VOL 10, ISSUE 7, june 2022
COVER STORY
tUTOR DOCTOR
FROM ROCK BOTTOM TO GLOBAL MENTOr
make your success:
service excellence required special feature
HOME SERVICES franchising
franchising news announcements from the industry
Franchising MAGAZINE USA 1 The magazine for franchisees • W W W.FRANCHSINGMAGAZINEUSA.COM
Join the Leading Computer Service Franchise As a NerdsToGo franchisee, our entire team supports you and your business with the following: • Extensive business, marketing, and management training
“The military prepares you for this kind of transition in a civilian role,” said Turnbow. “For me, you have to be a good teammate and a good
• Our proven approach to sales and customer service
follower before being a great leader. I can be a great leader now because my service taught me what it means to be a good follower and how to play a role on a team.
• National conferences, training meetings, and information exchanges
“It can be difficult, especially if you start from
• Operational infrastructure tools, templates, and manuals
• Toll-free telephone support • NerdsToGo copyrighted marketing programs
NerdsToGo is honored to offer 50% Off our Franchise Fee for Veterans
scratch as I did,” he added. “But the best thing about being plugged into NerdsToGo is that a network of franchises and upper management are here to help. Everything about owning a business is learning, and I am learning every day.” Roger Turnbow | NerdsToGo - San Antonio NW, Texas
nerdstogo.com • 855-951-3840
VOL 10, ISSU
E 7, jUnE 2022
COV
TUTOR DOCTER STORY OR FROM ROC K BOTTOM TO GLOBAL MENTOR
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7, 2022
On the cover: the tutor doctor president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com
MAKE YOUR SUCC
SERVICE EXC ESS: ELLENCE REQUIRED
SPECIAL FEAT URE
HOME SERV FRANCHISI ICES NG 5)& ." (";
*/& '0 3 '3
"/$ )*4 &&4
FRANCHISI
NG NEWS
ANNOUNCE MENTS FROM THE
t 8 8 8 ' 3"/
$)4 */( ."(
INDUSTRY
FRANCHISING ";* /&6MAGAZ 4" $ INE
Publisher:
USA 1 0.
Welcome to our June issue of
Franchising Magazine USA.
Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com
We are delighted to have Tutor Doc as our Cover story and we find out How
editorial department:
One Tutoring Franchise Owner Went from Living in His Car to Growing His Local
editor@cgbpublishing.com
Empire.
advertising:
As always we have some great advice from some of the top experts in the industry.
vikki@cgbpublishing.com
George Knauf My perfect Franchise looks at Legacy Brands and how they still have
jasonb@cgbpublishing.com
opportunities, Lucas Frey Bella Vista Executive advisors offers advice on Service
Editorial team:
Success, Evan Hackel Founder Image Consulting and CEO of Tortal Training talks Look
Michelle Quinn
for your Cobwebs!
Rob Swystun
Our Feature Supplement for June is Home Services Franchising. We meet a range
Production:
of Franchises in this sector Griswald Home Care, Ultra Pool Care Squad, Homewatch
usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com
Caregivers, The Carpet Chemist and more.
DESIGN:
Also in this issue you will meet Buzz Franchise Brands who are on our Veterans Front
Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com
Cover and offer a unique opportunity for Veterans in the Exploding Home Services
CGB PUBLISHING Canadian Office: Sidney B.C Canada U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 Editorial: 778 426 2446 www.franchisingmagazineusa.com
Industry. We’ll be at The International FranchiseExpo with @MFVExpositions June 2-4! Come talk to us about franchising in booth 772 and receive your free subscription for 12 months. You can also Register FREE for IFE2022 get your ticket for FREE with code USA by clicking here. I hope you enjoy this edition and don’t forget to keep sending your stories and questions to the editor or myself. Happy Reading
Proud member of the IFA:
SUPPLIER FORUM International Franchise Association 1501 K Street, N.W., Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 628-8000 Fax: (202) 628-0812 www.franchise.org
Vikki Bradbury | Publisher Franchising Magazine USA
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.
Franchising MAGAZINE USA 3
JOIN THE INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR IN GARMENT CARE.
ZIPS BY THE NUMBERS • 5 Businesses in One! Pressed Laundry,
ZIPS didn’t invent the consumer garment care business; we perfected it. Garment care is a $10.5 billion a year business in a highly fragmented market where 98% of the competitors are mom-and-pop shops. The industry is SULPHG IRU D QDWLRQDO EUDQG RHULQJ comprehensive services and a solid value proposition to consumers. ZIPS is here to deliver. If you’re looking to become part of $PHULFDȇV ȴUVW QDWLRQDO JDUPHQW FDUH brand, we want to talk to you.
Wash N Fold, Dry Cleaning, Alterations, Household Item Care • Nearly 70 units strong, with 100+ commitments in the pipeline • $1.1M AUV annually for mature fullservice and drop (satellite) locations* • 3-Store Minimum; markets available nationwide • 2:1 sales-to-capital ratio for drop/fullservice store • Over 20 million items cleaned last year
To inquire about opportunities contact: Abhi Parikh, Director of Business Development aparikh@321zips.com • 717.495.7995 www.321ZIPS.com/franchise
: 3
5(
LET’S GET TO WORK CREATING A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER!
=Ζ36 GLG QRW LQYHQW WKH FRQVXPHU JDUPHQW FDUH EXVLQHVV ZH SHUIHFWHG LW
7KH JDUPHQW FDUH EXVLQHVV LV D ELJ ELOOLRQ GROODU D \HDU EXVLQHVV LQ D KLJKO\
* 7KLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW LV QRW DQ RHULQJ $Q RHULQJ FDQ RQO\ EH PDGH E\ D )UDQFKLVH 'LVFORVXUH 'RFXPHQW ȴOHG ZLWK WKH UHIHUHQFHG VWDWH ZKLFK ȴOLQJ GRHV QRW FRQVWLWXWH DSSURYDO =Ζ36 IUDJPHQWHG PDUNHW RI WKH FRPSHWLWRUV DUH PRP QG SRS W\SH VPDOO EXVLQHVVHV 7KH
IUDQFKLVHV ZLOO QRW EH VROG WR DQ\ UHVLGHQW RI DQ\ VXFK MXULVGLFWLRQ XQWLO WKH RHULQJ KDV EHHQ H[HPSWHG IURP WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI RU GXO\ UHJLVWHUHG LQ DQG DSSURYHG E\ VXFK MXULVGLFWLRQ DQG WKH UHTXLUHG )UDQFKLVH 'LVFORVXUH 'RFXPHQW KDV EHHQ GHOLYHUHG WR WKH SURVSHFWLYH IUDQFKLVHH EHIRUH WKH VDOH LQ FRPSOLDQFH ZLWK DSSOLFDEOH ODZ 7KH IROORZLQJ VWDWHV UHJXODWH WKH D FRQVLVWHQW VXLWH RI VHUYLFHV DQG D YDOXH SURSRVLWLRQ WR FRQVXPHUV ΖI \RX DUH RHU DQG VDOH RI IUDQFKLVHV &$ +Ζ Ζ1 Ζ/ 0' 0Ζ 01 1< 1' 5Ζ 6' 9$ :$ DQG :Ζ ΖI \RX UHVLGH LQ RQH RI WKHVH VWDWHV \RX PD\ KDYH FHUWDLQ ULJKWV XQGHU DSSOLFDEOH IUDQFKLVH ODZV LQGXVWU\ LV ULSH IRU WKH HPHUJHQFH RI D QDWLRQDOO\ EUDQGHG FKDLQ RIIHULQJ ORRNLQJ IRU DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR FUHDWH D VXFFHVVIXO EXVLQHVV DQG EHFRPH SDUW RI
4 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
$PHULFDȇV ILUVW QDWLRQDO JDUPHQW FDUH EUDQG QHZ WHUULWRU\ LV RSHQ IRU
contents
june 2022 Cover Story 10 Tutor Doc: From Rock Bottom to Global Mentor - How One Tutoring Franchise Owner went from Living in his Car to Growing his Local Empire
18
In evey issue 6
Franchising News Announcements from the Industry
23 Special Feature Supplement Home Services Franchising
47 Veterans Supplement News and Information for Veterans in Franchising
66 A-Z Franchise & Services Directory
Franchise in Focus 16 RNR Tire Express: Brand Expectations, What it Takes to Become a Part of RNR Tire Express
12 Franchisee in Action 20 Bo Concept: Franchisee Combines Passion for Interior Design with Business Development
16
42 Tide Cleaners: Multi Brand Franchisee Headed for 60 Tide Cleaner Locations
14 Women in Franchising 14 Lisa Williams: Women Empowered by Entrepreneurship
Expert Advice 12 Eric Danver: Why Franchisees Should Consider Growing their Portfolio with the same brand 18 Evan Hackell: Look for Your Cobwebs 40 Lucas Frey: Customer Loyalty Make Your Success
20
44 George Knauf: Legacy Brands Still have Opportunities Franchising MAGAZINE USA 5
Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list is an annual honor awarded to the brands leading the way in the fastcasual restaurant industry. This award recognizes not only the growth and sales accomplishments of brands named in the list, but also their efforts to enhance the overall guest experience and set new industry trends.
Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom Selected as a Top Brand in the Fast Casual 2022 Movers & Shakers List Fast-Casual Restaurant and Taproom Concept Receives Industry-Wide Recognition Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom – the fast-casual franchise famous for its oak wood-fired pizza creations and self-serve Taproom - is proud to announce its inclusion in the 2022 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list presented by Fast Casual.
The brand currently has five locations open and operating throughout the U.S. and is primed to shake up the fastcasual pizza industry by opening 95 new locations in the next 5 years. Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom was ranked 49 out of the 100 brands selected.
“Receiving this type of recognition is extremely exciting for our team and everyone who has been involved in shaping Smokin’ Oak to be the brand it is today,” said Matt Mongoven, CEO of Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom. Being named in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list marks a significant milestone for Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom as it looks to take over the fast-casual pizza space. For more information, or if interested in a franchise opportunity, please visit www.smokinoakpizza.com.
AROMA JOE’S NOW OPEN IN BRISTOL, Connecticut Locally-owned and operated handcrafted beverage shop brings specialty coffee drinks, signature AJ’s RUSH energy drink, upbeat service and signature style Aroma Joe’s, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted beverage chains, announces their new location in Bristol, Connecticut, at 1235 Farmington Avenue. This 800 square foot drive-thru location features handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, unique flavor infusions, signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy Drinks and all-day food options. This new location is owned and operated by Mark MacGregor, Henry Laughlin and Clayton Prugh. “I grew up in Rochester, N.H., and was a frequent visitor of the first Aroma Joe’s location there in 2001,” said Aroma Joe’s franchisee Mark MacGregor. “More than 20 years later, this is an incredible opportunity to help build the brand that I love, right in the city in which I reside, and in one of our busiest neighborhoods. We are excited for the future of Aroma Joe’s in Connecticut.” 6 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
This is Aroma Joe’s first location in Connecticut, and it has already been tremendously popular with record breaking first week sales. Building off this momentum, the local franchisees plan to continue to grow the coffee shop’s footprint throughout the state in the coming year. Learn more about Aroma Joe’s franchising at https://aromajoes.com/franchising/
Spherion Celebrates Monumental Growth at Annual Meeting National Leader in Staffing and Recruiting Honors Franchisees, Employees and Corporate Staff at 2022 Meeting in Las Vegas The Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) franchise community had the sweet opportunity to gather and celebrate achievements experienced in 2021 during the company’s annual meeting at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from March 24-26. Themed How Sweet It Is!, the 2022 national meeting was the first time in two years that franchisees, colleagues and corporate team members had the chance to meet face-to-face and reconnect while gaining insights about the status of the staffing industry as well as the brand. The three-day conference gave franchisees the opportunity to attend general sessions, keynote speeches and participate in breakout sessions. During the conference, attendees donated $17,300 to Spherion’sSandy Mazur Scholarship fund for a chance to win a neon Spherion sign. In total, $17,800 was raised for the scholarship fund and
franchisee Tom Pentenburg took home the sign to his offices in central and northeast Indiana. Aside from celebrating the company’s accomplishments, Spherion also recognized the dedicated franchisees who drive the company’s growth during its Glitz and Glam Gala. This tradition honors top-performing individuals and offices. A total of 32 franchisees won awards in several categories Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community by connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day. When businesses and job seekers are successful together, their investments in each other flow back into the neighborhoods where they live and work. To learn more about Spherion’s services, visit https://www.spherion.com.
Dallas-Based Early Learning School Reflects on the Past and Looks Towards Future Growth Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools™, the nation’s leading provider of high-quality early childhood education, has had a lot to celebrate this year, but most noteworthy is its silver anniversary. The premier early learning school was founded 25 years ago in 1997 by brothers Mike and Pat Brown. As fathers themselves, the Browns chose to start Children’s Lighthouse because they saw a need for a quality childcare provider that offered more than just playtime for kids. When Children’s Lighthouse first opened, it was one of the first early learning schools that made promoting character values like passion, integrity and excellence a cornerstone in its curriculum. 25 years later, these core values still guide the brand, helping it to remain one of the nation’s top childcare and early education providers. To honor the Browns’ legacy, Children’s Lighthouse also recently created and
presented the Founders Award at its annual conference. The Founders award, which was presented for the first time this year, recognizes a franchisee in the Children’s Lighthouse system who embody the same positive attitudes and values of the Children’s Lighthouse Founders. This franchisee follows systems, demonstrates the Browns’ values of integrity, passion and excellence, and
contributes positively to the Children’s Lighthouse franchise partnership. This year, the Founder’s Award was presented to Varun and Navi Sharma, owners of Children’s Lighthouse of Arlington-Viridian and Little Elm in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. To learn more about Children’s Lighthouse, visit https:// childrenslighthouse.com/ Franchising MAGAZINE USA 7
center, helps members reach their highest level of physical, cognitive and cellular performance through proprietary technologies. Each location offers services that help members become smarter, faster & stronger, resulting in a more rejuvenated & resilient version of themselves. The services offered help members spend less time exercising, decrease recovery times, and retain higher levels of concentration and tranquility. Equipped with cuttingedge technology and expert Biohacker
Upgrade Labs Set to Make Its Entrance into Boise
Technicians, Upgrade Labs helps its members live their lives to the fullest potential. Upgrade Labs is looking for single and
Upgrade Labs, the world’s first Human
exponential growth and disrupting the
multi-unit franchise partners that are
Upgrade™ Center and brainchild of
fitness and wellness space. Both Smith
passionate about upgrading humanity
Bulletproof Coffee founder Dave Asprey,
and Granden bring a wealth of knowledge
and want to introduce biohacking into
is continuing its expansion with its newly
in the finance and operations categories,
new communities. Including the franchise
announced plan to enter Boise, Idaho.
looking to utilize their experience to make
fee, the initial investment for an Upgrade
The brand, looking to upgrade humanity,
Upgrade Lab’s entry into Boise seamless.
Labs location ranges from $663,000 to
Both Idaho natives and fitness enthusiasts,
$1,070,000.
they are eager to bring the future of health
For more information about Upgrade
is excited to be partnering with Hailey Smith and Becky Granden to bring the franchise to Idaho for the first time. This
and wellness to their home state.
news comes as the brand is witnessing
Upgrade Labs, the premier biohacking
Labs franchise opportunity, please visit https://ownanupgradelabs.com/
1-800 WATER DAMAGE is Supporting the Twin Cities When Emergencies and Disasters Strike 1-800 WATER DAMAGE provides those who have been impacted by home and property damage with what they truly need: an experienced and certified restoration team they can rely on to safely restore not only their property, but their lives. The company’s services include water and flood damage mitigation, mold remediation, sewage, fire and smoke cleanup along with critical cleaning and sanitizing. The brand has opened its newest location in Burnsville and serves the entire Twin Cities metro area.
and outstanding customer care. We are proud to be able to help our neighbors through a very stressful time in their lives,” said Mark Herll.
Locally owned and operated by Mark and Patti Herll and son-inlaw Michael Matovich, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of the Twin Cities provides home and business owners with top-quality work and unmatched customer care.
We have a phenomenal network of dedicated franchise owners and we’re proud of the work they do every day. We’re confident that Mark, Patti and Michael will serve an important role in the Twin Cities community in the days, months and years ahead.”
“We aim to be the local, family-owned property restoration experts who make a difficult situation better. Our goal is to match the needs of our customer with high quality, effective solutions
For more info about 1-800 WATER DAMAGE of Rogers and Bentonville, visit https://www.1800waterdamage.com/rogersbentonville/
8 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
ALWAYS BEST CARE Achieves Double-Digit Sales Growth Amid Launch Of Telehealth Capabilities
Leading Senior Care Franchise Continues Commitment to Caregiver Recruitment and Expansion with New Territories Across the Country Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, achieved over 10% sales growth in 2021, launching 16 new territories throughout the country and welcoming nine new franchise owners. Most notably, the brand introduced a new telehealth tool with Remote Patient Monitoring and continued its aggressive nationwide caregiver recruitment campaign. “As we celebrated Always Best Care’s 25-year history last year, we also paved the way for the future by investing in caregiver recruitment and technological tools that answer the challenges of our growing senior population,” said Jake Brown, President & CEO of Always Best Care. “We are fortunate to have a best-inclass franchise opportunity and more room for development with many untapped markets available across the country. It’s an honor to share our success and potential with our dedicated team members and franchisees.” Always Best Care grew its brand presence in existing states like Texas, North Carolina, California and Georgia. New owners took over territories in Chicago, New Jersey and California, while established operators seized opportunities to expand or renew, serving as a true testament to the brand’s sustainable positioning and long-term viability in the rapidly evolving senior care landscape. Franchise opportunities are now available in many new territories for individuals interested in leveraging Always Best Care’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas. For more information on available territories and franchising with Always Best Care, visit home-care-franchise. alwaysbestcare.com.
Local Family to Open New Rush Bowls Location in DFW Rush Bowls Brings All-Natural and Healthy Blended Fruit Bowls to Southlake Rush Bowls – the Colorado-based fast-casual concept known for its fresh and healthy meals-in-a-bowl – is happy to announce the late-May opening of its newest location in the DFW area. This new restaurant will be opened by local husband-and-wife duo, Mike and April Fuchs, and will be located in Park Village at 1151 E. Southlake Blvd. This will be the fourth location the couple has opened in the area, adding to their growing family business. The new restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating as well as delivery and carryout options. The Fuchs family is looking forward to using their new business to further involve themselves in the local community and is currently exploring partnerships with schools and other community organizations. “It’s been wonderful having a business that we can operate and grow together as a family,” said Mike Fuchs. “We have three children that work with us in support of our local Rush Bowls restaurants and are now aiming to make them standout businesses in the DFW area.” The opening of Rush Bowls’ fourth DFW location marks another milestone in the brand’s continued expansion throughout the Lone Star State. For more information, please visit www.rushbowls.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 9
COVER STORY: Tutor Doctor
From Rock Bottom to Global Mentor
How One Tutoring Franchise Owner Went from Living in His Car to Growing His Local Empire
In 2015, Byron Zahm embarked on a journey of self-discovery to reclaim his life after losing everything and being forced to live out of his car. A true experience seeker and risk taker, Zahm traveled across the country to find his new purpose in life. From working as a guide in Alaska for a year and a half to leading zip-lining courses in Minnesota, Zahm sought to make a bigger impact. That is when he discovered Tutor Doctor, the leader in one-to-one private tutoring. In 2019, his life changed as his franchise journey began. Zahm has taken his ownership of Tutor Doctor by the horns. Earning companywide praises, he has been named a Global Mentor at the company, serving as a mentor for both prospective and current franchise partners of the brand from across the world. His specialty? Touching others with his inspiring road of rediscovery and perseverance. While starting over can be scary, whether that be in business or life in general, you are never alone in your journey. Zahm has some words of advice for others going through a similar situation as a reminder that everyone can overcome even the most difficult times.
Value Relationships Build bonds with quality people. Zahm puts a lot of trust into his employees, clients and corporate, all of whom he owes part of his success to. When you surround yourself with good people, your confidence begins to soar in every aspect of life. His equation to success is hiring 10 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
great people that turn into great tutors who then put forth great systems that result in great reviews and great success. The self-proclaimed “match maker for education” loves connecting families with tutors – it’s actually his forte. Zahm has been invited to speak on four Global Team Calls for the company, sharing his success in converting consultations into loyal clients. In fact, his first consult as a Tutor Doctor owner ended up being his first client and they still have a great relationship to this day.
Take the Leap Take the leap of faith – you never know what may come out of it. Zahm’s greatest challenge in starting over was the fear of past failures and risking it all once again not knowing the outcome. Never be afraid to branch out and try something new. Zahm had a background in sales, but made a few career jumps along the way before he decided on entrepreneurship. Now, it’s the thing that changed his life. “Faith without action, is merely hoping. Faith with action is, believing. And believing is everything!” said Zahm. Having the courage to start over is something not many people have. Believe in whatever it is you are doing – trust the process. Zahm is eternally grateful that Tutor Doctor gave him the opportunity to restart his life, and encourages others to trust and take that leap of faith as well.
Inspire Others Always appreciating the mentor mentality, Zahm loves inspiring people. He was given a unique opportunity by someone who believed in him, and he
or
follows suit, wanting to help others grow personally and find their purpose. As a mentor, he shares in the success he has been grateful to have. Zahm proudly serves his community of Albuquerque, New Mexico and surrounding areas. Now a local celebrity, he can’t go anywhere without families recognizing him and sharing the impact he’s made. In fact, he even drives around in a Tutor Doctor wrapped Jaguar – talk about dedication!
Embody Your Spirit and Values Identify your strengths and use them to excel. Zahm firmly believes that we all are doing the best we can with what we know. One of the values he most embodies is understanding and empathy. To Zahm, it is essential to extend grace to others in an empathetic and understanding way. Another is ownership. “We never have to doubt ourselves if we do the right thing. And if we do fail in trying, own it and add a little ingenuity in the next effort,” said Zahm. In the end, Zahm has been able to find his mission’s purpose – Tutor Doctor. Thanks to the franchise, he has been given a second chance and the opportunity to grow as a person and heal from his past, paving the way to a brighter future for not only himself, but students and families across Albuquerque. To everyone out there who may feel like they have hit rock bottom, remember that no matter your situation, you are starting over with more knowledge, strength and power than you had before. Any progress is still progress. SOURCE: Byron Zahm, owner of Tutor Doctor – Albuquerque, the leader in one-to-one private tutoring. Since joining the franchise system in 2019, Zahm has been named a Global Mentor at the company, inspiring others through his journey of re-discovery and perseverance.
Franchising MAGAZINE USA 11
EXPERT ADVICE: Eric Danver | Franchise Owner | Hand & Stone
Why Franchisees Should Consider
Growing Their Portfolio with the Same Brand
Multi-unit franchise ownership can be an incredibly lucrative career path. Whether you already own multiple units or are just beginning to look at adding more units after the success of your first, there are a variety of ways to go about growing your franchise portfolio. While a popular strategy is diversification in a different category or industry, sometimes the best path is deepening your investment with a brand you are already established with – if it is the right franchisor. 12 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
Here is why you should consider growing your multi-unit portfolio with the same brand:
Connection to your ‘why’ For countless people, taking the leap into business ownership through franchising is a big, life-changing decision. You likely did your due diligence – conducted competitive analyses, got validation from other franchisees, so on and so forth. Simply put, there is a reason why you invested in the brand you did. Was it the freedom it would provide for you and your family? Strong unit-level economics? A concept you passionately believed in? If you’re considering growing your portfolio, check in on your ‘why’ and
discern if the reason(s) still hold true for you, and if the franchisor relationship has helped you fulfill the things you set out to do. Something to note is if you are in a position to grow your portfolio, that’s a pretty good indicator that you’ve been successful in your business which should be motivation enough for you to look at your existing brand as your next investment.
Growth opportunity Beyond your why, there could be tremendous growth opportunity within your existing brand. For some brands, that could be adding more units to highdemand zones in your trade area, widening your footprint into a new state, adding components to your business model, or expanding your offerings. A big reason why I decided to invest in Hand & Stone was its differentiated revenue model which presented a huge growth opportunity. At the foundation, Hand & Stone has two modalities – massage and skincare – yet both of those are very diversified because the brand offers a variety of enhancements such as hot stones, percussive therapy and CBD oil that customers can add on to their service. That, with a very compelling membership model, has helped not only strengthen the unit-level economics of my locations but also enabled me to add more units at a rapid rate. In just seven years, I’ve grown from a single unit to 30 across five states and have plans to add more before the end of the year with the long-term goal of having 100. Have you truly tapped into all the potential your brand has?
Operations and training There’s an adage that goes, “jack-of-alltrades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” That can be applied to many things, but I would argue not when it comes to operations and training. Even if you’re with the same brand for 10-20 years, you’re always learning and growing; figuring out what
works and what doesn’t. Sticking with your existing brand not only helps you refine and enhance these areas when scaling your portfolio, but also creates tremendous opportunities for your people, allowing them to rise through the ranks. For example, in keeping my focus on Hand & Stone, I’ve not only developed a deep and intimate understanding of the dynamics of the business – which sets my people up for greater success – but I’ve also recognized my own needs as the person at the helm of the ship. Over the past seven years, I’ve built a team around me that provides support in the areas I need most. Today, I have a chief operations officer, a vice president of operations and six regional managers, three of which are my youngest children who worked their way up to that title. The fact is, there’s a large learning curve when entering any new franchise system so eliminating that hurdle by deepening your investment in your existing brand can alleviate the burden on yourself and those you lean on day-to-day. As you get going, you’re making money and you’re confident in your team, it can make a lot of sense to stay with the same brand.
Final considerations Of course, all these points should only be considered if you’re satisfied with your franchisor, your business and the overall relationship. These are key, not only to the success of your business but your happiness. Below are some other things to consider when growing your portfolio – whether with the same brand or not: • Category leadership: I chose Hand & Stone because I felt strongly about the brand and the category, and because it was the obvious winner of its competitors. It was the same when I was a Papa John’s franchisee. Brands become leaders of their respective categories for a variety of reasons, and you should look into what got them there; what they’re doing better than their counterparts. • Core values: There are countless franchise concepts out there that can make you money, but are you proud to
Eric Danver is Hand & Stone’s largest multi-unit operator with 30 spas open across five states. Prior to joining Hand & Stone, Danver developed a large Papa John’s portfolio over the span of 25 years, owning and operating 53 locations at one time. To learn more about franchising with Hand & Stone, visit www.handandstonefranchise.com.
“
Beyond your why, there could be tremendous growth opportunity within your existing brand.
”
be a part of that brand? Whatever brand you choose to invest in, it’s important that it aligns with your core values. This not only helps keep you honest and accountable in your business but builds passion and morale among your people.
• Culture and leadership team: In many ways you’re reliant on your franchisor so you need to feel good about the company culture and the leadership team. Obviously, leaders can change but if the company has a strong culture, the right people will come in to uphold it. • Resilience: COVID-19 pulled the veil back in many ways and showed us which businesses could withstand extreme economic downturns and which had cracks in the foundation. In growing your portfolio, you should be looking at how concepts performed during the pandemic, what support the franchisor offered its franchisees, how the company has rebounded and what its future looks like. • Economics: At the end of the day, we’re in this business to make money so the economics must make sense. Do your due diligence in the concept you’re looking at and any competitors. Which has the best unit-level earnings? Which has the most opportunity for growth? Franchising MAGAZINE USA 13
women in franchising: Lisa Williams | Vice President of Retail & Innovation | PROSE Nails
Women Empowered by Entrepreneurship An entrepreneur’s journey in franchising often begins without capital, a team or market. But almost all start their ventures with an abundant supply of optimism. It’s what helps franchisees see well beyond their risks, providing them with the confidence and capacity to remain resilient. Entrepreneurship is ultimately the great economic equalizer, creating a pathway for mainstream economic participation.
F
rom geography and gender to race and ethnicity, diversity in its many forms drives innovation. Because of a woman’s different perspective, skills, and experiences, they solve problems in different and innovative ways. This should bode well for the U.S. economy, but women face more obstacles than other entrepreneurs in general when starting and growing a business. Eradicating barriers that thwart the success of women-owned businesses is an economic imperative that can spur innovation and improve productivity, which will ultimately create jobs, build wealth, and jumpstart the economy. In 2021, it was estimated that the US had 12.3 million women-owned businesses 14 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
generating $1.8 trillion a year. In fact, 40% of US businesses are now women owned. This number becomes even more astounding when you consider that there were only 402,000 women-owned businesses in 1972. The number of female entrepreneurs operating American businesses today marks a 114% increase over the same statistic a couple of decades ago, with many of them finding financial success and rewarding careers through opportunities in the franchise industry. Yet there is a significant size disparity between women owned businesses and others. Closing the gap benefits everyone, not just women. More goods and services bought and sold grows the economy. Thriving companies improve owners’ financial positions and boost employees’ incomes. Launching more companies to
solve business and consumer pain points makes our country and our economy more competitive. Realizing the economic potential of women-owned businesses requires changes in policies, business practices and attitudes. Making meaningful change also requires understanding that womenowned businesses are not monolithic. Influences such as gender, race, ethnicity, entrepreneurial motivation, generation, and geography are complex dynamics that also need to be factored in. In general, COVID was unkind to women far more than men when it comes to leaving the workplace and we’re still uncertain of how many women-owned businesses were created during the pandemic. With necessity being the mother of all invention, it’s safe to say that women-
themselves dissatisfied with corporate America (37.72%) and were ready to pursue their passion (29.82%). Roughly 21% of found themselves either bored or financially insecure, stating that they started their business because they weren’t ready to retire. While it seems clear that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation are behind us, small business is still not easy. An essential part of creating a forward-thinking and women-focused franchise is fostering a collaborative and equal workplace. Being a majority woman-owned franchise brand does not mean that we inherently understand the entire female experience. One female owner does not encompass all women and that kind of assumption can often drive away prospective franchisees, employees, and customers through accidental displays of ignorance.
run businesses will continue to increase as new creative and inspirational companies continue to be formed. While many trends are positive, women still face more obstacles and barriers than other entrepreneurs when starting and growing their businesses. For decades now, one of the most widely acknowledged and turnkey paths to entrepreneurship has been franchising. After opening PROSE Nails to franchising just five years ago, the company has grown into a brand that consists of more than 50% female franchise owners. As an industry leader and disruptive force in the nail salon sector, PROSE recognizes that women are at the forefront of the health and beauty industry and that is one of the things that has made it so attractive as a vehicle for female entrepreneurship. To
ensure that women remain key figures in our business, PROSE Nails is committed to supporting women at every level of our business structure. In fact, even our retail space PROSE AT HOME, curates brands developed and owned by woman that features products that help you love your hands and feet with brands developed by women like SKIN POETRY, Pedi-Sox, and Spongelle, among others. There is no doubt that women-owned companies are performing better than they have at any other time in U.S. business history. But why do women start their own businesses? The reasons are the same as anyone else. According to a recent 2022 Guidant Financial report, women in business most often began their own business because they were ready to be their own boss (57.89%). They also found
So how do you ensure authenticity? First and foremost, make sure the changes within your organization are real and tangible, and not just marketing copy points. Furthermore, retention requires effort. Developing and retaining a diverse franchise system takes hard work and collaboration. Gender, cultural, ethnic, racial, and other types of identities shape how we experience the world and our interactions with the businesses within it. Diversity, in all its forms, is where you can find great insight, talent and skill. If captured and used properly, female entrepreneurship can bring a multi-dimensional perspective to a franchise organization’s overall approach and success. At PROSE Nails, female entrepreneurship and a majority women-owned franchisee network has created new pathways to small business success. Franchising remains one of the greatest drivers of the U.S. economy and possibly the most replicated and successful formats for business growth. No industry sector has made more millionaires than franchising. It’s our responsibility to help that story evolve. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 15
focus: RNR Tire Express
Brand Expectations:
What It Takes to Become a Part of RNR Tire Express
The RNR team looks for franchisees who “ possess a similar innate desire to give back to the community in their own right, under the RNR Tire Express name.
”
Franchising offers an abundance of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. From reaping the benefits of joining an already established national brand to the obvious potential financial gains available, the decision to join a franchise seems simple, but the vetting process can vary by company. Although the typical vetting process to join a franchise can be lengthy and potentially misunderstood, each brand focuses on what is most important to them in new franchisees. Too few realize the vetting process can and should include other considerations aside from just the financial analysis. RNR Tire Express is a leader in the nation’s tire and wheel retail space, having grown to encompass over 160 locations in 26 states – and growing fast. With over 20 years of experience, RNR Tire Express has the proof of concept, profitability, scalability, and sustainability smart franchise investors look for. That level of success came as a result of the verifiable system that the company has instituted that puts each and every applicant through a unique vetting process to ensure they are a proper fit for the RNR family. 16 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
“That vetting process focuses on culture. It consists of examining a variety of unique personal qualities and characteristics that are core to the operation of any RNR location and that the corporate team hopes to see in franchise prospects interested in joining the brands’ nationwide system of franchisees. These vital extra measures are responsible for ensuring that the RNR Tire Express network of franchise locations are uniformly recognized as running a customerfocused approach to business, aimed at serving local communities.”
Community-Oriented Approach to Business RNR Tire Express was created for the benefit of communities throughout the country. More specifically, for segments of the general population that had gone largely underserved by the tire and wheel industry for far too long. Their unique lease-purchase model directly serves a vast consumer niche who may not have the credit or cash available to purchase tires. It’s this model that RNR adopted from its very inception that began to change that narrative - introducing the market to a truly customer-oriented brand. The RNR team looks for franchisees who possess a similar innate desire to give back to the community in their own right, under the RNR Tire Express name. Individuals who will play an
mission within all aspects of their business in order to build a positive reputation in their local communities.
“
Our recipes highlight fresh seasonal produce and ingredients and allow for adjustments for dietary needs and preferences.
A Reflection of the Brands Founding Ethos
”
Aside from serving local communities, RNR Tire Express was founded as a means to change the tire and wheel industry as a whole; to better it, even. That founding intent is seen in the brand’s unique lease-purchase model, but beyond that, it’s witnessed by the millions of men and women who step foot in their local RNR over the course of any given year. For them, the RNR difference is evident by the treatment they receive while there, a style of treatment best embodied by the company’s purpose, “to serve customers, not just provide them service.” Every franchise partner is encouraged to convey that purpose throughout the course of their daily operations, not simply as a means of appeasing a corporate body, but because they too believe there’s no better way to do business than to impart a lasting, unparalleled impression on every single customer that walks through their doors.
active role in their town’s/city’s Business Chamber, in local nonprofit organizations, as a donor to various public functions, as an active voice alongside and for fellow residents, and other such endeavors. In the eyes of the franchise team, these types of individuals truly embody what it means to be a team player, a pillar of society, and an RNR franchisee.
A People-First Mentality One of the most significant traits that the RNR team looks for in its potential franchisees is a people-first mentality. This, of course, applies to interactions with in-store customers and the surrounding public. However, of equal importance in
meeting their standard is how a franchisee can be expected to interact with his/her own team. Examining franchise prospects through this particular lens requires the brand’s franchise development team to feel confident that those prospects will treat every member of their team fairly and respectfully. What’s more, it requires that they feel confident a franchisee will provide the highest quality of life for all those working with them, financially and professionally. As the saying goes, kindness starts at home, and franchisees must lead by example. They must be committed to the
Prospective franchisees should be committed to putting in the work and going the extra mile for the customer, whether that be servicing them in-store, navigating a payment option that fits their individual budget, or traveling into the countryside after-hours to repair a flat tire for a person in need. It’s these small gestures that can make a huge impact on a customer’s life and ultimately change them for the better.
Conclusion For RNR Tire Express, these vetting measures, in conjunction with a variety of other standards, have proven essential in ensuring the company aligns itself with the proper franchise partners. Their consistent usage has allowed the company to remain in line with the growth metrics they’ve outlined for themselves, while staying true to the principles that the company was founded upon. And for all of it, for any brand, it begins with aligning one’s self with the right people and the right systems to find and attract them. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 17
EXPERT ADVICE: Evan Hackel | Founder and CEO of Ingage Consulting, and CEO of Tortal Training
Look for Your Cobwebs Evan Hackel, a 35-year franchising veteran is a nationally recognized expert and speaker on franchising. Evan is founder and CEO of Ingage Consulting, and CEO of Tortal Training, a leading training development company. Evan is an active advisor in the C-Suite Network. He is also author of Ingaging Leadership, and host of “Training Unleashed,” a podcast covering training for business. Contact him here, follow him at @ehackel, or call 781-820-7609.
I went to visit a franchisee one day and when I got there, everyone was happy to see me. The store was Immaculate, and I mean immaculate. I could have eaten off the floors. I mean it was extraordinary. They knew that I, the CEO, was coming and they had obviously gone miles out of their way to prepare. It was perfect, except for one thing. There were spider webs on the awning over the front door. And I’m not talking about one or two. I’m talking about an accumulation of cobwebs that must have built up over years and years. It was unbelievable. How could everyone – the franchisee, the employees – have simply missed them? Again, the awning was over the entrance door of the business – the only way employees could come and go. How could everyone have missed the cobwebs? The answer to that question is that there are things we don’t see, maybe 18 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
because we just don’t expect to see them or because they have fallen off our radar. Maybe the problem is something we miss because it started small. Three years ago there was a little one-inch cobweb that we didn’t notice but then the next day there was a three-inch cobweb and then it grew into a six-inch cobweb. And although it became a very big cobweb, we just don’t see it now because it has become something are accustomed to overlook. This tendency to miss things that are right before our eyes is not limited to our businesses. Just the other day I was on a road that I have driven probably a million times and I suddenly noticed a business that I must have passed nearly every day, yet I never noticed it. It had become a cobweb, and I just never saw it.
Another Story . . . the Tree that Disappeared On a different occasion, I visited another franchise location. The owner had a beautiful store in a strong, well-trafficked location. But the business was down – I
mean way down - and the owner didn’t know why. He told me, “I just don’t know what is going on. I have a great reputation and up until recently business was good. But I have noticed that year after year, new customers are no longer coming in. All my business seems to be repeat and referral customers.” I remembered that when I drove there, I had a hard time finding his business. In fact, I had driven back and forth and back and forth looking for it, even though it was located on a highway that should have afforded great visibility. But after we talked, I went outside to take a fresh look and I saw right away that a big tree was blocking his sign. It must have started out as a pretty little tree but over years, it grew up and was now blocking his sign completely. And like those cobwebs, he just didn’t see it anymore, and neither did his employees. So he cut down the tree and new customers were able to see his sign and business climbed steadily upward again.
newcomers to engage in competitive bidding for your business?
Where Are Your Cobwebs? How can you see where your cobwebs are? By definition it is difficult, because the cobwebs I am writing about are things that you just cannot see anymore. But here are some ways I can suggest.
For Customer-Facing Issues You Are No Longer Seeing • What aren’t you seeing in your location? Invite a friend, or maybe another franchisee, to visit your location to take a fresh look at everything. You can also ask your employees to go through everything with the proverbial “fine tooth comb” and report back to you. • How do you handle the phones? Pretend you are a customer and call your business on the phone or have a friend call. Does anyone answer? If you have to leave a voicemail, does anyone call you back? How does your message sound? • Are you missing problems on your website? Put fresh eyes on it. Just like when you are reviewing your location, ask some people to look at your website.
• Do you have toxic employees? It’s easy for this to happen, but they can destroy culture and businesses. Who do you need to replace? Fill out the response forms and see what happens. Believe it or not, I noticed that on a franchisee’s website that they had provided the wrong highway exit number for their location. The exit numbers had changed three years ago, but they didn’t update their website
For Operational Cobwebs These can be even harder to perceive than cobwebs we can see. They too have grown up over time. They could be the things we have “always done” in our business, or more recent practices that have become habitual and routine. You no longer see them, but they could be . . . • Do you go on and on using the same vendors? Why not interview some
• Have you developed habitual, repetitive ways of selling, marketing, advertising, displaying products, and doing business? Even though there could be better ways? • Has it been a long time since you reviewed your franchise operations manual? Maybe you used it in the first month you were doing business, and then you put it down. Take it out, and review.
In Summary . . . I have cobwebs, and I am sure you do too. They are part of the human condition. But instead of living with the limitations they impose on us, we can invest the effort to examine everything we do and improve. So no more cobwebs and no more trees! Let’s move those things out of the way and get back on the path to success. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 19
FRANCHISee in action: Bo Concept
BoConcept
Franchisee combines Passion for Interior Design with Business Development
With a Goal of 1,000 US Locations by 2030, Paris Baguette Announces Brand Redesign to Attract Community-Focused Franchisees Nationwide
20 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
A lawyer by trade, Carlos Salamonovitz was ready to combine his passion for interior design with his love of business development into his full-time job when he turned 40 years old. Salamonovitz was looking for a brand whose philosophies aligned with his own — one that gave him the opportunity to be creative while leading a proven and successful business. Throughout his search, Salamonovitz returned again and again to BoConcept, the contemporary Danish furniture franchise offering functional and stylish furniture with more than 300 franchise locations in 65 countries. In August 2017, Salamonovitz began a country-wide takeover of all the BoConcept locations in Mexico. Now, five years later, he has opened four locations in Florida, with the fifth planned for Miami Midtown during the fall of 2022.
BoConcept is a global brand, and Florida is a very “ international market. ”
“I was familiar with BoConcept after living in New York and California, so I contacted BoConcept and that’s how it all started,” Salamonovitz said. “Now, we’re now on track to be the biggest franchisee of BoConcept globally with four stores in Florida and I also own all BoConcept locations in Mexico.” Salamonovitz took over the rights for the country of Mexico for BoConcept in 2017. Before that, BoConcept stores in Mexico were owned by individual franchisees and after he expanded the brand’s presence in the market in Mexico, the opportunity to expand into Florida was introduced. As a true believer in the concept, Salamonovitz jumped at the opportunity. “BoConcept is a global brand, and Florida is a very international market. People know
us from their home countries, and they know that we offer superior products to just about any other option in the U.S. or abroad,” Salamonovitz said. “There is also a growing number of first- and secondtime home buyers in Florida, which means there is a huge demand for high-end but affordable furniture.” BoConcept reported 30% growth in its U.S. store network in 2021. The brand went from 13 to 17 stores and is expected to top 20-plus U.S. stores in 2022 when it will celebrate its 70th anniversary. On top of the expanded footprint in 2021, BoConcept also reported that sales hit an all-time high, increasing 50%. “I believe that both in Mexico and the U.S. interior design matters — these are areas where people really crave and seek out interior design, “Salamonovitz said. “Every day people are looking for 360-degree solutions that will adapt to their style and budget, and I believe that is where BoConcept comes in. We provide a 360-degree solution from the smallest accessory to the biggest piece of furniture; someone who comes into us can definitely
furnish a space 100% with BoConcept. BoConcept is avant-garde and forwardlooking. I think we’re well-positioned in a market where a lot of clients come to us. Obviously, BoConcept is an affordable, luxury brand, but I believe BoConcept offers solid strategies to continue targeting that market.” As BoConcept continues to grow, Steen Knigge, the franchise’s director of U.S. marketing, says franchisees like Salamonovitz are critical to the brand’s success. “We have always been keenly aware of the fact that BoConcept as a franchise is only as strong as its franchisees, so we are always looking for sophisticated, passionate entrepreneurs to help us expand into new markets, and that’s exactly what we have with Carlos,” Knigge said. “His stores throughout Mexico and Florida demonstrate exactly how successful this model is when run by someone who understands the system and knows how to execute. We know this is just the beginning for Carlos.” Franchising MAGAZINE USA 21
OWN
YOUR FUTURE
A FRANCHISE
Are you ready to take your future into your own hands and break free from working a 9 to 5? Franchising makes business ownership accessible to everyone! By investing in a well-established brand with a proven map for success and a team of supportive experts, you can spend more time enjoying the benefits and freedom that come with working for yourself and less time stressing about the unknown. Join us at the expo nearest you to learn about franchise opportunities in every industry and at every investment level!
NEW YORK, NY
JUNE2-4 2022
HOUSTON, TX
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
SEPT9-10
MAR31- APR 1 2023
2022
2022
REGISTER
PHOENIX, AZ
OCT14-15 FOR
FREE WITH
CODE
USA SPONSORED
WWW.FRANCHISEEXPO.COM 22 Franchising MAGAZINE USA
BY
