FRANCHISING USA NOVEMBER 2020 by CGB Publishing

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The magazine for franchisees

VOL 08, ISSUE 12, nov 2020

THE PANDEMICPROOF FITNESS CONCEPT

special feature

women in franchising franchising with your better half can be the best of both worlds LATEST NEWS

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FRANCHISING USA VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12, 2020 president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com

Publisher: Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com

managing editor: Diana Cikes. editor@cgbpublishing.com

advertising: vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Editorial team: Hayley Drew Sinead Horan-Webb Rob Swystun

Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com

DESIGN: Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com

COVER IMAGE: body20

CGB PUBLISHING Canadian Office: Sidney B.C Canada U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 Editorial: 778 426 2446 www.franchisingusamagazine.com Proud member of the IFA:

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f r o m t he p u bl i s he r & e d i t or Welcome to our November issue of Franchising USA. In this issue we are delighted to welcome Body 20 to our cover. Turn to page 10 to read about this pandemic-proof fitness concept. Many people in franchising experience that moment of doubt before they dive into their next business venture. A little critical thinking is healthy, but sometimes we need to push ourselves to overcome a crisis of confidence. For many new franchisees, the global pandemic has intensified all those feelings of insecurity. Thankfully, our franchise experts are here to share their wisdom! The more you learn, the more confident you will feel in whatever new challenge is on the horizon. To get you started, explore Ryan Stansbury’s article on how franchising models can be successful even during tough socio-economic times (20). Or check out Heather Ripley’s article on why many franchisees decide to step into the franchising world with heir ‘better half’ (14). In our special feature on Women in Franchising, our experts offer advice for women starting a franchise or small business, including tips on building confidence, the importance of supporting women in leadership roles, and how franchise consultant jobs for women are on the rise. Plus, Angela Olea, CEO of Assisted Living Locators, provides some great insights into franchising opportunities for women. In this month’s Veterans feature, we pay special tribute to the men and women who have served their country as we commemorate Veterans Day on November 11. We also meet GI Tax, a unique business with big franchise ambitions. And, we introduce some inspiring Veterans who have made the transition into successful franchising careers. As always, you will find the latest franchising news, even more expert advice articles and profile pieces, plus our A-Z franchise listing directory with all of the best franchise opportunities available right now. Enjoy the read! Vikki Bradbury & Diana Cikes Franchising USA

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“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” ~ Marissa Mayer, Former CEO, Yahoo

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

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contents

november 2020

On the Cover 10 Cover Story: BODY20: The Pandemic-Proof Fitness Concept 25 Special Feature: Women in Franchising

14 Franchising with Your Better Half Can Be the Best of Both Worlds

In Every Issue 6 Franchising News

Announcements from the Industry

32 Special Feature article: Continued Growth for Women in Franchising Will Depend on More Women in Leadership Roles, Experts Say 45 Veterans in Franchising Supplement 63 A-Z Franchise and Services Directory

Expert Advice

14 Franchising with Your Better Half Can Be the Best of Both Worlds Heather Ripley, CEO, Ripley PR 18 Flexibility, Safety and Cost Effectiveness Are the Hallmarks of the Modern Business World Brian Farris, Brand President, Intelligent Office 22 3 Tips to Help Multi-unit Owners Succeed Bill McPherson, Vice President of Franchise Development, Alphagraphics

Ask the Expert

22 Franchising USA

16 The Next Evolution of Small Business Software Matthew Gourgeot, Head of Corporate and Business Development, Thryv

0 Have Your Say

20 Franchising During a Pandemic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Is It a Smart Move? Ryan Stansbury, Vice President of Franchise Development,

PJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee of New Orleans

Feature: Women in Franchising on the cover 28 Cover Story: Franchising Provides Real Opportunities for Women

40 Franchising Has No Ceilings 42 Franchise Consultant Jobs: The Next Big Thing for Women 38 Supporting Women in Franchising in every issue 26 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

32 Special Feature: Continued Growth for Women in Franchising Will Depend on More Women in Leadership Roles, Experts Say Rob Swystun, Franchising USA Expert Advice 38 Supporting Women in Franchising Sarah Kulbatski, COO, JT Franchising 40 Franchising Has No Ceilings George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice

42 Franchise Consultant Jobs: The Next Big Thing for Women Jill Abrahamsen, Editorial Director, International Franchise Professionals Group profile 36 Following Her American Dream Belina Calderon-Nernberg, CEO, 1Heart Caregiver Services

42 Franchising USA

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what’s new!

CRISP & GREEN TO EXPAND NATIONWIDE

Crisp & Green, Minnesota’s favorite lifestyle brand that blends nutritious foods, community and fitness, will begin its national franchise expansion in early 2021, as announced by CEO and Founder Steele Smiley. The national expansion will start in Dallas, Texas followed by South Dakota, Iowa and North Dakota. The successful fast-casual brand has been making ambitious strides towards expansion since its launch in 2016, serving guests in-person as well as digitally via their proprietary app. With the widespread shift to digital ordering amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the brand was uniquely prepared to capture the increased demand for their healthy and convenient options, leading to accelerated growth in a time when the restaurant industry is struggling across the nation.

TOMMY’S EXPRESS NAMED TO THE FRANCHISE TIMES TOP 200+

The strength of Crisp & Green’s innovative and adaptive business model, combined with their emphasis on building a community, has set the brand apart and ahead. Today, the lifestyle company has seven locations open and 20 in development, including locations in its home state of Minnesota and additional locations across Texas, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa. “We have been very pleased with the success we’ve experienced in Minnesota and are thrilled that communities have embraced and supported us so quickly,” said Smiley. “We are eager to expand into other parts of the country to bring additional communities nutritious, great-tasting food in our unique welcoming environment. Everyone is welcome at our table.” www.crispandgreen.com President and Chief Innovation Officer Ryan Essenburg of Tommy’s Express Car Wash said: “It’s an honor to be named to the list of top 200+ franchise opportunities by the Franchise Times. “Tommy’s Express Car Wash is my way of sharing my family’s success with others, to help them enrich lives, add value, and serve their local communities. Growth and opportunity keep us striving ahead as we are filling a serious gap in service offering around the world.”

Tommy’s Express Car Wash recently debuted as a top 500 franchise according to the Franchise Times Top 200+® list. Tommy’s Express Car Wash climbed to #479 in 2020 up from #559 in 2019. The Franchise Times Top 200+® is the only ranking by systemwide sales and units of the largest 500 U.S.-based franchise brands. The ranking also analyzes industry

Franchising USA

sectors based on percentage change in sales growth and reports the 10 fastest-growing franchises by four different measures.

According to the Franchise Times, the 200 largest U.S.-based franchisors grew their

combined annual sales by more than $30 billion or 4.5 percent last year, to $702.9

billion, with most categories seeing acrossthe-board gains from the previous year.

Tommy’s Express is a fast-growing national car wash franchise built around the Totally Tommy site model originally developed by Tommy Car Wash Systems. Franchise locations are closely supported with exclusive training, marketing, and technical assistance and enjoy access to proprietary, franchise-exclusive developments in wash products and technology. www.tommycarwash.com/franchise

BIG SKY FRANCHISE TEAM NAMED A TOP FRANCHISE SUPPLIER BY ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE

SHOPMONKEY TEAMS WITH TINT WORLD TO MAXIMIZE FRANCHISEE OPERATIONS Big Sky Franchise Team was recently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s third annual list of the Top Franchise Suppliers. This list recognizes top companies that provide services and support to franchisors and franchisees in ten categories: Accounting, Banking/Financing, Franchise Broker/Referral Networks, Franchise Consulting/Development, Legal Services, Marketing, Merchant Services, Other Technology Services, Public Relations, and Real Estate Services. Big Sky Franchise Team was ranked #3 in the Franchise Consulting/Development category. “We are grateful and honored to be recognized as one of the top franchise consulting and development companies by Entrepreneur Magazine,” said Tom DuFore, CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team. “This is a testament to our Team’s many years of hard work and dedication to having a win-win mindset to support our clients, our suppliers, and each other.” “Now more than ever franchisors and franchisees need service providers they can rely on to help them build and run their businesses as efficiently as possible,” said Entrepreneur’s editor in chief, Jason Feifer. “We at Entrepreneur are proud to help by presenting this list of the most trusted suppliers in the industry.” To determine who the Top Franchise Suppliers are, Entrepreneur surveyed more than 700 franchisors to find out which service providers they and their franchisees use, and what their satisfaction is with the quality, cost, and value of those suppliers’ services. Each supplier was scored based on the results of this survey. Big Sky Franchise Team’s position on the ranking illustrates its position as a trusted service provider in the franchise community. www.bigskyfranchiseteam.com

Shopmonkey, a San Jose, California-based software company serving the automotive industry, and Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, announce an enterprise partnership that equips Tint World franchisees with the leading auto shop management software to maximize efficiency and customer experience while positioning Shopmonkey to continue its rapid growth and innovation. “Shopmonkey is transforming the auto service industry,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We recognized an opportunity to support our franchisees with technology that will allow them to streamline their operations, giving them more time to focus on delivering the high-quality products and service that Tint World® is known for.” With Shopmonkey’s cloud-based shop management software, franchise owners at 80 Tint World locations across the United States can increase revenue and streamline daily tasks by automating scheduling, inventory, payment processing and communications in one platform. Shopmonkey’s intuitive interface and clean design ensure optimal user experience and minimize training and onboarding. Shopmonkey’s shop management software simplifies all the complexities of running an auto shop business onto a single platform. The company helps shops run their business with easyto-use software that consolidates tools, saves time, and streamlines their entire operation while improving communication across the board. “With Shopmonkey, we’re providing Tint World franchisees one of the auto accessory industry’s most innovative and effective tools,” said Jeff Stark, COO of Tint World. www.tintworld.com

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what’s new! MASSAGE HEIGHTS ANNOUNCES NEW RETREAT IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN Massage Heights, a leader of professional, affordable and convenient therapeutic massage and facial services, is expanding in the Midwest market, with a new location in Detroit, MI. The Massage Heights Troy Somerset Collection will highlight the brand’s overall mission to elevate the mind, body and spirit of its guests. To celebrate its grand opening, the Retreat will be offering $800 in services to the first 100 Members, which includes free hot stone therapy for a year, plus three additional complimentary services. In addition to this, the Retreat will be offering an introductory $40 massage for first time Guests. Both first-time franchisees, Mike Samman and Dr. Hatem bring passion and experience from their industries to the Massage Heights family. Mike joins the team with an impressive background in construction management and transportation. Dr. Hatem

earned his medical degree from St. George University School of Medicine, where he went on to become a successful OB-GYN in the San Antonio community. “We are thrilled to be a part of a growing franchise brand like Massage Heights,” said Mike Samman and Dr. Hatem. “We can’t wait to introduce the brand to neighboring residents in the Metro Detroit area.” Massage Heights was founded in 2004 by Co-founder and President, Shane Evans with her husband, Wayne, after realizing the need for professional and affordable massage services. The brand has grown from a single retreat in San Antonio, Texas, to more than 116 locations across North America. www.massageheights.com

FLAME BROILER ELEVATES QR CODES FOR SAFER CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE According to a 2018 study by Juniper Research, QR code redemption globally was projected to reach about 5.3 billion transactions by 2022— four times more than the 1.3 billion transactions in 2017. COVID-19 accelerated QR code use in a matter of months. While other restaurants used QR codes to only display menus, Flame Broiler, a quickservice restaurant franchise with over 170 locations serving simple, healthy bowls and entrees, implemented drive-up virtual kiosks in which customers need to only scan a QR code on signs outside to order and pay for their food. The QR code loads a special site for customers to view the

Franchising USA

menu, place an order, and pay virtually. Using QR codes to display menus and direct people to websites was the obvious and basic way for restaurants to employ the technology. Flame Broiler elevated QR codes to facilitate an entire transaction from start to finish and mitigate the risks tied to going inside of establishments during the pandemic at the same time. “As a quick-service restaurant, we knew we needed to pivot as soon as COVID-19 happened and social distance restrictions were enacted. Our biggest priority is customer and employee safety, and we want our guests to feel safe while ordering and getting food from us. The QR codes

facilitate an entire transaction from start to finish and alleviate the risks tied to going inside restaurants during the pandemic,” said Daniel Lee, head of brand and technology at Flame Broiler. www.flamebroilerusa.com

EAST COAST WINGS + GRILL MULTI-UNIT OWNERS EARN RECOGNITION FROM FRANCHISE BUSINESS REVIEW East Coast Wings + Grill’s J.D. and Jeff Penland, brothers and multi-unit operators for the full-service, familydining franchise— were honored by Franchise Business Review as 2020 Franchisee Rock Stars. The Penlands, who own four ECW+G locations throughout North Carolina, were selected among a pool of 28,000-plus franchisees as rock stars in the “Multi-Unit Owner” category. In 2007, the post-college graduates purchased an existing location. After a few short years, they turned the restaurant into a profitable investment and sold it in 2010. They used that experience to gain the entrepreneurial knowledge they needed and became multi-unit owners of the franchise, known as some of the top performing owners within the system, with over $8 million in revenue.

While there was a dip in Mid-March and early April, throughout the pandemic, the Penlands have since experienced record sales. “Even at 50 percent occupancy, we’re maximizing our space. We’ve moved tables around, removed some, and able to swiftly adapt to guest traffic behavior, whether they’re dining in or ordering curbside and delivery,” said JD Penland. “ECW+G has the square footage down to a science and its right in the sweet spot to operate casual dining effectively.” Some of the substantial support provided by the franchisor included: proactively building a game plan to face COVID-19 realities, weekly conference calls, chain supply management, providing financial analysis programs and pulling back on marketing and royalty fees.

“There’s no need to reinvent the wheel with ECW+G, follow the data-driven model and maximize it,” said Penland. “Based on our experience, it boils down to focus, dedication and sacrifice to succeed.” www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com

FOOT SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION Foot Solutions, an international foot wellness retailer focused on improving health and relieving pain through expertly-fit custom orthotics and supportive footwear, is pleased to announce its 10 year partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Pickleball is one of the fastest growing

sports in North America, and because the game is played on hard surfaces, the risk

of injuries has accompanied the increased interest in the game. The hard surfaces

take a toll on the players’ feet and joints, ultimately limiting their game time and diminishing their quality of life.

“The Professional Pickleball Association is thrilled to welcome Foot Solutions as the Official Foot Wellness Provider for the PPA Tour,” said Connor Pardoe, PPA commissioner. “For years, Foot Solutions has been helping pickleball players keep their feet and joints out of pain and healthy on the court,” said John Prothro, Foot Solutions CEO. “This agreement with the PPA allows us to get the word out to the rest of the pickleball community—our experts are ready to make sure your feet interact with the ground in a way that optimizes your game, alleviates pain, and keeps you going strong.”

will be onsite to answer questions and distribute various foot wellness related products. Additionally, the Association’s annual tournament hosted in Mesa, Ariz., will now be called the Foot Solutions Mesa Grand Slam in honor of this partnership.

At each official PPA event, Foot Solutions

www.footsolutions.com/franchising/

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cov er sto ry

b o dy20

THE

FITNESS CONCEPT While the pandemic sent most of the fitness industry into intensive care, a few players have thrived. Companies like Peloton and Bowflex that focus on the home exercise market saw wild surges in demand. In contrast, many big box gyms and boutique fitness studios that rely on members showing up in the flesh were crushed. Even as restrictions eased, many fitness business models couldn’t survive the re-tooling required to put distance between people, constantly clean and keep staff virus-free. BODY20, a relative newcomer to the fitness franchise industry, not only escaped this fate, but emerged from the worst of the pandemic even stronger than before.

A Revolutionary Concept When co-founders Chris and Kenzie Pena learned about a tech-based fitness concept that was gaining popularity overseas, they wondered why it was virtually unknown in the US. Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) involves performing a workout while wearing gear that produces deep muscle contractions, achieving in minutes results that take hours in the gym. Both of them fitness enthusiasts and businesspeople, they saw the makings of a big opportunity. In 2017, they began to develop a proprietary “timecondensed technology training” protocol based on EMS. They introduced BODY20 to the US market, confident that it was a scalable, breakthrough idea that would stand apart from the me-too brands cluttering the industry.

Franchising USA

BODY20 members take part in 20-minute one-onone sessions with a trainer. During a single 20-minute session, the member experiences 100 times the muscle contractions they would in a one-and-a-half-hour gym workout, producing quick and measurable results. choose between fitness and family time or career. Members’ goals vary, and include injury recovery, pain relief, weight loss, muscle definition and mood improvement.

Leading and Succeeding in the Age of COVID So what made BODY20 pandemic-proof? The Penas point to two factors—the business model’s fundamentals and the measures taken by the executive team during the government-mandated shutdown. Health, safety and financial stability—all critical during the pandemic—are inherent in the BODY20 business model. The oneto-one training format means minimal exposure to people. And even with strict cleaning measures in place, members can choose not to touch any equipment and still get in an intense workout.

Strong leadership starts at the top, and CEO Greg Breitbart took an unconventional view of the pandemic: He saw it as a rare opportunity to pause, study the business and make operational improvements.

BODY20 members take part in 20-minute one-on-one sessions with a trainer. During a single 20-minute session, the member experiences 100 times the muscle contractions they would in a one-and-ahalf-hour gym workout, producing quick and measurable results. The concept has proven to have broad appeal, and it’s easy to see why. One of the

BODY20 mantras is “Fitness Equality.” They believe every body is entitled to feel great. Since it’s fast, low-impact and virtually injury-proof, it appeals to the time-crunched and is accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. A core BODY20 belief is that getting in shape shouldn’t hurt. And woven in to the culture is the insistence that no one should have to

The one-to-one training format also means small store footprints, lower rents and fewer full-time employees (4-6 per location). The membership pricing structure delivers high per-member revenue, and generous profit margins supplied the company with the cash reserves needed to ride out the shut-down. Many fitness studios offered members streaming workouts during the shut-down; now that they’ve learned how to get the same workout at home, some members may not return. The BODY20 workout can’t be done at home; it’s dependent on the technology in the studio, so members returned as soon as they could. Strong leadership starts at the top, and CEO Greg Breitbart took an unconventional view of the pandemic: He saw it as a rare opportunity to pause, study the business and make operational improvements. His executive team doubled down on the business, building in

Franchising USA

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b o dy20

A core BODY20 belief is that getting in shape shouldn’t hurt. And woven in to the culture is the insistence that no one should have to choose between fitness and family time or career.

interested in it before the pandemic, because there’s nothing else like it in the landscape. The business model is tight and leadership is taking a strategic approach to growth. Layer on its immunity to COVID, and it’s a company I think franchisees should take a hard look at.” Seasoned franchisees are taking notice. Bhavika and Shawn Patel owned two Massage Envy stores and four European Wax Centers in the Houston area for more than ten years. They recently sold them all to get in on BODY20. In addition to their first location, they purchased Houston Area Representative rights. “Through our experience in franchising, we’ve found that successful concepts share three key criteria: Strong, engaged executive leadership, an idea that’s innovative enough to command its own space in the market and a scalable financial model. BODY20 checks all those boxes. It was an easy decision to go all-in.” For someone new to franchising, BODY20 is a great point of entry. From Day One, franchisees are set up to succeed, with systems and processes in place, along with personal support from the executive team. Zack Moliver was a fitness enthusiast and trainer with no business experience. He purchased the Mizner, Florida location as a first-time business owner, and learned on the job. He recently bought another location in Del Ray Beach. “I got very lucky. I was just a guy with a passion for fitness when I found out about BODY20. Buying the Mizner location was a big leap for me—I had a lot to learn and I made some mistakes in the beginning, but the leadership team really supported me. Mizner is now BODY20’s best-performing location, and Del Ray is off to a great start, thanks to lessons learned.”

additional franchisee support so they were positioned to reopen stronger than ever. Breitbart tells us, “Our leadership team spent those months looking at the business from every angle and asking, ‘What can we build in that will automate as much as possible for our franchisees so they can focus on delivering the highest quality experience to their members?’ We really dialed up the resources available to them.”

Franchising USA

Grabbing Franchisees’ Attention

Where Luck Meets Hard Work

Fitness franchise consultant Chris Weber, founder of Beakinship, Inc. and Staffing Fitness, Inc. has helped companies like Orangetheory, Title Boxing and others implement strategies to scale profitably. Chris says, “BODY20 is the only adult fitness brand that I’m excited about right now. It’s the first truly unique concept I’ve seen in the last 10 years. I became

The founders of BODY20 didn’t see the pandemic coming; they didn’t know that investing in a virus-proof business idea was going to be important, so they feel lucky. But they’ve also put in the work. As Thomas Jefferson said, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” BODY20’s leaders agree.

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THE

FITNESS CONCEPT

choose between ﬁtness and family time or career. Members’ goals vary, and include injury recovery, pain relief, weight loss, muscle deﬁnition and mood improvement.

Leading and Succeeding in the Age of COVID So what made BODY20 pandemic-proof? The Penas point to two factors—the business model’s fundamentals and the $5.95 www.franchisingusamagazine.com measures taken by the executive team during the government-mandated shutdown.

While the pandemic sent most of the fitness industry into intensive care, a few players have thrived. Companies like Peloton and Bowflex that focus on the home exercise market saw wild surges in demand.

Franchising USA

In contrast, many big box gyms and boutique fitness studios that rely on members showing up in the flesh were crushed. Even as restrictions eased, many fitness business models couldn’t survive the re-tooling required to put distance between people, constantly clean and keep staff virus-free.

THE MAGAZINE FO

BODY20, a relative newcomer to the ﬁtness franchise industry, not only escaped this fate, but emerged from the worst of the pandemic even stronger than before.

A Revolutionary Concept When co-founders Chris and Kenzie Pena learned about a tech-based fitness concept that was gaining popularity overseas, they wondered why it was virtually unknown in the US. Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) involves performing a workout while wearing gear that produces deep muscle contractions, achieving in minutes results that take hours in the gym. Both of them fitness enthusiasts and businesspeople, they saw the makings of a big opportunity. In 2017, they began to develop a proprietary “timecondensed technology training” protocol based on EMS. They introduced BODY20 to the US market, confident that it was a scalable, breakthrough idea that would stand apart from the me-too brands cluttering the industry.

COV ER STO RY

Page 11

B O DY20

BODY20 mantras is “Fitness Equality.” They believe every body is entitled to feel great. Since it’s fast, low-impact and virtually injury-proof, it appeals to the time-crunched and is accessible for people of all ages and ﬁtness levels. A core BODY20 belief is that getting in shape shouldn’t hurt. And woven in to the culture is the insistence that no one should have to

Franchising USA

Health, safety and financial stability—all critical during the pandemic—are inherent in the BODY20 business model. The oneto-one training format means minimal exposure to people. And even with strict cleaning measures in place, members can Rchoose F Rnot A toNtouch C Hany I Sequipment E E S and still VOL 08, ISSUE 12, NOV 2020 get in an intense workout. The one-to-one training format also means small store footprints, lower rents and fewer full-time employees (4-6 per location). The membership pricing structure delivers high per-member revenue, and generous profit margins supplied the company with the cash reserves needed to ride out the shut-down. Many fitness studios offered members streaming workouts during the shut-down; now that they’ve learned how to get the same workout at home, some members may not return. The BODY20 workout can’t be done at home; it’s dependent on the technology in the studio, so members returned as soon as they could.

THE PANDEMICPROOF FITNESS CONCEPT

SPECIAL FEATURE

WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

Franchising USA

FRANCHISING WITH YOUR BETTER HALF CAN BE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS LATEST NEWS

FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS

TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

ex per t advice

Heather Ripley | CEO | Ripley PR

FRANCHISING WITH YOUR BETTER HALF CAN BE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Owning a business with your husband or wife is pretty common. In fact, the National Federation of Independent Businesses says 43 percent of US small businesses are familyowned and run, with 53 percent all sharing a role in the daily operations. Based on that figure, with approximately 30 million small businesses in America, according to 2019 statistics from the Small Business Administration, that means there are almost 13 million family-run businesses. Experts in business, psychology and finance agree that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not easy to manage a business with your life-partner, much less trying to manage a marriage and everything that goes along with it. So why do couples choose to go into business together?

else cares more than helping you grow the business than someone equally invested in it?

Every situation is different, but some of the main reasons include:

1. Financial Goals

2. Time

Couples can make more money by working together rather than by hiring outside executive staff. Who

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Many couples enjoy each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company and talents, so spending more time together while working or

traveling for work together is an added bonus.

3. Passion

Sharing a passion that you both feel strongly about can bring couples even closer together.

“One technique that couples can try is the “leave work at work” approach, while remaining flexible and mindful of anything urgent that may still come up along the way.”

4. Trust

Who better to go into business with than someone you trust implicitly and has your back 100%?

Of course, there are lots of challenges when running a business with your partner and crafting a business plan is probably one of the most important steps you can take to avoid any confusion or oversight. All businesses can benefit from a business plan, but when a business is owned and managed by a married couple, it’s especially helpful to understand each other’s roles from the very beginning. “Having a title and clearly-defined roles is incredibly important when running a business together,” says Jeanette Bonfiglio, CFO of Tint World. “Not only is this a good way to create separation based on your areas of expertise, but when you have employees, it helps guide them to the appropriate person based on the nature of the request. This also allows them to see you both as individuals, in a more professional setting.” Tint World is a franchise brand that’s run by spouses Jeanette Bonfiglio, CFO, and Charles Bonfiglio, CEO. For the sixth year in a row, Tint World was named in Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Franchise 500 list as one of the top 500 franchises in the United States and currently has more than 80 stores nationwide. While running a successful franchise business is certainly part of the Bonfiglios’ ultimate goals, some of this success is also due to the foundation of teamwork that they have built together over the years. “It’s all about finding out what works for both of you,” says Bonfiglio. “Over the years, we have been able to find a healthy balance between work and our personal lives. Of course, we love what we do, so things don’t just completely shut down when the doors lock. Conversations about business will still come up from time to

time, but they are held in a way that always ensures they benefit our family. As an example, involving our children in some of these discussions helps to expose them to the different aspects of our business and educate them along the way.” The Bonfiglios also have the added experience of being franchisees themselves. “As someone who was once a franchisee myself, I know firsthand what it’s like to be a franchise owner. Managing your own franchise location doesn’t just happen between the hours of 9a.m. to 5p.m. As a franchisor, those experiences have helped me relate to our franchisees in unique way”.

Heather Ripley

flexible and mindful of anything urgent that may still come up along the way.

Franchise businesses are often purchased by husband-and-wife teams, and

relationship experts say this can be a perfect opportunity for couples who

want to work together to strengthen their relationship and work toward a common

goal. Lifestyle website, Wisestep, suggests couples who work together can have a successful business and a successful

marriage by keeping an open mind and

trying some of these tips: Outsource some of the household chores to reduce time

spent on routine tasks, spend time doing

something good for others, remember to

keep family at the top of your list, keep the

channels of communication open, and most of all, listen to each other.

As a business owner who has worked with

family members, and as the CEO of Ripley PR, a global public relations firm that

works with family-owned businesses like Tint World, I can relate to the challenges

couples who are also business owners can face. By all accounts it’s challenging, but Charles and Jeanette Bonfiglio, Tint World

The experts agree with Bonfiglio. Just as psychologists stress the importance of having “alone time” and “going away together” to keep a marriage healthy, being married and owning a business together can put added pressures on a couple. One technique that couples can try is the “leave work at work” approach, while remaining

the rewards can be amazing.

Heather Ripley is CEO of Ripley PR, a global public relations agency specializing in B2B and franchising. Orange Orchard, a division of Ripley PR, champions franchisors that cater to environmentally-conscious consumers. For additional information, visit www.ripleypr.com or www.orangeorchardpr.com

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ask t h e e x pert

Matthew Gourgeot | Thryv

THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF SMALL BUSINESS SOFTWARE Q: What are some of the biggest issues facing franchisors today? A: The COVID crisis has caused all brands across nearly every industry to close their doors or pause at some point and rethink their operations. Franchisors have been put in a position where they are operating with smaller teams and budgets while ensuring operational and training compliance with COVID guidelines and recommendations. They need to act swiftly to provide guidance and support while also keeping franchisees’ sales steady.

Q: How can small business software be an effective tool that can make a franchisor’s job easier? A: Now, more than ever, it’s essential that franchisees have the right tools to effectively compete in today’s constantly evolving franchising landscape. Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms serve as centralized command centers, enabling

transparency and visibility in real time on happenings in each of the business locations. Getting real-time, up-to-date information on each individual location can help franchisors determine the success or lack thereof for each location, which can help lead to the necessary adjustments to ensure success going forward. Additionally, franchise management software can help franchisors with franchisee compliance by ensuring their franchisees meet current brand guidelines and recommendations. Franchisee compliance is extremely important to franchisors because each individual franchisee is responsible for helping to maintain the reputation for the brand. A franchisee misstep can put the entire brand at risk. SaaS platforms help to mitigate that risk.

Q: How is technology empowering franchisors and franchisees to do more? A: Generally speaking, technology has made running a business easier for everyone. However, franchisors that utilize

small business software across their systems have an opportunity to deliver an exceptional and competitive end-to-end customer experience. This provides a turnkey, easily replicated solution to ensure the success of every location. Reason being that many franchisees are driven to brands that have effective franchise management software available for their use. The challenge we see is that many locations are left to adopt to multiple platforms, with varying levels of execution which leads to inflated costs, complexity, and an inconsistent brand experience. Thryv’s new management console, Hub by Thryv, enables multi-location franchisors to roll out the software to all of their locations. Client data, calendars, payments, marketing automation, social media and more can be easily managed and organized in one spot.

Q: How do you see franchisefocused software evolving over the next few years? A: Automated software will continue to

About Matthew Matthew Gourgeot is Head of Corporate and Business Development at Thryv, where he is responsible for leading Thryv’s franchise and multi-location division and developing the company’s strategic corporate partnerships. Over the past decade, Matthew has held various leadership roles throughout the organization and at multiple Google Premier SMB Partner companies. He has spent his career supporting Small Business America by helping entrepreneurs start, run and grow their companies while structuring deals with some of the largest business organizations and franchise brands across the United States.

Franchising USA

“Thryv’s new management console, enables multi-location franchisors to roll out the software to all of their locations. Client data, calendars, payments, marketing automation, social media and more can be easily managed and organized in one spot.”

evolve and become more prevalent as many franchisors are simplifying their operations and working with smaller teams due to the pandemic. Since franchises command so much volume by virtue of their size, they will continue to need sophisticated systems to manage their business. It’s also important that franchises understand their consumer and the best ways to ensure they optimize their locations to ensure a great experience. Franchise-focused software can help in this space because the technology allows franchisors to replicate the same processes across the system. We can anticipate that as we continue to navigate the pandemic, we’ll receive additional consumer insights/trends that will help SaaS software evolve over time to meet new expectations. Additionally, the pandemic will force unprofitable SaaS start-ups to fold, or be consolidated by more stable and profitable platforms. This adds a component that must be reviewed by franchisors prior to selecting vendors who are looking for long term partners, without the need to migrate and switch repeatedly.

“Now, more than ever, it’s essential that franchisees have the right tools to effectively compete in today’s constantly evolving franchising landscape.”

Franchising USA

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Brian Farris | Brand President | Intelligent Office

FLEXIBILITY, SAFETY, AND COST EFFECTIVENESS ARE THE HALLMARKS OF THE MODERN BUSINESS WORLD

There’s no question this year has been so unprecedented that it will change the way we work and do business forever. Throughout the world entrepreneurs, employees, and customers have been

affected. In the coworking and rentable office space sector we have seen vast

changes that are set to permanently change the way the industry relates to the worker

Franchising USA

and the business owner. In simple terms, coworking is not working. Period. When the pandemic hit, many businesses closed their doors and no one was interested in working in a coworking space even if they could. We are now nearing the end of the year and worker and business sentiment hasn’t changed much when it comes to the way we have worked since the start of the pandemic. The office space is seen differently today; it’s no longer a viable option for people to engage in work every day or as a place to collaborate as a group. Employees and employers have

adapted to new routines, new ways of being efficient and effective, and their expectations for the workplace will be different. The sudden shift in workplaces is opening the eyes of business owners and making them wonder if the cost of maintaining an office space is worth it, especially as remote work has shown that there is potential to save on obvious expenses like rent, utilities, furniture, cleaning services, and more. This is exactly why we are expecting a great interest and increase in the demand for virtual assistants, call answering services, and

rentable private offices and conference rooms. COVID-19 has proved that the normal coworking communal space isn’t working and really never was popular. Business owners, employees, and clients coming into rentable office spaces will be wanting a more private setting where they can work and focus on tasks. Social distancing concerns have changed the layout of offices and has increased the need for private spaces. Employees will demand the right to be safe where they work and some are now simply going to expect to work in a more private setting. On the other hand, business owners wanting to decrease costs are surely thinking of ways to minimize their rent payments or get rid of them entirely. Businesses that are spending a large chunk of their budget on rent are finding that virtual assistants, rentable office space, and phone calling services are the way to go. Even before the pandemic hit, coworking and open office spaces were crowded and full of the distractions that are inevitable when working around other people. With people now working from home, many businesses and employees have proven that they can be just as productive at home

as they can be in a coworking situation. Working from home is now a viable option for many businesses and employees, but these past few months have shown us that this new workspace presents its own set of distractions and challenges. Employees have families, are working uncomfortably out of their dining rooms, or maybe can’t focus from the comforts of home. While people and businesses are starting to adjust to the work from home realities, they are also beginning to see that an office space is still needed, just not in the same capacity as before the pandemic. With most people working in a new way, even though it was forced on some, it has a newer generation of business owners and employees praising the fact that they can focus on what is most important to them, the bottom line of their business without needing a permanent four wall structure to go to or pay for. The convenience of renting a mailbox for your company, being able to schedule conference rooms and office space without a long term lease, and having other people focusing on answering client calls or setting up appointments will be the norm as we continue to move forward. During this pandemic we have seen that there is still the need for us to have the face-to-face business interaction. It’s one of the positive points coworking has going for it. Employees and employers can meet as needed to maximize the efficiency of meetings, interactions, and collaborations. Even while working from home, socialization is still an important part of employee and employee/employer relationships. Collaboration and other social interactions may be manageable virtually, but it can still be better to use a private office space to really ensure a productive use of time. Plus, it provides a break from the distractions we’ve come to recognize while working from home. Rentable private offices enable small businesses to do this in a safe and productive way without the business owners having to buy property or commit to a long term lease. This draws costs away from a traditional office but still provides employees with the support and systems when they need it. Flexibility, safety, and cost effectiveness

Brian Farris

are the hallmarks of the new modern business world. When you have a distributed workforce, flexibility is crucial, and while some employees will flourish working from home, others will need a place to go to get the job done. The flexible office space was made for the modern business owner, especially now. It allows for a productive environment and the professional support needed to get tasks done so business owners can have the freedom to focus on what actually matters for them. The pandemic has certainly shaken things up, but is also proving some business models are more resistant than others. The world was already headed in this direction, with a focus on virtual assistants and private rentable offices, but it has certainly been sped up dramatically. The coming years will showcase who has been able to increase their technology capabilities for entrepreneurs and workers who have embraced new office trends or we will see who will continue to try to market their way through to keep their old models alive. Brian Farris is Brand President of Intelligent Office and is responsible for the strategic vision and development of the brand. Intelligent Office provides private and productive offices and meeting space along with customized virtual administrative and phone answering services so small business owners and entrepreneurs can spend less on fixed costs like leases, administrative and IT related support staff. With 57 locations open, Intelligent Office offers a variety of virtual services including phone answering services, appointment scheduling services, and a virtual

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have your say

Ryan Stansbury | Vice President of Franchise Development | PJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Of New Orleans

Every industry was hit hard this past year due to the global pandemic. From gyms, retail, food and beverage, and everything in-between, hard decisions had to be made. Something that a lot of these concepts share in common is that they are franchises. After the devastation the economy saw these last few months many are wondering: is franchising still a thing?

Tough Economic Times and Franchising Models - Can They Still Work Together? The key to success in franchising is finding an industry and model that is not only prevalent now, but will continue to thrive during hard economic times. According to Franchise Business Review, franchises within the janitorial, food, child services, and car repair industries are among the top recession proof concepts. Franchisees and franchisors need to find out what the consumer wants to spend their money on when they are on a budget.

FRANCHISING DURING A PANDEMIC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IS IT A SMART MOVE? Franchising USA

Even during a recession, there are few things that people refuse to give up regardless of external influence, and at the top of the list is coffee. Throughout the pandemic, coffee shops were lucky enough to not only stay afloat, but thrive. This is no doubt thanks to the cult following of the caffeinated beverage. Franchises that offer these goods are more likely than other concepts to continue to prosper and have proved their survivability, making them an ideal investment. Because of the health guidelines put in place because of COVID, it added a whole new hurdle to franchising during hard economic times. Prior to coronavirus, there was never a time where businesses had to shut down their lobbies. So, it makes sense that models with drive-thru prototypes were in a better place to take on COVID than those without, and PJ’s Coffee experienced it firsthand. PJ’s Coffee has been able to make guests feel safe, while still providing their notable southern charm thanks to its newer focus on drivethrus at their cafes. Drive-thrus enable the customer to still enjoy a cup of coffee or pastry without going inside and exposing themselves to the virus. Essentially, this is a product consumed out of habit and behavior and if we can offer them a contactless purchasing option, the franchise model can most certainly still work, and did. Coffee is recession resistant and PJ’s Coffee proved franchising models in this industry can succeed regardless of the economic climate, as long as they are willing to put in the work.

“The main benefit of being a franchisee during tough economic times is having the support from the franchisor.”

Start at Square One – Supporting Your People The main benefit of being a franchisee during tough economic times is having the support from the franchisor, compared to mom-and-pop shops that do not have the marketing and operational support of an

experienced national brand. Specifically, the PJ’s Coffee corporate team was one step ahead and kept their franchisees in the know at all times.

“Even during a recession, there are few things that people refuse to give up regardless of external influence, and at the top of the list is coffee. Throughout the pandemic, coffee shops were lucky enough to not only stay afloat, but thrive.” At PJ’s Coffee, we consider our franchisees family. We know when their children’s birthdays are, check-in to see how that vacation was, and give a call because we care. We’re a family run business - family is at our core. So, when COVID hit, we knew operational changes had to be made to ensure our franchisees would continue to thrive. The first step to maintaining success was providing our franchisees with proper guidance. PJ’s created a process to deal with new operational procedures, like how to maintain a six-foot distance at all times and how to properly sanitize the store to meet COVID-19 requirements. The condiment stands were completely removed, requiring all customization requests to be carried out by baristas and sanitization stations were swiftly rolled out to all locations. PJ’s Coffee also provided webinars aimed at showing franchisees the process to obtain the PPP loan. These resources are still being provided and will continue for as long as necessary. If a franchisee is supported, they can provide that same comfort to their own employees. It is crucial for everyone, from the top down, to feel like someone has your back, and that will continue long past COVID.

What Prospective Franchisees Should Look Out for When Deciding on a Franchise Just like any other business venture, deciding to open a franchise is an investment – not only financially, but a timely one as well. So, what are things

potential franchisees should seek when deciding what franchise to invest in? It is imperative to look into the company’s past decisions and outcomes of crises, economic hardships, and any other challenges that face the brand. Additionally, it is import to talk to current franchisees and get their insight and thoughts on the franchise as a whole, because the corporate team may have great things to say, but the franchisees are walking the walk. Not only should a prospective franchisee look at the culture of the brand, but they should also look at the specific industry’s consumer behavior. Is this concept feeding to the consumer’s longterm needs and wants? Or is the concept a trend or fad that will not have legs 10 years down the road?

“Not only should a prospective franchisee look at the culture of the brand, but they should also look at the specific industry’s consumer behavior.” At the end of the day any investment should be smart, but it should also be met with passion. If a franchisee cannot fully immerse themselves in the company and express their upmost excitement and love for the brand, it may not be a fit. Ryan Stansbury currently serves as the Vice President of Franchise Development for PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans. Prior to being promoted to his current role in 2019, Stansbury served as the Franchise Development Director for all of Ballard Brands, LLC., for nine years. With over 15 years of franchise development experience, Stansbury’s primary responsibility is to facilitate domestic and international growth for a portfolio of retail brands. In February 2007, Mr. Stansbury received the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the International Franchising Association for his work and study in the franchise industry and has maintained that designation to date. www.pjsfranchise.com

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Bill McPherson | Vice President of Franchise Development | Alphagraphics

TIPS

Multi-unit ownership is on the rise in franchising, and that growth isn’t limited to traditionally multi-unit franchise industries like quick-service restaurants. According to FRANdata, owners who operate more than one location are responsible for 54 percent of all franchised units in the U.S. Just eight years ago, single-unit owners held the majority. Many prospective franchise owners are entering the discovery process with plans to own and operate multiple franchise locations. If you’re evaluating franchise brands and looking to grow beyond a single location, you can be successful by going in prepared for the unique challenges this presents. Everything, from choosing the right franchise opportunity for your skillset to the location of your first unit, should set you up for multi-unit success. We spoke with Ed Rothschild, owner of four AlphaGraphics locations in the greater Denver, Colorado area, and here are some of his tips to help aspiring multi-unit owners achieve their growth vision.

Franchising USA

TO HELP MULTI-UNIT OWNERS SUCCEED 1

Choose the Right Franchise

First, it is key to select a franchise with a model that supports multi-unit owners. Some owners purchase multiple territories right away, while others open a single unit, grow their business, and later decide to open another. If you think multiple units might be in your future, ask questions about multi-unit ownership before you look at territories and sign the franchise agreement. How does the franchisor support owners when they want to expand? To serve multi-unit owners, a franchise network’s software, operational systems, owner training and tools must be more sophisticated. Speak with existing franchise owners who already own multiple units to find out about their successes and challenges. In addition, find out what your role would be within your business. As an owner/ operator, you won’t have time to do it all, especially right away. How many people do you need to hire right away so you can focus on sales and marketing? Whatever you choose, make sure you have a plan with the remaining roles in your business. A great franchisor will walk you through these things during your discovery phase. A great franchise brand will also assess

Bill McPherson

your knowledge and skillsets and steer

you in the correct path for your talents and interests.

Hire Well To succeed in multi-unit ownership,

you have to hire the best management and operations staff possible. You can’t be in every location every day. That’s why it’s vital to have a great leadership team on

board to manage and run your businesses when you can’t be there. You need to be

able to trust the team you put in place, and they need to have buy-in for your growth vision.

The task of hiring well can be particularly challenging in today’s tight labor market, but you can’t afford to settle for secondbest. Rely on your franchise’s proven systems. Many will offer processes and support when it comes to recruiting and hiring. Once you have a great team behind you, do your best to keep them. Nurture a great company culture. Offer robust training and professional development, along with plenty of opportunities for advancement. You can’t afford to have high turnover when you’re operating multiple units. Onboarding new employees will your take time away from running your business.

Be Hands-On

Especially in industries like business services that require ongoing customer relationships, multi-unit franchise ownership isn’t ideal for absentee owners. Hands-on management is required to get your businesses off the ground and running successfully. You have to maintain a regular presence in

each location for your business to thrive. Before you open a second location, make sure you’re willing and able to travel frequently among the units you operate. Being a presence in each unit also grows a sense of cohesion between the locations. Instead of each unit being a stand-alone operation, they should act as a team to better serve your customers. For example, one central location may offer a specialized service that the other locations can order for their customers. However, this type of cross-selling only works if all staff members are encouraged to work together, and that culture starts with the business owner. It’s not enough to just show up. You have to be a contributing part of the staff in each location, leading the team by example to create the type of network you want.

Closing Thoughts Owning multiple franchise territories is an exciting and fulfilling career path that lets you see the results of your hard work.

“Owning multiple franchise territories is an exciting and fulfilling career path that lets you see the results of your hard work.”

The multi-unit path isn’t for everyone, though. And it won’t work with every franchise. Make sure your talents and skills match the requirements of multiunit ownership long before you start down that road, and be sure you’re purchasing a business model that will support your growth vision. Bill McPherson is vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics, one of the largest U.S.based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers, offering a complete range of print, visual communications and marketing products and solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com

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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.

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

Help us keep the momentum going

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

You beneﬁt by joining

By joining @OurFranchise, you’ll get access to exclusive stories and resources that can help grow your franchise business, educate employees at all levels about the franchise business model, and share the economic importance of franchising with consumers. You will also have the opportunity to share your franchise success story with your peers. Visit AtOurFranchise.org Contact Erica Farage, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy and Multi-Unit Franchisee Engagement International Franchise Association efarage@franchise.org (202) 662-0760

Our Franchise

@OurFranchise

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!

FranchisingFeature women in franchising

no v e m b e r 202 0

franchising

provides ideal opportunities for women

franchising has no ceilings franchise consultant jobs:

the next big thing for women supporting women in franchsing

fe at ure : wo T r en m en ding in fr franchises anchising

what’s new!

HUSBAND & WIFE RESTAURANT DUO LOOK TO EXPAND CELEBRITY’S SOUL FOOD

Celebrity’s Soul Food, a casual restaurant concept that specializes in premium soul food, is opening up a new franchise opportunity catered to chefs and entrepreneurs. The company founded by celebrity CEO Dr. Fredrick Jacobs and his wife, Taja Jacobs, has partnered with United Franchise Group to grow the brand. The Celebrity’s Soul Food menu spotlights local flavors and specialties. They serve up soul food that is prepared from scratch and utilizes high quality ingredients. Dishes vary from classic favorites such as Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits and CornmealDusted Catfish to innovative twists such as Gold-Dusted Chicken Wings, Barbeque Glazed Alligator Ribs, and Red Velvet Chicken & Waffles.

“Celebrity’s Soul Food prides itself on embracing all cultures and inviting folks from various walks of life and tastes to join us at our tables,” said Taja Jacobs, Chief Sustainability Officer. “When it comes to franchisee partners, we’re seeking people who are open to being adventurous on the culinary front and who hold hospitality as a top priority. We believe our business model is attractive to chefs and entrepreneurs who are seeking a turn-key franchise opportunity.” www.celebrityssoulfood.com/franchise

Taja Jacobs on Women in Franchising: “Women were born for this. Wearing multiple hats is what we do, just make sure you wear the hat (business) that looks good on you! You are strong and courageous in the end you will win!”

WOODY’S BAR-B-Q CELEBRATES 40 YEARS WITH CHARITY FUNDRAISER In 1980, armed with some dog-eared recipes, a love of great food and a desire to make patrons feel “right at home” in their new restaurant, Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman opened the doors of Jacksonville-based Woody’s Bar-B-Q. Over the 40 years since, the co-founders and their franchisees have shown their support for the communities that surround their restaurants. Whether sponsoring the local high school football team or raising funds for an area nonprofit, the hospitality of Woody’s Bar-B-Q extends beyond the kitschy country interior of its restaurants. During a 40th Anniversary Celebration at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Ponte Vedra Beach, nearly 100 people were in attendance to commemorate Woody’s flavorful 40-year history by taking part in a silent auction and art show presented by Florida artist, Diana Patterson—the proceeds of which benefitted Tim Tebow Foundation’s Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry. By the time the event came to a close, $6,000 had been raised. Yolanda Mills-Mawman, President and COO of Woody’s Bar-B-Q, thanked the community for attending. “It warms our hearts to see

Franchising USA

Artist Diana Patterson with Woody’s Bar-B-Q CoFounder Yolanda Mills-Mawman

this North Florida community come together year after year as they have since our first anniversary celebration in 1981,” she said. “We are so grateful for Woody’s Bar-B-Q, Diana Patterson, and the community that rallied with them to support the fight against human trafficking through this event,” shared Steve Biondo, President of the Tim Tebow Foundation. www.woodys.com/franchise

JANICE BRANAM NAMED VP OF OPERATIONS FOR 9ROUND FRANCHISING, LLC Founder and CEO of 9Round Franchising. “As the brand weathers the effects of the pandemic, we have not had to permanently let go of a single person at our corporate office, but instead have hired Janice to help support the franchise network now and on the road ahead. Now is not the time to shrink an organization, but instead to fight forward and prepare to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever.” Prior to joining 9Round Franchising, Branam worked for several rapidly growing franchise and corporate brands including Pizza Hut, Boston Market, Quizno’s, Smashburger and Teriyaki Madness. In her various roles she designed and delivered operations and franchisee support programs and tools, worked with Franchise Advisory Councils, developed classroom and on-line training and provided coaching for franchise support teams, operators, and trainers. 9Round Franchising, LLC, has announced Janice Branam as Vice President of Operations. Bringing over 20 years of franchising experience to the position, Branam will play a key role in advancing the support programs and tools for the growing franchise network. “Janice brings years of franchise experience to the table that will

help ensure the future growth of 9Round,” said Shannon Hudson,

“This is an exciting time to join 9Round and build on the incredible track record and solid foundation that Shannon, Heather and the team have started,” said Branam. “Franchising at its core is about support, and now more than ever with the effects of the pandemic, we are focusing on helping franchisees run healthy, profitable businesses to benefit them, their families, and their communities.” www.9round.com

WATERS EDGE WINERY & BISTRO ARRIVES IN KALISPELL, MT Wine lovers Angela and Trevor Zuba of Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Kalispell are excited to welcome visitors to their new 3,500 square-foot micro-winery a in the Flathead Valley. “We are beyond thrilled to open our doors,” said Angela Zuba, owner. “We are excited to recreate the winemaking and tasting experience while contributing to our community’s wine and culture scene.” Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Kalispell is a warm, welcoming space adorned with authentic elements of rustic Montana. All wines are made in-house and feature classic selections as well as lesserknown grape varietals grown locally. To accompany its extensive wine and beverage menus, food offerings include a selection

of globally inspired tapas, salads, paninis, flatbreads and desserts. The Zubas relocated to the Flathead Valley from Coaldale, Alberta, Canada to pursue their American entrepreneurial dream. Prior to this new venture, Angela spent nearly 20 years growing businesses and not-for-profit organizations and was active in local business and politics. After spending time in the Flathead Valley area, Angela and Trevor decided to relocate, opening their new business and raising their family in the Valley. “It is truly a lifelong dream of ours to own a winery, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to move to America to pursue our dreams,” said Zuba. “We are excited to share our love of wine from around the world with the residents and tourists who stop in to visit us, and we look forward to providing them with a place where they can create memories over a glass of wine.” www.watersedgewineries.com/thefranchise

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Cover Story: Assisted Living Locators

Franchising provides ideal

opportunities for women to experience business ownership ALL CEO says

Franchising provides flexibility and a predictable path to business success for women who are interested in owning their own business says the CEO of Assisted Living Locators. Angela Olea started her franchise company which helps find senior living options for the elderly and family members needing assisted living, back in 2006. Over her 14 years in franchising, Angela has seen tremendous growth in the industry for women, and notes that the International Franchise Association is now woman-led, along with many franchise brokerages that support the industry. “Franchising provides such an amazing opportunity for women and you’re not locked into choosing traditional femalespecific roles,” Olea said during a recent interview from her second home in Savannah, GA. “Women are buying franchises in everything from plumbing to home repair to something more service oriented such as Assisted Living Locators. It’s a wide-open sector.”

Angela Olea

Franchising USA

It’s been Olea’s experience that when women are getting into business ownership, they tend to put a priority on flexibility and balance.

Alane Roberts

According to Assisted Living Locators of San Gabriel Valley, CA franchisee LeeAnn Allman, her franchise provides a muchneeded work-life balance, giving her the flexibility to still work, but also meet her children’s needs. “During the pandemic, I have been able to homeschool my children and fulfill my dream of entrepreneurship,” she explained. “Owning your own franchise, being your own boss while having an incredible corporate office that always has your back is the best of all worlds!”

Jasilika Davidson

“The opportunities are endless out there, so take that chance and embrace the opportunity to embark on a new endeavor.” Even if women don’t choose to buy an Assisted Living Locators franchise, Olea wants her story to inspire women to explore business ownership through franchising.

“Franchising is ideal for women who want to modify their work schedules around their lives,” Olea noted. “As a franchisee, you’re also never alone. It’s not a lone wolf venture -- it’s a true team mentality.” She added that franchising also typically provides a faster ramp-up for business ownership and a more reliable path to success.

“We may not be the right fit for everybody, but I try to educate them on what options are available,” she explained.

“There’s no ceiling to where they can go,” said Olea.

Family obligations

Inspiring women One way Olea tries to help women get into franchising is by being an inspiration to them by sharing her story. She’s heard from other women that it’s a really strong draw to hear the story of how she went from being an employee to a business owner. “Seeing the path I followed has inspired other women, so I try to share the story of where I came from, where I’m going and what the franchising path has created for me,” she says.

To share her story, Olea does public speaking and interviews on podcasts and tries to be a mentor to women thinking about getting into business.

Olea noted that sometimes women can have barriers imposed on them because they tend to be the ones in the household taking care of other family members, whether that is an elderly family member with failing health or children who are now having to be homeschooled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “It can slow down the trajectory of where they’re going if they let it,” she said. Anecdotally speaking, Olea said when she was calling her

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Cover Story: Assisted Living Locators

“Owning your own franchise, being your own boss while having an incredible corporate office that always has your back is the best of all worlds!”

Columbus, OH franchise owner Jasilika Davidson, who was looking for a career after leaving the South Carolina National Guard, said joining Assisted Living Locators has been fantastic. “This is the best decision I’ve ever made for my career as a veteran,” she said.

Slight pandemic impact Because Assisted Living Locators is considered an essential service, it wasn’t impacted by COVID-19 as badly as some other franchise options, Olea said. The most significant impact is that the franchise had to shift all of its training to online and also had to embrace virtual tours of the facilities they recommend to families. It also shifted family timeframes by about a quarter- COVID delayed placements, but the aging process and family needs didn’t fundamentally change with the pandemic, it just deferred them slightly. LeeAnn Allman

franchisees to see how they were doing, typically the women franchisees told her they were finding it challenging having to deal with their children’s homeschooling whereas the male franchisees didn’t seem to mention that as much. This is where the flexibility of franchising can be helpful, she noted, because she found that when she called her franchisees in a household where both parents were self-employed and working from home, they had an easier time than households where one of the parents was working remotely for a company. About 55 percent of Assisted Living Locators’ franchisees are female and 45 percent are male, Olea said, which has held pretty steady throughout her 14 years as a franchisor. Currently, the franchise has about 140 franchisees spread throughout 36 states and the District of Columbia. Olea said although it is frightening to embark on a new venture, what can be gained from women stretching beyond their comfort zone is amazing. “The opportunities are endless out there, so take that chance and embark on a new endeavor,” she advised. Assisted Living Locators, which is based in Scottsdale, AZ, has successful female franchisees from all walks of life. They range from women in their late 20s looking for a career to women who have retired from corporate America and now want to do something where they have more control over their own destiny. Female franchisees in the Assisted Living Locators’ system run the gamut from Wall Street to being homemakers their whole lives and everything in between, Olea noted.

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Pre-COVID, all the training was in person in Scottsdale and they routinely took families for in-person tours of facilities. The franchise has always had virtual tours, but they’ve picked up drastically now. “It went from playing a 20 percent role to playing a 100 percent role,” Olea noted. Even though things are opening back up to in-person interactions, facilities have upgraded their virtual tours so much out of necessity that they’ve become a valuable tool for Assisted Living Locators. “We’ve benefited and the families have benefited from the facilities really having to step up their virtual tours so families could get a good experience,” Olea said. Olea gave the example of Houston, TX franchise Alane Roberts who has thrived throughout the pandemic. “During COVID-19, Alane went the extra mile to help seniors and families virtually connect with her provider network, resulting in her revenue increasing,” said Olea. “We are also proud of her leadership in mentoring her other fellow franchisees to adapt to the use of technology to succeed during these challenging times.” Another big difference for Assisted Living Locators has been holding their annual conference virtually instead of in-person, but it was important to still have a conference so the franchise system could hand out its annual awards, the CEO explained. For any women who are looking to get into business ownership, Olea and Assisted Living Locators offer an inspiring story and a solid business opportunity to go with it. As Olea says, there are no ceilings to where women can go in franchising. www.assistedlivinglocatorsfranchise.com

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Featu re

R o b S w y s t u n | Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

Continued Growth for

Women in Franchising Will Depend on More Women in Leadership Roles, Experts Say

More women are looking for a good worklife balance and the opportunity to be their own boss and a lot of the time they’re turning to franchising to help them accomplish these dual goals.

role, as it provides an easier path to business ownership and success. Women are well positioned in franchising, with the International Franchise Association currently having a woman, FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson, as its chair. Many franchises and franchise brokerages are also helmed by women.

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), as of 2017, over 11.6 million companies were owned by women in the United States, employing 9 million people and generating $1.7 trillion in sales.

There are also numerous groups dedicated to helping women explore the world of franchising, including the Women’s Franchise Committee (WFC), which was formed in 1996. The WFC’s goal is to inspire and encourage women in franchising by creating a network of business professionals to provide international networking opportunities for the exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences.

Clearly, women-led businesses are a huge part of the US economy and encouraging more women to enter into business ownership is important for the continued health of the economy.

The committee has created a number of local networking chapters, has an annual conference and a podcast entitled Her Success that shares success stories from female franchise leaders.

Franchising’s Role Encouraging more women to try business ownership and helping them succeed is where franchising can play a significant

Franchising USA

The local networking chapters of the WFC are collectively known as the Women’s Franchise Network (WFN). These local networks are meant to develop relationships between women franchising

professionals and address business issues, share ideas and provide solutions related to franchising. The first WFN was launched in Denver, CO in 2002 and now includes networks in markets all throughout North America. “Women are incredible leaders who can—and do—add tremendous value to any organization,” Nancy Bigley, former chair of the WFC said in a press release. “Thus, everyone being mindful of how you can bring along and guide other female leaders is a huge step. We can raise the level of female leadership by setting the right example and being more mindful of creating opportunities for them to flex their muscles.” One woman who is leading a successful franchise and being a role model for other women wanting to get into franchising is Assisted Living Locators CEO Angela Olea. She started her franchise business in 2006 and says in the time she’s been involved in franchising, she has seen the number of women business owners grow. “The amount of growth from 2006 until now—14 years—has been tremendous,” she said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encouraging more women to try business ownership and helping them succeed is where franchising can play a significant role, as it provides an easier path to business ownership and success.â&#x20AC;?

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Featu re

R o b S w y s t u n | Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

“It’s important for women not to change who they are in a professional environment, if your personality happens to be fun, loud and smart—be fun, loud and smart. Always. Just stay true to who you are.” environment,” she said. “If your personality happens to be fun, loud and smart—be fun, loud and smart. Always. Just stay true to who you are.”

What to Look for in a Franchise

“As franchising provides a blueprint to success along with marketing and administrative help, typically male-dominated industries become much easier for women to break into via purchasing a franchise.” Franchising tends to offer business owners a really good work-life balance and many women who become business owners are looking for more flexibility and business opportunities in industries that are typically male dominated, Olea noted. As franchising provides a blueprint to success along with marketing and administrative help, typically maledominated industries become much easier for women to break into via purchasing a franchise. “Franchising provides such an amazing opportunity for women,” Olea said. Assisted Living Locators consists of about 55 percent women-owned locations compared to 45 percent of male owners.

Women in Franchise Leadership Roles Another franchise that is predominantly women-led is Massage Envy, where the C-Suite is 60 percent female. In a Q&A session with the IFA in 2019, General Counsel for Massage Envy Kristin

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Paiva said the franchising industry needs to continue to boost women as leaders. “The industry has historically been male-driven,” Paiva said. “Current and potential stakeholders continue to expect that men will play the key roles. The best way to break down and change outdated expectations is for women to grow their visibility as industry leaders.” Often, for women rising through the ranks of a traditionally male-dominated industry like franchising, they can be pushed to lead in a certain way, but Beth Stiller, Chief Commercial Officer for Massage Envy, advises women to find their own leadership style. “Everyone needs to find their own style of leadership as opposed to conforming to a textbook model—male or female, leading with authenticity is the only sustainable way to lead,” Stiller said. “I personally struggled for a few years and found myself trying to adapt to fit the styles that seemed to be successful and rewarded in the big corporate male-dominated environment I was part of. When I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s idea of how a leader should act and react I began to lead in a more authentic way that was ‘my style.’ I connected better with my team, felt more comfortable and found greater success.” Chief Marketing Officer for Massage Envy Kathy Collins concurred. “I think it’s important for women not to change who they are in a professional

While franchising clearly offers women a path to reach their business ownership goals and become strong leaders, like anyone interested in becoming a franchisor, they should choose their franchise wisely. Current chair of the WFC Michelle Rowan, who is also President & COO of the Franchise Business Review, an independent research and consulting firm, gives these bits of advice for women who are looking for a franchise: • Ensure you’ll get the support you need up to, and after, the opening day of your location. • Look for a progressive brand with a vision for the future that includes constantly innovating new ways to serve their customers. • Make sure the franchisor seeks out and values input from its franchisees. • Seek out expert advice when making your decision. As more women enter the world of business ownership, franchising continues to provide a viable path to success for them with proven business blueprints and support. With more women having leadership roles in franchising, their growth is going to continue and inspire the next generation of women business owners.

Look out for our next special feature:

senior care franchising

NOBODY GETS TO THE TOP BY ACCIDENT! We advise many of the top franchise owners in the world. You can get acces to the very same resources that build their empires at no cost!

Contact George Knauf to Start Building Your Empire TODAY! www.MyPerfectFranchise.com

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Profile: Belina Calderon-Nernberg | CEO | 1Heart Caregiver

“Now that we’re franchising, we’re giving other people like myself a chance to make their own American Story: a story of success that comes from hard work and finding the courage to take that leap of faith.”

following her American Dream Franchising USA

Franchising USA talked to Belina CalderonNernberg, CEO of 1Heart Caregiver Services, about why she started her franchise and why caregiving is such an important and fulfilling industry. As an immigrant from the Philippines, Belina created 1Heart to follow her American Dream and help provide peace of mind and support to families and their aging loved ones, as well as to create an opportunity for others to follow their dream and be their own boss.

Why did you start your franchise? I grew up in a small town in the Philippines. My mom would always remind me and my sisters to “make sure that you earn enough money for yourself so you can always stand on your own.” I kept this in mind when I moved to the United States to create a better life and opportunity for my children. Even though it was heartbreaking to leave my parents behind in the Philippines, I knew that it was the right decision for my career and for my children. The guilt and sadness of being far away and not being able to take care of my mother as she grew old was heartbreaking, but finding a local reliable caregiver gave me the peace of mind that she was being taken care of by someone who really cared for her. Finding her a caregiver with the compassion and experience to give her the best quality care possible while I could not be there inspired me to start my own caregiving franchise. I started 1Heart Caregiver Services to not only honor my mother, but to help other people like myself who had elderly loved ones that they could not physically be there to take care of. I wanted to create a franchise that people could trust to provide their relatives with the best care possible, from highly-trained and compassionate caregivers. Someone

who would care for them like family. When I came to America, I came with a dream to have a better life. Starting a business that actually creates jobs and helps families take care of their loved ones gave me a purpose in my life. And now that we’re franchising, we’re giving other people like myself a chance to make their own American Story: a story of success that comes from hard work and finding the courage to take that leap of faith to achieving financial freedom and living the life that they dream of. How? By being their own boss and serving the community in a very good way—providing love, care and family to our frail and elderly.

What was the turning point that made you realise you wanted to change your career path? After seven years of living and working here in the US, my husband and I didn’t feel like we were getting anywhere near our dream of being financially free, so we moved back to the Philippines. However, I felt that the US provided much better opportunities for success not just for us but for our children as well. I felt that I could do more here than there. My husband did not want to go back to the US because he was tired of being an employee, and I realized that if my family were to live here, I had to do something. Starting my own business where I could be my own boss was the only way to do it, so I took that crucial step and I’m glad I did.

Do you see yourself in your franchisees? Yes, it’s interesting to note that most of our franchisees are also immigrants in this country. They are just as optimistic and hopeful of a better life as I was when I first came to America. After years of being in the work force, they all understand that financial freedom and success doesn’t come from luck or entitlement. And just like me, they’ve all experienced the hard work and sacrifices that it takes to reach their goals. They’re very driven to succeed because they all recognize that it is a blessing to be in a country that offers so many opportunities to have a good life.

What type of training does 1Heart Caregiver Services provide to its franchisees? Through our 1Heart Business Academy, we train our franchisees on Sales, Marketing, Operations and Finance, aligned to 1Heart’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and culture. We also provide ‘continuing education’ and coaching in professional development putting emphasis on management and leadership which is very helpful to first time business owners.

If someone was interested in joining your franchise system, what would you say to them? First, I ask them “why?” This kind of business will not thrive if the business owner’s “why” is just to make money. You need to have real compassion for people—not just your care recipients but your caregivers as well. There will be times when you have to let your heart make that “business” decision, but as long as they follow our system and adhere to our Core Values of Excellence, Integrity and Heart, they will be successful.

How do you see your franchise developing into the future? As the senior population in America continues to grow, it is heart-warming to see that our franchise is not only helping families with their aging loved ones but also helping hardworking individuals achieve financial freedom by replicating our success. In doing so, we also provide jobs to people in our communities. Understanding the real purpose of why 1Heart existed for more than a decade of serving seniors and achieving wellness, longevity and improved lifestyle is a continued legacy that the company wants to achieve in all franchise locations. www.1heartcares.com

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Expert Advice: Sarah Kulbatski | COO | JT Franchising

Supporting Women in Franchising “Approximately 26-30% of all franchises are solely woman-owned. Additionally, 41% of new franchisees that have launched in the last 24 months are women. The best part: 54% of female franchisees overall say their work/life is balanced or very balanced.” (Source: Franchise Business Review).

The tide is beginning to turn, as franchising has seen a significant rise in the number of younger women joining the industry and investing in franchises. Women started out as a minority group in franchising, but have become decision makers, who play a much bigger role in the franchising world. There is much more variety for women to choose from today in franchising. Gone are the days when women were simply delegated to working in more femininetype businesses, such as beauty and healthrelated franchises. Today’s franchising world offers opportunities across all sectors and types of franchising and there are female success stories in all of them. Women are finding that franchise ownership can offer freedom and opportunities to thrive. More and more women are seeking franchise opportunities

“Women are finding that franchise ownership can offer freedom and opportunities to thrive.”

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“The biggest challenge I believe women have, is not that they are not taken seriously out in the world, but that they don’t take themselves seriously. We need to inspire and support each other to reach our potential.”

Sarah Kulbatski

Building confidence I believe that women need to be confident, in themselves, their negotiation skills, their juggling skills. They need to stop listening to all of these generalized “experts”. They need to know their own personal strengths and weaknesses (not what everyone says they should be as a woman). They need to use their strengths, address their weaknesses and pursue their goals. Tips for building confidence:

in sectors like business consulting, education, food, pets and photography. It’s also interesting to note, that women today have more opportunities than ever. Many organizations have established workshops, seminars, mentoring programmes, and funding opportunities for women interested in operating a franchise. With the growing numbers of women seeking franchising opportunities, it’s clear that leaders in franchising need to do more to support women entering the franchising world.

access to all opportunities. Our primary focus should be to support women, who are looking for a route into the franchise industry. The biggest challenge I believe women have, is not that they are not taken seriously out in the world, but that they don’t take themselves seriously. We need to inspire and support each other to reach our potential.

• and to help franchisors attract more women to their networks.

My parents, from a very young age, instilled in my sisters and I, that each one of us was born to make an impact and inspire others. Each one of us had a story to tell and our chosen path in life. Each one of us was a unique being, who with determination and perseverance would be unstoppable. This support has been invaluable to me. If more women in the franchise market were supported, they would find it much easier to succeed.

Women have a valuable contribution to make in business and their unique qualities, perspectives and ideas are badly needed. We all, therefore, have a role to play in ensuring that they are given equal

Personally speaking, I am a single mother with two children who I have raised to be phenomenal people. And in return, they have been my source of inspiration and motivated me to start my company.

Our goal should be threefold: • to encourage women to consider buying a franchise • to encourage businesswomen to franchise their existing operations

• Figure out what it is you love to do. If you love what you are doing, it won’t feel like work. • Get educated in your field of interest. Develop your knowledge of the franchising industry and hone your business skills. • Get things done. Monitor your progress and follow through. Be fearless in pushing forward. Think long term. And stand up for yourself. Each of us has a unique gift to give the world and we bring much value to those lives we touch. Once we can embrace that thought pattern, we are unstoppable. By virtue of having spent most of her professional career in the franchising sector, Sarah Kulbatski, COO, has a passion for business, is driven to achieve short- and long-term results, and is committed to quality and sustainability. She believes that a climate of positive franchise relations lies at the heart of a successful and thriving organization. Email sarah@jtfranchising.com Visit www.jtfranchising.com

Franchising USA

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George Knauf | Senior Franchise Business Advisor | FranChoice

FRANCHISING HAS NO CEILINGS

Franchising USA

Far too many of my female friends had to deal with glass ceilings in Corporate America. These limitations are archaic, cost businesses money and limit the accomplishments of those they are imposed on. My friends broke out, you can too! Fortunately, there are alternatives to corporate ecosystems; take franchising as an example. Franchise brands are most focused on whether or not, as a franchisee, you can/will follow their system and if you will do the work to build your business. Just recently I was talking to a well-known franchisor’s development team, and was told the story of a woman on the east coast that is one of their top performing new franchise owners. The fun part of that story is that she is in a business that most people would assume is heavily male dominated. Here is the secret to her success: she is a great business operator and followed their systems to the smallest detail. She also is taking advantage of a business environment where customers want outstanding service from a company they can trust. She found that customers don’t have glass ceilings, they have needs and just want someone to solve them. But that is the current story, what about the beginning where she was being approved as a franchisee? Any glass ceilings there? While it is possible that there are brands that would favor male candidates over female, I am not aware of any in the top franchise brands. The approval process is the same for everyone, the franchisor development rep will walk you through their brand, business model, marketing, support and contractual obligations on both sides. They will also want to get to know you, your skills, strengths, likes, goals and also specific skills or abilities that will make you successful. Their primary goal should be

finding the very best franchisee regardless of male, female, and from any background! As you go through the process you may find it interesting to talk to owners you can relate to for any number of reasons, female owners will be able to validate if you will have unlimited opportunities to succeed in the brand you are considering. When you talk to them, ask if a day in the life is without limitations to confirm that staff and clients are focused more on results than that the owner is female. One of the things we have seen in the franchise world is that successful female operators build outstanding teams and win over customers with their approach to customer service and care. Service sectors like auto repair have been considered male dominated for years but we have seen women establishing great opportunities in that space, too. We have even seen a brand that remodeled their franchise offering around the new approaches their female owners spearheaded in their local operations to become more family friendly and welcoming to women as they bring their cars in for repair. Those changes were a big win for the whole system. I am just pointing out market segments where people are surprised women own franchises, but only to make the point that successful women are present in all franchises. The open opportunities in franchising are not limited to franchise owners, we have also seen many top franchise brands run by women. You will find these amazing leaders in categories including food, services, health, beauty, fitness and more. The franchise industry appreciates talent, skills, drive and the ability to help others achieve their dreams. And it’s not just the CEO role where we see women achieving great things in franchising, it is across all brands and in every department. I feel that one of the reasons franchising is so successful is because of this approach to hiring employees or awarding franchises to the very best candidate with no limitations. The franchise industry has unlimited opportunities that you can leverage towards

George Knauf

any goal you want to pursue. The key will be building your plan and identifying the best strategy to get to your dreams. To do that you will want to do a full personal evaluation and map out the skills, strengths and other key criteria you bring to your game plan. This will help you target those opportunities that are perfectly fit for you. It can be a very rewarding process; I guide candidates through this introspective mapping every day and help them find their perfect franchises. You may find that when you remove preconceptions and outside influences that you will be surprised at what your perfect fit really is. Once you identify where you can be most successful and build the life you desire then it is simply a matter of working your plan. There is very little in business more rewarding than controlling your destiny and achieving your dreams. I hope you find your perfect match and you enjoy operating in a business without any limitations! George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many of the top franchise ownership groups in the world. With over 25 years of experience in both start-up and mature business franchise operations he is uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of Building their own empires. Whether you have an existing portfolio or searching for your first franchise, he can help you to pursue your dreams. Contact the Franchising USA Expert, George’s Hotline: 703-424-2980. www.MyPerfectFranchise.com

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Jill Abrahamsen | Editorial Director | International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)

FRANCHISE CONSULTANT JOBS: THE NEXT BIG THING FOR WOMEN Change is the only thing that really seems certain these days. Wellestablished companies are closing their doors for good; we are wearing masks to go shopping, and our children are going to school virtually.

most franchised businesses were initially

If anyone told me a year ago that things would be this way, I would never have believed them. Our new reality is surreal.

opportunity now to help people and

Women who have been furloughed, laid off, or are simply looking for a better work-life balance, have been flocking to franchising for new opportunities… and not just as franchise owners. They are finding that a career as a franchise consultant is lucrative, meaningful, and offers an ideal lifestyle. For mothers of younger children in particular, a self-employed job as a franchise consultant allows more flexibility to better juggle the added “pandemic parenting” responsibilities with a career. As business office doors reopen, working moms are faced with huge obstacles. The reality is, you can’t prop a young child in front a computer and head off to work. Without in-person school in session, childcare issues are forcing women to make tough choices. Luckily, franchising is opening many doors for people who want change. Although

Franchising USA

negatively impacted by the onset of

COVID, many franchisors have seen an

increase in franchise development in recent

1. They are good at multitasking:

months, with quite a few reporting record growth. Some of the growth is due to the unemployment rate. “When there’s an

increase in unemployment, there is always a boom in franchise development. We are seeing that now,” says Don Daszkowski, Founder and CEO of IFPG, a leading franchise broker network. “Franchise consultants have an unprecedented generate wealth,” he says.

Although men make excellent franchise consultants, women have some innate

skills that make them naturals in this role. Here’s why women make good franchise consultants:

By nature, women—especially working moms—are jugglers. Most women carry the lion’s share of the household tasks and take care of their children’s needs, all while meeting the ongoing demands of their jobs. Multitasking skills transfer extremely well to careers in franchise consulting, where being super-organized is essential.

2. They love matchmaking:

Throughout history, women have been successful matchmakers. They are inherently good at it. Just like in the famous song “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof, a good match is essential for a happy union. The franchise consultant’s role is pivotal in helping

“A career as a franchise consultant offers an opportunity for women to flex their natural-born muscles and enjoy an ideal work-life balance in a growing industry. ”

identify the right opportunity for both the franchisor and franchisee.

3. They are attentive listeners:

Most men will admit it, women are better listeners. This intrinsic talent in women helps mothers better understand the needs of their children and it also enables franchise consultants to better serve their clients. By asking the right questions and really listening, consultants can identify opportunities that might not seem so obvious at first.

4. They have empathy:

Being able to put yourself in someone’s shoes, or the capacity for empathy, is typically associated with women. It’s a valuable skill that gives insight into a prospect’s needs and desired lifestyle. It also enables franchise consultants to gauge the seriousness of a candidate’s intentions. Is the client ready to go all-in or is she just exploring? An empathetic franchise consultant is savvy enough to help her client decide if franchise ownership is the right choice.

5. They pay attention to details:

It’s been said that women pay more attention to the fine details while men are more focused on the big picture. Whether that is true or not, to be successful as a franchise consultant, details count. Good franchise consultants have relationships with hundreds of brands and can identify the differentiators in each one. It takes time and attention to learn the ins and outs of different franchises. Consultants do this by staying active in their broker network, attending webinars and information sessions, and getting out to industry events (in person and virtual) to network and learn. For example, there could be 50 fitness brands in a franchise broker’s network. Knowing what sets each one apart is the key.

A career as a franchise consultant offers an opportunity for women to flex their natural-born muscles and enjoy an ideal work-life balance in a growing industry.

Jill Abrahamsen

Jill Abrahamsen is Editorial Director at the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a franchise broker network that helps hopeful entrepreneurs identify and invest in franchise businesses. As Editor of Franchise Consultant Magazine and FranchiseWire, Jill Abrahamsen writes and edits articles about success through franchise ownership.

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Page 45

Veterans in Franchising november 2020

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

New franchise wants to put friendlier

face on tax preparation

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Leadership. Teamwork. Executing SOPs. Connecting veterans with education, resources and opportunities at vetfran.org

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V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g S u ppl e m e n t november 2020 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the next issue, please contact Vikki Bradbury, Publisher Phone: 778 426 2446 Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Contents On the Cover

Q&A

45 Cover Story: GI Tax â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Franchise Wants to Put Friendlier Face on Tax Preparation

56 Navy Veterans Make a Smooth Transition to Franchising Peggy & Steven Johns, Tropical Smoothie CafĂŠ

Veterans News

Veterans Profile

48 Edible

58 Meet Proud Franchisee and Purple Heart Recipient, Yonas Hagos

49 JDog Brands | In Honor of Our Veterans

Have Your Say 62 Franchising is Fuelling Veteran Jobs Mike Pearce, Chief Development Officer, Authority Brands

Focus 54 National Cleaning Franchise Protects Public During Pandemic AdvantaClean

60 Former Marine Employs Team-building Philosophy to Drive Franchise Business, Jeremy Weber

Expert Advice 52 Goodbye, 2020: End-of-year Responsibilities to Keep Businesses in Compliance Sean Manning, CEO, Payroll Vault Franchising USA

V e t er ans in Fr anchising

veteran news

VETERAN AND ENTREPRENEUR TEAMS UP WITH WIFE TO OPEN EDIBLE MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISE Edible, the world’s leader in gifts and treats, has signed a multi-unit agreement in Arkansas with esteemed business operators Ty and Brieon Mitchell. With 1,000-plus locations nationwide, the Mitchells join the brand with plans to add four locations throughout Arkansas with the first store set to appear in North Little Rock. “With a diverse professional background, we were looking for a new business venture with a reputable brand that aligned with our values and provided a unique long-term growth opportunity, and Edible ticked off all of our boxes,” said Ty, a former banking manager. The couple have a diverse business background—they are prominent members in their community as the Founders of nonprofit organizations, K.I.N.D. and D.R.E.A.M.S. Ty served on the board of the local Chamber of Commerce and is an Accredited Financial Counselor, while

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Brieon is a dedicated veteran and has been an experienced entrepreneur since 2006. “We are committed to growing Edible strategically with new franchise partners that possess the desire to create an exceptional experience for our guests,” said Patricia Perry, Vice President of Franchise Development. “Ty and Brieon share that vision and will be a fantastic addition to Edible. For more than 20 years, we have been perfecting our brand culture to fill our system with qualified leaders that will help expand our presence nationwide and I am confident the Mitchells will do a great job representing Edible in Arkansas. On being a Veteran, Brieon Mitchell shared his thoughts with Franchising USA: “I grew up a small town kid with big dreams. Serving my country was not only a life-changing experience, it undoubtedly shaped me into the man I am today. It was during those years that I realized the importance of commitment, integrity, discipline, and leadership. The first time

traveling abroad was during my service years. I am grateful and honored to be recognized as a Veteran along with my fellow brothers and sisters who have walked the same path. I will always cherish the life-long relationships and service of the heroes with whom I am honored to call “Battle Buddy.” www.ediblefranchise.com

JDOG BRANDS OFFERS FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP DISCOUNT TO CURRENT, FORMER LAW ENFORCEMENT

JDog Brands is recruiting even more Veterans to join its rapidly growing band of Veteran- and Military-family owned franchises. Now through Dec. 31, 2020, Veterans and Military family members that are also current or former law enforcement will receive a $5,000 discount off the initial franchise fee for both JDog Junk Removal and Hauling and JDog Carpet Cleaning. In major cities across the U.S., police officers are retiring at double, even triple the usual rate. Many of them will be looking to put their skills and training to use in a new way, including entrepreneurship and franchise ownership. “The experience, work ethic, and values these public servants gained from their time on the force, combined with their experience as Veterans or Military family members, makes them uniquely suited for business ownership at JDog,” said Army Veteran Jerry Flanagan, the co-founder and CEO of JDog Brands. “Our focus on people, purpose, and patriotism is a natural fit for those still looking to serve. We hope this offering will make business ownership a more realistic option for Veterans and police officers nationwide.” “I would recommend JDog to any individuals in law enforcement looking to open their own business, solely on the fact that you are in control of your success,” said Mustafa Browne, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and former Deputy at the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office in Yorktown, Virginia. Browne is the owner of three JDog Carpet Cleaning franchises in Williamsburg, Virginia, which he opened alongside his wife, Ellen, an Army Veteran, in fall 2019. “JDog gives me the opportunity to continue serving my community, and, as a Veteran brand, it provides that same camaraderie you have as a brother or sister on the force.” JDog franchise ownership opportunities are available across the U.S. For more information about this promotion or to determine if you’re eligible, visit: www.jdogbrands.com/law-enforcement

IN HONOR OF OUR VETERANS This Veterans Day, Franchising USA salutes the men and women who have served their country. This day is a special reminder to us all of the sacrifices they have made for our freedom. And to commemorate November 11, we thought we’d remind our readers of some important Veterans Day facts: • The origins of Veterans Day go back to November 11, 1919—the one-year anniversary of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson declared it “Armistice Day.” It officially became a federal holiday in 1938. • Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day, in that it commemorates all Americans who have served their country. Memorial Day honors Americans who have died in the line of duty. • The 624-acre Arlington National Cemetery is the resting place of more than 400,000 military service people and their families. An observance is held each year at the cemetery on November 11 at 11am (the time the armistice agreement was signed). • Canada, Australia, France and Belgium call November 11 Remembrance Day. The United Kingdom observes Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday of November. Source: https://www.rd.com/list/veterans-day-facts/

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cover story: G.I. Tax

New franchise wants to put friendlier face on tax preparation Florida-based G.I. Tax has given themselves a seemingly impossible mission; to make tax offices comfortable and fun. And if clients’ children are anything to go by, they are succeeding. “We have kids, when it’s time to go, they don’t want to go. They do the whole ‘limp noodle’ thing because they don’t want to leave. Where in the world does a kid come into a tax office and doesn’t want to leave and makes his parents drag him out?” said Glenn Sandler, founder and CEO of G.I.

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Tax. “That’s what we’ve created.” Sandler noted that the general public tends to be scared at the thought of doing their taxes and he wants to flip that on its head. People who are due to get a tax return should be flocking to tax offices in January, he noted, but they might not drift in until October because of the fear they have of all things tax-related.

we have G.I. Tax M&Ms, we have branded water. When people walk in, they say: ‘I can’t believe this is a tax office.’ We have the constitution on the wall, the Declaration of Independence and we have the Pledge of Allegiance on the wall and the words to the Star Spangled Banner. If you bleed America, you will love doing business with us.”

That’s why G.I. Tax goes out of its way to make their offices comfortable with features like video games, coffee machines, kids’ activities, free sunglasses and more.

In addition to making a fun environment for their clients, they also donate $5 for every tax return they prepare to support military and veterans charities.

For branding, Sandler chose to go with a patriotic theme.

“Last year we did 4,000 tax returns and we just wrote a check for $20,000 to be split between five different charities,” Sandler said.

“We bleed red, white and blue,” he said. “We have red, white and blue furniture, we have American flags, we have jingles,

The CEO’s ultimate goal is to have 1,000

franchises throughout the country and be able to donate between $10-20 million per year to veterans and children’s charities. With their corporate location in Melbourne, FL and a couple of franchise locations thus far, G.I. Tax is already getting known for its charitable contributions and now charities are lining up to get on the franchise’s list of recipients.

Getting started A certified public accountant, Sandler started G.I. Tax in 2012 with the intent of franchising it. However, he wanted to hold off on selling franchises until he had the operation perfected. Now that they have their franchising system the way they like it, G.I. Tax is ready to welcome franchisees. So far, they have a franchise location open in West Melbourne, about five miles from the corporate office, another one being built in Denver, CO, and one in Littleton, CO, just south of Denver.

high professional standard, you’re likely to succeed with a G.I. Tax franchise, Sandler noted.

They are also courting potential franchisees in Maryland and California right now and hope to have 10 franchise locations sold by the close of 2020.

In order to talk with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you need to be a certified public accountant or an enrolled agent licensed by the IRS, Sandler said. You can take a 40-hour class to become an enrolled agent and become licensed by the IRS to do tax returns.

Franchisees interested in buying a G.I. Tax location should be entrepreneurial and want to have a significant return on their investment while dealing with professional people, Sandler explained.

“So, it’s not a lot of education or certification, but it will set you apart from everyone else and you’ll be able to talk to the IRS and take care of your customers,” he said.

Unlike other franchises that require a lot of equipment and inventory, a G.I. Tax franchise requires just an inexpensive buildout with no inventory and only a small amount of overhead like computers and office furniture. While the tax return aspect of the business can scare some people, Sandler noted, everyone has to pay taxes, which makes G.I. Tax recession-proof. “The relationship you develop with your customers is unbelievable and it’s an unbelievable business,” he said. “You build up a lot of trust with your customers and basically you’re their financial consultant all year long.” As long as you show your customers you care about them and their families and their finances and you hold yourself up to a

Veteran opportunity Sandler said he would love for veterans to become franchise owners with G.I. Tax. “It would be the perfect transition into the workforce for them,” he noted. Veterans who are interested in buying a franchise get a discount on their franchise fee. In addition to giving opportunities to veterans, they also make good franchisees because they are used to training and working hard, Sandler said, and they are disciplined. “If we can load up our franchise with people who have work ethic like veterans have, it’ll be good for our franchise and good for our customers,” the CEO said.

Training In keeping with the military theme, G.I. Tax offers Basic Training, which includes learning G.I. Taxware and going through G.I. Tax Boot Camp. Franchisees are trained how to use the franchise’s tax software to prepare returns. For training, franchisees go down to Florida for a week and when their locations open, representatives from G.I. Tax will go to their location and help them get up and running. Preparing taxes is often the easiest thing to teach new franchisees, Sandler noted. “What we have to teach our franchisees is how to drive traffic and take care of their customers. We have a theory; everyday is a grand opening.” That means making sure your location is clean and inviting every single day and making sure people are comfortable when they come in. In addition to training, G.I. Tax also provides administrative support and helps franchisees with their social media, their websites and provides training on how to hire the right people. With their strong branding, their charitable endeavors and a focus on making tax preparation comfortable and fun, G.I. Tax seems well on its way to reaching its goal of 1,000 franchises across the country. www.gitaxfranchise.com

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expert advice: Sean Manning | CEO | Payroll Vault

GOODBYE, 2020:

END-OF-YEAR RESPONSIBILITIES TO KEEP BUSINESSES IN COMPLIANCE Preparing your business for the new year may rarely be this difficult — or this important Each time the calendar reaches a new year, it brings a time of both reflection and anticipation. It’s no different in business. Owners and employers in businesses of all sizes can use this time to weigh the good and bad of the past 12 months; while setting goals for the next year and visualizing any changes they want to see in the makeup of their companies. That anticipation may never be more welcome than at the close of 2020. After a year of uncertainty and adversity, however, there has rarely been more work needed to wrap up the year, particularly regarding regulatory issues. Certain tasks must be completed to ensure your business stays compliant before giving in to the natural tendency of looking ahead. Entering 2021, compliance-related consistency will be as important as ever — from addressing safety and health concerns going forward to accounting for any credits the business took advantage of in the past year. Let’s dive into the most important end-ofyear responsibilities and break down the tasks which need to be marked off your to-do list.

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Safety and Health Going Forward No matter the circumstances, though particularly important after 2020, the health and safety of all employees is critical. When turning the page to a new year, it is the responsibility of an employer to make sure the workplace provides the best possible environment going forward. Not only will the end of the year bring a chance to hear the concerns of your workforce, it also provides an opportunity to ensure the business is operating within the compliance standards of state and federal laws. Those mandates may be fluid during the current health crisis due to the COVID-19

pandemic, and it is important that business owners stay flexible, keeping a close watch on necessary changes for the start of 2021.

Communication is Key Towards the end of each year, it can be a good time to re-assess the benefits package offered to employees. Which healthcare options work the best for both the business and its employees? Which investment and retirement options are still available to your workers? Regardless of any changes, it is necessary to clearly communicate those benefits to allow employees to make their decisions. It is also essential to clarify any deadlines or enrollment periods as they approach in the coming months.

“Having paperwork done, organized, and ready at year-end will make for fewer headaches as tax season approaches.”

“When turning the page to a new year, it is the responsibility of an employer to make sure the workplace provides the best possible environment going forward.”

“Towards the end of each year, it can be a good time to re-assess the benefits package offered to employees.”

Getting ahead of these decisions and announcements will not only simplify the process but will put the entire business and its workforce on the best path towards successful transition into the new year.

Renew Licenses and Permits States have specific guidelines for keeping any licenses or permits up to date, as well as for reporting any significant business changes if necessary. Taking care of these legal compliance requirements should be near the top of any business’s to-do list at the end of the year. These needs could include the renewal of any licenses or permits to offer the services your business provides so that you can continue to legally operate. They also could depend on any changes expected in the structure of the business, whether that is simply changing the business address or completing any “doing business as” registrations. Through the difficulties of 2020, many businesses have had to rethink the way they get the job done. Maybe those changes include the size of the staff, or whether that staff will now work from home. If that

is the case, your state may have different compliance notices you are required to present to employees — again placing the emphasis on communication and organization. Regardless of those changes, every business owner must ensure they complete the requisite forms to avoid being out of compliance or dealing with any regulatory issues. Be sure to check on which of these need to be taken care of.

Make The Next Tax Season Bearable Of course, the new year also means business owners are in for plenty of work in the coming months. Tax season begins toward the beginning of the year, so having paperwork done, organized, and ready at year-end will make for fewer headaches as tax season approaches. As we all know, 2020 introduced an abundance of credits, payroll loans, and other new legislative changes due to the pandemic. Many small and mid-sized business owners utilized at least some of those relief efforts, meaning they will have to be accounted for in the spring tax season. The end of the year brings with it a deadline for some of those relief programs, meaning paperwork and any necessary applications must be in order; to allow a business to take part as intended. If a business hasn’t kept the correct documentation for these loans or credits,

Sean Manning

the end of the year provides a target to get organized before it’s too late. As is the case every year, the anticipation of what is to come will only be made sweeter if a business has done the necessary work to set the stage. Whether doing the work yourself or outsourcing to other services, there has rarely been a year when tying those loose ends has been so important. Sean Manning, CPA, CFE, is partner and CEO of Payroll Vault brands, whose divisions include Payroll Vault Franchising LLC, the payroll service franchise business system, and Payroll Vault – Littleton, the corporate location and independent payroll service company. He is the former owner of Insperience Business Services, an accounting, tax, and business advisory firm located in Littleton, Colorado, that he sold in August of 2018, subsequent to three firm acquisitions from 1998 through 2004. You can find out more about Payroll Vault and its services at www.payrollvault.com

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focus: AdvantaClean

NATIONAL CLEANING FRANCHISE PROTECTS PUBLIC DURING PANDEMIC As the COVID-19 pandemic has instilled fears of health and safety for the entire nation in 2020, one franchise has found opportunities to use its cleaning services to help members of the community across the country. AdvantaClean is national franchise that specializes in indoor air quality and mold remediation. Shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak, the company added building sanitizing and disinfection to its portfolio of services. Since that time, AdvantaClean franchisees have sanitized patrol cars in a gesture of appreciation for first responders, disinfected buses to help protect children returning to school and cleaned air ducts for a women’s domestic abuse shelter to ensure the health of its residents. In each case, the franchisees provided these services for free as a way to help others as we collectively work to overcome this virus. Here are some examples of the charitable work AdvantaClean franchisees have performed in recent months:

First Responder Vehicle Sanitizing In the first several months during the spread of the virus, 10 AdvantaClean franchisees across the country provided free sanitizing services on first responder

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vehicles in each of their local communities. The AdvantaClean staffs disinfected police cars, fire trucks and ambulances, fogging and mechanically wiping the high-touch areas of each vehicle such as the steering wheels, door handles, seat belts and onboard electronics. “We are happy to do this for our first responders,” said Dave Harley, franchise owner of AdvantaClean of Badgerland in Wisconsin. “We respect what they do on a daily basis in putting their lives on the line for us. This is the least we can do to thank them.” All the franchise owners offered the service free of charge to spare the

departments additional expenses on their operating budgets. It also gave them the

opportunity to show their appreciation for the first responders who are on the front lines in protecting the public from the

spread of the virus by providing them with a safe working environment.

“We don’t know what our officers are picking up when we are out on the

street and bringing it into our cars and

transferring from officer to officer,“ said Captain John Hoell of the Mequon (WI) Police Department. “This brings a new level of safety and it is great they can provide it for us.”

“We’re always looking to give back to the community,” said Stanley. “I know the schools were having issues about when and how to open, and I thought a great way to give back to others was to sanitize to school buses.”

School Bus Disinfection Prior to the start of the school year, Kim Stanley, a franchise owner with AdvantaClean of Winchester, Virginia disinfected 25 buses with the Frederick County (VA) Public Schools at no charge. Stanley and her crew identified areas inside the buses that were frequently touched by students, such as the door, seats, entry handlebar and windows, and disinfected each location. The sanitizing process gave children, parents, bus drivers and school staff an extra level of health and safety as the students returned to school this fall.

Air Duct Cleaning for Women’s Shelter Lyle Nearby, franchise owner with of AdvantaClean of Monroe, cleaned the air ducts for Turning Point, a shelter for women and children who have suffered from domestic violence. The work was done on a pro-bono basis and it is estimated to be a $5,000 job, which enabled the shelter save money and devote funding to other programs and services to help its clients. “I came out for an estimate for an air duct cleaning for the facility and I thought it would be nice to do it as a donation,” said Nearby. “I didn’t want them to pay for that. The money could be used elsewhere to help other people. As a business owner, I feel it

is important to give back to the community, especially in today’s world where money may be tight for some people.” Nearby and his staff cleaned the air ducts at the 11,000 square foot facility in Monroe, September 15-17. The project took a combined 55 man-hours, cleaning eight HVAC systems in the residence area and staff offices. One week prior to the cleaning, Nearby partnered with a local restaurant to host a pizza donation that raised nearly $500 for Turning Point. “Lyle was great to work with. He is friendly and compassionate about helping his community,” said Jennifer Sanford, Turning Point’s Community Engagement Manager. “We were very thankful for someone who wanted to partner with us and provide those services for the shelter.” AdvantaClean’s franchise owners are a great example of adversity bringing out the best in people as they try to help keep their communities safe during a difficult time. www.advantacleanfranchise.com

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Q& A: Peggy & Steven Johns, Tropical Smoothie Cafe

NAVY VETERANS MAKE

A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO FRANCHISING

What branch of the service were you in, what did you do and what was your rank when you left the military? Steven and I were both in the Navy, and held multiple jobs within our branch. I started off as a cook during the Persian Gulf War and eventually ended up as a Military Police officer. I was in the Navy for ten years. Steven also served in the Persian Gulf War and Operation Enduring Freedom as an Air Traffic Controller, and retired as an E-7: Chief Petty Officer.

What is it about franchising that attracted you to it? Are there any parallels between your experience in the military and the franchising business model? The franchising business model gives franchise owners structure and responsibility. There are many parallels between our experience in the military and the franchise world! Military experience gives you structure and teaches you to be a leader, honest, reliable, and to serve. The franchise model is very similar in that sense. Tropical Smoothie Cafe encourages franchisees to be involved with and support their communities. Our military experience and owning a franchise work hand in hand when it comes to the responsibility to serve others.

When and why did you choose to franchise with Tropical Smoothie Cafe? We opened our first cafe in July 2019 and have had an incredible year so far as part of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe family. Our efforts and involvement led us to become Rookie of the Year for the brand in 2019. What attracted us to Tropical Smoothie Cafe was the shared values and vision. Steven and I share the same

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“The biggest piece of advice I can give a veteran looking to open a franchise is to do your research and find a franchise that you wholeheartedly believe in and share the same vision. If you’re passionate about the brand that shares the same values as you, you’ll be amazed with what you can accomplish.”

passion to serve the community, and the brand prioritizes being a part of our community and giving guests the best experience.

How many cafes do you currently own? Do you have more in development? We own and operate one cafe in Schertz, Texas (San Antonio market). We have plans to open another in the same market but are still working to lock down a location. Finding the perfect location is our biggest priority, as we want to engage and be involved in that community there just as we are in Schertz.

Are you involved with any local charities? We’re incredibly engaged with our community. Something we’re very passionate about is cancer awareness, and we strive to give support wherever we can to help those in our community that are affected. We have held many awareness events to support our community. We’re also engaged in local schools and students by helping support academic clubs and athletic teams. Earlier this year, we held a fundraiser to raise awareness for childhood cancer. A local nine-year old warrior who was fighting cancer passed away, and on what would have been his tenth birthday, Steven and I proudly gave kids 10 and under his favorite smoothie. We raised nearly $2,500 and donated it to the family. We understand how devastating this is, and our family always wants to be here to support our community, no matter what kind of contribution it is. Now that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, for every Bahama Mama smoothie ordered through the end of the month of October, we will give two dollars to the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation. One of the most recent activities I did was dye my hair pink, put up signs around the cafe, and give away various trinkets to our customers to raise awareness for the cause. We also added a pink ribbon to all of our smoothie cups.

“There are many parallels between our experience in the military and the franchise world! Military experience gives you structure and teaches you to be a leader, honest, reliable, and to serve. The franchise model is very similar in that sense.”

During the height of the pandemic, we also donated about 3,000 smoothies to first responders, nurses, doctors and other essential workers to show our love and support. Lastly, another initiative we’re a part of in our community is the Operation Battle Buddies program. The program gifts puppies with a purpose to become service dogs for disabled veterans. I was blessed with an amazing pup, Hope, who has become a service dog and assists me with my physical needs. The program helps train veterans with their new dogs and engages in the community whenever they can. We feel blessed to be a part of an amazing program, and we try to participate with them whenever we’re available.

What advice do you have for veterans looking to open a franchise? The biggest piece of advice I can give a veteran looking to open a franchise is to do your research and find a franchise that you wholeheartedly believe in and share the same vision. If you’re passionate about the brand that shares the same values as you, you’ll be amazed with what you can accomplish. In order to be successful, relationships with the franchisors and the community are imperative. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com/

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profile: Yonas Hagos | Multi-unit franchisee of Chicken Salad Chick, Arby’s, Smoothie King and Dunkin’

MEET PROUD FRANCHISEE AND PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT,

YONAS HAGOS

“I decided to join the Army after 9/11. I had never felt more American than in that moment and wanted to defend the country that had given me so much.”

Franchising USA: Tell us about your journey to the USA. Yonas Hagos: I was born in a refugee camp in Sudan in 1982. My parents emigrated from Ethiopia in the 1970s because of the civil war. In the late 1980s, my father had an opportunity to bring my family to the United States. He went first and, in 1992, was able to finally bring us over. It was definitely a shock when we first arrived, coming from a mud hut in the refugee camp to a place with running water and electricity. I grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, outside of Chicago, in a twobedroom Section 8 apartment. My four siblings and I shared one room and two twin beds.

Fran USA: Tell us more about your time in the military. YH: I decided to join the Army after 9/11. I had never felt more American than in that moment and wanted to defend the country that had given me so much. I served overseas in Iraq, which was a humbling experience for me, being reminded that I was once like them. Through the horrors of war, I was brought back to my roots. In 2004 while still in Iraq, I was wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade and was later awarded a Purple Heart. I took my collective experiences with me when I returned to America and came back with a different mindset. Even to this day, at 38 years old, I still have to remind myself to remain humble and not forget where I came from.

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including Burger King for eight years. After selling my Anytime Fitness, I was promoted in my full-time job and ended up working with two guys that went on to become my business partners. We looked into several different restaurant franchises before landing on Dunkin’. My dad used to take me to Dunkin’ on the weekends and I always had an admiration for the brand. From there, we diversified our portfolio with Smoothie King, Arby’s and Chicken Salad Chick.

“I most recently opened my first Chicken Salad Chick in East Peoria, Illinois this July. From the moment I walked in the door, I was blown away; it was beautiful and felt like home.”

Fran USA: After you recovered from your injuries, what came next? How did you get involved in franchising? YH: I started a painting and cleaning company outside of Chicago using the money I saved while overseas. It was a cheap startup, but it helped me to save enough money to pursue my first venture in franchising. Around the 2008 recession, I moved to Plano and got a full-time corporate job. During that time, I started working out at a local Anytime Fitness. One day, I talked to the owner who told me that the business model was recession-proof and that he

didn’t have to be super involved in the day-to-day. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, so I thought franchising could be a viable path back to owning my own business. Long story short, I moved back to Wheaton and opened the first Anytime Fitness there, which was my first franchise concept. I ran that business while simultaneously working my full-time job for two years until I got married and then sold the gym.

Fran USA: How did you get involved with the restaurant franchises you operate now? YH: I’ve always loved the restaurant industry. I worked on-and-off for a variety of restaurant franchises since I was 14,

I most recently opened my first Chicken Salad Chick in East Peoria, Illinois this July. I was first introduced to the brand while at a training in Dallas. From the moment I walked in the door, I was blown away; it was beautiful and felt like home. I noticed it was busy – there were at least 15 people ahead of me in line – which immediately piqued my interest from a business standpoint, and the hospitality was top-notch. The first time I tried the food, it was love at first sight and once I met Scott Deviney, CEO, and the rest of the leadership team, I was even more sold. As a franchisee of larger concepts, I was blown away by the brand, its processes and support. I was highly motivated and had a location picked out before they even approved me.

Fran USA: What is your advice to other veterans who might be interested in franchising with Chicken Salad Chick or franchising in general? YH: Soldiers, when given a mission, don’t rest until it’s complete. That said, veterans can make great franchisees, especially with a brand like Chicken Salad Chick that has a purpose of spreading joy, enriching lives and serving others. That’s the very reason why I love being a franchise owner of the brand and why I could see other veterans doing very well because we find that joy in serving others. My biggest piece of advice for other veterans is do all your homework on a concept before jumping in. Then, once you’re in, don’t try to reinvent the wheel. It’s as simple as the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

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profile: Jeremy Weber | Creative Colors International

Former Marine Employs Team-Building Philosophy to Drive Franchise Business Jeremy Weber relies on team-building skills he honed during his tenure in the armed forces to run a successful mobile leather and vinyl repair franchise with Creative Colors International. As the nation honors our brave heroes for their patriotism, bravery, service and sacrifice on Veterans Day this November, it is important to recognize the impact veterans have on the business community. There are 2.52 million businesses owned by veterans in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Veteranowned small businesses employ more than 5 million people in the United States and generate revenue of $1.14 trillion, according to a report from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Veteran-owned businesses represent nearly 10 percent of all U.S. businesses. “When you are in the military, everything has a standard operating procedure.

“Executing systems and following procedures with precision is emphasized in military training and leads to success in franchising.” Franchising USA

Everything has been done before, and you just need to follow the path, which is your key to success,” said Weber. “I was looking for a franchise, so I had that playbook and an established team already in place from a franchise network to help me be successful.” It is not uncommon for veterans to turn to franchising as a way to pursue entrepreneurship. Veterans account for seven percent of the U.S. population, but at least 14 percent of franchisees served in the military, reported FranVet, a strategic initiative of the International Franchise Association designed to provide franchising information to veterans. Military experience requires strong leadership and motivational skills. Members of the military constantly work to improve processes to accomplish their mission. Similarly, successful franchisees lead their employees to accomplish the business mission as a team. The military has extensive training and teaches unique skills used to carry out very specific tasks. Franchising also has comprehensive training and support built into the franchise process. A veteran can enter a completely new field and be likely to succeed by following the franchisor’s proven business model and completing the training program. Executing systems and following procedures with precision is emphasized in military training and leads to success in franchising.

Franchising gave Weber the opportunity to be part of a team, which he finds essential for success when it comes to operating his Creative Colors International of West Michigan franchise. “What gives me the most passion is building a team and directing them, setting boundaries and clear roadblocks and setting people up for success as a team, not as an individual,” he said. “We are here for a common objective, and as long as we are all focused on the team’s goals before the individual, then we will all succeed,” he added. Weber joined the United States Marine Corps in 1993 directly out of high school. He primarily served as a mortarman, which is a crew server weapon system. Mortarmen rely on a team for communication, as they often cannot see their target. Weber would typically operate on the gunline or at a command center

with a group of people coordinating and directing the activity on the battlefield. Weber was stationed at Camp Pendleton and did two tours aboard the USS Essex, which was primarily in the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific theatre of operations, before he left the military in 1997. Following his time in the military, Weber was in charge of information technology for Farmers Insurance and operated a consulting business. In 2015 he opted to pursue entrepreneurship as a franchisee for Creative Colors International Inc. “Creative Colors was the right fit for me,” Weber said. “I think there is a sense of belonging and being part of a larger unit in franchising that is familiar to those who have served in the military. There is some

individuality in being able to own your own franchise, but you are also part of something larger than that, similar to my experience in the military.” CCI can repair, restore or replace damaged vinyl, leather, fabric or plastic goods. The Mokena, Illinois-based company’s restoration services can salvage some of the most damaged items, saving customers up to 90 percent in expenses. Franchisees with CCI operate a home-based business requiring low overhead and offering high profit potential. CCI provides intensive training for new business owners and ongoing consultation by hosting conferences and being available to solve problems on a day-to-day basis online or via telephone. www.creativecolorsintl.com

“Creative Colors was the right fit for me, I think there is a sense of belonging and being part of a larger unit in franchising that is familiar to those who have served in the military.”

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have your say: Mike Pearce | Chief Development Officer | Authority Brands

FRANCHISING IS FUELING VETERAN JOBS Authority Brands is primarily comprised of service brands. What makes a service opportunity a good investment for veterans?

In your experience, how does franchising fuel veteran jobs? The veteran entrepreneurs that make up our system are some of the most hardworking, determined and passionate franchise owners. One of the biggest challenges for many veterans is returning home from service and adjusting to civilian life. While others have gone on to establish careers and families, coming home for a vet can bring obstacles. However, we’ve seen a positive correlation between veterans and franchising success here at Authority Brands. Many of the attributes that help veterans excel within the military also make them ideal franchisees—including following a proven system with a set of rules. The world of franchising uniquely marries entrepreneurship and the discipline needed to execute on a proven plan.

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Veterans are resourceful as they’ve obtained an array of critical skills throughout their service that can be applied to their daily lives as civilians and into their professional careers. For example, one of our America’s Swimming Pool Company franchisees, Brandon Grigsby, who owns the location in Port St. Lucie, FL, was eager to find a new career that provided flexibility for better work-life balance. Becoming his own boss was an easy transition, as he works under a brand that fits his lifestyle and allows him to weave in skill sets he adopted from his time serving in the United States Navy. With service concepts that cover a variety of trades such as plumbing, electricity, HVAC, cleaning, and more—the offerings allow veterans to monetize their already established skills and professional experiences.

What kind of support does Authority Brands offer to veterans? Authority Brands has always recognized that veterans are some of the most successful and best qualified prospective franchisees. We wholeheartedly respect the strength of military veterans and have established a business model which offers unlimited tools and resources for veterans who are seeking success and purpose

in the franchising industry. Each of our brands participate in the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program that provides military veterans with special incentives and assistance to open a franchise. As a franchisor, we strive to offer military veterans the most comprehensive support and also offer financial incentives to help them launch their business. Additionally, Authority Brands has an established network of existing veteran franchise owners throughout our system which allows new franchisees to build relationships and exchange advice and best practices with fellow vets turned entrepreneurs.

What advice do you have for veterans currently looking into opening a franchise of their own? Identify your passion. Whether that’s helping others through service or tapping into an industry that excites you, your purpose will be one of the key components that fuel your ability to approach your new business endeavor with the dedication and eagerness needed for success. As a franchisor, we are committed to making sure our franchisees are set up for success. Mike Pearce is Chief Development Officer (CDO) for Authority Brands which includes the business brands One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky Electric, America’s Swimming Pool Co., Mosquito Squad, Homewatch CareGivers and The Cleaning Authority. www.theauthoritybrands.com

Assisted Living Locators Assisted Living Locators provides the vital function to seniors and their families of identifying their ideal alternative living solutions and other related services – all at no cost to them. Our proprietary evaluation system results in free residential referrals that enable our clients to make the best possible decisions for their loved ones. Our elder care advisors are trained to find solutions that meet our clients’ needs and to personally accompany them on guided tours of facilities that match their individual preferences. Ours is a truly turn-key program that puts our owners on the path to success through a proven executive business model with high profit margins, low overhead, minimum employees,

Business Finance Depot

repeat referrals, and residual income. Even more importantly, many of the industry’s most desired areas of the country remain available for new development. If you’re aware of the unsurpassed value of the assisted living market, if you’ve always dreamed about the freedom and independence that business ownership could bring you, and if you’ve been waiting for the perfect, local, affordable opportunity to carve out your piece of the industry, Assisted Living Locators may be just the match you’ve been seeking. For more information please contact Mary Ann Russo or Tom Ingle at: Phone: 800-267-7816 Email: franchise@assistedlivinglocators.com Website: www.assistedlivinglocators.com

Business Finance Depot specializes in packaging equipment leases and SBA Express Working Capital loans for start-up and existing businesses.

Our company also works with SBA 7(a) lenders, alternate financing sources, crowd funding financing sources and companies that specialize in using retirement funds to capitalize a new business. Please visit our website for more information.

Our main clients are franchisors seeking financing for their new franchisees and manufacturers seeking financing for their equipment purchases.

Website: www.businessfinancedepot.com Email: paul@businessfinancedepot.com Phone: (800) 788-3884 Contact: Paul Bosley

BODY20

and their life through time condensed technology training. In just 20 minutes per week, our goal is to materially impact the other 10,060 minutes in the week.

There are very few significant technological breakthroughs in fitness, especially ones as fundamental as how the human body builds strength and muscle. BODY20 is disrupting the $25 billion dollar fitness industry and is going to change the way people workout letting every. body.unleash their full potential. Our mission is to change the way that people workout by helping EVERY.BODY.UNLEASH their super human potential to strengthen their body

caring transitions Caring Transitions is a solution-oriented company, and we accomplish this by bringing three services under one roof that are normally all accomplished by separate companies. The three services we combine to provide unique solutions for our customers are: • Senior Relocation • Estate Sales • Downsizing & Decluttering One final thing – we are NOT a medical service company. As a franchisee, you will not be dealing

Clayton Kendall Clayton Kendall provides comprehensive branded merchandise programs for franchise communities nationwide, resulting in greater brand exposure, cost-savings, streamlined operations and brand compliance. With a customized online store as the organizing principle, our websites give users the ability to purchase their advertising and marketing tools in one easy to use program.

Considering opening a Body20 Studio and want to know if it’s right for you? Are you obsessed with fitness? Are you driven, motivated and a self-starter who wants to jump on board with the future of technology? Are you a leader or entrepreneur looking for something more? Well, you’ve come to the right place. https://body-20.com/franchise/

with the hassles or laws that involve elderly medical care, though you might want to invest in knowing the companies that do supply such services in your area. Many times our services are needed in order to fulfill the lifestyle changes recommended by healthcare professionals, so putting your leads into contact with upstanding medical professionals can create a favorable impression that causes them to return to you for help with non-medical side of their changing circumstances. Phone: 1-800-647-0766 Email: CaringTransitionsFranchising@gmail.com Website: https://caringtransitionsfranchise.com

We provide marketing collateral, signage, POP displays, printed materials, promotional products and apparel. Our services include graphic design, merchandising, sourcing, warehousing and fulfillment, kitting and proprietary technology with advanced management reports. All programs are scalable and can be customized to the unique needs of your community. Customer service is our forte. Contact: Dan Broudy CFE, Chief Executive Officer Phone:412-798-7120 Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Website: www.claytonkendall.com

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Fastsigns® Now more than ever, businesses look to FASTSIGNS® for innovative ways to connect with customers in a highly competitive marketplace. Our high standards for quality and customer service have made FASTSIGNS the most recognized brand in the industry, driving significantly more traffic to the web than any other sign company. We also lead in these important areas: • #1 Ranked Sign Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 three years in a row • Franchise Business Review FBR50 Franchisee Satisfaction Award 2006-2015 • Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 2011-2015

FirstLight Home Care FirstLight Home Care offers comprehensive, inhome, non-medical and personal care services to seniors, new mothers, disabled adults and others needing assistance. FirstLight’s team brings more than 170 years of collaborative experience in health care, franchising and senior services, creating FirstLight’s Culture of Care foundation. The last 10 years, we’ve received numerous awards, most recently including ranking among Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises, Forbes’ Best Franchises to Buy,

FranFund, Inc. An IFA supplier forum member and recognized as the #1 franchise funding supplier by Entrepreneur, FranFund, designs smart all-in-one funding plans that grow with franchise businesses. No matter where you are in your journey of business ownership – whether you are considering leaving your current job to start a new venture or if you are looking to expand your existing operation – we are here to help. Through a personal and painless process, FranFund helps solidify your dreams of franchise ownership while positioning you for long-term success. We offer ongoing support and make sure you know all of your options for funding single units through multi-unit expansions

Franchise Payments Network Franchise Payments Network (a.k.a. FPN) is the only merchant services company focused exclusively on franchising. Since 2006, we have served over 190 franchise brands and we’ve grown a reputation as a premier vendor in the franchise industry. Our goal is to help both franchisors and franchisees save money on every transaction. We offer competitive payment processing rates and excellent customer service. More importantly, we assist franchise organizations with payment security and compliance

Fresh Coat The average Fresh Coat on average earns 41.22% gross profit and $507,883.18 in revenue!* (*See Item 19 of our April 1, 2018 Franchise Disclosure Document for details. Based on data reported by franchisees that were open and operating full-time for at least 1 year for the period ending December 31, 2017 and that reported Gross Revenues and income statements. A new franchise owner’s results may differ. Our owners continually testify about the amazing amount of help they receive from our company. From coaching and onboarding, to marketing and operational support, we guide you every step of the way. Marketing Support & Operation Support – At Fresh Coat, our franchisees are constantly surrounded by support from both

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• Franchise Research Institute #1 Rated Sign & Graphics Franchise 2014-2015 • CFA Franchisees’ Choice Designation 2004-2015 • FASTSIGNS is one of only a handful of franchises approved for $21 million in SBA financing for approved franchise candidates FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide. For more information: Phone: 1-214-346-5679 Email: mark.jameson@fastsigns.com Or visit our Website: www.fastsigns.com

& Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises for franchisee satisfaction. In the $80 billion home care, demand for our services already exceeds market supply in many areas. In 2015, the babyboomers turning age 65 in the U.S. reached 10,000 per day! By 2025, it will grow to nearly 72 million. We’re looking for people who are passionate and strive to provide exceptional service. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives while building a powerful business, THIS is this franchise for you. Phone: 866-985-4031 Email: jdavis@firstlighthomecare.com Website: Firstlightfranchise.com

including SBA loans, conventional lending, and retirement plan funding with a risk-free SafetyNet® option. By utilizing our franchise-specific pre-qualification tool and cultivating an extensive network of lenders who are franchise and small business-friendly, clients pre-approved by FranFund have a loan approval rate of 99%. We believe delivering an exceptional customer experience is just as important as providing high-quality products and services and are proud of our high level of customer satisfaction. Contact: Tim Seiber, CFE Phone: 817-730-4500 Email: info@franfund.com Website: www.franfund.com

to minimize the risk of breaches that could place brand equity in jeopardy. Our team of franchising experts can enhance the consumer experience through secure payment acceptance on any device. Whether it’s online, through a smartphone or tablet, or our many POS integrations, we tailor our services to each individual brand for efficient operations. Contact: Tom Epstein Phone: (866) 420-4613 Email: tomepstein@franchisepayments.net Website: www.franchisepayments.net

our Marketing Department and our Operations Team. We have national and local marketing initiatives and resources to drive customers to your place of business, and experts to guide and coach you for as long as you own your Fresh Coat franchise. Fresh Coat is committed to leading the painting industry by driving platinum level customer service delivered by a team of professionals and painting experts. To do this, our franchisees only hire the most skilled and experienced painters, allowing their franchise businesses to offer 6 unique services. Your painters provide positive experiences from the initial quote to final touch-ups. Phone: (513) 605-4877 Email: freshcoatpaintersfranchise@gmail.com Website: www.freshcoatfranchise.com

G.I. TAX The franchise offered is for a unique and distinctive system relating to the operation of tax return preparation businesses, specializing in providing tax preparation and related products and services through a vehicle that would honor and support those who have served in the military. The G.I. TAX® System is fully branded

Home Technology Handyman As you know by now, the Home Automation industry is growing at record rates. All around the world, people are beginning view Connected Home products as an essential component of their lifestyle. They’re looking to integrate technology into their homes to make their lives easier, safer and more convenient. There’s no doubt that this industry will continue to grow. In effect, the need for connected home professionals to install and integrate this technology will grow right along with it. If owning your own Smart Home Franchise through Home Technology Handyman has piqued your interest, there’s never been a better time to see what we’re all about! What exactly does a Home Technology Handyman do?

International Franchise Professionals Group

in support of the military, presenting an inviting atmosphere for both active duty and retired veterans, their families and community. For more information contact: Samantha Wilson Ph: 360-878-8488 Email: swilson@sfdpros.net Web: www.gitax.com/franchise-careeropportunities

We’re a home service provider, just like a plumber or electrician. Our technicians are the trusted resource for sales, service and installation of home technology products to customers of all income brackets. From basic service calls to turn-key projects, Home Technology Handyman can handle it all. Our most popular services include: • Connected Home Devices & Systems • Home Networking • Audio/Video Systems • Home Theater • Surveillance Cameras • TV Mounting • Remote Control Systems • Basic Lighting Control • Security Systems We want you to Take Control of Your Future! Contact Jack Beeckman at: Ph: 888-303-4191 Email: franchise@hometechnologyone.com Website: hometechnologyhandyman.com/franchise

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

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

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

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

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

Lifted

Lifted’s inventory exemplifies the brand’s serious commitment to quality products; but not without playful elements such as, the Lifted Candy Bar, where customers can choose from an array of CBD-infused sweets, treats and edibles. Lifted has an educational shopping experience where the sales team does not follow like a shadow, they lead as a guide. The aesthetics of the brand further lend themselves to the name with a sleek, modern FFE package and colors that are fresh and crisp. In every way, Lifted is truly an elevated experience.

Lifted, An Elevated Experience is a Hemp/CBD shopping experience. Stepping into the retail environment at Lifted, it only takes a few seconds to realize why the consumer’s needs are so readily met, as this is not the typical Hemp/CBD shopping experience. The space is laid out in such a way that the flow lends itself to making the most of the square footage - which is modest, by some retail standards and yet, is comfortable and inviting; creating ease and efficiency for hemp/CBD consumers of every experience level. This design also reinforces Lifted’s respect for the consumer’s time, as well as their own.

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

Contact: Gary Gale Norris Phone: 336-477-3693 Email: admin1@liftedclt.com Website: www.Liftedclt.com

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

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Nathan’s Famous, Inc. NEW YORK IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, which is why - after over 100 years as one of New York’s most famous restaurant brands - anyone can walk into a Nathan’s Famous Restaurant anywhere in the world and experience the best of the New York Casual Food scene. Universally regarded as the “Flavor of New York”, Nathan’s Famous’ menu focuses on four food pillars: World-Famous Hot Dogs & Fries; Premium Subs, including Angus Ribeye New York Cheesesteaks by Pat LaFrieda; Best-in-class, cooked-to-order burger with our proprietary Best Burger Pledge™, and Hand-Breaded Chicken and Onion Rings. Our restaurant system includes over 250 restaurants

Office Evolution Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2012, the Colorado-based company is the largest and fastest growing coworking franchisor in the United States. Office Evolution currently has 70 locations open with a projected 80 open by year end. The brand has nearly 140 units sold in markets across the country and is poised for further growth as the demand for suburban workspace continues to rise. The brand’s model fills a niche for suburban-based workers looking for a professional environment to get their work done.

Re-Bath In an industry of independent home remodeling contractors, Re-Bath stands out as a unified, trusted national brand. Re-Bath is known for providing expert, affordable and effortless bathroom remodeling solutions that transform homeowners’ bathrooms in days, not weeks. We offer a spirit of innovation and an alternative to cover-up or overpriced remodeling. We handle both the design and the installation – it’s a branded, one-stop customer experience that the industry sorely needs. We are the go-to resource for bathroom remodeling in the markets our franchisees currently serve, and our national reputation strengthens as we continue to connect the dots across the country.

SOCi SOCi is an all-in-one localized marketing platform built for multilocation businesses that allows them to post to social media networks, manage reviews, update online listings and deploy social media ads at scale, down to each location.

StretchLab Founded in 2015, StretchLab is the first boutique health and wellness franchise that offers one-on-one assisted stretching services in a fun, energetic and communal environment. It is designed to increase mobility and flexibility, helping to reduce pain, decrease muscle aches, improve posture, reduce recovery time and enhance quality of life. Guided by highly-trained Flexologists™ in a one-on-one or group atmosphere, StretchLab is

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worldwide, with adaptable, locally sourced menus and prototypes. Nathan’s Famous branded products are currently distributed globally, including packaged hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, onion rings and more. Our world-famous hot dogs are served in a multitude of outlets, including movie theatres, bowling centers, cruise ships, and casinos. And with more than 28 billion views worldwide of our cult-favorite Hot Dog Eating contest last Fourth of July, Nathan’s Famous’ claim to the cuisine and culture of New York isn’t just authentic, it’s proprietary. Contact: James Walker Phone: 516-338-8500 Email: jwalker@nathansfamous.com Website: www.nathansfamous.com

Office Evolution is helping thousands of business owners be dreamers, risk-takers, and doers by providing them with access to professional services that will help them drive their business forward. Office Evolution continues to lead the workplace transformation that is projected to see nearly 30 percent of all office space become shared office space by 2030, according to a JLL report. Office Evolution is currently operating in more than 24 states across the nation. For more information about Office Evolution, please visit www.OfficeEvolution.com and www.OfficeEvolutionFranchise.com

Of course, it helps to have the trust of renowned companies like Home Depot. Re-Bath is the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise with presence in more than 150 cities and 43 states. The ideal candidate for Re-Bath should have sales, marketing, and/or management experience and be extremely results oriented. Construction knowledge is not required. You must have a minimum of $100,000 in liquid capital, and be ready to make a full-time commitment. Contact: Samantha Wilson Phone: 866-721-7761 Email: swilson@sfdpros.com Website: www.rebathfranchise.com

In times of crisis and changing business dynamics, SOCi empowers businesses to reach customers locally with urgent messaging that is relevant to current operations, offers, and opportunities. www.meetsoci.com

revolutionizing the stretching industry through its approach to help clients of all ages, fitness levels, genders and sizes achieve deeper stretches that allow them to reach individual wellness goals. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, StretchLab is backed by Xponential Fitness, a curator of popular boutique fitness brands. Contact: Martin Balcaitis Phone: (949) 326-9765 Email: martin@stretchlab.com Website: https://stretchlab.com

Veterans Business Services Veterans Business Services provides the most advantageous franchise acquisition terms for Veterans and provides innovative entrepreneurial training for qualified Veterans seeking grants under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Veterans Business Services (“VBS”) specializes in entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and has an extensive reach into the Veterans community and can generate significant interest from qualified Veterans who wish to start a franchise or small business. VBS offers multiple marketing methods that have proven effective with helping franchise organizations with their expansion plans. Utilizing custom email marketing

Window World Window World is the largest window replacement and exterior home remodeling franchise in the United States, with over 18 million windows sold to date. Window World’s commitment to industry-backed, energy-efficient products and services is a determining factor when consumers choose Window World to improve their homes.

Win home inspection

campaigns, news press releases, and online franchising e-magazine articles, VBS gets the message to qualified Veterans who are invested in starting a franchise. VBS supports service disabled Veterans who are enrolled in the self-employment track within the Veterans Administration and provides outreach efforts to transitioning military through TAP and ACAP programs. As a graduate business of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (“EBV”), we also assist other graduates of EBV and provide coaching support through mentoring programs. VBS is where Veterans turn to make their franchise dreams a reality. Contact: James Mingey Phone: 202-349-0860 Email: info@veteransbusinessservices.us Website: www.veteransbusinessservices.us

Operating from the corporate headquarters in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and in markets across the country at over 200 franchise locations, Window World is poised to provide next-level window installation and home remodeling services to Americans nationwide. For more information contact Zach Luffman, Director of Franchising at: Phone: 1-866-740-2100 Email: ZLuffman@WindowWorld.com Website: www.windowworldfranchise.com

WIN Home Inspection is the fastest growing franchise in the essential, multibillion-dollar home inspection industry. We are rated in the Top-100 Franchises nationally.

Our franchise owners have backgrounds in sales, corporate roles, real estate, construction, and a variety of other industries. Also, one-third are veterans and first responders, to whom we offer a 25% discount off the initial franchise fee to thank them for their service.

The home inspection industry is recession resistant. There is no financial stress of inventory, office space or storefront.

Regardless of their different backgrounds, they share common goals. They are looking for:

There are many reasons why entrepreneurs choose WIN:

• Freedom and flexibility that comes with owning a business

• Rigorous training and certifications to instill confidence and help you provide exceptional service.

• Fulfillment in an industry that requires very little capital

• Innovative marketing to help you differentiate and grow your business.

• Opportunity to build a thriving business and legacy

• Ongoing mentorship in a community built on mutual respect, integrity and caring.

ziebart Founded in 1959, Ziebart is the worldwide leader in detailing, films and structural protection services providing complete car care solutions. Backed by over 60 years of experience, the brand has evolved from its roots as the pioneer in rust protection services to become the most respected global company offering aftermarket total vehicle protection products and services. Today, Ziebart International Corporation operates more than 400 locations, with 1,200 service centers, in 37 countries. The brand is committed to helping its customers customize and protect their vehicles by offering services that range from detailing and film installation to structural protection. Ziebart’s mission is to support customers’ pride in vehicle

• Comprehensive training, marketing and operations support Please click here to get your free brochure and learn how you could be on your way to building a thriving business in the essential home inspection industry.

ownership and to protect their investment with the highest quality products, services, exceptional workmanship, and a knowledgeable staff that provides solutions for extending the life of all vehicles. The brand is continuing to grow through franchising and offers a best-in-class investment for qualified prospects. Ziebart franchisees gain a built-in team with decades of experience to help launch their business every step of the way. As an established automotive enthusiast brand, Ziebart has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 500 Franchisor as well as a Top 200 Global Franchise. For more information contact Amanda House at: Phone: 248-837-3944 Email: ahouse@ziebart.com Website: www.ownaziebart.com

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Franchising USA

FRANCHISING USA NOVEMBER 2020

Articles inside

sPeciaL feaTure arTicLe: continued growth for Women in franchising Will Depend on more Women in Leadership roles, experts say

Veterans in franchising supplement

3 Tips to help multi-unit owners succeed

a z franchise and services Directory

flexibility, safety and cost effectiveness are the hallmarks of the modern Business World

sPeciaL feaTure: Women in franchising

The next evolution of small Business software

franchising news

coVer sTorY BoDY20: The Pandemic-Proof fitness concept