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WHY KUMON
THE TOP EDUCATION FRANCHISE, IS THE PERFECT 2022 INVESTMENT! As schools continue to struggle with the ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic, parents are turning to Kumon to not only ensure their kids catch up but also to give them every advantage going forward. To meet the increased demand, Kumon has launched an aggressive growth strategy to open new centers around the U.S. and Canada. At the same time, the pandemic has spurred The Great Resignation. As people leave behind their old careers in search of more fulfilling work and more control over their futures, they are discovering that
Kumon offers the best of both worlds. Kumon is the top education franchise in North America, with about 1,600 Kumon Centers in the U.S. and Canada. Although Kumon has room to grow in many communities, the brand anticipates strong growth this year in California, Texas, New Jersey and New York, as well as in Canada. The education enrichment industry is worth $23.4 billion in the U.S. “Opening a Kumon Center is a lifechanging opportunity for our instructors, as we call franchise owners,” said Mike Shim, senior vice president of field and operations for Kumon North America. “Kumon’s proven business model and outstanding training and support programs
make it possible for instructors to own and operate a profitable business that they love and also to make a difference in the lives of children.”
The Kumon Method Kumon was founded in 1958 when Toru Kumon opened the first Kumon Math Center in Osaka, Japan. Kumon was a math teacher who had created worksheets to help his own son, a second-grader, practice math basics. Those worksheets became the prototype of the Kumon Method. Today, Kumon Centers offer education enrichment in both reading and math. Students visit the centers once per week and practice at home for 30 minutes per day, per subject, on other days. It’s a formula that has worked for more than 60 years – and it’s all based on the importance of mastering concepts using worksheets that were developed by a father out of love and concern for his son. This year, Kumon North America launched a new creative campaign that leans into that tradition of practice with the tagline, “Practice Makes Possibilities™.”
What Sets Kumon Apart In addition to being a respected education program, Kumon is highly regarded in the franchise world. Kumon has earned a number of industry accolades, including being ranked No. 6 overall on Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500 list for the last two years in a row and the Franchise 500’s No. 1-ranked education franchise for 21 consecutive years.
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high school or college. Most Kumon Instructors are attracted to the Kumon Franchise opportunity because they have experienced firsthand how well Kumon works. They believe in the brand. EJ Cho, the instructor at Kumon of Stafford-West in Virginia, was a former VOL 10, ISSUE 4, MARCH 2022 Kumon Student and worked as a center assistant while in graduate school. When she had her own children, she became more interested in education and working with children, and she explored opening COVER STORY her own business. She immediately thought of Kumon.
WHY KUMON
THE TOP EDUCATION
of less than $65,000. U.S. franchises also are eligible for generous financial incentives worth up to $34,000, and veterans may qualify for a $10,000 bonus.
Kumon attracts top franchise candidates because of honors like these and because:
• The Kumon business model promotes steady enrollment, and therefore, steady revenue. Because Kumon offers enrichment programming rather than tutoring, student enrollment doesn’t fluctuate as much as it does in tutoring centers, where kids tend to drop out of programs after catching up or passing a big test.
• The Kumon Franchise opportunity is extremely affordable, with a franchise fee of only $2,000 and startup costs
• Franchise owners find operating a Kumon Center to be personally fulfilling, as they can see how their
work makes a difference in the lives of children in their communities.
Who Is Kumon Looking For? Kumon Instructors are a diverse group: They are former teachers, engineers and IT professionals. They are Asian and Hispanic, Black and white. They are smart and educated: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and as instructors, they must be proficient in math and reading. The one thing they all seem to have in common is a prior personal connection to Kumon. Many were former Kumon Students or Parents. Others are relatives of a Kumon Student, or perhaps they worked as an assistant at a Kumon Center during
Cho tries to inspire her students to find the FRANCHISE, IS THE PERFECT joy that comes from learning new things. “You need to have the mindset that you2022 INVESTMENT! want to continue to learn and grow,” she said. “When you are working with little kids, especially, they have to see education as joyful. If they see it as a chore, they will never enjoy learning.”
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Kumon’s proven business model, affordable cost, extensive training and support programs have positioned it at the top of the education franchise world. Kumon is currently recruiting instructors who want to own and operate a profitable business and make a lasting, positive impact on children in their communities. If that sounds like you, we invite you to learn more at https://www.kumonfranchise.com/.
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contents
franchises in your price range 28 30
Franchisee in Action 54 Samiksha Bindra: Mad Science and Crayola Image Arts Academy
Expert Advice Cover Story
40
28 Sheenco Travel: A Luxury Investment with a Price Tag You’ll Love
What’s New 24 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry
Feature Article 30 Chris Conner: Value Oriented Franchise Models
34
36 Peter Buckinham: Franchise Outlook for Australia 2022
Have Your Say 34 Altitude Trampoline Park: Screenmobile opportunities
Snapshot 40 Tint World: Powerful Growth Strategy drives Tint World to Franchise Success in 2022
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SOUTHERN STEER BUTCHER Announces Expansion with Franchise Opportunities Southern Steer, a premiere butcher shop offering the highest quality meats and gourmet groceries, is looking to expand its presence and has announced its franchising opportunity.
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning Franchise Prepares for a Strong 2022 Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, one of the
who will begin their entrepreneurial
nation’s greenest and fastest-growing
journeys in 2022.
carpet cleaning franchises, had a
“Many people will be looking to take control of their future by becoming their own boss. That entrepreneurial journey is one of the most important they’ll undertake in their life—it shouldn’t be started without research and planning. I’d strongly encourage any new entrepreneur to consider franchising with Oxi Fresh,” said Jonathan Barnett, Founder and CEO of Oxi Fresh.
powerful 2021 and plans to continue its expansion in the new year through
The company’s goal is to help entrepreneurs bring a neighborhood butcher shop to communities across Florida, and eventually the nation. With three locations currently open in Clearwater, Sarasota and Orlando and one in development in Jacksonville, they are excited to bring their brand to even more communities.
president, Jonathan Barnett, explained
He continued, “Our franchising system can provide entrepreneurs with tools and support that can give them an invaluable advantage. So before you open a business by yourself, consider all the benefits that come from being part of a franchising system like Oxi Fresh.”
As Southern Steer moves forward with expanding their footprint, they are thrilled to offer a 15% discount on the Initial Franchisee Fee to Veteran’s in the franchising industry. The brand believes individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for providing great products and unmatched customer service to their community, would be excellent additions to the Southern Steer team. The company offers prospective franchisees the necessary tools to operate successfully through teamwork and strong leadership, while creating a first-class experience for its guests. Franchise startup costs begin at $360,000.
how Oxi Fresh could help the many people
For more information, visit oxifresh.com.
southenrnsteer.com
franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs throughout the United States and Canada. They hope to see 60 new locations launch by the end of 2022. Last year saw Oxi Fresh continue its long growth trend. Company leadership credits this growth to skilled franchisees and the brand’s overall commitment to the principles of speed through systems, trust through transparency, ownership through scoring, and letting go to grow. As the company pursues these goals, its
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JUICE IT UP! OPENS NEW SANTA CLARITA LOCATION Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, açaí bowl and raw juice chains, is excited to announce that its new Santa Clarita location is now open for business. Featuring the brand’s latest store design, the new Juice It Up! is owned by husband-and-wife franchisee team and longtime Santa Clarita residents Brett and Casey Thomas. Located in vibrant Skyline Ranch Plaza, Juice It Up! is now serving its full menu of deliciously healthy and functional fresh-squeezed raw juices, blended-to-order real fruit smoothies, and nutrient-rich açaí and superfruit bowls to even more Santa Clarita locals. “As Santa Clarita residents who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle typical of our community, we wanted to partner with a brand that embraces a similar commitment to wellness,” said the Thomas franchisees. “Even more, it was important for us to align with a brand we know and are passionate about as consumers, so we are very proud to be expanding Juice It Up!’s presence in the region to support the health and wellness journeys of even more Santa Clarita locals.” To learn more about franchising with Juice It Up!, visit www.juiceitup.com.
STRETCH ZONE KICKS OF 2022 WITH TWO NEW STUDIO OPENINGS PER WEEK Stretch Zone’s notable upcoming locations include: • Long Beach, CA • (Manhattan)New York, NY • Baton Rouge, LA • Philadelphia, PA • Seattle, WA “Beyond long-term customer demand for practitioner-assisted stretching, Tony Zaccario, Stretch Zone President and CEO
Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone Founder and Chief Stretching Officer
franchisees are coming to Stretch Zone
On the heels of a record-breaking year in 2021, Stretch Zone, the franchise company that pioneered practitionerassisted stretching and introduced a new vertical in the health and wellness industry, continues its rapid growth trajectory and is currently averaging two new studios opening per week. Fueled by consumer demand and a spike in multiunit ownership, the company is poised to surpass the 200-location mark by the end of the year.
“We started the practitioner-assisted stretching vertical, and it’s thrilling to see consumers embrace its health and wellness benefits and watch our patented Stretch Zone Method® catch fire,” said Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone founder and Chief Stretching Officer. “Likewise, countless franchise owners are realizing the value in investing in Stretch Zone and its potential to help clients improve their wellness and overall mobility regardless of their age, lifestyle or physical needs.”
provides owners. From a low-entry cost
for the high-level of support the company to marketing support and access to proprietary training programs, Stretch Zone has the recipe for franchise success,” added Tony Zaccario, Stretch Zone president and CEO. “Reaching our 200th location is truly a major milestone, but it’s just the beginning for Stretch Zone. We are looking forward to continuing to bring opportunities to entrepreneurs and wellness services to clients.” Franchising MAGAZINE USA 25
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Hits $100 Million in System Sales Global Third-Party Logistics Provider Grows Alongside Demand for Shipping Capacity InXpress, a tech enabled third-party logistics company, partners with the world’s best carriers. The global network is made up of international and domestic specialists, who provide industrydefining shipping solutions to maximize efficiency for small-to-medium size enterprises.
Denver-Based Mici Italian Announces Upcoming Franchise Expansion Across the United States: Enters 2022 with Massive Franchise Growth Mici Italian, the emerging Italian restaurant franchise based in Denver, is now targeting sustained growth beyond its home state of Colorado. As the brand plans for large-scale national growth it is looking for qualified and eager franchise candidates across the country who want to be a part of this great brand as it celebrates three multi-unit signings secured in 2021. “The success of Mici to date is a direct reflection of our commitment to our customers and the needs that we work tirelessly to fulfill,’’ said Matt Stanton, Mici’s chief growth officer. “Our brand is poised for success in any market that we can bring those relationships to, and given the universal love of pizza, we are focused on finding committed franchisees across the country. Our main focus is finding quality franchisees who love the brand just as much as we do.” Mici currently operates seven units in the greater Denver area, all corporate-owned. A streamlined menu, paired with the fast-paced service that the brand is known for, has allowed a quick developmental strategy to take shape as the brand looks to build its presence in new markets across the country. “We have the national supply chain worked out and have a national network of real estate brokers to help with this expansion so we can provide support anywhere in the country,” said Stanton. “Our top markets for growth now are Dallas Fort-Worth, Kansas City, Florida, and other cities in Texas.” Mici is a family-centered brand that caters to both fast-paced lifestyles in need of delivery service and in-house dining with high-quality offerings. The brand’s artisanal menu offers comforting, classic Italian fare steeped in generations of family history while its highefficiency kitchen operations offers minimal wait and delivery times without losing an inch of quality. Mici Italian 26 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
InXpress USA reached $100 million in system sales, a 53% growth YoY, largely due to the urgent need and superior care SMB companies require to navigate supply chain challenges and other marketplace impacts. “People come to us because of our technology and network connections through strong partnerships with world-class carriers, but they stay with us because each account is handled by equally committed local account managers, who strive to find the best solutions for every customer,” said Dustin Hansen, CEO InXpress of Americas. “With countless businesses looking to reduce shipping headaches, we’ve invested heavily in our technology platform to save our customers time and money.” The value-add technology includes accurate quote comparison based on realtime data, clear visibility features and easy integration capabilities with e-commerce and other platforms. As the demand for shipping services climbs, InXpress projects to add additional skilled and qualified account executives and franchise partners to reach more small-to-medium size businesses. To learn more about the franchise opportunity and the reoccurring revenue potential, visit inxpressfranchise.com
Clean Eatz Set to Kick Off 2022 “We Change Livez” Challenge Clean Eatz, a health-focused restaurant franchise, is bringing back its We Change Livez Challenge. The challenge allows customers to demonstrate how the company’s dietician-approved menu items, which balance protein, carb and fat intake, have positively impacted their health. In return for their devotion to personal wellness, participants are entered to win a variety of prizes. All 70 Clean Eatz Café locations will choose one winner to be awarded three months of free meals and a variety of retail merchandise. Each winner is then entered for the grand prize of $25,000, one year of free meals, a trip to the annual Clean Eatz
convention, and a photoshoot for the franchise’s 2023 campaign.
share their journey on Instagram using the
From March 1st through May 5th, participants can follow one of four customized workout programs, including strength training, athletic training, workouts on the go, and 30-Minute workout quick-hits. Clean Eatz provides guidance through downloadable e-books, offering nutrition tips and exercises to help participants on their journey. The only rule being that participants must
“Changing your life is one of the most
hashtag #wechangelivez. difficult undertakings to embark on, and continued practice of those changes can be even harder,” said Don Varady, CoFounder of Clean Eatz. “Every year, we are blown away by the healthy lifestyle habits taken on as a result of this challenge, and we can’t wait to see what participants accomplish this year.”
New Orleans set to Fall in Love with RUSH BOWLS Rush Bowls – a Colorado-based fastcasual concept known for its fresh and healthy meals-in-a-bowl – will open its first Louisiana location on March 5th. The new restaurant is owned by New Orleans native and entrepreneur, Arthur Stawski Sr. “New Orleans will fall in love with the concept just like I did,” said Arthur Stawski Sr. “This city may be known for its seafood and fried food, but there is a growing community for health food that is eager to try something new like Rush Bowls.” Arthur Stawski Sr.’s 38-year-long career in convenience and petroleum retailing began at age 19. He worked in marketing and operations before he moving to Colorado to help lead Kroger’s convenience store division. After nearly 20 years of running 300 Kroger convenience stores, the brand sold that division in 2018, leading Stawski Sr. to return to New Orleans and explore entrepreneurship. He then launched Ragin’ Cajun Food and Fuel, which owns a few Chevron Fuel convenience stores and Subway locations. Looking to expand his portfolio, Stawski Sr. discovered Rush Bowls on LinkedIn and was impressed by the concept. Knowing
New Orleans would embrace these unique bowls, he got in touch with the Rush Bowls team to open his own location. Rush Bowls offers its guests a wide selection of customizable bowls and smoothies. An industry pioneer in the genesis of healthy food bowls, the brand’s bowl creations provide guests with the
perfect blend of all-natural fruits and veggies topped with delightfully crunchy, organic granola, a drizzle of honey, and a choice of fresh fruits and toppers. Rush Bowls can be blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients while remaining low in calories and fat content. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 27
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COVER STORY: Sheenco Travel
Sheenco Travel: A luxury investment with a price tag you’ll love!
Recently Featured in our December cover story, Sheenco Travel is a new Travel Franchise, offering a low cost and hasslefree opportunity to start your own travel business. As restrictions continue to ease in the UK and Ireland, demand for luxury travel to these popular locations has never been higher. Travel has always been a low-cost industry to get started in. However, running a travel business typically comes with a number of downsides. Return on investment can be slow, as finding leads can be tricky, when just starting out. With 10 years’ experience in the travel industry, Sheenco Travel have developed a unique franchise to suit your pocket, while at the same time removing many of the “pain points” experienced by those familiar with running a travel business. 28 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Guaranteed Leads Few Franchise opportunities, much less low-cost ones, offer guaranteed lead generation. This is a unique selling point for a Sheenco Travel Franchise. As the original company operated as an inbound tour operator located in Ireland, all lead generation was carried out online. After 10 years of experience in this space, there is robust lead generation already in place. Franchisees will be provided with a page on www.sheencotravel.com and will be listed on all webforms across the company website. Any leads that come in from these sources will be provided free of charge. However, there will also be an opportunity to purchase additional leads at cost, meaning the “fear factor” of finding new business is removed – an incredibly unique aspect of this luxury travel business.
No Territory! This can be a real sticking point for Franchisees in many sectors however with Sheenco Travel, the world is literally your
oyster. Not only are you not limited to a US territory, you are not even limited to the USA. Sheenco Travel have been selling internationally for many years, and can even offer multi-currency pricing and processing, if you have overseas guests who wish to avail of luxury trips to Ireland and the UK.
Hassle Free One of the most off-putting elements of owning a travel business is looking after guests while they are traveling. Time differences mean you need to be available 24/7 to assist them if any issues arise at their destination. With a Sheenco Travel Franchise this is yet another element that is taken care of for you. The Irish Destination Management Company, complete with concierge department and 24-hour on tour support, will take care of all the booking and delivery of the trip you and your guest have planned. This means that you can relax, safe in the knowledge that they will be looked after every step of the way. All payment processing is also handled by the company with your earnings paid out direct to you - 50% at the point of sale with the balance paid once the guest has travelled.
Luxury Travel Customized by you! One of the most popular elements of a Sheenco Travel Franchise is the customization of the luxury trips to Ireland and the UK. Franchisees work with their guests to put together unique trips that fit each individual’s idea of a dream vacation. The creation of these trips allows franchisees to share their own ideas and recommendations and expand their own knowledge through the research and development of each bespoke vacation. The creativity continues in the building and presenting of beautiful itineraries utilising Sheenco’s uniquely customized software.
With a Sheenco Travel Franchise you have a ready-made “ team. Your business development manager will have regular meetings with you to assist you with goal setting and developing your business.
”
Home Based
Teamwork
As a home-based opportunity, overheads are always going to be low. Beyond the initial franchise fee, costs are limited to good quality hardware (computer/laptop/ cell phone) and insurance. A comfortable home office with ergonomic desk and chair and a pleasant space to meet with guests is also a must. The software and supports package provided by the Franchisor takes care of almost all other elements required to get up and running. The silver entry level package offers the following;
With a Sheenco Travel Franchise you have a ready-made team. Your business development manager will have regular meetings with you to assist you with goal setting and developing your business. The operations team, who take care of booking the trips, are on hand to offer advice and support and you will also be connected with your fellow franchisees. The company promotes a friendly environment, sharing knowledge and supporting each other as together we work to achieve our goals.
• Exclusive Bespoke Software
Ready Made Opportunity
• Personalized Web Page • Business Cards • Training supports • Franchisee Networking Event The gold mid-range package offers all of the above with the addition of; • Travel Expenses to attend the Networking Event • Professional Branded Banners • Brochures
“
As a home-based opportunity, overheads are always going to be low.
”
The platinum package, which is proving to be the most popular, includes everything in the gold package with the addition of an in-market familiarisation trip to experience the luxury travel products offered by this unique Franchise.
Sheenco Travel have all the tools to get you up and running straight away. With a training program that takes less than 6 weeks (full time) to complete, you can be open for business within just a couple of months of signing a Sheenco Travel Franchise Agreement. Why not start your next chapter today? Call 855-687-5871 or email opportunities@sheencotravel.com NOTE: This article is not a franchise offering. A franchise offering can be made by us in a state where we are first registered, excluded, exempted, or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with a Franchise Disclosure Document. Individualized responses or communications to you that involve either effecting or attempting to effect the sale of a franchise will be made only if we are first in compliance with state registration requirements, or are covered by an applicable state exclusion or exemption. Copyright© 2022 Sheenco Travel Inc. All rights reserved.
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FEATURE ACTICLE: Chris Conner | Founder | Franchise Marketing Systems
Value Oriented Franchise Models
One of the most significant barriers to entry for any new franchise owner or entrepreneur is the capital requirement to invest in a new business or franchise model. This creates an obstacle for many in that the assumption is there are only so many options and most franchised businesses have investment requirements way above the buyer’s capacity to fund the new business venture. One of the great elements of today’s small business market is that businesses have become more and more affordable for the average investor and the new franchise market has opened up opportunities for people who at one time just couldn’t even consider the franchise model. 30 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Chris 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. Visit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information
Today, more than ever before, the opportunity to work from home is not only an option, it has become a major part of the work force and franchise market segment. What was once considered a bit taboo or maybe not legitimate, today is completely normal for people to run, operate and build their business entirely from a virtual, home office location. This makes the investment lower and the opportunity for people to get into business without the cost of real estate, equipment, etc all more realistic for the every day person. There also has been a significant rise in what the Small business administration
refers to as “Micro-businesses”, which are businesses which employ 10 people or less. Many of these even can be operated as a single owner-operator in the business allowing for even less capital outlay. The advances in technology, systems and other efficiency-creating platforms has made business ownership with less people a reality in so many different industries which also creates an opportunity for lower investment businesses. Digital Marketing has revolutionized virtually every industry segment and business model and also made attracting new customers easier, more efficient and
certainly less costly. This includes social media market, pay per click and SEO traffic to targeted and specific customer profiles. In particular, well managed social media campaigns can be executed with very little funding and just some well run social media posting, photography and video work. So many young entrepreneurs have been able to capture incredible presence and customer traffic with personable and consistent social media marketing again, lowering the investment needed to start a new business. So which franchises would fall into this category of low investment? There are quite a few industry segments making this market segment even more appealing and accessible to a new franchise investor.
1Tax Preparation and Financial Services
Although some of these businesses may require special licensing or have specific owner needs relevant to the industry segment, they make for great low investment franchise offerings as they typically operate with high margins and do not need large amounts of up front capital. Take Prestige Income Tax in a Box for example, a great new franchise system which offers a completely home based business model and can teach anyone how to do tax preparation service work.
2Home Services
This is a big range of different types of businesses and can include anything from painting to landscaping to smart home services and alarm systems. Generally, these are low investment and can also operate with fantastic profit margins. I love Big Jerry’s Fencing in North Carolina, great model, home based and can operate because of advanced technology in place. A new franchise model in this category would include QuickMountTV, which is a smart home service franchise which specializes in TV Mounting services for homes and businesses. Low investment and high margin are certainly part of this home service franchise model.
3
Insurance
The insurance world has become more and more a part of the franchise industry and one of the elements that makes this industry segment so appealing is the low cost of entry. Goosehead, Fiesta and a new brand, Renegade Insurance all fall into this category and offer business systems and operating models to franchisees which allow them to leverage the proven business model and get into the highly residual insurance industry segment.
If you are considering most of the low investment franchise models, a couple of items I would point out as important to your consideration and review of which franchise brand would make sense for an investment;
First, make sure you are comfortable with marketing and sales, most of these business models require that you go out and generate your business. Unlike retail, where you might just open the door and customers walk in, these models require that you go out and generate new business. Second, look for a franchise system that has good technology in place and solid systems. In a low investment, home based franchise model, you will need tech to scale your business and gain value from the franchise system. Third, find a franchisor that is willing to work with you on all levels of the business and develop a relationship that is beyond just financial. You want a franchise system that will embrace your success and be there for you in every step of your entrepreneurial journey. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 31
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FRANCHISEE IN ACTION: Samiksha Bindra | Franchisee | Mad Science® and Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™
How This Woman of Color is Bringing Art and STEM Together Samiksha Bindra is the owner of one Mad Science® and one Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ franchise location in Colorado. Since starting out in 2012 as a Mad Science franchisee, she has developed a passion for educating future generations in STEM. She became a Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ franchisee in 2017 after discovering that art is a necessary component in STEAM education.
The Importance of Art in STEM I believe that STEM and art go handin-hand to make each other work, thus making STEAM an extremely important focus for today’s youth. You need some creativity when you want to be innovative in STEM, and you need some calculation and knowledge of science to be successful with art. We know that most people are either “right-brained” or “left-brained,” meaning that one side of their brain is dominant. If you are mostly analytical and methodical in your thinking, you are said to be left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you are thought to be right-brained. However, just because you’re one or the other does not mean you are limited to being only analytical or creative. Both components must come together in order to fully understand a variety of scientific and artistic concepts, and I am on a mission to do just that. Prior to becoming a franchisee, I actually had STEM-related work experience as an engineer. I was asked to help Mad Science for 15 days with operations as “vacation work”, and one day an instructor couldn’t make it due to a flat tire so the scheduling 32 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
manager suggested that I take over because of my background in engineering. I took over the class and instantly fell in love with it. The kids did not want me to leave and I felt that the time flew by because I was having so much fun. This opportunity made me realize I wanted to pursue a more fun and meaningful career at Mad Science. I was motivated by the kids’ eyes growing wide while learning about science and conducting experiments with me. I have a real passion for what I do and want to share the magic of Mad Science and Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™. Art programs are usually the first thing to be cut when schools are looking to save money or adapt the budget, so I place importance on not only STEM, but art as well.
Making Education Fun I fully understand both subjects require science and art and it’s important that we encourage children to use their imaginations to solve any problems that they may encounter. We want to inspire children to dream big through unique a experiences that broaden their horizons by helping them understand real-world topics such as cultural diversity and wildlife conservation. Because creativity is necessary to comprehend real-world topics, it’s crucial that I teach more than simple concepts such as drawing. One of my favorite projects that I’ve led at my Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ location, which is a great example of how art aids STEM education, is having the children design a future city. This activity applies critical thinking, important decision-making, and cultural awareness, all of which are beneficial to building their confidence and problem-solving skills. Additionally, these
projects set children up for a lifetime of success and learning because once they start a task, they are determined to finish it. This demonstration of commitment and responsibility is something that is not actively being taught in most schools, making it unique to Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™.
Being a Woman of Color in Franchising I place a high importance on cultural diversity and awareness, this being because I am a woman of color. It is definitely a challenge not only being a woman in franchising but a woman of color at that. There are many obstacles I’ve had to overcome to get to where I am now. Not only is it hard to come by women in business leadership roles, but women in STEM are few and far between as well. The number of women in board positions in STEM-related industries in 2020 was 19.2%. I enjoy being a woman of color in franchising, especially STEM, because I can show young girls who may look like me that they can be a business owner, have a career in STEM, or even do both. I take what I do very seriously, especially considering that their parents entrust me to teach them something of substance and that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. STEM has always been my passion, but I want to also make it a passion for another little girls out there, especially ones of color. Women of color represent 14.1% of U.S. bachelor’s degree recipients across STEM fields. 11.5% of people employed in STEM fields were women of color, making up approximately one-third of all women in these fields. I want to see that number grow even larger and to see more women of color in the STEM field.
We want to inspire children to dream big through unique art “ and science experiences that broaden their horizons by helping them understand real-world topics such as cultural diversity and wildlife conservation.
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Next Steps There is a clear need to make STEAM education more accessible. Science and tech fields are currently dominated by Caucasian and Asian males. On college campuses, African American and Latino students make up less than 20% of those studying in science- or math-based disciplines. On the job, however, minorities make up less than five percent of the STEM-based workforce, according to 2012 statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor. Minorities in underserved or struggling school districts are at risk of being left behind, which is a scenario that has far-reaching economic consequences for the United States. Unlike their more affluent counterparts, students who live in underserved communities typically lack access to what are now considered STEM basics: up-to-date laboratories, laptop or tablet computers, and access to the Internet. Additionally, their art programs may be cut to save money for other resources, so having an enrichment program like Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ can help them to continue using and building their creativity that will aid their STEAM education and give them an opportunity to explore career paths that would not have otherwise been offered. What is next for me is to start giving back to my communities by opening another Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy in an underserved and underprivileged area. I hope to continue inspiring children to pursue careers in STEAM by bringing another location to these underserved communities of Colorado.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: Altitude Trampoline Park
Expansion set to catapult Altitude Active Indoor Entertainment Brand
Altitude Trampoline Park to Scale Franchise Growth to Breathtaking New Heights in 2022 Altitude Trampoline Park is feeling fly in 2022… lifting off high atop the indoor entertainment industry with its franchise growth strategy that will continue to expand the brand’s footprint nationwide. Kicking off the new year with momentum building from 2021, Altitude Trampoline Park plans to open in 10 new markets in 2022, closing in on 100 parks nationwide. From Northern Florida, Michigan, Pittsburgh Suburbs to the New Orleans Area, the nation’s leader in family-friendly, active indoor entertainment parks will soon expand in key U.S. markets. Plus, Altitude is proving to be a preferred conversion option for parks that are re-opening as they rebound from pandemic pressures. With comprehensive support from Altitude’s 34 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
corporate leadership team, established venues in leading markets such as Cincinnati, Ohio and Tallahassee, Florida and others are rebranding early this year. “Our leadership team is simply unmatched in the entertainment park franchising segment and we’re ready to take the brand to the next level,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “We’ve put countless hours into reinforcing our position as a dominant player in our space and have set Altitude Trampoline Park on a course that will keep us out ahead for years to come.” The leadership team has recently grown with the promotion of experienced industry professional, Amy Phillips, to the role of President. Phillips joined Altitude Trampoline Park in 2020, and quickly rose through the ranks to Chief Marketing Officer. She sprang into action with major brand-wide initiatives such as Altitude Trampoline Park’s widely successful membership program, which drove double-digit sales increases in 2021 compared to 2019 at several participating locations. Her work also has resulted in overarching, company changing initiatives like a partnership with the American Heart Association as well
as a call center to streamline event and party booking. Her marketing and brand activation prowess only grew over the course of her career as she continuously created and delivered high-flying results through a wide variety of campaigns, including one that earned her national recognition as the American Marketing Association’s “Marketer of the Year” in 2012. The energy being infused into the business comes on the heels of a year in which it showcased remarkable resiliency. Despite pandemic-induced challenges, Altitude Trampoline Park successfully opened seven new locations. The brand signed multiple franchise development deals near the end of last year to spark fresh location growth in areas such as Lawrenceville, Georgia and Bradenton, Florida. Additionally, a new guest membership program and strengthened national marketing programs launched in full in 2021, and drove double-digit sales increases compared to 2019 at several of the participating locations. Likewise, last year, brand leadership worked closely with new and existing park suppliers and vendors to update park equipment, introduce new attractions, refresh concessions partners and create additional revenue streams. After overcoming obstacles caused by the pandemic, the brand spent nearly a year analyzing and innovating within its franchise operating systems. For the brand, making a positive impact on the communities its locations serve is just as important as providing an environment that fosters social growth and free play. Altitude is now a proud supporter of the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” campaign. Throughout the year, Altitude will host events, fundraisers, and programs to support the mission of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused their relentless pursuit of longer, healthier lives. The sponsorship kicks off with Altitude’s Commit to Fit program featuring Fit Fun Facts, fitness programming, American Heart Association paper heart sales and more. The initiative will culminate in a key event, the first-ever
Calling upon celebrating all of life’s joyous moments through “ active, energetic spirit, Altitude Trampoline Park is uniquely positioned to be a home for exhilaration, personal and social growth and wellness.
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National Jumpathon, where participating Altitude locations will celebrate the relationship with American Heart and showcase the Jump Life with contests, giveaways, and more. SM
“Of course creating and maintaining safe, clean and extraordinarily fun environments are top priorities for us, but equal to that is our devotion to supporting our franchisees who are just as passionate about the brand as we are on the corporate team,” said Robert Morris, Vice President of Development for Altitude Trampoline Parks. “Big things are ahead for us, and we cannot wait to hit that 100 park mark and further solidify our brand within the industry and the communities we serve.” Franchise expansion in 2022 is targeting markets throughout the country, with specific priority for new locations in the Midwest, Great Plains and Southwestern sections of the nation to further increase the brand’s national footprint. Calling upon celebrating all of life’s joyous moments through active, energetic spirit, Altitude Trampoline Park is uniquely positioned to be a home for exhilaration, personal and social growth and wellness. As the only active indoor entertainment park primarily focused on the 5- to 12-year-old age
groups, Altitude embraces gravity-defying fun mixed with learning new skills, building confidence, and pushing oneself to exhilarating new heights. The distinctive Jump Life! branding references a state of mind for those who embrace fun, happiness and freedom. SM
To facilitate Altitude Trampoline Park’s commitment to its young guests and their families, the company provides top-notch support to franchisees through aiding in real estate site selection, construction, design models, financing options and much more. Interested owners looking to invest between $1,497,000 and $4,075,000 in growing with a premier concept are encouraged to inquire. Ideal franchise owners should be individuals or teams desiring to have a positive impact on their community, as well as experienced business leaders that love kids and want to promote active family fun. Altitude Trampoline Park is also a member of the VetFran program, which allows military veterans to receive 50% off of their franchise fee. To learn more about the Altitude Trampoline Park franchise opportunity, visit https://altitudefranchise.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 35
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expert advice: Peter Buckingham | Managing Director | Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd
franchise outlook
for Australia in 2022 Australia is one of the easiest companies for American franchises to establish in. We are a well-developed market in a country with high GDP, and English is our native language. The franchise sector in Australia is in a mature state, and has become the distribution method of choice for many, with 90,000+ franchised businesses in Australia. The market sector turns over $155bn and employs around 516,000 people. According to the IBISWorld 36 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Franchising in Australia report published in June 2021.
History Franchising has been in Australia since 1815, when it was started by Sydney Hospital being built and was funded by the private sector, allowing the operators to charge a fee for service, and being allowed to import 60,000 gallons of rum to service the people. The hospital was also known as Governor Macquarie’s Rum Hospital. The food franchises probably started the rapid growth with McDonald’s, KFC,
Hungry Jacks (aka Burger King) and some other large QSR’s bringing their systems from America in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Personally, I became involved in franchising when on the 30th September 1980, when the government legislated in the form of the Petroleum Retail Marketing Franchise Act of 1980, that every service station owned, leased or operated by all the major oil companies was a franchise effective immediately, with the incumbent given 9 years’ worth of franchise tenancy. That created around 8,000 new franchises overnight!
Peter Buckingham CFE CMC, iPeter Buckingham is the Managing Director of Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd, the leading demographic, mapping and sales prediction modelling company in Australia. Spectrum is Australian Franchising’s 2021 FCA Supplier of the Year. Peter is contactable by email at peterb@spectrumanalysis.com.au, or visit www.spectrumanalysis.com.au.
the task force to make most of these recommendations become reality.
An international franchise presence in Australia US franchises have grown strongly in Australia over many years. Australia has some great advantages for US Franchisors to open in our country, as there is no language issues (we speak “Australian”), and there is a strong legal system in operation to protect the investment. The expectation of some US companies can be a bit over zealous, as you need to be aware the total Australian population (25 million people) is just slightly below the population of Texas, and about 2/3rd the population of California. In the opposite direction, many Australian franchise systems are having great success heading overseas. A great example of this is being lead by F45 Training, an Australian grown franchise now operating in over 40 countries across the world. Others like Poolwerx (2017 Australian Franchisor of the Year), Bakers Delight and the Foodco Group are all expanding in the USA and elsewhere.
The Senate Inquiry into Franchising The franchising sector in Australia has run into some headwinds over the last few years, with the Government instigating a Senate Inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of the Franchising Code of Conduct. Released in 2019, and then with Covid-19 gripping the world, the changes recommended are slowly coming into play. Mary Aldred, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia, said the FCA welcomed the report back in 2019, and looks forward to engaging with
Processes to enter into Australia There are no prohibitions to international ownership in Australia, unlike countries in Asia and the sub-continent who demand local ownership and controls. There are locally based experienced franchise consultants and very well established legal firms to assist inbound franchisors in all issues regarding the legal process and managing the expectations. The normal process does recommend having some involvement in operating some level of company operations to give credibility to a new System, and we have seen many franchise systems fail as they
believe an investor will put up all the funds, with the Franchisor unprepared to commit. One issue that often creates issues for US Franchisors is our labour laws, and the minimum wage that employees must be paid. We can only say labour is probably more expensive than in the USA, especially in the food and hospitality industry due to our Award wages system. This often results in some differences in the forecast P&L modelling and revenues and margins that need to be met. Many US systems with reasonable backing by the Franchisor have had great success over the years in Australia, whether that has been QSR’s like McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Dominos, convenience stores like 7-Eleven or fitness franchises like Anytime Fitness, Orange Theory and Extend Barre. Many new systems are also coming into Australia, not always in the food and fitness business. OsteoStrong and Carl’s Jr are examples of well-financed expansions into Australia. Some systems have come and gone – and are returning again! Taco Bells have come twice previously, and are setting up again, as have Cinnabon who came to Australia previously in 2002. We can only wish them success this time around and hope they have learned of their previous experiences.
Franchise Council of Australia Australia has a strong body pushing franchising forwards in the form of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA). The FCA has Chapters in all mainland states, and runs a three day National Franchise Convention every year, which is seen as the peak industry event. This annual event hosts the prestigious, Gala Awards Dinner and award night. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 37
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expert advice: Peter Buckingham | Managing Director | Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd
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There are locally based experienced franchise consultants and very well established legal firms to assist inbound franchisors in all issues regarding the legal process and managing the expectations.
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Any company wishing to Franchise in Australia must comply with the Code of Conduct or risk prosecution by the ACCC.
Announcements included; Franchisor of the Year – won in 2021 by Rapid Tune, and our small company Spectrum Analysis being crowned, 2021 Supplier of the Year! https://www.franchise.org.au/awards/
Education is one of the cornerstones of the FCA, and along with Griffith University have worked alongside the ACCC to ensure there is free online education available for anyone considering taking on a franchise.Many experts in the industry have contributed to bring a strong level of education to the forefront. To further assist in education of the industry, the FCA have also adopted the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) system from the US, and now around 300 people have been awarded their CFE, and this number is growing rapidly.
Finding Franchisees in Australia One of the biggest complaints from franchisors has been the quality and financial capacity of the prospective franchisees. Whilst many are willing, the financial requirements to join a good system are quite high, and out of practical reach. 38 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Australia has a strong banking system, and banks are reluctant to loan monies to prospective franchisees against the goodwill of the business. FRANdata has recently expanded in Australia to assist in this process, by encouraging the banks to evaluate systems and be prepared to loan monies to well-run franchise systems and their potential franchisees. https://www. frandata.com/about-us/frandata-australia/
Regulated markets Franchising has become a mature distribution method for many major companies. The Federal Government has stepped in and put in place some forms of national regulation over it, by legislating a Code of Conduct, which is administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The Code of Conduct is aimed to be: • Fair to both parties • Ensure a proper Disclosure Statement is provided to would be Franchisees • Ensure the Franchise Agreement is reasonable to both parties • To minimise legal actions by bringing an arbitration process in before Legal actions are taken.
There has been some push from various state governments over the last 10 years to introduce their own separate regulations; however this has not come to pass, meaning that we have one set of regulations Australia wide. The huge advantage of this is to minimise red tape, unlike some other countries (such as the USA), where states may have their own franchise regulations, meaning to individually comply in registration and fees from one state to another can be very complex.
Summary Franchising is moving forward in Australia where we have a relatively mature market, and a great variety of systems working under the franchise format. Australia is open to business for international franchise systems to enter the market with minimal foreign ownership constraints. The main point of difference to many other countries is our relatively mature legislation which is definitely aimed at ensuring the franchisor acts responsibly, and encourages the franchisees to be properly funded and act in a responsible and legal manner. If you are looking to enter Australia, we recommend you liaise with the Franchise Council of Australia, and look at using a responsible consultant to assist you, and a legal firm who specialise in Australia’s Franchise Law. We look forward to welcoming you and your business into Australia. Come on over and we shall throw another shrimp on the BarB!
The public and policymakers need to understand franchising. Our purpose
@OurFranchise is an industry-wide campaign created to spread the word about the value of franchising and share the stories of men and women just like you, who are leading the way as franchisors, franchisees, and franchise employees. The franchise business model has been proven time and time again to work, but it’s threatened when the public and politicians don’t understand how it operates to benefit local, independent franchise establishment owners and their communities. Putting a spotlight on real leaders succeeding with the franchise model is how we’ll ensure franchising is stronger than ever before.
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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.
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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.
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This is just the beginning
Make sure you stay up to date with the campaign’s latest efforts through email updates and social media. Visit our website to read and share the latest stories of franchisors and franchisees making an impact in their communities. Become a franchise advocate to help ensure Americans, now and in the future, have the opportunity to start franchise businesses. Take the lead today!
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 Franchising MAGAZINE USA 39
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snapshot: Tint World®
Powerful growth strategy drives Tint World® to franchise success for 2022 Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022 by building on its remarkable success in 2021, highlighted by 16 new store openings and a $15 million increase in annual revenue. “With a total of 94 Tint World® locations in operation, we’re closing in on our 40th anniversary target of 100 open stores, with 68 new franchise licenses under development for 2022,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “We’re also proud to have significantly increased revenue in 2021 to over $62 million, thanks to average store sales growth and in large part to the growing number of Tint World® locations that recorded more than a million dollars in annual revenue.”
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Tint World®’s extraordinary annual performance in 2021 demonstrates the franchise brand’s powerful value and the strength of its unique growth strategy and franchise success model.
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“The innovative transparency of our franchise disclosure document has helped increase the number of area developers in the Tint World® family,” Bonfiglio said. “More than 30% of the new franchises we awarded in 2021 will develop multiple locations in their territories, which is critical to our growth and also reflects the confidence that our franchisees have in the Tint World® brand model.” In addition to franchise growth, Tint World® has invested in constructing a new 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility to house the company’s corporate office, training center, and new Tint World® demonstration center serving to represent the evolving Tint World® brand. “Our focus on supporting the success of Tint World® franchisees positioned us to continue growing and expanding into new markets even during an unpredictable economic climate,” Bonfiglio said. “We are committed to equipping our franchisees with all the tools they need to succeed, including essential technology, operations and marketing solutions, so they can deliver the premier automotive services Tint World® is known for.” Tint World® was recognized as a Fast & Serious Smart Franchise Brand by FranchiseTimes for 2022, and for its continuing achievements in 2021 by multiple prominent industry and business publications and organizations, including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® and Top Global Franchises, the Inc. 5000, Inc. 5000 Regionals: 40 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
National Automotive Styling Centers™ builds on 2021 achievements for 40th anniversary Florida, Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises, the Franchise Gator Top 100, and the Franchise Times Top 400. Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.
About Tint World® Founded in 1982, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is America’s largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services. Tint World® Mobile Services™ include marine, residential, and commercial window tinting films, solar films, decorative films, safety and security films, and protective ceramic coatings. Tint World® has locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with master franchise opportunities available worldwide. To find out more, please visit www.TintWorld.com or www.TintWorldFranchise.com
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our Next Feature:
RETAIL FRANCHISES
Next month our Special Feature on Retail Franchises provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your Franchise. For advertising opportunities please contact Vikki Bradbury at: vikki@cgbpublishing.com
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