Franchises in Your price Range Feature Supplement March 2023

MARCH 2023

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Expert Advice

t hresholD Bran Ds Closes Out Excellent Year; Home Services Industry Set to Thrive in 2023

t hreshold Brands, the multi-brand franchisor behind fastgrowing home service brands MaidPro, Men in Kilts, Patio Patrol, Pestmaster, UsA insulation, Plumbing Paramedics, Heating + Air Paramedics, sir Grout, and Granite Garage Floors, is establishing itself as a massive player in the burgeoning home services market.

Following a record-breaking year for the home services industry in 2022, t hreshold Brands is now well-positioned to continue its impressive momentum in 2023 and beyond.

“ t his past year has been an exciting time for the t hreshold Brands family,” said r on Bender, chief growth officer. “ t he home services industry is thriving, and the award-winning t hreshold Brands portfolio offers franchisees a clear and proven pathway to success in the space, with the ultimate goal of making their entrepreneurial dreams come true.”

in 2022, t hreshold Brands signed 121 new franchise units across its system, including 33 new Usa insulation locations, 16 new sir g rout locations and 15 new Men in Kilts locations. Existing franchise owners acquired 35 new territories in their original brand or another t hreshold Brand. in addition to franchise growth, the multi-brand company added another brand to its portfolio with g ranite g arage Floors, a franchise company that provides garage floor coatings for residential and commercial customers.

t hreshold Brands has also built out its financial support for franchisees in 2022, offering in-house financing so new owners can invest more in marketing, connecting with financing partners, offering conversion programs and more.

Looking ahead, Bender says t hreshold Brands is ready to keep the momentum strong in 2023, with the goal of building more awareness for the brands under the t hreshold Brands portfolio and continuing to help the right candidates realize their dream of business ownership in a lucrative industry.

t he now m assage Announces Patti Rother As Vice President of Franchise Development To Fuel The Brand’s Next Phase of Growth

t he n OW Massage, a fast-growing franchise disrupting the spa industry with high-quality, affordable massage services in an inspired setting, announced today the appointment of Patti Rother as Vice President of Franchise Development. Rother joins the team with more than 15 years of franchise experience across retail and consumer industries.

Prior to joining t he n OW, r other served as President of Frios g ourmet Pops where she led the company through an extensive rebrand and built support systems to set up existing and future franchisees for success. she has led franchise development and operations for brands like s centhound, Blink Fitness, g arbanzo, n oodles & company, and more. r other is actively involved in the international Franchise a ssociation, serving on the Women’s Franchise committee, the Pride council and as co-chair of the Women’s Franchise n etwork task force.

in 2022, t he n OW opened 17 new boutiques, growing by 74% and bringing the total number of open and operating locations to 40. Looking ahead, the brand hopes to have 100 locations open and operating by 2025, proving that the future is bright for the $18 billion a year massage industry.

“Part of what makes t he n OW special is our incredible group of passionate Franchise Owners,” said g ara Post, co-Founder and chief creative Officer. “We are excited to bring our oasis for relaxation to more cities across the country.”

to learn more about franchising with t he n OW, please visit t he n OWMassage.com/Own-A-Boutique

D1 t raining Announces Largest Deal in Brand History: 12-Units Across Multiple States

D1 training, a leading fitness concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages, from youth athletes to fitness-minded adults, achieve their sport and fitness goals – has announced the signing of its largest deal in brand history.

t he fast-growth fitness franchise kicks off 2023 with a 12-unit agreement that will bring new facilities to major metropolitan markets including Minneapolis, tampa, Dallas-Fort Worth, Long island, etc. over the next five years.

t his new agreement kickstarts the brand’s aggressive development goals to award over 100 territories in 2023, bringing D1’s total number of units in development to over 250. t his comes off the heels of a record-breaking 2022, with nearly 90 territories awarded and 23 openings.

Behind the 12-unit agreement are franchisees Jonn s chumacher and shayne Moberg. a s business partners, the duo brings an impressive background in finance and accounting, corporate management, consulting, and building businesses. after

discovering the D1 franchise opportunity from consultant, Liz Leonard of Fran choice broker network, they knew they found something special. With their vast business experience, the two have come together to build a world-class-team to support this venture under Elysium sports and training LLc

For more information on D1 training and franchise opportunities, please visit www.d1franchise.com, call 615-465-0385 or email julie.bauer@d1training.com

zi P s cleaners OPENS NEW LOCATION IN AUSTIN

Zi Ps Cleaners has opened a new location here at 3421 West William Cannon Drive, suite 141, in a space previously occupied by Brodie Lane Dental.

t he new location, operated by multi-unit franchisee Jason Frick, offers the full ZiPs garment care menu – dry cleaning of any item for $3.99, plus pressed laundry, Wash n Fold laundry, alterations and cleaning of comforters and other household items – and provides the same in by 9, out by 5 guarantee for dry cleaning for which ZiPs has become famous nationwide.

t he 1,732-square-foot “drop store” will have an on-site tailor and counter staff who will receive and return items to

customers. items dropped off for dry cleaning or laundering will be processed at a nearby fully equipped ZiPs location.

t he hub-and-spoke arrangement represents an expansion strategy that ZiPs is implementing throughout the country. it allows franchisees to add locations within their existing markets without the larger space or equipment requirements of a full-service plant, while also enabling

them to leverage the equipment and staff they’ve already installed at existing sites. at the same time, the model allows others interested in entering the garment care business to do so with lower upfront and ongoing operating costs.

For more information, contact Director of Business Development Abhi Parikh at aparikh@321zips.com or (717) 495-7995.

B o Dy20 Celebrates 200 Signed Franchise Agreements, and Announces $30 Million Franchise Fund Partnership with Benetrends

BODY20, the category-leading electro-Muscle stimulation (eMs) fitness franchise, announced today it has surpassed 200 signed franchise agreements, which will propel the brand’s growth into 2023 and beyond.

to support its existing and new owners during this period of unprecedented growth, BODY20 is partnering with Benetrends, a trailblazing pioneer for franchise funding solutions, to provide owners with $30 million in proprietary

funding strategies that maximize opportunities and minimize risk.

Benetrends will set up BODY20 franchisees with the support they need to start a successful business, including Benetrends’ comprehensive suite of service solutions and small business funding options.

Franchisees are able to select the funding plan that best fits their specific needs, whether that is a retirement plan or a conventional business loan. Benetrends determined that BODY20 was the ideal choice to become the first designated franchisor to participate in their new funding program, as both companies are passionate about helping small businesses succeed, and believe this partnership to be an avenue for immense growth.

“Benetrends is excited to now provide designated franchisors and their franchisees access to the critical funding needed to expand their current operations or purchase their first franchise,” said r occo Fiorentino, President & cEO of Benetrends, inc. “We’re pleased to award BODY20 $30 million, as they look to meet their future development needs following their recordsetting growth in 2022.”

For more information about BODY20 and to learn about franchising opportunities, visit: https://body20.com/franchise.

Franchise Play B ook, recently announced the launch of its new mobile franchise platform

t he company plans to launch its first franchise brand this April, which will be a home cleaning and restoration franchise. But that is just the beginning, the company plans to grow its portfolio to 10 brands by 2030.

t he company is founded by franchising veteran and entrepreneur Dan claps, cFE. Prior to starting the company, claps spent close to a decade as an accomplished franchise consultant, franchise lead generation expert and co-host of “ t he Franchise Founders Podcast.”

to fuel the company’s growth, Franchise Playbook has hired a roster of franchise experts with five decades of franchising and related experience including Zach n olte (chief Operating Officer), christian Betancourt (chief Marketing Officer) and steve Miller (Franchise Development Director). coupled with industry leading partners, the company is building franchise systems based on operational excellence, technology forward platforms and turnkey solutions based on decades of experience in the industry.

“Franchisees are the true MVPs and we have built a platform where they can thrive and build legacy businesses within a supported ecosystem. We have assembled a team of the brightest minds in franchising to support the success of our franchisees and franchise brands,” said Dan claps, cFE.

Visit franchiseplaybook.com for more information

c aP tain D’s Sails into 2023 with Full Slate of New Restaurants Under Construction

developing restaurant footprints that are well-suited to the increasingly competitive real estate market, and we now have an effective mix of small, medium and no dining room options to provide our franchisees with flexibility and substantial cost savings,” said Brad r eed, chief Development Officer of c aptain D’s.

“Our brand’s forward-thinking real estate strategy, paired with our seafood niche in the fast casual space, has positioned c aptain D’s for accelerated development in 2023.”

Captain D’s has an impressive slate of new locations and development agreements underway in the first half of 2023. t he nation’s leading fast casual seafood restaurant currently has seven restaurants slated to debut early this year and has signed a development agreement with a new franchisee in Cleveland, Ohio.

t he brand’s growth is propelled by market-

smart real estate prototypes, including highly efficient double drive-thrus, smaller footprints and cost-effective conversion opportunities. t hese flexible options are attracting both new and existing multiunit and multi-concept franchisees who are growing with c aptain D’s throughout the s outh, Midwest and Mid-atlantic states.

“c aptain D’s spent the last several years

n ew restaurants already under construction for the coming months include new and existing markets in alabama, g eorgia, tennessee and texas. Future locations will feature c aptain D’s popular Express, 22- and 44-seat designs and a double drive-thru, which boasts shortened wait times and increased efficiency. c aptain D’s is also continuing to successfully convert vacant restaurant properties, with four completed last year and three cost-effective conversions currently underway in g eorgia markets.

For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.captaindsfranchising.com

Restaurant Group Brings s treet- s i D e aU ntie anne’s and c innaB on locations to Northern Sacramento

Focus Brands, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s s outhwest Grill®, and s chlotzsky’s®, recently opened the company’s first-ever s acramento area street-side dual-brand Auntie Anne’s + Cinnabon location.

trifecta, the restaurant group responsible for this achievement, recently signed a 3-unit deal with Focus Brands to open two auntie anne’s + cinnabon dual-brand locations and one cinnabon location in n orthern c alifornia.

BR ieF:

• The first dual-brand streetside location opened in December 2022 at 10065 Bruceville r oad in n orthern s acramento. t he next location will open at 7775 stockton Blvd in Q2 of this year.

• Alongside the dual-brand locations, trifecta will bring cinnabon to 8023 Orchard Loop in Q2 of this year.

• Trifecta would like to grow their portfolio with Focus Brands with the goal of owning and operating 50 units in the next 5 years.

o r estaurant operator group that owns nine full-service restaurants

• Focus Brands is focused on bringing its specialty brands to more and more streetside locations, especially in dual brand formats.

Quote: “ t he group was looking to expand our portfolio and found we aligned with Focus Brand’s products. With the massive support from the corporate team and the growth possibilities with dual-branding concepts, opening s acramento’s first

streetside auntie anne’s + cinnabon will support the growth and success of our portfolio,” said Ben s eabury.

Findin G a Franchise To MaTch your Bud G e T

local outlet and speaking to the manager may help franchise-seekers get in touch with the outlet’s franchisor. Franchise handbooks can be found online or at libraries. Entrepreneurs who prefer meeting company representatives in person can attend franchising expos and conventions to meet franchisors seeking new members. Some prospects may need a bit more direct assistance. For them, enlisting the services of a franchise broker may be the best option.

www.afranchisecoach.com

entrepreneurism is on the rise. With the COViD-19 pandemic pushing many to work remotely, people are finding they prefer working outside of an office environment. some companies are downsizing, while others are insisting their staff come back to the office now that building occupation restrictions have been lifted.

The result is more and more people are deciding to take the leap and open their own business, and one of the best ways to do so for a beginner is opening a franchise. However, as a franchise coach, I advise those looking to become franchisees to do their homework before signing. A big part of that research is finding a franchise that fits their price range.

There are several factors that determine the cost of a franchise and the net worth of a potential franchisee. A franchise may look like a great business idea, and might be one, but more than one interested buyer has taken a look at the initial expenses of opening a given franchise and come down with a case of sticker shock. Various factors go into a franchise’s initial business costs, such as buying or constructing a new building, getting supplies and equipment, and paying rent on a property. Prospects should make sure to check Item 7 on a company’s franchise disclosure document

(FDD) to find out the total estimated initial investment. If that item has an investment range, it’s best to presume the cost will be at the higher end.

The starting cost is only part of the expenses to consider. Before the purchase is made, franchisees should consider the operational cash flow requirement. This is the amount of money a franchise location needs until it starts to turn a profit. Most franchises need time to build up their customer base and business activity, so it’s important to have the money to tide them over and pay for recurring expenses, like employee wages, license renewals, restocking supplies and/or merchandise. In addition to business costs, potential franchisees should also factor in their own needs and expenses. How much money the owner will make is a big part of why that person invests in a franchise. If the franchise isn’t going to pay for the owner’s expenses, then it’s not going to suffice. Finally, financing options are important. Since most people don’t have franchise startup funds in their back pocket, many need some form of financing. Fortunately, the same financing sources that were available prior to the COVID-19 pandemic are still available. A franchisee should investigate what financing options are available, including asking franchisors if they offer financing assistance. Knowing where to look for franchise opportunities is also important. Visiting a

Having genuine enthusiasm and interest in the products and/or services a franchise provides is an important ingredient in helping determine the best choice. An industry may have several different kinds of franchises in them with differing initial investment amounts. For example, the cleaning industry encompasses different types of residential cleaning, commercial cleaning, and exterior and interior cleaning. A residential window washing franchise is likely to be cheaper than a commercial full-building cleaning service, so there’s a good chance of finding a franchise to fit a given budget in any industry.

As circumstances change, so can the costs and popularity of businesses. For example, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many dine-in restaurants have had a very hard time staying in business. Meanwhile, quick-service restaurants (QSRs) that have take-out or drive-thru service have not only survived, but some have grown. This means franchises that were once highly profitable now may take longer to start turning a profit, while others may experience a boom that sees remarkable growth. Franchise prospects should consider market trends to have a good idea of which franchises have the best chance of making back their starting costs and covering their regular expenses.

There are franchises to fit many different budgets in many different industries. The smart entrepreneur should carefully consider their financial means and needs, as well as the potential income and costs of each franchise they look at, both the starting costs and ongoing ones. Weighing the options and making an informed choice will help pair the right franchisor with the right franchisee.

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.

using market research, here are some various types of franchises and their average initial costs:

• Up to $24,999 – Cruise/vacation planners, fitness training, commercial interior cleaning.

• $25,000 - $49,999 – College planning and application advisor, grill cleaning, estate liquidator, home inspection.

• $50,000 - $74,999 – Window covering, disinfection service, pet sitting/dog walking, wood refinishing, senior relocation service, carpet/upholstery cleaning, lawn care.

• $75,000 - $99,999 – restaurant staffing agency, certified lab testing, swimming instruction, building screen service.

• $100,000 - $249,999 – Home medical care, boutique fitness studio, body waxing service.

husbAnd-And-Wife te A m ins Pire better: HoW StACEY AND M Aur ICE Pug H BECAME t ro PICAl

S M oot HIE C AFE MVP S

stacey and Maurice Pugh are proud tropical smoothie Cafe owners in Charlotte, nC. Having been married for 33 years with two adult children, and both leading successful careers in their respective industries, the couple’s dive into franchising was unexpected.

So, how did they get to where they are today?

Prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Stacey held top-level roles in project management within the science and technology industries. Meanwhile, her husband, Maurice, worked for large-scale databases. The husband-and-wife duo’s previous work experience in their fields gave them a well-rounded perspective on business operations from all fronts, but

they still were looking for ways to be more involved in their community.

It wasn’t until the height of the pandemic in 2020 when the Pugh’s really took notice of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. As businesses everywhere began shutting down, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe location near their house seemed inexplicably busier than ever. Day in and day out, the Pugh’s saw that the drive-thru always had a line, and it was one of the only places that wasn’t at risk of closing its doors permanently.

With this in mind, Stacey and Maurice saw an opportunity they could pursue as a family. The Pugh’s knew they wanted to seek out a business venture that both them and their two children would have a hand in, so they began the research process. After brainstorming, writing lists, and crafting vision boards, each family member had Tropical Smoothie Cafe as one of their top contenders in the franchise space.

The Pugh family connected with the Tropical Smoothie Cafe support center, and within months they had plans to develop their own location.

“Those early stages of getting our location up-and-running were filled with so much support from the Tropical Smoothie Cafe team, and that’s when we knew we made the right choice,” said Stacey. “The whole process was so seamless, from real estate selection to construction, to opening our doors and even being honored with the official title of the brand’s 1,100th location.”

The Pugh family’s location opened up in Charlotte in the summer of 2022, with a grand opening fit for all ages –featuring a ribbon cutting, face painting, commemorative t-shirts and an on-site DJ. The family also utilized their grand opening day to officially kick off their community giveback efforts, with a check donated to a local chapter of No Kid Hungry, an organization committed to reducing childhood hunger and a national partner of Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

In the eight months since opening their Charlotte location, the Pugh family has kept their promise to improve their community in every way they can—

• They provided lunch for women in transition at the Women’s Resource Center in the Greensboro area.

• They ignited a Health Initiative, providing free yoga classes with certified instructors every Saturday.

• Their location partnered with the Salvation Army for the Magical Toy Drive Telethon, paying out-of-pocket to provide toys for children in need.

• They have also gifted coupons for 95 smoothies to a local elementary school

for holiday stocking stuffers, and have donated gift cards and merchandise to the Charlotte Chapter of Jack & Jill of America all in support of children in the community.

• They’re actively donating coupons to gift free smoothies to over 70 young women who are participating in career coaching programs, just next door to their Charlotte cafe.

“We are a very tight, close-knit family,” said Stacey. “Part of that closeness means we want to be the family that people in our

community can go to when they’re in need. We care very deeply about the success of young people in the Charlotte community, and opening a Tropical Smoothie Cafe location has allowed us to contribute to their development. It’s truly been a priceless gift in our lives.”

The Pugh family’s Tropical Smoothie Cafe location has now become such a pillar in the Charlotte community, and the family attributes this fully to their tight-knit relationship and commitment to serving the community.

“ Those early stages of getting our location upand-running were filled with so much support from the Tropical Smoothie Cafe team, and that’s when we knew we made the right choice.”

“ We are a very tight, close-knit family, part of that closeness means we want to be the family that people in our community can go to when they’re in need.”

h ow To i nvesT in a Franchise on a Bud G e T

investing in a franchise can be a great way to start your own business and, in some cases, how to start a business on a budget.

If you’re looking for a franchise in your price range, here are some tips to help you find the right opportunity.

1Determine your budget

The first step in finding a franchise in your price range is to determine your budget. Consider how much money you have available for the initial investment, as well as ongoing costs such as royalty fees and marketing expenses. Be realistic about your financial situation and don’t overextend yourself.

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. v isit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information

After all, the idea of the franchise model is that the franchisor should have figured out the most efficient way for you to open and start your new business because they’ve developed the blueprint for success, right!? Franchises offer the benefits of an established brand, proven business model, and support from the franchisor. However, the initial investment required to start a franchise can be high.

Keep in mind that there are many financing options for you to invest in a new franchise business, in most cases, you will need about 20-30% of the total investment in cash, with good credit and some assets, you can finance the rest of your new franchise investment.

2research franchise opportunities

Once you’ve determined your budget, research franchise opportunities that fit within your price range. You can use online resources such as Franchise Conduit

(www.FranchiseConduit.com ) or Franchise

Courier (http://www.thefranchisecourier. com/) to search for franchises by industry or investment level. Look for franchises that offer a strong return on investment and have a track record of success.

3consider the industry and market potential for the franchises you are considering

When choosing a franchise, consider the industry and whether it is a good fit for your skills and interests. Look for industries that are growing and have a high demand for the products or services offered by the franchise. Keep in mind that some industries may require a higher initial investment than others. Here are some ideas we like that are more reasonable investments and offer great upside opportunity:

Planta Rx CBD

https://plantarxfranchise.com/

Red Carpet Rocks Franchise

https://www.redcarpetrocks.com/

Keystone Fireworks

https://keystonefireworks.com/

4look for financing options

If your budget is limited, consider financing options such as Small Business Administration (SBA) loans or franchisor financing. Many franchisors offer financing to help franchisees get started, and the SBA offers loans specifically for small businesses. You can also explore traditional financing options such as bank loans or lines of credit.

5attend franchise expos and events

Franchise expos and events are a great way to learn about different franchise opportunities and meet with franchisors. At these events, you can talk to franchisors and other franchisees to learn about the business and ask questions. You may also be able to take advantage of special deals or discounts offered at the event.

Here are shows and events that FMS Franchise will be exhibiting: https://www.fmsfranchise.com/event/

6work with a franchise consultant

Working with a franchise consultant can help you find the right franchise opportunity for your budget and goals. A consultant can provide guidance and advice throughout the process, from identifying potential franchises to negotiating the franchise agreement. They can also help you understand the costs and risks associated with franchising. Here is an option we would recommend – Strategic Franchise Brokers – www. StrategicFranchiseBrokers.com

7talk to existing franchisees

Talking to existing franchisees can give you insight into the business and help you make an informed decision. Ask franchisors for a list of current and former

franchisees and contact them to learn about their experiences. You can ask about the initial investment, ongoing costs, and the support they received from the franchisor.

In conclusion, finding a franchise in your price range requires careful research and consideration. By determining your budget, researching opportunities, considering the industry, and exploring financing options, you can find a franchise that fits your budget and your goals. Remember to work with a consultant and talk to existing franchisees to make an informed decision. With the right franchise, you can start your own business and achieve financial success…. while on a budget!

For more information on how to choose the right franchise, or how to Franchise Your Business, contact FMS Franchise: www.FMSFranchise.com

i cryo a nnounces par T nership with t h E r A p E utic mA nufActur E r, btl

iCRYO, the fast-growing recovery and wellness brand that focuses on a series of health-related recovery services that target pain management, beauty & anti-aging, athletic recovery and overall wellness, has announced its synergistic partnership with one of the world’s major medical and aesthetic equipment manufacturers, BtL industries, for a multi-year contract.

The partnership will allow iCRYO to continue to innovate and expand its

capabilities to its fast-growing number of franchises across the United States.

BTL Industries is one of the largest health and wellness manufacturers in the world when it comes to body radiofrequency and muscle contouring medical devices. The main focus of the brand’s innovation has been on non-invasive solutions to body shaping, muscle, skin tightening and other medical aesthetic treatments. Additionally, BTL has a key focus on health and wellness, with core competencies in both muscles and aesthetics, products backed by industry-leading clinical research, and a strong commitment to innovation with numerous patents and first-of-their-kind devices.

With more services being tested, iCRYO’s synergistic partnership with BTL is focused on the new non-invasive body

shaping procedure, Emsculpt NEO®, as well as other devices in the BTL product line. BTL’s patented muscle-toning technology introduced an entirely new category to the aesthetic and wellness industries. Emsculpt NEO® combines HIFEM® and radiofrequency technology to tone muscle and break down fat in a 30-minute session. A series of Emsculpt NEO® treatments provides on average 30% less fat and 25% more muscle.

“As we continue to expand across the nation, this partnership has paved the way for iCRYO to offer the most innovative technology available for our Guests.” stated Kyle Jones, Chief Innovation and Branding Officer of iCRYO.

David Chmel, CEO of BTL North America, explained that BTL’s Emsculpt NEO® has been a clear innovation leader

Recovery and Wellness Franchise to Work with Body Shaping Industry Leader to Expand Capabilities

in the non-invasive body-shaping and wellness market. “We are excited about our partnership with iCRYO and our combined commitment to health and wellness improving patients’ lives.”

“Truly a solid synergistic partnership all around.” stated Chuck Tripi – BTL Director U.S. Strategic Accounts.

Recently announcing the addition of Medical Ozone Ultraviolet Intravenous Therapy (Ozone UV IV Therapy) and NAD+ Intramuscular shots to its core services, iCRYO recognizes the importance of capitalizing on relevant trends. Each of these services are meant to complement the existing offerings, and provide a more customized and effective approach for guest needs.

Currently, their franchise model is over 200 locations awarded with a plan to build over 1,000 locations in several different countries.

aBoUt icryo

Headquartered in Houston, t X, iCRYO is setting the standard for Cryotherapy nationwide. As the leading franchise in the industry, iCRYO is an affordable, convenient and professional Cryotherapy franchise that offers Cryotherapy and a hybrid of other wellness services to the communities in which they are located. iCRYO offers a turnkey franchise system for Cryotherapy business owners. Whether it be a retail location or an addition to a gym or existing business, iCRYO has the systems and comprehensive training in place to provide safe Cryotherapy across the globe. t heir mission is to elevate the lifestyle of their team members and guests while raising the bar in the health and wellness market.

To learn more, visit www.icryo.com.

aBoUt Btl

BtL’s Worldwide Headquarters in located in Prague, Czech Republic with U. s. Headquarters in Marlborough, MA. Founded in 1993, BtL has gronw to become one of the world’s major manufacturers of medical and aesthetic equipment. With over 3,000 employees located in more than 75 countries, BtL has revolutionized non-invasive solutions for body shaping, muscle building, skin tightening & other medical aesthetic treatments, including women’s intimate health and wellness. BtL’s brands include eMsCULP t neO®, eMFACe®, eMsCULP t ®, eMseLLA®, eMFeMMe 360®, eMtOne®, e xilis ULtRA®.

To learn more, visit www.bodybybtl.com.

“ As we continue to expand across the nation, this partnership has paved the way for iCRYO to offer the most innovative technology available for our Guests.

ADvIce: Evan Hackel | Founder and CEO of Ingage Consulting, and CEO of Tortal Training

“ If you are going to invest most of your own savings in your franchise, how much do you have to invest?”

n e t Wo rk le Ad e xC h An G e: mAkin G A lo CAl i m PAC t

network e xchange (nLX), the premier flexible business networking organization, helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses by building connections locally and is part of a nationwide network. nLX encourages members to share the power of its business model with local non-profit organizations, giving them a more visible profile and a stronger platform for connecting with local businesses and seeking support.

It’s an innovative model that brings professionals together to help each other grow their businesses. NLX offers the best

features of traditional networking updated for today’s fast-moving, tech-oriented business environment. Members use its proprietary online platform to exchange leads, referrals, and commissions, and each chapter has the flexibility to develop meeting schedules as well as its own individual style and mission to provide a unique local networking experience that is powered and backed by NLX’s system and values. In addition, each chapter is limited to a single business from any industry, which maximizes the benefits by restricting competition.

Dozens of chapters comprise the NLX network, drawn by its relatively low investment cost, proprietary technology and wealth of resources from membership in the United Franchise Group™ (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants. Brands benefit from the resources and

expertise UFG has developed over three decades in the franchise industry and can call on each other for support and help. NLX also operates within UFG’s Starpoint Brands™, a constellation of trusted companies representing the very best in their industries.

“Of all the advantages an NLX chapter offers, I think one of the strongest is the connection it helps businesses build to their local community,” says Austin Titus, President of NLX. “Our franchise owners and their members thrive by connecting each other to local customers – that’s what business is all about.”

A critical connection can be forged by including non-profit organizations, enabling chapters to give back to their communities. NLX allows its franchise owners to offer non-profit memberships at half the standard fee, using a charity

promo code it provides. Like other chapter members, the organization gets an exclusive seat in the chapter; no other organizations from the non-profit sphere may join.

“It’s important to us that the community sees an NLX chapter working side-byside with a local non-profit organization, supporting efforts to meet local needs,” Titus says. “We think this charitable component adds great value to a chapter and makes it an even better investment for a business looking to expand its portfolio.” NLX membership has even more tangible payoffs for the non-profit member than visibility and connections. Just as forprofit businesses gain revenue from their affiliation with NLX, so do the non-profits. In addition, fellow NLX members often provide financial support and volunteer assistance.

A prime example of this is NLX’s Two Rivers chapter in Holmdel, New Jersey. Its 12 members include the RAINE Foundation, which helps children and families in crisis; its name stands for Reaching All In Need Everyday. Based in Hazlet, New Jersey, it provides food, clothing, toys, and general assistance during the holidays while operating a crisis hotline and serving families in need throughout the year.

The Two Rivers chapter is part of RAINE’s “army of volunteers,” helping to raise funds and support in several ways. For example, the chapter is sponsoring a table at RAINE’s upcoming Spring Gala, and members help on the ground at RAINE events like Thanksgiving and Christmas projects.

Two Rivers was established in 2022 by local business owner George Lechner as a complement to his company, Coastal Air Conditioning which he founded in 1996. He recently offered the non-profit seat of his NLX chapter to RAINE and paid its entire membership in full rather than providing the 50% NLX discount.

It’s just the latest of many non-profit groups Lechner has helped over the years; he has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for various local causes.

“I’ve lived in New Jersey for sixty-four years. It’s my home, and it’s important to me to help make it better,” Lechner says. “At Coastal Air Conditioning, we like to say we’re a ‘values-first company,’ and one of my personal values is to take care of my friends and neighbors and make it possible for others to do so. So the fact that NLX also cares about making an impact in a very practical way was a big factor in my choosing NLX when I was looking for a new business investment.”

Both non-profit and for-profit members get the benefit of a global brand that has been helping to grow businesses since 2018. NLX is an outgrowth of UFG, which has its origins in the founding of UFG’s Signarama franchise brand in 1986.

“We’re very proud of the growth of our chapters and the businesses that keep them moving forward, and I think our non-profit initiative is a big part of that,” Titus says. “But it’s much bigger than a business driver. Our members are very community minded and understand the importance of raising the community up so that it’s a better place for themselves, their employees and their customers to live and work. And in the end, isn’t that what business is all about?”

To learn more about membership, chapter locations and franchise opportunities with Network Lead Exchange, visit www. networkleadexchange.com.

h o W to k no W if you C An Afford A fr An C

it is a major question for anyone, regardless of the brand they’re considering investing. Buying a franchise is a major purchase and the risk of being unsuccessful is always there. However, those that are ready for the challenge have a great chance at growing their business and their bottom line.

The success of a franchisee can be determined by multiple things: work ethic, personality, and skill set to start. But obviously a critical component needed to purchase a franchise and make it successful is money. When looking at various franchise opportunities, it’s important to have the capital needed to start the business and keep it running in its infancy. I would estimate that a large majority of franchisees who fail within

the first 12 months of business were sorely undercapitalized.

So, how do you know if you can afford a franchise? As Senior Director of Franchise Development for HomeVestors, a real estate franchise company, I can say there are a few things needed to carefully consider before signing the dotted line with any brand.

First and foremost, you should review the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) with a franchise attorney. This document will carefully outline all of the potential investment costs associated with your pending venture. It is important to review the entire document. The FDD contains sections about costs, fees, and other monetary considerations, including but not limited to the following:

• Item 5: Here is where you’ll learn about the initial franchise fees. These need to be paid upfront before you can begin

the process of opening your franchise location and training.

• Item 6: In addition to the initial franchise fee, franchisees are expected to pay ongoing royalties, advertising fees and other various fees. These essentially pay for the support they will receive from the franchisor throughout the life of your agreement. These also help fund any advertising campaigns the franchisor is executing to increase brand awareness and business generation.

Adam Benshoof is the Senior Director of Franchise Development with HomeVestors, the nation’s largest professional house buying franchise.

hise

“ how much will it cost me?”

• Item 7: This section provides prospective franchisees with the total investment range along with an itemized list of where the funds are allocated. Included in this range are costs associated with initial training, lodging, and travel.

• Item 19: Lastly, franchisees should see if the franchisor has an Item 19 listed in their FDD. Also known as Financial Performance Representations, this item can give a prospect an idea of sales, income, or profits being generated by franchisees in the system. Reviewing this section provides greater clarity about the overall health of the system.

As you begin connecting with various franchisors about their opportunities, you’ll likely be invited to a series of calls, including an FDD review call, where many of these details will be discussed and where you can ask questions about anything in the FDD. During this education process, you’ll also be asked about your current financial situation, so be prepared to disclose your net worth and liquidity. If you’re uncomfortable with sharing that information due to lack of funds, communicate that with the brand’s representative and they can walk you through your options.

If you’re someone who is set on starting their own business through franchising, but are concerned about the startup costs, I do have some advice for you. To start, it’s important to note that regardless of the brand, new franchisees must be prepared for the possibility of not making income at the start of their operations. All franchise prospects should prepare to have funds that cover the first three, six, or nine months of starting their business (sometimes more), in addition to the initial investment range as communicated by the franchisor in the FDD.

Franchise prospects should not just focus on the lower number when looking at the initial investment range. As someone who works for a franchisor, we always hope people can start their businesses for less than the top of the investment range, but due to various factors, that may not happen. I always say it’s good business practice to hope for the best but plan for the worst. However, it is worth mentioning that there are several different franchise types in the industry – many with affordable startup costs. With the world becoming increasingly more comfortable with working from home, there are business opportunities that can be run right from your house or home office. When you don’t have to purchase or rent an office space, it’s possible to save quite a bit of money as you’re first starting out.

Some franchises offer investors multiple ways to build their businesses – whether in a part-time or full-time capacity – based on what works best for them and their current situation. Part-time franchise opportunities often times allow you to continue working at your job or even pursue other ventures. When starting a business money is always going to be vital. However, there are boundless opportunities to join a franchise that is within your price range. Be sure to prepare yourself before you start to have conversations with different brands. Knowing how much cash you have available will make selecting the right franchise opportunity much easier for you.

a naG o cLeanin G s ys T e M s o F uTah

Commercial cleaning is in high demand and Anago’s Dave Bonnemort is a leader among the pack. His decision to purchase an Anago Cleaning Master Franchise territory was based on the type of business he was looking to purchase. He wanted a franchise in the B2B space with recurring revenue, multiple income streams, large growth opportunities, and a manageable working schedule with limited nights and weekends.

What he found was that Anago Cleaning Systems shines in these areas and he and his family have been very happy with this decision to purchase this franchise.

Bonnemort says, “Utah is a very entrepreneurial state and there is a lot of growth happening here, which creates the need for many services. As they say, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and, as Utah continues to grow, it is creating many new opportunities for small business owners to better their lives while providing a muchneeded service in our local communities. We have been able to help several franchise owners both start their first business and grow it to the point where they could leave their daytime job to pursue their business full-time.”

Commercial cleaning, specifically Anago Cleaning Systems, has been consistently awarded as a “Top Recession-Resistant Franchise.” Today this is vitally important as businesses continue to struggle in an unpredictable economy and tight labor market. What Anago has proven time and again is that right now is a great time to get into the commercial cleaning space and take a chance on yourself. Anago supports and coaches franchise owners to learn the business, how to properly clean and disinfect different commercial facilities, provide five-star customer service, and find accounts to grow their business.

“Several franchise owners have left low-paying jobs at large big box stores and increased their take-home pay substantially. Many have said that for the first time, they have money each month to start saving for a rainy day, continued investment and growth in their business, among a myriad of other goals they have for themselves and their family. It’s very rewarding to see these types of results,” added Bonnemort.

One of Anago’s resounding threads through many of its Master Franchise owners is how the franchise system is designed to help small business owners achieve the American Dream by owning their own business – whether that is part or full-time.

Mr. Bonnemort is currently the Master Franchise Owner and Regional Director of Anago of Utah. In his current role, he helps franchisees build successful commercial cleaning businesses while ensuring clients receive best-in-class cleaning. Additionally, he is a trusted commercial cleaning advisor to clients large and small spanning many industries.