South Florida corporate locations are set to open in late summer, fall and early 2024 including their first Palm Beach County location in Wellington, Doral, Davie and North Miami.

Talkin’ Tacos is the brainchild of two South Florida entrepreneurs and childhood

best friends, Mohammad Farraj and Omar Al-Massalkhi. The concept started out as a food truck during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020. As their brand and food truck’s popularity quickly grew, the neverending lines prompted their expansion into brick-and-mortar locations in Miramar and Coral Springs, FL, and the Brickell and Wynwood neighborhoods in Miami.

“Our expansion into these vibrant cities is a thrilling step forward in sharing the taco love far and wide and is a testament to the love people have for our food,” said Mohammad Farraj, co-founder of Talkin’ Tacos. “Our flexible footprints, highquality ingredients, and emphasis on speed of service without compromising taste or experience are just some of the reasons why we are so attractive to prospective franchisees.”

“Our continued growth of our corporateowned restaurants in South Florida is 100% due to the dedication and passion of our incredible team,” said Omar Al-Massalkhi, co-founder of Talkin’ Tacos. “By expanding our presence, we are not only spreading the joy of tacos but also creating opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs to be part of our taco family.

The menu is chef-driven with core items for easy operations, and each location has the option of creating unique specials. It features an array of guest-favorite entrees such as Birria Tacos, Birria Ramen and Birria Pizza along with sides like Street Corn in a Cup. A hallmark of the menu is the beef birria which is braised each day for 12 hours before completing the cooking process. A Talkin’ Tacos meal is capped off with desserts like Cookies and Cream and Dulce de Leche Churros, Tajin & Chamoy gummies and homemade specialty beverages including lemonades, horchatas and mangonadas.

The startup costs to open a Talkin’ Tacos restaurant begins at $253,000 which includes a $45,000 franchise fee and a 6.5 percent royalty. Prospective franchisees are encouraged to visit https://franchise. talkintacos.net/ , email franchise@ talkintacos.net for additional information on franchising and FAQ’s.

Our purpose

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

Follow us

Help us keep the momentum going

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

You benefit by joining

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

Visit AtOurFranchise.org

Contact Erica Farage, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy and Multi-Unit Franchisee Engagement International Franchise Association

efarage@franchise.org

(202) 662-0760

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

b a x

This is just the beginning

Make sure you stay up to date with the campaign’s latest efforts through email updates and social media. Visit our website to read and share the latest stories of franchisors and franchisees making an impact in their communities. Become a franchise advocate to help ensure Americans, now and in the future, have the opportunity to start franchise businesses. Take the lead today!

The public and policymakers need to understand franchising.

nAd EEM B AJWA

Fro M d elivery d river to PaPa Jo H ns Franc H ise Mogul

Starting as a delivery driver in 1992, Nadeem Bajwa’s journey with Papa Johns has proven to be the foundation of his remarkable career. As a Pakistani immigrant, who arrived in the United States just one year prior, Nadeem’s desire to run a business coupled with his steadfast work ethic ignited his professional path.

While Nadeem gradually progressed from driver to general manager to district manager, his appreciation for Papa Johns simple operations and business model never wavered. In fact, it was his belief in the tried-and-true model that empowered his continuous growth. Within a decade, Nadeem became the owner of 100 restaurants, but this was only the beginning.

“Papa Johns’ simple operations and business model inspired me to remain with the company and pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions,” Nadeem said. “I found the brand’s operations to be efficient and effective, making it easier for me to run my restaurants smoothly. The streamlined processes and the way the brand was built allowed me to focus on what really mattered— delivering quality pizza and exceptional customer experiences.”

Today, Nadeem is Papa Johns largest independently owned franchisee with 192 stores operating in 11 states. With a 15-store development deal in the works, Nadeem continues to identify opportunities to grow his business with the goal to own and operate 500 restaurants.

“The simplicity of the brand has made scaling the business more manageable,” Nadeem said. “As I expanded my ownership, I ensured that the same core values and operational efficiencies were maintained across all of my restaurants. Papa Johns’ business model provided a strong foundation for growth, and I recognized the potential to replicate its success in multiple locations.”

Throughout his journey as an entrepreneur, Nadeem discovered that his ambitions to grow his business were not only shared but also encouraged by the Papa Johns team. His strong relationship with the team enables him to stay aligned with the brand’s vision while benefiting from internal support and guidance. As an operator who firmly believes in the model, Nadeem has successfully scaled this business to new markets, benefitting from the brand’s recognition and solid reputation within the industry. Nadeem credits his accomplishments not only to the valuable support and guidance from the Papa Johns team but also to his strategic decision to surround himself with highly intelligent individuals to foster a robust team. As his business expanded, Nadeem witnessed his team members embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys, guided by his support. By providing mentorship, guidance and encouragement, Nadeem has witnessed firsthand how his team members have blossomed into successful operators in their own right.

Former team members he trained are now the operators of multiple Papa Johns locations, with one individual operating 35 units and another overseeing 60 locations. This collaborative and nurturing approach not only creates a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie within his team but also fosters a culture of continuous professional development.

“In order to have longevity as a brand, it is crucial to think about your team’s growth just as much as you consider your own. The team at Papa Johns taught me the importance of this mindset in their treatment of me as I developed as an owner-operator, and I have been fortunate to apply this principle within my own business by mentoring and guiding my team members to forge their own paths.”

From an outsider’s perspective, Nadeem’s journey with Papa Johns over the past three decades may seem devoid of challenges, but he has encountered obstacles and skillfully navigated through an ever-changing economic climate. He credits his resilience to the strength of the brand and his experience as an operator. As Nadeem sets his sights on adding over 300 locations to his portfolio, he plans to maintain a business-as-usual approach and stick to the fundamentals.

Nadeem is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and serves as a reminder that with the right mindset, a strong team, and a passion for delivering outstanding results, remarkable success in the restaurant industry is within reach. With his eyes firmly set on the future, Nadeem is determined to leave a lasting legacy as a true Papa Johns franchise mogul.

“With the right team and a commitment to excellence, achieving extraordinary results in restaurant operations is incredibly realistic,” Nadeem said. “I am proud of the progress my team and I have made thus far, and I eagerly anticipate sustaining our longterm success.”

Fewer r isktakers, but s till s ome e xperimentation

The risk of a recession, combined with an upcoming U.S. election year, has led many prospects to be conservative with their investments. Yet, in the middle of this more conservative atmosphere, franchisors continue to innovate.

cutting costs and casting votes

Many of the most popular franchise options this year have low investment. Franchises that don’t come with big starting expenses, like having to buy or lease a large storefront, are the ones I see attracting the most prospects. One of the reasons prospects are being so careful with their investment dollars is the uncertain direction the economy has taken.

U.S. Bank reports the gross domestic product rose substantially in 2021, with a growth rate of 5.9% by the fourth quarter of that year. However, in early 2022, the growth rate took a nosedive in the first half of the year. It pulled out of this dive, but the rate only reached about 3% by the Q3 2022. Since then, the GDP’s growth rate has slowly declined, leading economists and businesspeople to be concerned that an economic recession is coming.

On top of the risk of a recession, 2024 is going to be an election year in the U.S., which traditionally has been a time when many markets are in flux. Depending on which party is in power, policies that affect business practices, industry regulations, and other factors may change. If nothing else, folks don’t like the prospect of change. This leads some prospects to take a wait-and-see approach.

the value of staying Power

Because of the above factors, recession

resistance is another important quality for franchises in 2023. When it comes to resisting recession, the name of the game is indispensability. People and businesses will seek to cut costs when the economy is difficult, so the less they can afford to do without a certain product or service, the more secure the investment for prospects.

Some industries’ products and services are more liable to be on both personal and professional budget chopping blocks, such as home decoration, remodeling, and luxury travel. Meanwhile, Guidant Financial reports that other industries are likely to keep going strong in a recession. Regardless of the economy, consumers need to buy groceries, fix their car and repair a broken pipe in the house.

It’s important to note that even among the more indispensable industries, some businesses are more recession resistant than others. For example, automotive repair businesses that focus on body work might still see a dip in their revenue as people are more likely to put up with a few dings and scrapes to save money, but businesses that focus on engine repairs will remain in demand because customers will be more inclined to get their engines repaired than risk having to buy a new car.

hands- off Franchising

Despite the uncertainty of the economy in the second half of 2023 and into next year, some franchisors are still willing to experiment with new business practices. One recent development I’ve seen recently is testing an absentee owner model.

After the franchisee provides the initial investment, they have little oversight of the business since the franchisor handles day-to-day operations. There are also semiabsentee owner franchises, in which the

owner is involved, but in a limited capacity, making routine visits to locations and actively managing their manager. While semi-absentee and fully absentee franchises existed in the 80’s and 90’s, they were only ever popular with restaurant, hotel and salon ownerships. However, franchise infrastructural backbones has greatly improved, making it possible to set up a system to monitor business activity without having to get actively involved. This is especially appealing to businesspeople who want to hedge their bets by investing in franchise ownership while retaining their current jobs. Overall, the jury is still out on how successful this kind of business model will be. I think absentee owner franchising is still in its experimental stage, and the next 12 months will be a proof-of-concept period for it. It will probably take an additional year or two to determine just how profitable the model can be, but if it at least proves viable, then I expect more companies will be interested in trying it out.

watching the dice Land

Going forward, the second half of 2023 and into 2024 will be a period when a lot of results start to emerge. We’ll find out whether the economy goes into recession or stabilizes, whether hands-off franchising models will prove viable, who will be in the White House for the next four years and what kinds of economic policies they’ll pursue. As this period approaches, many franchisees are preparing for all outcomes, while franchisors are trying out new practices that accommodate these cautious prospects. Overall, I think the next 12 months is going to be both interesting and fun to watch.

rick Bisio is one of the country’s most respected franchise coaches and author of the Amazon best seller, The Educated Franchise – 3rd Edition. Since becoming A Franchise Coach in 2002, Bisio has assisted thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide helping them explore the dream of business ownership. www.afranchisecoach.com

As a franchise coach, it is important for me to keep my eye on the latest developments in franchising across various industries. Over the past year and a half, various factors that affect businesses and the economy have created a more uncertain atmosphere for business.

Th E Fr A n C h ISE B E n EFITS o F sM all Business collaB oration

Peter Roberts is a co-founder of ManageMowed, a leading commercial landscape management franchise with locations in Washington, California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Missouri.

The summer months provide a hotbed of opportunity as a majority of homeowners are looking to enhance and remodel their properties. As a newer business to the area or industry, it can be challenging to overcome the already-established relationships with other companies that residents have been cultivating for years. What many service-brand business owners might not realize is that there is an untapped potential for consistent and reliable business already in their markets, which can be found with other local businesses. Smalls businesses make up almost 45% of activity in the economy and employ more than 1.5 million jobs annually. However, there are several advantages of working with other smalls businesses in the community outside of growing a franchise location’s sales, including engaging with community leaders, enhancing brand awareness and increasing philanthropic collaboration.

Benefits of small Business collaboration

A huge benefit of collaboration with local businesses, is that it gives the opportunity for a service brand owner to expand their reach and earn new clients. When franchise owners go out into the community to conduct their services for small businesses in the area, they can tap into new opportunities to grow their business. Commercial business owners may have the opportunity to examine the outcome of a brand’s services for a neighboring business or house and become encouraged to reach out and try those services for themselves.

In service industries alike, there’s no shortage of competition to acquire new business, especially when it comes to establishing a regular clientele.

Another fantastic benefit of working with small businesses, is that it allows brand strengthening in your community, without having to spend money on any paid advertising. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, so when franchise owners complete an exemplary job for one business owner, those clients likely to tell other colleagues or friends about the brand’s services. The more people talk about a brand’s services; the more likely new people are going to want to utilize that brand for those services to remedy their needs. It ultimately creates a healthy business environment, especially since there’s always a need for landscaping with small businesses.

In addition to the benefits of expanding and developing our clientele with new opportunities through small businesses, you might be able to benefit from the relationships you develop with those small businesses. They also might be

willing to collaborate with your brand on other efforts, like community outreach and philanthropy. Having a strong relationship with your community through collaboration, can allow you to make a bigger impact with your outreach efforts, which develops this cyclical trend of doing good and giving back to the community.

Leveraging small Businesses as a Franchisor

Collaborating with other small businesses in local communities is not only beneficial to franchise owners, but franchisors as well. For service brands, there are a myriad of ways that franchise owners can work with subcontractors in their markets to reduce costs, increase workforce flexibility and create better scalability within their businesses.

ManageMowed’s business model has evolved over the past decade to specialize

in partnering with other local, owneroperator landscape companies. This allows our franchise owners to reduce their overhead start-up costs as they don’t need to hire a full staff or source equipment before launching in their territories. Vendor partners also often possess specialized skillsets, which enhances the potential revenue opportunities that our franchise owners can offer to their clients.

For franchisors looking to implement subcontracting into their business models, it is important to provide your franchise network with the proper training programs on how to find reliable vendors and maintain effective communication with those partners. Our team offers franchisees a comprehensive training program, which includes corporate and in-field training, as well as up to three days of training in your territory, and is supplemented by our extensive virtual library.

the Final outcome

Working with other small businesses has become the lifeblood of ManageMowed’s business and brand culture and has added value to the brand in a wide variety of ways. By shifting the focus from residential jobs to local commercial jobs, we’ve managed to create a business model that has a deeper focus on community by involving every aspect of the community. By making commercial jobs a priority, in turn we’ve also made community relations a priority ultimately strengthening our relationships with the markets that we serve.

Partnering with other small business allows service brands like ManageMowed to become more integral parts of their communities and has the potential to result in in increased growth year after year. Not every business owner or franchisor realizes the benefits that working with other small businesses can provide, and there are a variety of different opportunities in every market. Whether it’s helping with lawn touch ups for a local gas station owner, a complete landscape makeover for a local chamber of commerce or even sponsoring community events, the benefits of being more involved in one’s local community are nearly endless.

t he pR og R ession of the pe R fo R ming a R ts secto R

For young people, the world can be daunting. In a world where we are all trying to rebuild and return to “normal”, parents are seeking ways to support their children’s academic, social and emotional development through methods outside of the classroom.

As demand increases for quality services that provide young people with communitybased, safe and inclusive avenues to develop, franchises focusing on children’s development are more vital than ever. Such sentiments make now the best time to invest in a performing arts franchise.

By investing in a performing arts franchise, you join a global network committed to one cause and build a business with the

potential for growth while simultaneously providing children in your community a place to be themselves and learn lifelong skills.

Here, Andy Knights, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, highlights the positive outcomes of investing in this resilient sector for young people and professionals alike.

community

The performing arts create inclusive communities that empower children to embrace their true selves. These programmes provide young people with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop skills and build confidence. Through performing arts education, young individuals gain a sense of belonging and form meaningful relationships with peers. The arts become a common language through which they can express themselves and connect with others.

In Canada, Stagecoach Halifax’s students and teachers are inspired by the power and strength of the sense of community that it creates. “We are all facing challenges every day and Stagecoach Halifax’s students know that encouragement from their teachers, friends and loved ones is a

Andy Knights

ce O of s tagecoach p erforming a rts

powerful motivation to keep them going, especially through difficult times. Like the lead character in their performance, when they find their courage and embrace what they are destined to do, they will fulfil their greatest potential!” said Principal Kristi Wenaus.

Contributing to the cultural fabric and identity of a community, the performing arts foster a sense of togetherness.

Providing young people an outlet to showcase their talents and celebrate their achievements, the arts create a sense of place and strengthen community bonds. The relationship between performing arts schools and the community is significant for both the students and the overall success of the school.

Performing arts schools provide a structured environment where young individuals can receive specialised training in artistic disciplines from theatre to music and dance. Our schools offer a comprehensive curriculum and expert instruction, enabling students to develop their artistic skills to their full potential. By nurturing talent, performing arts schools contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the local arts community. Through their unique offering, they cultivate creativity, critical thinking, discipline, teamwork, and self-expression in students. These skills go beyond the arts and are transferable to various aspects of life, contributing to the personal and educational development of young individuals.

the evolution of the arts

The performing arts sector is evolving to adapt to technological advancements and societal shifts, while also striving for inclusivity, social impact, and sustainability. At Stagecoach Performing Arts, our schools are actively working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment. They are promoting representation and equitable opportunities for students and teachers from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and aptitudes. Our practices and processes foster inclusivity and celebrate diverse perspectives, as we seek to provide a more holistic and contemporary education to our students. Ultimately, we aim to prepare students for a dynamic and evolving performing arts landscape and empower them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen endeavours.

Actively engaging with their local communities, our schools seek to bring the arts to underserved populations and foster community involvement. Schools are partnering with local organisations, schools and community centres to expand access to performing arts education.

Amanda Mariani, Principal at Stagecoach Westmount-NDG, emphasises the importance of the performing arts in sparking connections and building trusted relationships to help support those in her local community. “I have lived in Montreal all my life, and being able to learn about the people who make my home such an inspiring place is such a privilege,” said Amanda. “Stagecoach Westmount-NDG

is an important part of the community, bringing opportunities to experience performing arts. Giving back to the community is so important to me.”

Amanda’s sentiment regarding the importance of arts and culture is widely shared among the Canadian community, with 94% of Canadians believing that arts and culture greatly enhance the quality of life in their communities1. This overwhelming support underpins the significant role that arts and culture play in shaping vibrant and thriving communities across the country. Data also shows that Canadians who rate the arts, culture and leisure offerings in their community as ‘excellent’ are nearly three times more likely to report a ‘very strong’ sense of belonging to their city or town 2. This statistic highlights the powerful connection between access to artistic and cultural experiences and the sense of belonging and pride that individuals feel for their local community. It emphasises the transformative impact the arts can have on people’s wellbeing and their relationship with their surroundings.

By investing in the performing arts sector, you join a global network committed to supporting children’s development and building businesses with growth potential. At Stagecoach Performing Arts, we emphasise the positive outcomes that investing in this resilient sector brings, both for young people and professionals. The performing arts sector continues to thrive and provide invaluable opportunities for children to explore their passions, develop skills, and flourish within their communities.

1 Arts and Heritage Access and Availability Survey

2 Community Foundations of Canada and CAPACOA, Vital Signs: Arts and Belonging

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

Fielding c alls w H ile w or K ing in t He Field

Franchise businesses ignore the importance of good call handling at their peril according to a new “mystery caller” survey that looked at call handling customer service skills.

Despite most delivering overall great customer service, the survey of 60 companies showed room for improvement among franchise businesses, including a mix in performance in terms of the warmth of the greeting, helpfulness, and call handling quality throughout the call. Nearly half of the businesses called defaulted to voicemail, with ten even letting the phone ring until it was disconnected. Over half of the companies received a score of “poor” for their greeting, overall helpfulness, and warmth, with only five of those “shopped” earning “outstanding” marks across the board. When it came to the speed of calls being answered, the bestperforming company answered in less than one ring or five seconds and the worst performing answered in an average of seven rings or 39.89 seconds.

In the case of one franchise owner, Brian Mullins from Critter Control of Akron, having the phones covered for his small crew of five has helped his team utilize their time most effectively in the field. Critter Control Certified Wildlife Specialists provide service to residential, commercial, and municipal customers with permanent solutions to animal pest control problems.

“Letting someone else answer our calls has allowed us to utilize our time most effectively in the field,” said Mullins.

“This has allowed us to not only prioritize customer service, but also our new business development, which has significantly aided our growth and expansion. Having a

dedicated receptionist means we can always respond to any hiccups and resolve them quickly.”

Earlier Moneypenny research suggested consumers call when something is really important: 44% do if it was an urgent matter and a 33% if it is a complicated matter. Of those surveyed, 82% said a great call experience is a differentiator for a business. Around a third said a bad experience would have them take their business elsewhere, complain, and spread the word to friends and family – not the words a franchise brand tends to want shared. This can be especially difficult for franchisees who are often leanly staffed small businesses.

Adding members to your team to scale your franchise business can be an expensive prospect. But, when you are too busy to respond to new calls, the first impression you are giving may not be the one your business deserves. While no one expects a customer service representative to be available at midnight, a lot of people do their searching in the evenings, and if someone is there to take a person’s call at

“ Letting someone else answer our calls has allowed us to utilize our time most effectively in the field.”- Brian Mullins

Brian Mullins from Critter Control of Akron

7 p.m., there is a better chance they will become a customer.

Some eaSy tipS include:

Put yourselves in the shoes of the client

Think about what causes irritation to you as a customer and what would impress you. Review your own internal procedures and client touch points to see how you fare. If possible, have your own franchise mystery shopped or use client feedback so you know where to improve.

Make call handling a strategic consideration

All too often, answering the phone is

think digital

Making your website more informative and interactive can add tremendous value – not just to the client experience but also to your internal processes. The addition of quote calculators, portals to upload information for new instructions, and Live Chat to answer FAQs and queries in real time, all help to handle queries without the need for a call. A Live Chat operator can manage three chats in the time it would take to manage one call.

take a look at your “calls to Action

Ensure that the channels you are directing people to, whether a phone number or a managed chat, offer a good experience. Are they available 24/7 and can customers and prospects access the information they need easily?

We were surprised how many businesses did not place as much focus on their customer service when answering the phone. Clients will form a lasting impression of your franchise from a phone call, so a long delay in a call being answered or a cold phone experience could cause irreparable damage to both your business and your broader brand. The difference in answering after one ring versus five or more may sound small, but when someone picks up the phone, they are looking for answers, not frustration.

treated as something that just happens, rather than a business-critical activity that can determine first impressions, your reputation, and new business. Put the right resource in place, whether that’s in house or with the help of an outsourced provider, to minimize disruption for your team and improve call handling efficiency.

Manage expectations

Part of ensuring positive impressions is being clear, honest and up front about what clients can expect. Establish whether call backs are really necessary and, if so, when they will be made. If Live Chat cannot provide an immediate answer, when will someone get in touch and how?

ABout stephanie vaughan-Jones

Stephanie is Head of Business Development for Moneypenny USA, a global leader in providing phone answering, receptionist teams, Live Chat and customer contact solutions. Based in Atlanta, she is a key member of Moneypenny’s award-winning culture, which includes over 1250 employees across the US and UK. Moneypenny handles over 20 million calls and chats for 21,000 businesses with awesome people superpowered by leadingedge tech solutions to deliver seamless customer engagement outcomes. for more information, visit www.moneypenny.com/us.