FRANCHISING MAGAZINE USA MARCH 2022 by CGB Publishing

VOL 10, ISSUE 4, march 2022

COVER STORY

why Kumon

the Top Education Franchise, Is the Perfect 2022 Investment!

THE PASSIONATE FRANCHISEE

(AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOU)

TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE BRANDING special feature

FRANCHISES IN YOUR PRICE RANGE

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 1 The magazine for franchisees • W W W.FRANCHSINGMAGAZINEUSA.COM

VOL 10, ISSU

E 4, MARCH

2022

COV

ER STORY WHY KUM ON

THE TOP EDU CATION FRANCHISE, IS THE PER 2022 INVEST FECT MENT!

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4, 2022

FINANCE FRANCHISE YOUR BEFORE

RATES RISE

On the cover: kumon

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president:

with MULTIUNIT FRANCHISIN G

Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com

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Publisher:

Welcome to our March issue of

Franchising Magazine USA.

Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com

In this issue we are delighted to welcome Kumon to the Front Cover, The Kumon

editorial department:

Franchise is one of 2022’s hottest commodities with Kumon’s proven business

editor@cgbpublishing.com

model, affordable cost, extensive training and support programs have positioned

advertising: vikki@cgbpublishing.com jasonb@cgbpublishing.com Editorial team: Michelle Quinn Rob Swystun Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com

it at the top of the education franchise world. You can read more about this franchise on page 10. As always we have some great advice from some of the top experts in the industry. George Knauf My perfect Franchise covers Your Franchise Joy spot, Chris Conner, FMS Franchise discusses Value Oriented Franchise Models and Dan Broudy from Clayton Kendal helps us to understand the importance of branding and offers tips on how to improve on this area. Our Feature Supplement for March is Franchises in your price Range. Our Feature Front Cover is Sheenco Travel who were also Recently Featured in our December cover

DESIGN:

story, Sheenco Travel is a new Travel Franchise, offering a low cost and hassle-free

Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com

opportunity to start your own travel business.

CGB PUBLISHING

The Veterans and Franchising Supplement Front Cover and cover story features

Canadian Office:

Veteran Service Brands, you can read more about how they have added a new recruit

Sidney B.C Canada

to their growing army of brand names and meet Burgess Perry owner and Founder of

U.S. Office:

PAINT CORPS.

800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102

We have featured a range of Franchises in this issue and have some additional advice

Editorial: 778 426 2446

from experts who can advise you on many areas of franchising when you take that

www.franchisingmagazineusa.com

step to entrepreneurship. 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

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 4 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

contents

march 2022 10

Cover Story

Franchise in Action

10 Kumon: The Top Education franchise is the perfect 2022 investment

16 HomeVestors: An Ugly First project proves a beautiful Success

In evey issue

Snapshot

Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

21 Special Feature Supplement Franchises in Your Price Range

51 Veterans Supplement News and Information for Veterans in Franchising

20 Zoom Room The Evolution of Dog Training Through the Pandemic 44 Nerds to Go Seeks Franchise Expansion in Milwaukee

70 A-Z Franchise & Services Directory

Expert Advice

Ask The Expert

16 George Knauf: Your Franchise Joy Spot

18 Dan Broudy: Tips on how to improve Branding

Franchisor in Depth 46 Primrose Schools: Dedicates 40th Year to serving more Children

14 Evan Hackel: Four Keys to Managing Positivity 42 Jason Gehrke: Better Educated Franchisors attract Better Franchisees 48 Lucas Frey: The Passionate Franchisee

14 Franchising MAGAZINE USA 5

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos Continues to Roll Out New Development Deals Across the Country Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Most notably, Roll-Em-Up Taquitos recently signed a deal to bring 315 units to Texas and Oklahoma.

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos, the nation’s first taquito-focused franchise, has seen rapid expansion in under a year of franchising.

The story of Roll-Em-Up Taquitos’ is simple and began in the home of the Usrey family, where Father (Ron) and Son (Ryan) fell in love with Mama Karen’s famous beef taquitos. The Usrey family, including patriarch Ron, always talked about opening their taquitos-only eatery, but unfortunately, Mama Karen passed before that dream became a reality. Fast-forward to today, they are “Blastin Reggae” and Roll-Em-Up Taquitos has three locations open across Southern California.

The brand is happy to announce that they have signed nearly 450 franchise locations that include markets in California, Nevada,

Roll-Em-Up Taquitos has plans to continue its national expansion, including targeting new markets within Utah, Missouri, Kansas,

Virginia, and Arkansas. The brand also plans on expanding their outreach within their current markets of California and Arizona. Roll-Em-Up Taquitos is looking to have 50 franchise and corporate locations opened and operational by the end of 2022, and have an additional 500 locations sold. To share Mama Karen’s famous taquitos with families nationwide, Roll-Em-Up Taquitos is actively seeking franchise partners with previous restaurant ownership experience and passion for the brand. With a territory fee of $20,000 and franchise fee of $20,000, the initial investment to own and operate a RollEm-Up Taquitos restaurant rages from $278,000 to $585,000. https://rollemup.com/

Medi-Weightloss Celebrates Growth and Prepares for Expansion in 2022 Medi-Weightloss®, a proven weight loss program with an evidence-based and clinical approach, experienced tremendous growth last year despite the ongoing global pandemic. The national franchise brand has encouraged people to be more cautious regarding their health, especially amid severe illnesses with COVID-19. Medi-Weightloss is seeking to continue growth with prospective franchisees - both investors and physicians with a “service-first” and “relationship-focused” mentality for patients. Franchisees should also be passionate about having a positive impact on the health of the members of the community they serve. In 2021, Medi-Weightloss opened seven new franchise locations and signed 15 new franchises to the system, helping to fuel nationwide expansion. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, company executives say it has opened people’s eyes to be more mindful of their health, leading them to Medi-Weightloss. As a result, there was an increase in new patients in 2021, with the new patient volume increasing by more than 25 percent. MediWeightloss has helped its patients collectively lose 7.9 million pounds and counting. For more information and to learn about its weight management programs, visit www.mediweightloss.com 6 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

WATERS EDGE WINERIES® Celebrates Year Of Consistent Growth, Global Accolades; Announces 2022 Expansion Plans Waters Edge Wineries®, an innovative urban winery system bringing the cultural experience of wine to communities across the country, today announced results from its most successful year yet, entering four new markets and noting an increase of 68.7 percent in overall systemwide sales. Despite continued challenges faced by the hospitality industry amidst the global pandemic, Waters Edge Wineries locations have thrived. In addition to growing its franchise footprint and delivering more wine tasting experiences than ever, the brand earned numerous accolades, including a coveted spot on Inc. magazine’s annual Inc. 5000 list for the first time. “I’m incredibly proud of our home office team and our franchise owners,

whose continued successes truly are our successes,” said Ken Lineberger, president and CEO of Waters Edge Wineries. “The passion of those within our system is what brings our unique concept to life every day in communities across the country, and we look forward to expanding even further in the year ahead, as we enter new markets and meet new neighbors along the way.” Franchise owners receive comprehensive training on the micro-winery tank system and are provided with pre-opening training courses, both hands-on and classroom based, to help prepare for the launch of their winery. The company also offers social media and marketing support to help franchise owners realize success. For more information on Waters Edge Wineries franchising information, WatersEdgeWineries.com

Moneypenny Launches Microsoft Teams Call Integration to Transform Franchise Communications relies heavily on healthy franchise relationships, which good communication enables. Moneypenny’s innovative integration provides its call handlers with instant access to clients’ Teams accounts 24/7, allowing them to see real-time status and transfer calls in the platform itself, meaning receptionists will only send calls when the person being called is available, eliminating phone transfer interruptions. Pete Hanlon, CTO at Moneypenny, says the new technology is 100% accurate, every time, enabling calls to become smoothly integrated into the working day using technology the franchise industry already knows and loves. Moneypenny, which handles 20 million calls and chats for 21,000 businesses worldwide, has launched a first-of-itskind integration with Microsoft Teams that enables incoming calls to be directly transferred to franchise businesses via Teams wherever they are working. The new integration helps franchise organizations manage the disruptions

of hybrid working, ensuring each call is routed to the right employee or franchise the first time because receptionists can check Teams status and only transfer calls when the person is free, or take a message if they are in another Teams meeting. Franchising has a growing need for flexibility in hours and location, which Teams has helped make possible, and

“This integration further superpowers our call handling services, ensuring quick, efficient and seamless transfers every time. We’ve had access to our clients’ calendars via platforms like Teams, for some time, transferring calls virtually and professionally to cell phone, office, laptop or wherever works. We are delighted to add formal Microsoft Teams call integration to that equation.” Franchising MAGAZINE USA 7

AMERICAN FREIGHT WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT John Henning to Steward Retailer’s Growing Franchise Initiative

18 years experience in franchising with nationally recognized brands. Throughout his career, he personally helped more than 450 entrepreneurs start a franchise across four different industries. He also previously owned and operated four warehouse furniture and bedding franchises.

American Freight, a leading furniture, mattress and appliance retailer proudly welcomes John Henning as Director of Franchise Development. In his role, Henning is tasked with leading and growing the company’s emerging franchise program.

“I’m excited to be working with American Freight to expand the brand’s franchise footprint on a national level,” said Henning. “I have a passion for working with entrepreneurs who are looking to secure their financial future and truly believe American Freight offers just that.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome a seasoned franchising leader like John to the team,” said Will Powell, CEO of American Freight. “He will play an instrumental role in propelling the trajectory of our franchise model, which has experienced significant growth since launching in late 2020.”

American Freight was acquired by Franchise Group, Inc. in 2020. The company operates more than 360 stores across 40 states and Puerto Rico, five of which are franchised locations.

Henning joins the team with more than

For more information or to inquire about franchising, visit OwnAmericanFreight.com

Buff City Soap Brings Plant-Based Products to Forest Lake Buff City Soap – a rapidly expanding handmade retail franchise known for its plant-based soap and body products made in-store daily – will soon be opening its first location in Minnesota. The new store will be located in Forest Lake at 2009 W. Broadway Ave. and opened in February this year. To celebrate the opening, the first 50 people who visited the new store in Forest Lake each day Thursday, Feb. 10 – Sunday, Feb. 13 for the VIP received FREE soap for a year. “People don’t realize they have a soap addiction until they walk through the doors at Buff City Soap for the first time,” said Carla Haugaard, Director of Operations. “We take pride in the fact that everything in our store here is hand-made by members of the local Forest Lake community.” 8 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Each Buff City Soap store offers more than

Makeries, which allow guests to customize

30 unique and customizable scents across

the scent and ingredients used in the

dozens of handcrafted soap products;

process to create a unique scent profile.

including its famous soap bars, bath bombs, foaming hand soap, and even

To learn more about Buff City Soap

laundry soap. The brand’s products are

of Forest Lake, please visit https://

crafted by local artisans at the in-store

www.buffcitysoap.com/

Chicken Salad Chick Reports Record Growth with New Restaurant Opeings Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced recently that it opened 30 new restaurants in key target markets throughout 2021, resulting in a 17% increase in unit count year-overyear. The openings included market debuts with multiple locations in Indianapolis, Western Virginia and South Florida. The fast-growing brand also signed franchise agreements with both new and existing franchisees to develop 32 new restaurants over the next several years in target states. These will be part of the plan to open over 50 new restaurants in 2022. In addition to this impressive growth, Chicken Salad Chick is reporting $255 million in systemwide sales, a 46% increase over 2020. In the second half of the year alone, the company outpaced the restaurant industry’s average monthly sales growth by more than 14 percentage points. “The Chicken Salad Chick community – our fans and our dedicated restaurant teams and support center staff – continue to show us year after year how together we

are stronger than any adversity we may be facing,” said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. “There were challenges in 2021, but our brand grew right past them by expanding our continued focus on the Chick experience.

delivery, we brought our flavorful, madefrom-scratch favorites to new and existing guests. Our sales and development momentum is setting us up for another strong year of enriching lives and serving others.”

Whether through in-restaurant dining, takeout, drive-thru, catering or third-party

Visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com/ franchising

Another Broken Egg Cafe entered 2022 with four new openings, putting its best foot forward to achieve the brand’s goals for expansion this year Known for its chef-inspired dishes with an artisanal flair that are “craveably” delicious, and mixologist-hosted full bars serving today’s trending tastes, Another Broken Egg Cafe is now pleasing brunchtime palates in Gilbert, Arizona; Columbus and Sandusky, Ohio; as well as Port Orange, Florida. Consistently serving southern favorites, waitlists are commonly filled on weekends and weekdays, contributing to the brand’s commendable growth. Cafes feature a menu that is loaded with fresh ingredients, creative recipes and seasonal features — from traditional Southern favorites like Shrimp ‘N Grits or Crab Cakes & Fried Green Tomatoes, to sweet temptations like Bourbon Street Pancakes or a Cinnamon Roll French Toast that’s to die for — Another Broken Egg creates an indulgent brunch experience for its guests. The Gilbert location is the first to enter Arizona, while the recent openings in Sandusky and Columbus brings the total

number of cafes in Ohio to seven. Demonstrating the company’s commitment to continued expansion, Another Broken Egg Cafe Port Orange is a corporate location, marking the brand’s 21st café in Florida. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 9

cover story: Kumon

Why Kumon

the Top Education Franchise, Is the Perfect 2022 Investment! As schools continue to struggle with the ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic, parents are turning to Kumon to not only ensure their kids catch up but also to give them every advantage going forward. To meet the increased demand, Kumon has launched an aggressive growth strategy to open new centers around the U.S. and Canada. At the same time, the pandemic has spurred The Great Resignation. As people leave behind their old careers in search of more fulfilling work and more control over their futures, they are discovering that

Kumon offers the best of both worlds. Kumon is the top education franchise in North America, with about 1,600 Kumon Centers in the U.S. and Canada. Although Kumon has room to grow in many communities, the brand anticipates strong growth this year in California, Texas, New Jersey and New York, as well as in Canada. The education enrichment industry is worth $23.4 billion in the U.S. “Opening a Kumon Center is a lifechanging opportunity for our instructors, as we call franchise owners,” said Mike Shim, senior vice president of field and operations for Kumon North America. “Kumon’s proven business model and outstanding training and support programs

make it possible for instructors to own and operate a profitable business that they love and also to make a difference in the lives of children.”

The Kumon Method Kumon was founded in 1958 when Toru Kumon opened the first Kumon Math Center in Osaka, Japan. Kumon was a math teacher who had created worksheets to help his own son, a second-grader, practice math basics. Those worksheets became the prototype of the Kumon Method. Today, Kumon Centers offer education enrichment in both reading and math. Students visit the centers once per week and practice at home for 30 minutes per day, per subject, on other days. It’s a formula that has worked for more than 60 years – and it’s all based on the importance of mastering concepts using worksheets that were developed by a father out of love and concern for his son. This year, Kumon North America launched a new creative campaign that leans into that tradition of practice with the tagline, “Practice Makes Possibilities™.”

What Sets Kumon Apart In addition to being a respected education program, Kumon is highly regarded in the franchise world. Kumon has earned a number of industry accolades, including being ranked No. 6 overall on Entrepreneur’s prestigious Franchise 500 list for the last two years in a row and the Franchise 500’s No. 1-ranked education franchise for 21 consecutive years. Kumon attracts top franchise candidates because of honors like these and because: • The Kumon Franchise opportunity is extremely affordable, with a franchise fee of only $2,000 and startup costs 10 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

high school or college. Most Kumon Instructors are attracted to the Kumon Franchise opportunity because they have experienced firsthand how well Kumon works. They believe in the brand. EJ Cho, the instructor at Kumon of Stafford-West in Virginia, was a former Kumon Student and worked as a center assistant while in graduate school. When she had her own children, she became more interested in education and working with children, and she explored opening her own business. She immediately thought of Kumon.

of less than $65,000. U.S. franchises also are eligible for generous financial incentives worth up to $34,000, and veterans may qualify for a $10,000 bonus. • The Kumon business model promotes steady enrollment, and therefore, steady revenue. Because Kumon offers enrichment programming rather than tutoring, student enrollment doesn’t fluctuate as much as it does in tutoring centers, where kids tend to drop out of programs after catching up or passing a big test. • Franchise owners find operating a Kumon Center to be personally fulfilling, as they can see how their

work makes a difference in the lives of children in their communities.

Who Is Kumon Looking For? Kumon Instructors are a diverse group: They are former teachers, engineers and IT professionals. They are Asian and Hispanic, Black and white. They are smart and educated: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and as instructors, they must be proficient in math and reading. The one thing they all seem to have in common is a prior personal connection to Kumon. Many were former Kumon Students or Parents. Others are relatives of a Kumon Student, or perhaps they worked as an assistant at a Kumon Center during

Cho tries to inspire her students to find the joy that comes from learning new things. “You need to have the mindset that you want to continue to learn and grow,” she said. “When you are working with little kids, especially, they have to see education as joyful. If they see it as a chore, they will never enjoy learning.” Kumon’s proven business model, affordable cost, extensive training and support programs have positioned it at the top of the education franchise world. Kumon is currently recruiting instructors who want to own and operate a profitable business and make a lasting, positive impact on children in their communities. If that sounds like you, we invite you to learn more at https://www.kumonfranchise.com/. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 11

EXPERT ADVICE: George Knauf | Senior Franchise Business Advisor | FranChoice

Your Franchise Joy Spot

Most of the candidates I work with that are coming from corporate America want to approach Franchise ownership like they do their jobs. They want to do anything it takes to pay their bills. They will agree to be unhappy in their work if they can make enough money.

left corporate jobs and became a business

What is most important to you?

You can own a business, have a lifestyle,

No, not the paying the bills again (we will work to make sure those are addressed later).

If that sounds like you, stop compromising! Being unhappy isn’t a requirement for building your cash flow!

So, here is the scoop. In the franchise

I understand paying bills, putting money in the bank and investing for growth. I just don’t want to be unhappy when I’m doing it and making that decision was when I

models and support systems in virtually

12 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

owner.

enjoy what you do and build your empire. Is it easy? Sometimes, but not all the time. Is it rewarding? Yes! Can you do it? If you would be a great hire for a company, you can likely open and grow a franchise.

world we are fortunate to have founders of companies that have built business

any business category you can imagine and using various owner roles as the basis for operating them.

What are your most important things in life? What brings you joy, makes you happy, makes waking up fun? Family? Travel? Giving back to your community? Something else? Start by listing those things out. Do you get to spend time on those happy things in your current career? If not, then this is part of why you are not happy in that role. Now, we don’t want to necessarily make your work about those things. This is a fatal flaw of most employees in their approach to making money.

You can own a business, “have a lifestyle, enjoy what you do and build your empire.

”

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. www.MyPerfectFranchise.com

Say I like cars and car culture (I do), so I get a job repairing or selling cars (long past personal job considerations). This keeps me from going to car shows or gatherings, keeps me at work so I can’t work on or enjoy my car(s). Between not being able to spend time on my interest and by virtue of cars being my job I start disliking a thing I had passion for. But now I am stuck in that path on top of having lost my passion. The main goal for most people should be a business that supports your lifestyle and passions, doesn’t try to become them. Now, that said, you still have to be good at the work you do and enjoy it. So while your work should not become your passion, it should be something you have fun doing when you focus on it.

Your skills are 100 percent transferable. Employers push back on this and want to keep you in a silo, but we in franchising get you. You have skills, we can redirect them into any business that fits. We will then give you the training, support and resources on how to apply your skills to the proven systems in our world. But what if you have amazing management skills and are not good at sales? We will construct a role where you manage the team and handle operations and hire a sales pro to bring in the money. Best part is that we can do the same thing in reverse for sales pros that need to hire a manager! Once we have matches based on your skills we layer in how you want to work. Full time, executive and semi-absentee are all great options. Even in the full time role we want to bake in family obligations, kids life events, travel and your other interests. Finding that perfect balance between your cash flow and your passions will be very important. And those times you are

working you should e doing the things you enjoy doing and hiring for the ones others enjoy doing. The type of business may contribute to managing this balance. For example, let’s say your kids play sports on the weekends and you want to be on the sidelines for every game. Maybe one of the criteria we specify is that we want to look at businesses that primarily operate Monday through Friday. Furthermore, what if your kids have practice weekday evenings and you want to help their coaches, or even be their coach? Or maybe it is important for you to have the whole family around the table for dinner. So now the business may operate primarily weekdays and during business hours. This is how I approach building the model that picks candidates franchises. It never begins with what is your favorite burger or ice cream. Pick businesses that fit you as an owner, not you as a consumer. That’s how empires are started! Franchising MAGAZINE USA 13

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

Four Keys to Managing with Positivity 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.

If you are an executive or supervisor, do you know how the people you manage feel about their encounters with you?

• “That idea is simply great. Can I put you in charge and ask you to develop it further?”

When you ask one of them to stop by your office or join a video call, for example, do they think “this is going to be something great” or, “I am probably in trouble.” And when they look up from their desks and see you standing there, do they want to smile or run for an exit?

• “Do you have other ideas or suggestions that are related to the great one you just gave me?”

I am exaggerating, of course. Yet I have noted that most interactions between managers and the people they supervise in business tend to be negative. Could this be happening with you? Instead of blaming the people you supervise for this situation, you can take these four steps to change every interaction from negative to positive.

Start Listening for What People Are Saying that Is Right, Not What Is Wrong I call this Ingaged Listening, and it is simple to practice. When people are talking with you, stop listening for things you can correct or dispute. Focus instead on the things they say that are useful, do-able, positive or even inspiring. And when you hear one, follow up with statements like these: 14 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

• “If I turn you loose to make that happen, what resources do you need from the company . . . how can we help you?”

If you follow this advice, your people will come to see you as an enabler, not a limiter. Positivity will win the day.

Replace Annual or SemiAnnual Job Reviews with Positive, Frequent Check-In Meetings The classic Job Review centers on the question “What are you doing wrong?” Instead, have check-in meetings every few weeks with each of your reports that center on what is going right. Of course if a report is having difficulties or needs support, you will get around to discussing that – but you won’t start your conversation by fixating on problems. You can start check-in meetings with questions like these:

• “Have you learned something valuable and new since we last spoke that you would like to explore further? The change from punishing to positive will transform the productivity and satisfaction within your team. If you try this for just one month, you will be convinced.

Apply the “Five to One” Rule This way to turn communication from negative to positive is simplicity itself. For every statement you make that your listener could see as negative, you say five positive things.

• “What has gone really, really well since our last meeting?”

Even then, you should take pains to phrase those possible negatives in positive terms and offer support:

• “What have you and your team done that you are proud of?”

• Instead of saying, “What’s the holdup?” you can say, “That’s a great start, but

The classic Job Review “centers on the question “What are you doing wrong?” Instead, have check-in meetings every few weeks with each of your reports that center on what is going right.

”

what resources or support can we find to get that project moving ahead?” or, “Can we take something off your plate for the next few weeks so you can focus on this?” • Instead of saying, “You don’t seem to understand what I want you to do,” you can say, “Did we frame this problem the right way, or do we need to rethink it?” • Instead of saying, “Get Jim off the project, he’s the holdup,” you can say, “Are there other people we can bring in to help?”

Use the Power of Three Things to Transform Your Outlook Now I would like to recommend a way to look at the world in a more positive way. I

suppose this step is optional, but I strongly recommend it because it has brought about remarkable change in my own outlook.

them at dinner. That expectation created a

Years ago, I started to ask everyone at my family’s dinner table to describe three positive things that had happened to them during the course of the day. I don’t think they understood exactly why I was doing that – I probably didn’t grasp the full importance of it either at the time.

good things, so instead of seeing the world

At first, my children were a little skeptical, even a little resistant. Their attitude conveyed an unspoken thought, “Oh, Dad . . . why should I have to do this?” But then they seemed to warm to the idea. Even more importantly, they realized that they needed to be on the lookout for good things during the course of the day, because they knew we would be discussing

tremendous change in the way we were all

experiencing our days. We were looking for through negative eyeglasses, we began to see it through positive ones.

After all, so many of us have developed the habit of seeing our day in terms of the negatives, and that is what we talk

about. We had a difficult day at work, the

checkout lines were long at the grocery, the train home was delayed, the other drivers

were crazy. We miss the positives. But with a simple shift, we can learn to turn around that way of thinking and seeing the world.

I would encourage you to experiment with Three Things, and to let me know the

effect it has on you and those around you. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 15

franchisee in action: Bernardo Mazzucco | Franchisee | HomeVestors

An Ugly First Project Proves

a Beautiful Success

for a Budding HomeVestors Franchisee Bernardo Mazzucco

After spending five years as a property specialist, I decided to become a HomeVestors of America franchise to help reduce my learning curve. With two strong national brands – HomeVestors™ and We Buy Ugly Houses™ – that are both known for solid business practices and standards, HomeVestors is a national company that is actually made up of a network of 1,150 local small independent businesspeople. And for franchisees like me, an entrepreneur originally from Venezuela, national brand recognition helps support capitalization. To build a business buying, renovating, and selling property, you’ve got to have money. With the trusted HomeVestors brand, hard money lenders actually competed to finance my deals. Also, all new independently owned and operated HomeVestors franchises like me start with UG University. At UG University, we are introduced to the national brand and marketing campaigns,

16 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

taught conscientious business practices, introduced to proprietary tools, and mentored. It can be difficult in a franchise organization to balance ambition and competition with camaraderie and cooperation. Rivalry has the potential to cannibalize market opportunities, while collaboration also helps us improve our businesses and build fulfilling careers. The brand my fellow franchises share with HomeVestors gives comfort to both franchises and consumers alike. Having this kind of shared assurance minimizes potential for negative feelings that could compromise the franchise network, and when franchises feel well supported, they can focus their efforts on the communities they serve. And one of those communities becomes our local fellow franchises, which I can tap into as much or as little as I want – from knowledge sharing to coordinating marketing buys. With this warm fellowship and support, we enjoy the independence of small business ownership but still get to be

part of a team. It was with this foundation that I embarked on my first project in Orlando last year as one of the “We Buy Ugly Houses” people. The house was a single-story ranch built in 1984. When I purchased it, it had enough junk to fill five dumpsters strewn inside and out accompanied by an overwhelming smell inside that forced my crews and I to rotate to help us endure it – it literally made us sick. Multiple animals ranging from those with four to six and eight legs had infested the house, which had not been cleaned of hair, waste, or mold in over three years despite it still being used. An overgrown landscape hid creepy finds like buried dolls in the backyard. My favorite part of any house renovation is the landscaping, which this house required extensively due to out-of-control vegetation. We also completely redid the bathrooms, installed new appliances, placed flooring throughout the house after a deep disinfecting and cleaning treatment, put in new attractive and efficient lighting and sprinkler systems, painted both inside

Grumpy’s Restaurant was born out of passion and love for “ bringing family and friends together over great diner food. ”

consider. These homes, once improved and reintroduced as valuable real estate assets, help maintain an affordable housing supply. Habitat for Humanity also works in local communities across all 50 states, working towards a vision both of our organizations share of a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to live.

and out, and installed new air conditioning ducts. We painstakingly cleared the property of all ugliness and transformed it into a sparkling home that will be loved by occupants and neighbors for years to come.

“afters”, which were selected as finalists from entries nationwide. These finalists were then posted to the HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses Facebook pages for a national vote, which my project won and was then awarded the title of The Ugliest House Of The Year 2021. This recognition earned me a few honors, one being a national press release about the project and me in which our CEO, David Hicks, said:

I loved taking the house and giving it new life because it made it functional again, but also because it will now help rather than hurt community home values. This year, I did my best to do small things in a great way, and this house was a perfect example of that. It was so perfect, in fact, that six months after we finished when I saw a call for HomeVestors’ annual The Ugliest House Of The Year® contest, that this house came to mind. Last year, HomeVestors franchises purchased nearly 10,000 houses, and each year, the company puts a call out for the most dramatic makeover from among those houses.

“We’re proud of Bernardo and what he’s accomplished in such a short time. The Ugliest House Of The Year® represents the best of the thousands of houses that were considered hopeless by other buyers, but not by HomeVestors franchisees, who see potential and know how to make it a reality. They don’t just buy these houses, but they also put in the labor to make these properties whole again.”

Many may know our brand, but may not have seen the actual hard work we do on the houses we buy, dealing with everything from rodent infestations and natural disasters to neglect and vandalism. Proud of my own project, I submitted the story on my first HomeVestors makeover with the most incredible “befores” and

The other honor, more important even than the actual title or accolades from our CEO, was that HomeVestors made a $20,000 donation to my local Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County. As America’s number one home buyer, we pride ourselves in buying homes that traditional buyers generally don’t

This news led to me being featured on my local television station as well as a lead role in the official check presentation to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County, a moment I was able to share with my family and colleagues, as well as the CEOs of HomeVestors and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County. My professional journey as one of the We Buy Ugly Houses people over the last several months has overwhelmed me with gratitude and pride as my first HomeVestors project has not only validated my franchise affiliation, but has also led me to heights I never would have imagined by making a truly ugly situation beautiful.

About HomeVestors of America, Inc. Dallas-based HomeVestors of America, Inc. is the largest professional house buying franchise in the U.S. with more than 125,000 houses bought since 1996. HomeVestors recruits, trains and supports its more than 1,150 independently owned and operated HomeVestors® franchisees that specialize in building businesses based on buying, rehabbing, selling, and holding residential properties. Most commonly known as the “We Buy Ugly Houses®” company, HomeVestors strives to make a positive impact in each of its 176 markets. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 17

ask the expert: Dan Broudy | Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Clayton Kendall Inc

Tips on How to Improve Branding Dan Broudy is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clayton Kendall Inc., a Pittsburgh based branded merchandise company. He uses his extensive industry experience to help clients manage their brand compliance, graphic design, print production, branded merchandise purchasing, and warehousing and fulfillment. Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and received a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami. He also spent a year at the London School of Economics, studying International Finance and Marketing.

Branding is an art. The most successful brands have been sculpted and shaped by professionals until they represent something meaningful in the market and to their audience. Imagine a lump of clay, it can be shaped into your company’s logo, it’s identifiable but rather meaningless when it’s still fresh and new. That’s where branding steps in and tells the viewer what that logo means, it’s the artist adding context, color, and nuance. Now, after the branding artist has had a go at it, that lump of clay turned into a logo isn’t sitting alone on a pedestal in an empty room. There is a video in the background

dancing with meaningful imagery, mood music echoes through the space, a spotlight hits the logo and draws your eye, and all around you are people representing the brand’s aspirational customer base. This is what great branding can do for a company, it illustrates and illuminates what the company is at its core. Customers grab onto, create affiliations with, and become loyal ambassadors for great brands because they feel an emotional connection. It’s an art, and these tips can help you elevate your brand and solidify the heart of your messaging.

Define Your Brand Even if you’ve done this before, it never hurts to revisit your brand definition. What does your company stand for? Who are your loyal customers? Do you reflect them

in your branding and marketing? Then compare what you’re putting out there today in ads, messaging, and promotional marketing, etc. to your brand. Are you hitting those targets? *Tip – Listen to your brand ambassadors, those very loyal customers who come back again and again, their insights are valuable. These are the people who understand the way your message and brand are being received. When it comes down to it, this is where your brand’s meaning lives.

Consistency The best brands stay true to who they are at the core. A great brand can shift over time, but it’s a slow shift and it’s a meaningful shift. When an emotional connection is established and the company has a brand that resonates with the audience, abrupt changes can feel like betrayal. Consistency is best displayed through thoughtful messaging that is solid and confident in meaning. *Tip – Consider what you’re saying to your audience and how you’re demonstrating it. If your brand says something and then does the exact opposite, the messaging is confusing and creates mistrust. As an example, if your company is concerned about the environment and this is part of your brand and messaging, your promotional items should be recycled/ recyclable, green, reusable, or something else along those lines. A simple misstep here can be a big problem.

Impressions In successful branding, you want to know what impression the audience has of your brand, how they perceive you. This tells you if you’re hitting your brand definition successfully. If you’re on track, then it’s all about making more and more impressions in the sense that you’re getting eyes on your logo, company name, and messaging as often as possible. 18 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

About Clayton Kendall Clayton Kendall provides customized websites with robust reporting features, which set the standard for technological excellence. Founded in 1999, Clayton Kendall has grown from a small startup with 6 employees, to an award winning company with over 140 employees. Clayton Kendall also provides comprehensive branded merchandise programs for franchise communities nationwide. We help clients manage their graphic design, merchandising, print production, signage/POP, marketing collateral and warehousing/fulfillment. Our technology-based programs can lead to greater brand exposure, enhanced local marketing, cost savings, streamlined operations and brand compliance.

*Tip - When it comes to promotional marketing, always consider the impressions your marketing investment will earn. A branded candy bar is delicious and appreciated but once it’s gone then the moment is over. A branded sweatshirt or uniform gets worn over and over, not just reminding the wearer of your company, but that garment is earning impressions with every set of eyes that lands on it.

Quality There are definitely some shortcuts in marketing and ways to get more “bang for your buck.” But quality is something that should always remain a priority. When poor quality shows up, it often says more about the brand than the messaging behind it. This reaches across all aspects of marketing from promotional materials that flake and fade to cheesy television commercials that feature bad acting. Quality shows up in everything you do and is a reflection of your brand.

*Tip – It’s all about the substrate when ordering promotional items. Substrate printing supersedes other methods in terms of durability and quality. Logos are more vivid and hold their color and shape longer, creating great impressions that resonate with quality and identification.

Less is Better The visual elements that make your brand’s logo recognizable should stand out from your competition and have “at a glance” identification. Your brand’s message can be a bit more involved and fluid, but your logo is the hallmark of who you are. Tying these two marketing elements together unites your company and cements your position. Having an identifiable brand logo paired with marketing messages is an incredibly successful approach that has lasting impact. *Tip - Simple and straightforward is a good approach to logo and design while effort and time goes into maintaining

values and the customer experience. Consider the giants in successful branding – Nike, Coca-Cola, Dominos, McDonald’s, etc. These companies are easily identified by their logo and you have a built-in internal feeling about their values and brand. At Clayton Kendall, our customers are companies who are working to marry their brand and logo in a successful way to build customer loyalty and attract new customers. This is true for large corporations, small businesses, and franchises. When it comes to franchises, tying into public perception of an established brand requires work and artful branding. The good news is that you’ve got a head start because the framework has been created for you. The messaging and values for the corporate brand are established, guidelines and logo elements are set, now it’s time to find a way to stand out as the local connection for your community. Carry on the message successfully and use the tips above to sail into the hearts of the local community and reap the benefits of the corporation that supports your franchise venture. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 19

snapshot: zoom room

The Evolution of Dog Training Throughout the Pandemic Developed around positive reinforcement techniques, Zoom Room emerged with an emphasis on socialization for both dogs and their owners through its offering of puppy, obedience, agility, and enrichment classes. The business model and their key distinguishing feature can be well summarized by their motto: “We don’t train dogs. We train the people who love them.”

The global pet market is valued at $179.4 billion and projected to reach $240 billion by 2026, (Global Industry Analysts), and pet care services account for one of the fastest-growing segments within the pet industry. More pet owners are pampering and spoiling their pets to ensure they receive the best care. Out of all the pet care services offered throughout the pandemic, the demand for dog training services has remained at an all-time high and continues to thrive in the pet industry with more than 45.5% of dog owners training their dogs themselves (Pet Keen). Why is dog training so relevant? According to Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room and author of America’s best-selling puppy training book, a well-trained dog is a happier, healthier dog. Dogs thrive on structure. Without purposeful activity, they will find their own way to occupy themselves and their active brains—which could result in a variety of unwanted behaviors. As Van Wye’s team knows, dog training has changed quite a bit in the wake of COVID. At the start of the pandemic, 20 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

many shelters were emptied when families, young couples, roommates, and singles sought to adopt dogs. At the same time and with most people quarantining at home, many new pet owners did not immediately recognize the importance of training their pandemic puppies. Many pet owners missed the early opportunity to socialize their new addition to the family and, as a result of this lack of adequate socialization, they are seeing many more fearful and reactive dogs, and more new dog owners who don’t understand what their dogs are going through. There is a dramatic increase in behavioral issues, including separation anxiety, that first-time dog owners simply weren’t prepared for. Where does this put Zoom Room some two years later? With many pet owners returning to the workplace, the demand for dog training services is higher than prepandemic. Puppy and obedience training classes especially are often booked solid for weeks in advance. In the past fiscal year, Zoom Room experienced a 59% year-over-year growth in same-store sales, as compared to a 6% increase for the pet industry writ large. As the business is run so efficiently, mature Zoom Room locations reported a median net profit margin of 40%, and even the brand new locations enjoyed a 27% net profit margin.

Zoom Room, the leading expert in the field, has redefined the experience and the business of dog training. They have fostered passionate loyalty among their clients. They have transformed dog training into a limitlessly repeatable activity enjoyable by every family. In short, they are well on their way to making Zoom Room synonymous with dog training. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Zoom Room has already quadrupled its footprint across the nation, with locations in or coming soon to seventeen states on both coasts and in the Midwest. This growth continues to accelerate as this franchise plans to sign more than 100 units by the end of the year. The pandemic may have accelerated the trend of retail flight in some sectors, but for dogs who require both their sense of smell and socialization with other dogs, the brick-and-mortar model is a necessity and is thriving. The country is witnessing a record number of entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture; the pet sector has always fared well even during the most economicallychallenged times; and the boom in dog ownership continues. These factors all play to Zoom Room’s strengths. Zoom Room credits its extreme growth curve to astute investors responding to Zoom Room’s ability to serve the needs of dog owners with a demonstrably profitable business model, thus meriting brick-andmortar locations in communities across the country.

march 2022

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Get the App COVER STORY: Kumon

WHY KUMON

THE TOP EDUCATION FRANCHISE, IS THE PERFECT 2022 INVESTMENT! As schools continue to struggle with the ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic, parents are turning to Kumon to not only ensure their kids catch up but also to give them every advantage going forward. To meet the increased demand, Kumon has launched an aggressive growth strategy to open new centers around the U.S. and Canada. At the same time, the pandemic has spurred The Great Resignation. As people leave behind their old careers in search of more fulﬁlling work and more control over their futures, they are discovering that

Kumon offers the best of both worlds. Kumon is the top education franchise in North America, with about 1,600 Kumon Centers in the U.S. and Canada. Although Kumon has room to grow in many communities, the brand anticipates strong growth this year in California, Texas, New Jersey and New York, as well as in Canada. The education enrichment industry is worth $23.4 billion in the U.S. “Opening a Kumon Center is a lifechanging opportunity for our instructors, as we call franchise owners,” said Mike Shim, senior vice president of ﬁeld and operations for Kumon North America. “Kumon’s proven business model and outstanding training and support programs

make it possible for instructors to own and operate a proﬁtable business that they love and also to make a difference in the lives of children.”

The Kumon Method Kumon was founded in 1958 when Toru Kumon opened the ﬁrst Kumon Math Center in Osaka, Japan. Kumon was a math teacher who had created worksheets to help his own son, a second-grader, practice math basics. Those worksheets became the prototype of the Kumon Method. Today, Kumon Centers offer education enrichment in both reading and math. Students visit the centers once per week and practice at home for 30 minutes per day, per subject, on other days. It’s a formula that has worked for more than 60 years – and it’s all based on the importance of mastering concepts using worksheets that were developed by a father out of love and concern for his son. This year, Kumon North America launched a new creative campaign that leans into that tradition of practice with the tagline, “Practice Makes Possibilities™.”

10 FRANCHISING MAGAZINE USA

high school or college. Most Kumon Instructors are attracted to the Kumon Franchise opportunity because they have experienced ﬁrsthand how well Kumon works. They believe in the brand. EJ Cho, the instructor at Kumon of Stafford-West in Virginia, was a former VOL 10, ISSUE 4, MARCH 2022 Kumon Student and worked as a center assistant while in graduate school. When she had her own children, she became more interested in education and working with children, and she explored opening COVER STORY her own business. She immediately thought of Kumon.

WHY KUMON

THE TOP EDUCATION

of less than $65,000. U.S. franchises also are eligible for generous ﬁnancial incentives worth up to $34,000, and veterans may qualify for a $10,000 bonus.

Kumon attracts top franchise candidates because of honors like these and because:

• The Kumon business model promotes steady enrollment, and therefore, steady revenue. Because Kumon offers enrichment programming rather than tutoring, student enrollment doesn’t ﬂuctuate as much as it does in tutoring centers, where kids tend to drop out of programs after catching up or passing a big test.

• The Kumon Franchise opportunity is extremely affordable, with a franchise fee of only $2,000 and startup costs

• Franchise owners ﬁnd operating a Kumon Center to be personally fulﬁlling, as they can see how their

work makes a difference in the lives of children in their communities.

Who Is Kumon Looking For? Kumon Instructors are a diverse group: They are former teachers, engineers and IT professionals. They are Asian and Hispanic, Black and white. They are smart and educated: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and as instructors, they must be proﬁcient in math and reading. The one thing they all seem to have in common is a prior personal connection to Kumon. Many were former Kumon Students or Parents. Others are relatives of a Kumon Student, or perhaps they worked as an assistant at a Kumon Center during

Cho tries to inspire her students to ﬁnd the FRANCHISE, IS THE PERFECT joy that comes from learning new things. “You need to have the mindset that you2022 INVESTMENT! want to continue to learn and grow,” she said. “When you are working with little kids, especially, they have to see education as joyful. If they see it as a chore, they will never enjoy learning.”

FINANCE YOUR FRANCHISE BEFORE

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Kumon’s proven business model, affordable cost, extensive training and support programs have positioned it at the top of the education franchise world. Kumon is currently recruiting instructors who want to own and operate a proﬁtable business and make a lasting, positive impact on children in their communities. If that sounds like you, we invite you to learn more at https://www.kumonfranchise.com/.

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contents

franchises in your price range 28 30

Franchisee in Action 54 Samiksha Bindra: Mad Science and Crayola Image Arts Academy

Expert Advice Cover Story

28 Sheenco Travel: A Luxury Investment with a Price Tag You’ll Love

What’s New 24 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

Feature Article 30 Chris Conner: Value Oriented Franchise Models

36 Peter Buckinham: Franchise Outlook for Australia 2022

Have Your Say 34 Altitude Trampoline Park: Screenmobile opportunities

Snapshot 40 Tint World: Powerful Growth Strategy drives Tint World to Franchise Success in 2022

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 23

fr a n c h i s e s i n yo u r pr i c e r a n g e fe at u r e

SOUTHERN STEER BUTCHER Announces Expansion with Franchise Opportunities Southern Steer, a premiere butcher shop offering the highest quality meats and gourmet groceries, is looking to expand its presence and has announced its franchising opportunity.

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning Franchise Prepares for a Strong 2022 Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, one of the

who will begin their entrepreneurial

nation’s greenest and fastest-growing

journeys in 2022.

carpet cleaning franchises, had a

“Many people will be looking to take control of their future by becoming their own boss. That entrepreneurial journey is one of the most important they’ll undertake in their life—it shouldn’t be started without research and planning. I’d strongly encourage any new entrepreneur to consider franchising with Oxi Fresh,” said Jonathan Barnett, Founder and CEO of Oxi Fresh.

powerful 2021 and plans to continue its expansion in the new year through

The company’s goal is to help entrepreneurs bring a neighborhood butcher shop to communities across Florida, and eventually the nation. With three locations currently open in Clearwater, Sarasota and Orlando and one in development in Jacksonville, they are excited to bring their brand to even more communities.

president, Jonathan Barnett, explained

He continued, “Our franchising system can provide entrepreneurs with tools and support that can give them an invaluable advantage. So before you open a business by yourself, consider all the benefits that come from being part of a franchising system like Oxi Fresh.”

As Southern Steer moves forward with expanding their footprint, they are thrilled to offer a 15% discount on the Initial Franchisee Fee to Veteran’s in the franchising industry. The brand believes individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for providing great products and unmatched customer service to their community, would be excellent additions to the Southern Steer team. The company offers prospective franchisees the necessary tools to operate successfully through teamwork and strong leadership, while creating a first-class experience for its guests. Franchise startup costs begin at $360,000.

how Oxi Fresh could help the many people

For more information, visit oxifresh.com.

southenrnsteer.com

franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs throughout the United States and Canada. They hope to see 60 new locations launch by the end of 2022. Last year saw Oxi Fresh continue its long growth trend. Company leadership credits this growth to skilled franchisees and the brand’s overall commitment to the principles of speed through systems, trust through transparency, ownership through scoring, and letting go to grow. As the company pursues these goals, its

24 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

JUICE IT UP! OPENS NEW SANTA CLARITA LOCATION Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, açaí bowl and raw juice chains, is excited to announce that its new Santa Clarita location is now open for business. Featuring the brand’s latest store design, the new Juice It Up! is owned by husband-and-wife franchisee team and longtime Santa Clarita residents Brett and Casey Thomas. Located in vibrant Skyline Ranch Plaza, Juice It Up! is now serving its full menu of deliciously healthy and functional fresh-squeezed raw juices, blended-to-order real fruit smoothies, and nutrient-rich açaí and superfruit bowls to even more Santa Clarita locals. “As Santa Clarita residents who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle typical of our community, we wanted to partner with a brand that embraces a similar commitment to wellness,” said the Thomas franchisees. “Even more, it was important for us to align with a brand we know and are passionate about as consumers, so we are very proud to be expanding Juice It Up!’s presence in the region to support the health and wellness journeys of even more Santa Clarita locals.” To learn more about franchising with Juice It Up!, visit www.juiceitup.com.

STRETCH ZONE KICKS OF 2022 WITH TWO NEW STUDIO OPENINGS PER WEEK Stretch Zone’s notable upcoming locations include: • Long Beach, CA • (Manhattan)New York, NY • Baton Rouge, LA • Philadelphia, PA • Seattle, WA “Beyond long-term customer demand for practitioner-assisted stretching, Tony Zaccario, Stretch Zone President and CEO

Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone Founder and Chief Stretching Officer

franchisees are coming to Stretch Zone

On the heels of a record-breaking year in 2021, Stretch Zone, the franchise company that pioneered practitionerassisted stretching and introduced a new vertical in the health and wellness industry, continues its rapid growth trajectory and is currently averaging two new studios opening per week. Fueled by consumer demand and a spike in multiunit ownership, the company is poised to surpass the 200-location mark by the end of the year.

“We started the practitioner-assisted stretching vertical, and it’s thrilling to see consumers embrace its health and wellness benefits and watch our patented Stretch Zone Method® catch fire,” said Jorden Gold, Stretch Zone founder and Chief Stretching Officer. “Likewise, countless franchise owners are realizing the value in investing in Stretch Zone and its potential to help clients improve their wellness and overall mobility regardless of their age, lifestyle or physical needs.”

provides owners. From a low-entry cost

for the high-level of support the company to marketing support and access to proprietary training programs, Stretch Zone has the recipe for franchise success,” added Tony Zaccario, Stretch Zone president and CEO. “Reaching our 200th location is truly a major milestone, but it’s just the beginning for Stretch Zone. We are looking forward to continuing to bring opportunities to entrepreneurs and wellness services to clients.” Franchising MAGAZINE USA 25

fr a n c h i s e s i n yo u r pr i c e r a n g e fe at u r e

Hits $100 Million in System Sales Global Third-Party Logistics Provider Grows Alongside Demand for Shipping Capacity InXpress, a tech enabled third-party logistics company, partners with the world’s best carriers. The global network is made up of international and domestic specialists, who provide industrydefining shipping solutions to maximize efficiency for small-to-medium size enterprises.

Denver-Based Mici Italian Announces Upcoming Franchise Expansion Across the United States: Enters 2022 with Massive Franchise Growth Mici Italian, the emerging Italian restaurant franchise based in Denver, is now targeting sustained growth beyond its home state of Colorado. As the brand plans for large-scale national growth it is looking for qualified and eager franchise candidates across the country who want to be a part of this great brand as it celebrates three multi-unit signings secured in 2021. “The success of Mici to date is a direct reflection of our commitment to our customers and the needs that we work tirelessly to fulfill,’’ said Matt Stanton, Mici’s chief growth officer. “Our brand is poised for success in any market that we can bring those relationships to, and given the universal love of pizza, we are focused on finding committed franchisees across the country. Our main focus is finding quality franchisees who love the brand just as much as we do.” Mici currently operates seven units in the greater Denver area, all corporate-owned. A streamlined menu, paired with the fast-paced service that the brand is known for, has allowed a quick developmental strategy to take shape as the brand looks to build its presence in new markets across the country. “We have the national supply chain worked out and have a national network of real estate brokers to help with this expansion so we can provide support anywhere in the country,” said Stanton. “Our top markets for growth now are Dallas Fort-Worth, Kansas City, Florida, and other cities in Texas.” Mici is a family-centered brand that caters to both fast-paced lifestyles in need of delivery service and in-house dining with high-quality offerings. The brand’s artisanal menu offers comforting, classic Italian fare steeped in generations of family history while its highefficiency kitchen operations offers minimal wait and delivery times without losing an inch of quality. Mici Italian 26 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

InXpress USA reached $100 million in system sales, a 53% growth YoY, largely due to the urgent need and superior care SMB companies require to navigate supply chain challenges and other marketplace impacts. “People come to us because of our technology and network connections through strong partnerships with world-class carriers, but they stay with us because each account is handled by equally committed local account managers, who strive to find the best solutions for every customer,” said Dustin Hansen, CEO InXpress of Americas. “With countless businesses looking to reduce shipping headaches, we’ve invested heavily in our technology platform to save our customers time and money.” The value-add technology includes accurate quote comparison based on realtime data, clear visibility features and easy integration capabilities with e-commerce and other platforms. As the demand for shipping services climbs, InXpress projects to add additional skilled and qualified account executives and franchise partners to reach more small-to-medium size businesses. To learn more about the franchise opportunity and the reoccurring revenue potential, visit inxpressfranchise.com

Clean Eatz Set to Kick Off 2022 “We Change Livez” Challenge Clean Eatz, a health-focused restaurant franchise, is bringing back its We Change Livez Challenge. The challenge allows customers to demonstrate how the company’s dietician-approved menu items, which balance protein, carb and fat intake, have positively impacted their health. In return for their devotion to personal wellness, participants are entered to win a variety of prizes. All 70 Clean Eatz Café locations will choose one winner to be awarded three months of free meals and a variety of retail merchandise. Each winner is then entered for the grand prize of $25,000, one year of free meals, a trip to the annual Clean Eatz

convention, and a photoshoot for the franchise’s 2023 campaign.

share their journey on Instagram using the

From March 1st through May 5th, participants can follow one of four customized workout programs, including strength training, athletic training, workouts on the go, and 30-Minute workout quick-hits. Clean Eatz provides guidance through downloadable e-books, offering nutrition tips and exercises to help participants on their journey. The only rule being that participants must

“Changing your life is one of the most

hashtag #wechangelivez. difficult undertakings to embark on, and continued practice of those changes can be even harder,” said Don Varady, CoFounder of Clean Eatz. “Every year, we are blown away by the healthy lifestyle habits taken on as a result of this challenge, and we can’t wait to see what participants accomplish this year.”

New Orleans set to Fall in Love with RUSH BOWLS Rush Bowls – a Colorado-based fastcasual concept known for its fresh and healthy meals-in-a-bowl – will open its first Louisiana location on March 5th. The new restaurant is owned by New Orleans native and entrepreneur, Arthur Stawski Sr. “New Orleans will fall in love with the concept just like I did,” said Arthur Stawski Sr. “This city may be known for its seafood and fried food, but there is a growing community for health food that is eager to try something new like Rush Bowls.” Arthur Stawski Sr.’s 38-year-long career in convenience and petroleum retailing began at age 19. He worked in marketing and operations before he moving to Colorado to help lead Kroger’s convenience store division. After nearly 20 years of running 300 Kroger convenience stores, the brand sold that division in 2018, leading Stawski Sr. to return to New Orleans and explore entrepreneurship. He then launched Ragin’ Cajun Food and Fuel, which owns a few Chevron Fuel convenience stores and Subway locations. Looking to expand his portfolio, Stawski Sr. discovered Rush Bowls on LinkedIn and was impressed by the concept. Knowing

New Orleans would embrace these unique bowls, he got in touch with the Rush Bowls team to open his own location. Rush Bowls offers its guests a wide selection of customizable bowls and smoothies. An industry pioneer in the genesis of healthy food bowls, the brand’s bowl creations provide guests with the

perfect blend of all-natural fruits and veggies topped with delightfully crunchy, organic granola, a drizzle of honey, and a choice of fresh fruits and toppers. Rush Bowls can be blended with protein, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients while remaining low in calories and fat content. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 27

fr a n c h i s e s i n yo u r pr i c e r a n g e fe at u r e

COVER STORY: Sheenco Travel

Sheenco Travel: A luxury investment with a price tag you’ll love!

Recently Featured in our December cover story, Sheenco Travel is a new Travel Franchise, offering a low cost and hasslefree opportunity to start your own travel business. As restrictions continue to ease in the UK and Ireland, demand for luxury travel to these popular locations has never been higher. Travel has always been a low-cost industry to get started in. However, running a travel business typically comes with a number of downsides. Return on investment can be slow, as finding leads can be tricky, when just starting out. With 10 years’ experience in the travel industry, Sheenco Travel have developed a unique franchise to suit your pocket, while at the same time removing many of the “pain points” experienced by those familiar with running a travel business. 28 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Guaranteed Leads Few Franchise opportunities, much less low-cost ones, offer guaranteed lead generation. This is a unique selling point for a Sheenco Travel Franchise. As the original company operated as an inbound tour operator located in Ireland, all lead generation was carried out online. After 10 years of experience in this space, there is robust lead generation already in place. Franchisees will be provided with a page on www.sheencotravel.com and will be listed on all webforms across the company website. Any leads that come in from these sources will be provided free of charge. However, there will also be an opportunity to purchase additional leads at cost, meaning the “fear factor” of finding new business is removed – an incredibly unique aspect of this luxury travel business.

No Territory! This can be a real sticking point for Franchisees in many sectors however with Sheenco Travel, the world is literally your

oyster. Not only are you not limited to a US territory, you are not even limited to the USA. Sheenco Travel have been selling internationally for many years, and can even offer multi-currency pricing and processing, if you have overseas guests who wish to avail of luxury trips to Ireland and the UK.

Hassle Free One of the most off-putting elements of owning a travel business is looking after guests while they are traveling. Time differences mean you need to be available 24/7 to assist them if any issues arise at their destination. With a Sheenco Travel Franchise this is yet another element that is taken care of for you. The Irish Destination Management Company, complete with concierge department and 24-hour on tour support, will take care of all the booking and delivery of the trip you and your guest have planned. This means that you can relax, safe in the knowledge that they will be looked after every step of the way. All payment processing is also handled by the company with your earnings paid out direct to you - 50% at the point of sale with the balance paid once the guest has travelled.

Luxury Travel Customized by you! One of the most popular elements of a Sheenco Travel Franchise is the customization of the luxury trips to Ireland and the UK. Franchisees work with their guests to put together unique trips that fit each individual’s idea of a dream vacation. The creation of these trips allows franchisees to share their own ideas and recommendations and expand their own knowledge through the research and development of each bespoke vacation. The creativity continues in the building and presenting of beautiful itineraries utilising Sheenco’s uniquely customized software.

With a Sheenco Travel Franchise you have a ready-made “ team. Your business development manager will have regular meetings with you to assist you with goal setting and developing your business.

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Home Based

Teamwork

As a home-based opportunity, overheads are always going to be low. Beyond the initial franchise fee, costs are limited to good quality hardware (computer/laptop/ cell phone) and insurance. A comfortable home office with ergonomic desk and chair and a pleasant space to meet with guests is also a must. The software and supports package provided by the Franchisor takes care of almost all other elements required to get up and running. The silver entry level package offers the following;

With a Sheenco Travel Franchise you have a ready-made team. Your business development manager will have regular meetings with you to assist you with goal setting and developing your business. The operations team, who take care of booking the trips, are on hand to offer advice and support and you will also be connected with your fellow franchisees. The company promotes a friendly environment, sharing knowledge and supporting each other as together we work to achieve our goals.

• Exclusive Bespoke Software

Ready Made Opportunity

• Personalized Web Page • Business Cards • Training supports • Franchisee Networking Event The gold mid-range package offers all of the above with the addition of; • Travel Expenses to attend the Networking Event • Professional Branded Banners • Brochures

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As a home-based opportunity, overheads are always going to be low.

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The platinum package, which is proving to be the most popular, includes everything in the gold package with the addition of an in-market familiarisation trip to experience the luxury travel products offered by this unique Franchise.

Sheenco Travel have all the tools to get you up and running straight away. With a training program that takes less than 6 weeks (full time) to complete, you can be open for business within just a couple of months of signing a Sheenco Travel Franchise Agreement. Why not start your next chapter today? Call 855-687-5871 or email opportunities@sheencotravel.com NOTE: This article is not a franchise offering. A franchise offering can be made by us in a state where we are first registered, excluded, exempted, or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with a Franchise Disclosure Document. Individualized responses or communications to you that involve either effecting or attempting to effect the sale of a franchise will be made only if we are first in compliance with state registration requirements, or are covered by an applicable state exclusion or exemption. Copyright© 2022 Sheenco Travel Inc. All rights reserved.

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FEATURE ACTICLE: Chris Conner | Founder | Franchise Marketing Systems

Value Oriented Franchise Models

One of the most significant barriers to entry for any new franchise owner or entrepreneur is the capital requirement to invest in a new business or franchise model. This creates an obstacle for many in that the assumption is there are only so many options and most franchised businesses have investment requirements way above the buyer’s capacity to fund the new business venture. One of the great elements of today’s small business market is that businesses have become more and more affordable for the average investor and the new franchise market has opened up opportunities for people who at one time just couldn’t even consider the franchise model. 30 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

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

Today, more than ever before, the opportunity to work from home is not only an option, it has become a major part of the work force and franchise market segment. What was once considered a bit taboo or maybe not legitimate, today is completely normal for people to run, operate and build their business entirely from a virtual, home office location. This makes the investment lower and the opportunity for people to get into business without the cost of real estate, equipment, etc all more realistic for the every day person. There also has been a significant rise in what the Small business administration

refers to as “Micro-businesses”, which are businesses which employ 10 people or less. Many of these even can be operated as a single owner-operator in the business allowing for even less capital outlay. The advances in technology, systems and other efficiency-creating platforms has made business ownership with less people a reality in so many different industries which also creates an opportunity for lower investment businesses. Digital Marketing has revolutionized virtually every industry segment and business model and also made attracting new customers easier, more efficient and

certainly less costly. This includes social media market, pay per click and SEO traffic to targeted and specific customer profiles. In particular, well managed social media campaigns can be executed with very little funding and just some well run social media posting, photography and video work. So many young entrepreneurs have been able to capture incredible presence and customer traffic with personable and consistent social media marketing again, lowering the investment needed to start a new business. So which franchises would fall into this category of low investment? There are quite a few industry segments making this market segment even more appealing and accessible to a new franchise investor.

1Tax Preparation and Financial Services

Although some of these businesses may require special licensing or have specific owner needs relevant to the industry segment, they make for great low investment franchise offerings as they typically operate with high margins and do not need large amounts of up front capital. Take Prestige Income Tax in a Box for example, a great new franchise system which offers a completely home based business model and can teach anyone how to do tax preparation service work.

2Home Services

This is a big range of different types of businesses and can include anything from painting to landscaping to smart home services and alarm systems. Generally, these are low investment and can also operate with fantastic profit margins. I love Big Jerry’s Fencing in North Carolina, great model, home based and can operate because of advanced technology in place. A new franchise model in this category would include QuickMountTV, which is a smart home service franchise which specializes in TV Mounting services for homes and businesses. Low investment and high margin are certainly part of this home service franchise model.

Insurance

The insurance world has become more and more a part of the franchise industry and one of the elements that makes this industry segment so appealing is the low cost of entry. Goosehead, Fiesta and a new brand, Renegade Insurance all fall into this category and offer business systems and operating models to franchisees which allow them to leverage the proven business model and get into the highly residual insurance industry segment.

If you are considering most of the low investment franchise models, a couple of items I would point out as important to your consideration and review of which franchise brand would make sense for an investment;

First, make sure you are comfortable with marketing and sales, most of these business models require that you go out and generate your business. Unlike retail, where you might just open the door and customers walk in, these models require that you go out and generate new business. Second, look for a franchise system that has good technology in place and solid systems. In a low investment, home based franchise model, you will need tech to scale your business and gain value from the franchise system. Third, find a franchisor that is willing to work with you on all levels of the business and develop a relationship that is beyond just financial. You want a franchise system that will embrace your success and be there for you in every step of your entrepreneurial journey. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 31

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FRANCHISEE IN ACTION: Samiksha Bindra | Franchisee | Mad Science® and Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™

How This Woman of Color is Bringing Art and STEM Together Samiksha Bindra is the owner of one Mad Science® and one Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ franchise location in Colorado. Since starting out in 2012 as a Mad Science franchisee, she has developed a passion for educating future generations in STEM. She became a Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ franchisee in 2017 after discovering that art is a necessary component in STEAM education.

The Importance of Art in STEM I believe that STEM and art go handin-hand to make each other work, thus making STEAM an extremely important focus for today’s youth. You need some creativity when you want to be innovative in STEM, and you need some calculation and knowledge of science to be successful with art. We know that most people are either “right-brained” or “left-brained,” meaning that one side of their brain is dominant. If you are mostly analytical and methodical in your thinking, you are said to be left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you are thought to be right-brained. However, just because you’re one or the other does not mean you are limited to being only analytical or creative. Both components must come together in order to fully understand a variety of scientific and artistic concepts, and I am on a mission to do just that. Prior to becoming a franchisee, I actually had STEM-related work experience as an engineer. I was asked to help Mad Science for 15 days with operations as “vacation work”, and one day an instructor couldn’t make it due to a flat tire so the scheduling 32 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

manager suggested that I take over because of my background in engineering. I took over the class and instantly fell in love with it. The kids did not want me to leave and I felt that the time flew by because I was having so much fun. This opportunity made me realize I wanted to pursue a more fun and meaningful career at Mad Science. I was motivated by the kids’ eyes growing wide while learning about science and conducting experiments with me. I have a real passion for what I do and want to share the magic of Mad Science and Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™. Art programs are usually the first thing to be cut when schools are looking to save money or adapt the budget, so I place importance on not only STEM, but art as well.

Making Education Fun I fully understand both subjects require science and art and it’s important that we encourage children to use their imaginations to solve any problems that they may encounter. We want to inspire children to dream big through unique a experiences that broaden their horizons by helping them understand real-world topics such as cultural diversity and wildlife conservation. Because creativity is necessary to comprehend real-world topics, it’s crucial that I teach more than simple concepts such as drawing. One of my favorite projects that I’ve led at my Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ location, which is a great example of how art aids STEM education, is having the children design a future city. This activity applies critical thinking, important decision-making, and cultural awareness, all of which are beneficial to building their confidence and problem-solving skills. Additionally, these

projects set children up for a lifetime of success and learning because once they start a task, they are determined to finish it. This demonstration of commitment and responsibility is something that is not actively being taught in most schools, making it unique to Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™.

Being a Woman of Color in Franchising I place a high importance on cultural diversity and awareness, this being because I am a woman of color. It is definitely a challenge not only being a woman in franchising but a woman of color at that. There are many obstacles I’ve had to overcome to get to where I am now. Not only is it hard to come by women in business leadership roles, but women in STEM are few and far between as well. The number of women in board positions in STEM-related industries in 2020 was 19.2%. I enjoy being a woman of color in franchising, especially STEM, because I can show young girls who may look like me that they can be a business owner, have a career in STEM, or even do both. I take what I do very seriously, especially considering that their parents entrust me to teach them something of substance and that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. STEM has always been my passion, but I want to also make it a passion for another little girls out there, especially ones of color. Women of color represent 14.1% of U.S. bachelor’s degree recipients across STEM fields. 11.5% of people employed in STEM fields were women of color, making up approximately one-third of all women in these fields. I want to see that number grow even larger and to see more women of color in the STEM field.

We want to inspire children to dream big through unique art “ and science experiences that broaden their horizons by helping them understand real-world topics such as cultural diversity and wildlife conservation.

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Next Steps There is a clear need to make STEAM education more accessible. Science and tech fields are currently dominated by Caucasian and Asian males. On college campuses, African American and Latino students make up less than 20% of those studying in science- or math-based disciplines. On the job, however, minorities make up less than five percent of the STEM-based workforce, according to 2012 statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor. Minorities in underserved or struggling school districts are at risk of being left behind, which is a scenario that has far-reaching economic consequences for the United States. Unlike their more affluent counterparts, students who live in underserved communities typically lack access to what are now considered STEM basics: up-to-date laboratories, laptop or tablet computers, and access to the Internet. Additionally, their art programs may be cut to save money for other resources, so having an enrichment program like Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy™ can help them to continue using and building their creativity that will aid their STEAM education and give them an opportunity to explore career paths that would not have otherwise been offered. What is next for me is to start giving back to my communities by opening another Crayola® Imagine Arts Academy in an underserved and underprivileged area. I hope to continue inspiring children to pursue careers in STEAM by bringing another location to these underserved communities of Colorado.

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HAVE YOUR SAY: Altitude Trampoline Park

Expansion set to catapult Altitude Active Indoor Entertainment Brand

Altitude Trampoline Park to Scale Franchise Growth to Breathtaking New Heights in 2022 Altitude Trampoline Park is feeling fly in 2022… lifting off high atop the indoor entertainment industry with its franchise growth strategy that will continue to expand the brand’s footprint nationwide. Kicking off the new year with momentum building from 2021, Altitude Trampoline Park plans to open in 10 new markets in 2022, closing in on 100 parks nationwide. From Northern Florida, Michigan, Pittsburgh Suburbs to the New Orleans Area, the nation’s leader in family-friendly, active indoor entertainment parks will soon expand in key U.S. markets. Plus, Altitude is proving to be a preferred conversion option for parks that are re-opening as they rebound from pandemic pressures. With comprehensive support from Altitude’s 34 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

corporate leadership team, established venues in leading markets such as Cincinnati, Ohio and Tallahassee, Florida and others are rebranding early this year. “Our leadership team is simply unmatched in the entertainment park franchising segment and we’re ready to take the brand to the next level,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “We’ve put countless hours into reinforcing our position as a dominant player in our space and have set Altitude Trampoline Park on a course that will keep us out ahead for years to come.” The leadership team has recently grown with the promotion of experienced industry professional, Amy Phillips, to the role of President. Phillips joined Altitude Trampoline Park in 2020, and quickly rose through the ranks to Chief Marketing Officer. She sprang into action with major brand-wide initiatives such as Altitude Trampoline Park’s widely successful membership program, which drove double-digit sales increases in 2021 compared to 2019 at several participating locations. Her work also has resulted in overarching, company changing initiatives like a partnership with the American Heart Association as well

as a call center to streamline event and party booking. Her marketing and brand activation prowess only grew over the course of her career as she continuously created and delivered high-flying results through a wide variety of campaigns, including one that earned her national recognition as the American Marketing Association’s “Marketer of the Year” in 2012. The energy being infused into the business comes on the heels of a year in which it showcased remarkable resiliency. Despite pandemic-induced challenges, Altitude Trampoline Park successfully opened seven new locations. The brand signed multiple franchise development deals near the end of last year to spark fresh location growth in areas such as Lawrenceville, Georgia and Bradenton, Florida. Additionally, a new guest membership program and strengthened national marketing programs launched in full in 2021, and drove double-digit sales increases compared to 2019 at several of the participating locations. Likewise, last year, brand leadership worked closely with new and existing park suppliers and vendors to update park equipment, introduce new attractions, refresh concessions partners and create additional revenue streams. After overcoming obstacles caused by the pandemic, the brand spent nearly a year analyzing and innovating within its franchise operating systems. For the brand, making a positive impact on the communities its locations serve is just as important as providing an environment that fosters social growth and free play. Altitude is now a proud supporter of the American Heart Association’s “Life is Why” campaign. Throughout the year, Altitude will host events, fundraisers, and programs to support the mission of the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused their relentless pursuit of longer, healthier lives. The sponsorship kicks off with Altitude’s Commit to Fit program featuring Fit Fun Facts, fitness programming, American Heart Association paper heart sales and more. The initiative will culminate in a key event, the first-ever

Calling upon celebrating all of life’s joyous moments through “ active, energetic spirit, Altitude Trampoline Park is uniquely positioned to be a home for exhilaration, personal and social growth and wellness.

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National Jumpathon, where participating Altitude locations will celebrate the relationship with American Heart and showcase the Jump Life with contests, giveaways, and more. SM

“Of course creating and maintaining safe, clean and extraordinarily fun environments are top priorities for us, but equal to that is our devotion to supporting our franchisees who are just as passionate about the brand as we are on the corporate team,” said Robert Morris, Vice President of Development for Altitude Trampoline Parks. “Big things are ahead for us, and we cannot wait to hit that 100 park mark and further solidify our brand within the industry and the communities we serve.” Franchise expansion in 2022 is targeting markets throughout the country, with specific priority for new locations in the Midwest, Great Plains and Southwestern sections of the nation to further increase the brand’s national footprint. Calling upon celebrating all of life’s joyous moments through active, energetic spirit, Altitude Trampoline Park is uniquely positioned to be a home for exhilaration, personal and social growth and wellness. As the only active indoor entertainment park primarily focused on the 5- to 12-year-old age

groups, Altitude embraces gravity-defying fun mixed with learning new skills, building confidence, and pushing oneself to exhilarating new heights. The distinctive Jump Life! branding references a state of mind for those who embrace fun, happiness and freedom. SM

To facilitate Altitude Trampoline Park’s commitment to its young guests and their families, the company provides top-notch support to franchisees through aiding in real estate site selection, construction, design models, financing options and much more. Interested owners looking to invest between $1,497,000 and $4,075,000 in growing with a premier concept are encouraged to inquire. Ideal franchise owners should be individuals or teams desiring to have a positive impact on their community, as well as experienced business leaders that love kids and want to promote active family fun. Altitude Trampoline Park is also a member of the VetFran program, which allows military veterans to receive 50% off of their franchise fee. To learn more about the Altitude Trampoline Park franchise opportunity, visit https://altitudefranchise.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 35

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expert advice: Peter Buckingham | Managing Director | Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd

franchise outlook

for Australia in 2022 Australia is one of the easiest companies for American franchises to establish in. We are a well-developed market in a country with high GDP, and English is our native language. The franchise sector in Australia is in a mature state, and has become the distribution method of choice for many, with 90,000+ franchised businesses in Australia. The market sector turns over $155bn and employs around 516,000 people. According to the IBISWorld 36 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Franchising in Australia report published in June 2021.

History Franchising has been in Australia since 1815, when it was started by Sydney Hospital being built and was funded by the private sector, allowing the operators to charge a fee for service, and being allowed to import 60,000 gallons of rum to service the people. The hospital was also known as Governor Macquarie’s Rum Hospital. The food franchises probably started the rapid growth with McDonald’s, KFC,

Hungry Jacks (aka Burger King) and some other large QSR’s bringing their systems from America in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Personally, I became involved in franchising when on the 30th September 1980, when the government legislated in the form of the Petroleum Retail Marketing Franchise Act of 1980, that every service station owned, leased or operated by all the major oil companies was a franchise effective immediately, with the incumbent given 9 years’ worth of franchise tenancy. That created around 8,000 new franchises overnight!

Peter Buckingham CFE CMC, iPeter Buckingham is the Managing Director of Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd, the leading demographic, mapping and sales prediction modelling company in Australia. Spectrum is Australian Franchising’s 2021 FCA Supplier of the Year. Peter is contactable by email at peterb@spectrumanalysis.com.au, or visit www.spectrumanalysis.com.au.

the task force to make most of these recommendations become reality.

An international franchise presence in Australia US franchises have grown strongly in Australia over many years. Australia has some great advantages for US Franchisors to open in our country, as there is no language issues (we speak “Australian”), and there is a strong legal system in operation to protect the investment. The expectation of some US companies can be a bit over zealous, as you need to be aware the total Australian population (25 million people) is just slightly below the population of Texas, and about 2/3rd the population of California. In the opposite direction, many Australian franchise systems are having great success heading overseas. A great example of this is being lead by F45 Training, an Australian grown franchise now operating in over 40 countries across the world. Others like Poolwerx (2017 Australian Franchisor of the Year), Bakers Delight and the Foodco Group are all expanding in the USA and elsewhere.

The Senate Inquiry into Franchising The franchising sector in Australia has run into some headwinds over the last few years, with the Government instigating a Senate Inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of the Franchising Code of Conduct. Released in 2019, and then with Covid-19 gripping the world, the changes recommended are slowly coming into play. Mary Aldred, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia, said the FCA welcomed the report back in 2019, and looks forward to engaging with

Processes to enter into Australia There are no prohibitions to international ownership in Australia, unlike countries in Asia and the sub-continent who demand local ownership and controls. There are locally based experienced franchise consultants and very well established legal firms to assist inbound franchisors in all issues regarding the legal process and managing the expectations. The normal process does recommend having some involvement in operating some level of company operations to give credibility to a new System, and we have seen many franchise systems fail as they

believe an investor will put up all the funds, with the Franchisor unprepared to commit. One issue that often creates issues for US Franchisors is our labour laws, and the minimum wage that employees must be paid. We can only say labour is probably more expensive than in the USA, especially in the food and hospitality industry due to our Award wages system. This often results in some differences in the forecast P&L modelling and revenues and margins that need to be met. Many US systems with reasonable backing by the Franchisor have had great success over the years in Australia, whether that has been QSR’s like McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Dominos, convenience stores like 7-Eleven or fitness franchises like Anytime Fitness, Orange Theory and Extend Barre. Many new systems are also coming into Australia, not always in the food and fitness business. OsteoStrong and Carl’s Jr are examples of well-financed expansions into Australia. Some systems have come and gone – and are returning again! Taco Bells have come twice previously, and are setting up again, as have Cinnabon who came to Australia previously in 2002. We can only wish them success this time around and hope they have learned of their previous experiences.

Franchise Council of Australia Australia has a strong body pushing franchising forwards in the form of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA). The FCA has Chapters in all mainland states, and runs a three day National Franchise Convention every year, which is seen as the peak industry event. This annual event hosts the prestigious, Gala Awards Dinner and award night. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 37

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expert advice: Peter Buckingham | Managing Director | Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd

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There are locally based experienced franchise consultants and very well established legal firms to assist inbound franchisors in all issues regarding the legal process and managing the expectations.

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Any company wishing to Franchise in Australia must comply with the Code of Conduct or risk prosecution by the ACCC.

Announcements included; Franchisor of the Year – won in 2021 by Rapid Tune, and our small company Spectrum Analysis being crowned, 2021 Supplier of the Year! https://www.franchise.org.au/awards/

Education is one of the cornerstones of the FCA, and along with Griffith University have worked alongside the ACCC to ensure there is free online education available for anyone considering taking on a franchise.Many experts in the industry have contributed to bring a strong level of education to the forefront. To further assist in education of the industry, the FCA have also adopted the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) system from the US, and now around 300 people have been awarded their CFE, and this number is growing rapidly.

Finding Franchisees in Australia One of the biggest complaints from franchisors has been the quality and financial capacity of the prospective franchisees. Whilst many are willing, the financial requirements to join a good system are quite high, and out of practical reach. 38 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Australia has a strong banking system, and banks are reluctant to loan monies to prospective franchisees against the goodwill of the business. FRANdata has recently expanded in Australia to assist in this process, by encouraging the banks to evaluate systems and be prepared to loan monies to well-run franchise systems and their potential franchisees. https://www. frandata.com/about-us/frandata-australia/

Regulated markets Franchising has become a mature distribution method for many major companies. The Federal Government has stepped in and put in place some forms of national regulation over it, by legislating a Code of Conduct, which is administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The Code of Conduct is aimed to be: • Fair to both parties • Ensure a proper Disclosure Statement is provided to would be Franchisees • Ensure the Franchise Agreement is reasonable to both parties • To minimise legal actions by bringing an arbitration process in before Legal actions are taken.

There has been some push from various state governments over the last 10 years to introduce their own separate regulations; however this has not come to pass, meaning that we have one set of regulations Australia wide. The huge advantage of this is to minimise red tape, unlike some other countries (such as the USA), where states may have their own franchise regulations, meaning to individually comply in registration and fees from one state to another can be very complex.

Summary Franchising is moving forward in Australia where we have a relatively mature market, and a great variety of systems working under the franchise format. Australia is open to business for international franchise systems to enter the market with minimal foreign ownership constraints. The main point of difference to many other countries is our relatively mature legislation which is definitely aimed at ensuring the franchisor acts responsibly, and encourages the franchisees to be properly funded and act in a responsible and legal manner. If you are looking to enter Australia, we recommend you liaise with the Franchise Council of Australia, and look at using a responsible consultant to assist you, and a legal firm who specialise in Australia’s Franchise Law. We look forward to welcoming you and your business into Australia. Come on over and we shall throw another shrimp on the BarB!

The public and policymakers need to understand franchising. Our purpose

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

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.

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

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This is just the beginning

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

Visit AtOurFranchise.org Contact Erica Farage, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy and Multi-Unit Franchisee Engagement International Franchise Association efarage@franchise.org (202) 662-0760 Franchising MAGAZINE USA 39

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snapshot: Tint World®

Powerful growth strategy drives Tint World® to franchise success for 2022 Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022 by building on its remarkable success in 2021, highlighted by 16 new store openings and a $15 million increase in annual revenue. “With a total of 94 Tint World® locations in operation, we’re closing in on our 40th anniversary target of 100 open stores, with 68 new franchise licenses under development for 2022,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “We’re also proud to have significantly increased revenue in 2021 to over $62 million, thanks to average store sales growth and in large part to the growing number of Tint World® locations that recorded more than a million dollars in annual revenue.”

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Tint World®’s extraordinary annual performance in 2021 demonstrates the franchise brand’s powerful value and the strength of its unique growth strategy and franchise success model.

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“The innovative transparency of our franchise disclosure document has helped increase the number of area developers in the Tint World® family,” Bonfiglio said. “More than 30% of the new franchises we awarded in 2021 will develop multiple locations in their territories, which is critical to our growth and also reflects the confidence that our franchisees have in the Tint World® brand model.” In addition to franchise growth, Tint World® has invested in constructing a new 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility to house the company’s corporate office, training center, and new Tint World® demonstration center serving to represent the evolving Tint World® brand. “Our focus on supporting the success of Tint World® franchisees positioned us to continue growing and expanding into new markets even during an unpredictable economic climate,” Bonfiglio said. “We are committed to equipping our franchisees with all the tools they need to succeed, including essential technology, operations and marketing solutions, so they can deliver the premier automotive services Tint World® is known for.” Tint World® was recognized as a Fast & Serious Smart Franchise Brand by FranchiseTimes for 2022, and for its continuing achievements in 2021 by multiple prominent industry and business publications and organizations, including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® and Top Global Franchises, the Inc. 5000, Inc. 5000 Regionals: 40 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

National Automotive Styling Centers™ builds on 2021 achievements for 40th anniversary Florida, Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises, the Franchise Gator Top 100, and the Franchise Times Top 400. Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ offer sales and installation of auto accessories, mobile electronics, audio video equipment, security systems, custom wheels and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection films, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World® is also the leading provider of residential, commercial and marine computerized window tinting and security film services with locations throughout the U.S. and abroad, with franchise opportunities available worldwide.

About Tint World® Founded in 1982, Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ is America’s largest and fastest-growing automotive accessories and window tinting international franchise, specializing in window tinting, protective films, vehicle wraps, audio and electronics, security systems, car and truck accessories, wheels and tires, detailing and ceramic coating, and installation services. Tint World® Mobile Services™ include marine, residential, and commercial window tinting films, solar films, decorative films, safety and security films, and protective ceramic coatings. Tint World® has locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with master franchise opportunities available worldwide. To find out more, please visit www.TintWorld.com or www.TintWorldFranchise.com

maga z ine usa

our Next Feature:

RETAIL FRANCHISES

Next month our Special Feature on Retail Franchises provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your Franchise. For advertising opportunities please contact Vikki Bradbury at: vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 41

EXPERT ADVICE: Jason Gehrke | Director | The Franchise Advisory Center

Better-educated franchisors attract better franchisees

Education alone may not be a determinant of business success, but it can be an essential element. Unsurprisingly, a desire to learn and a commitment to ongoing professional development (in addition to formal qualifications) are commonly seen as highly desirable attributes in potential franchisees. Franchisors like having franchisees who are prepared to learn. But by the same token, why should franchisees invest in franchisors that aren’t prepared to learn themselves? Many highly successful entrepreneurs who start franchise systems have little or no formal educational qualifications. However just because they might not have been to university doesn’t mean they aren’t continually learning, and prefer instead to attend short courses and workshops, and read books written by other successful business people. 42 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Furthermore, as their business develops, such entrepreneurs often surround themselves with highly-qualified talent because they are savvy enough to realize the limitations of their own skills and hire staff with the smarts to fill the gaps. But equally, the use of education and professional development as selection criteria for franchisees could also be used by potential franchisees to assess what franchisors are worthy of their investment. A study conducted back in the early 1990’s that tracked start-up franchisors in the United States over a ten-year period indicated that failure rates among startup franchisors were as high as 75% - a figure surprisingly similar to frequently quoted failure rates for independent small businesses, commonly understood to be approximately 85% over five years. This potential failure rate, combined with the severe consequences of a system’s failure on its franchisees (who lose part or all of their investment, if not their entire business), would suggest that education

in franchising principles and techniques is necessary for franchisors prior to and during the use of franchising to expand. Yet too often business owners start franchising their concept, and then realize after they receive complaints from franchisees and problems emerge in the network that they don’t have the answers for everything and need to learn more about the business of franchising. For example, important franchisor processes such as field support, site selection, financial benchmarking of individual and group performance, and franchisee selection are just a few areas where franchisors can flounder. For those franchisor personnel with previous work experience in, and an understanding of the operations of large company-owned chains, a passing familiarity with these concepts overlooks the one key difference between corporate and franchised chains – the franchisee who has invested in the brand and expects to get a return on their investment. Managing and supporting franchisees is a world apart

from managing and supporting employees in a company-owned chain. It should be understood that franchising is not a business by itself, but a way of doing business that transcends the boundaries of business type and industry. A fundamental knowledge of the principles of franchising is essential for franchisors to effectively lead and grow their organization, in addition to the specific industry-knowledge particular to their business. An assessment of these two types of knowledge (ie. franchising and industryspecific) is important for a franchisee to determine the viability of a long-term commercial relationship with a franchisor. Not only should franchisees be encouraged to ask for more detail about the business qualifications and franchising experience of officers named in a company’s disclosure document, but they should also be considering the wider context, such as the qualifications and experience of the support personnel with whom the franchisee will have regular contact. A potential franchisee might consider asking a franchisor the following questions (and of course franchisors should ask themselves these same questions periodically): • What is the franchisor’s professional development policy for its staff? • In the last 12 months, what training programs (including conferences) have been attended by franchisor personnel who will be involved in supporting the franchisee’s business? • How relevant are these training programs in supporting a franchisee’s business? • Are staff who support franchisees required to undertake any competency assessments or attain any qualifications to maintain or progress in their role? • What induction training (if any) are franchisor staff required to undertake prior to working with franchisees? • What ongoing professional development is required of franchisor staff, particularly those in direct contact with franchisees?

Caught up in the excitement of becoming their own boss, a potential franchisee can easily view a franchise offer through rosecoloured glasses, but asking some serious questions about the franchisor’s knowledge of franchising, and their commitment to learning can be highly revealing. Questions of this nature will be particularly useful to help distinguish one franchise opportunity above another if the business concept, investment level and other factors are similar. Many franchisees shop around for the franchise that suits them best, and often narrow their search to two or three businesses that may operate in the same market and be direct competitors to each other. A franchisor’s demonstrated commitment to continual improvement through ongoing professional development might make all the difference between a potential franchisee applying for one system in preference to another. (And for that matter, if a potential franchisee is thinking about their future business investment in this detail, it may make them an even more appealing candidate as it demonstrates a thorough and planned approach to starting their business). Not only can a commitment to ongoing education and professional development make a franchisor more appealing to potential franchisees, it can also improve its long-term chances of survival and extend competitive advantages over its rivals. While there are no educational qualifications awarded to a franchisor’s business, there are both vocational and postgraduate qualifications available for themselves and their staff, as well as the International Franchise Association’s own Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program. The CFE is a designation that identifies franchisor personnel who are committed to ongoing learning. To earn and maintain the CFE designation (which often appears as a postnominal after a person’s name), a participant must commit to a learning pathway. This can include short courses, workshops, and highly specialised franchise leaning events, such as those

Jason Gehrke is a director of the Franchise Advisory Center and has been involved in franchising for more than 30 years at franchisee, franchisor and advisor level. He provides training and professional development services to franchisor teams and regularly conducts franchise education programs. For details of scheduled education events for franchisors based in the USA and Canada, click here.

conducted by the Franchise Advisory Center. The CFE designation is awarded only after a participant has completed sufficient points of professional development across a range of activities. In order to retain the designation, a CFE-holder must continue to accrue a minimum of professional development points. Franchisors generally prefer their staff to attend a number of short, highly-focussed education events rather than extended, drawn-out courses for the reason that they can rarely afford for their staff to be out of circulation for more than a day or so at a time. In addition, highly focused events can help a franchisor’s business build its overall skills rapidly, resulting in accelerated improvements in support and guidance to franchisees. (In particular, education now delivered in a live and interactive format via online platforms via Zoom can benefit a franchisor’s entire national team with the minimum of disruption to the business. Business owners typically don’t know what they don’t know. Franchisors are no different. Building the knowledge and capabilities of their staff in the specialised world of franchising is important to ensure that in turn, their franchisees have the best possible chances of success. Perfection in franchising is a journey, not a destination. Ongoing education of franchisor personnel makes that journey safer and more sustainable for both franchisee and franchisor. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 43

snapshot: NerdsToGo

NerdsToGo Seeks

Franchise Expansion in Milwaukee, With Goal Set to Develop Eight New Units in the Market Leading computer and technology repair service seeks to provide assistance to small-and-medium sized businesses in a new market NerdsToGo, a leading computer and technology repair services franchise, is looking to expand its presence in Milwaukee by approximately eight units, as the increasing demand for in-home technology solutions continues to rise. “With so many businesses offering remote work for their employees, the services NerdsToGo provides are more valuable now than ever before,” said Mark Jameson, chief support and development officer at Propelled Brands. “NerdsToGo has an amazing opportunity in the Milwaukee market, and we are confident that our proven business model along with the support and resources provided, will allow our franchisees to thrive.” The NerdsToGo business model has created a culture of excellence where Nerds are given the opportunity to grow and profit from their skills, while offering a high standard of professional service to customers. “When Propelled Brands acquired NerdsToGo, I knew they would take the FASTSIGNS business model and bring those tools to the NerdsToGo franchise,” said Chuck Bailey, a NerdsToGo franchise owner. “NerdsToGo bridges a gap that exists between the large corporate IT services companies and the mom and pop stores that are out there. Propelled Brands is setting up NerdsToGo to be a lean, mean, franchising machine, and I am excited to be a part of that transformation.” Prospective franchisees do not need experience in information technology, but should have a strong desire to grow a successful business in their local community, developing relationships with small business owners to become their outsourced IT department. The initial investment for a NerdsToGo franchise is approximately $146,200 - $217,050, including a $49,750 franchise fee. Ideal candidates have a net worth of $300,000, of which $80K is liquid. Additionally, NerdsToGo offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters, including a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875. 44 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

With so many businesses offering remote “ work for their employees, the services NerdsToGo provides are more valuable now than ever before.

”

About NerdsToGo NerdsToGo, Inc. launched its original location in Guilford, CT in 2003 and quickly became the emerging leader in providing computer and technology-based services to both the small and medium-sized business market and the residential market. NerdsToGo began franchising in 2017 and quickly grew to 25 independently owned franchise locations in 16 states. In 2020, Fastsigns Holdings Inc. acquired GTN CAPITAL GROUP, LLC, the parent company of NerdsToGo. In 2021, Propelled Brands was formed, the corporate umbrella that includes FASTSIGNS®, SIGNWAVE® in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand, NerdsToGo®, an emerging IT services franchise brand acquired in September 2020, and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite and Salon Plaza in June 2021. With a focus on business-to-business franchises and the people behind those businesses, Propelled Brands will help each franchise confidently navigate forward based on their unique position, momentum and purpose. NerdsToGo locations provide the total solution in computer and technology support to customers, and the company’s signature service is delivered by sending a Nerd onsite to customer locations in a well-branded, eye-catching Nerd Van. Customers can also receive service through remote support or by visiting a local NerdsToGo service center. NerdsToGo acts as the IT department for small to medium sized businesses by helping to design, implement and support IT networks, provide data backup & continuity services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, remote support, vendor management services and overall routine maintenance. For information about the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson mark.jameson@propelledbrands.com or 214-346-5679

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To subscribe visit: www.franchisingmagazineusa.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 45

franchisor in depth: Primrose Schools®

Primrose Schools® Dedicates 40th Year to

Serving More Children Through Expansion of Early Education and Child Care “

The company awarded 27 franchise agreements, opened 22 schools and experienced a 340% increase in potential franchise owner inquiries compared to 2020.

”

This growth comes on the heels of a successful 2021. Primrose Schools maintained its trusted reputation for safety and service excellence throughout the pandemic, which led to positive financial growth and several important development milestones. The company awarded 27 franchise agreements, opened 22 schools and experienced a 340% increase in potential franchise owner inquiries compared to 2020. Pre-pandemic inquiries from 2019 were outperformed by 142% as well. Enrollment also remained high over the last year, with many locations continuing to have waitlists for students. Building on this momentum, the company is poised to reach its milestone 500th location by this time next year.

Child care is an essential service, and the pandemic has elevated awareness of the importance of quality early education and care to maintaining a thriving economy. One in three households are struggling to find the child care they need to return to work, according to a recent poll conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Equally alarming, ReadyNation and Council for a Strong America estimate this unmet demand costs the U.S. economy $57 billion each year in 46 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

lost productivity, earnings, and revenue. As working parents struggle to access this essential service, Primrose Schools is kicking off its 40th year dedicated to helping both new entrepreneurs and veteran franchise owners meet the early education and care needs of families in their community by opening schools and expanding access to Primrose’s time-tested and award-winning Balanced Learning® approach. A premier early education and care leader with nearly 475 locations, Primrose Schools is projected to open an estimated 25 new schools in 2022, several of which are in urban locations like New York City.

“Primrose Schools revolutionized early childhood education through its proven model, continued innovation and tireless commitment to supporting its franchise owners and the children and families they serve with the guidance and tools to thrive,” said Steve Clemente, President of Primrose Schools. “We have expanded access to premier early education and quality child care significantly over the last 40 years. But as demand for these essential services continues, Primrose remains focused on empowering entrepreneurs to create a brighter future for all children and families by bringing new schools to communities across the country.” At a time when families are returning to

A premier early education “ and care leader with nearly 475 locations. ” future, the West Lakes Early Learning Center offers a unique opportunity for understanding the relationship between access and receipt of high-quality educational early learning programming and local provision of healthcare, housing stability and mobility, and family employment in the context of community transformation.

the nation’s largest cities, new Primrose schools are opening in critical financial centers that are experiencing some of the greatest child care shortages due to the pandemic, like New York City and Chicago. Similarly, migration of young families during the pandemic has been a major boon to secondary cities, but they need a vitally important service to sustain their growth – access to quality early education and child care. Primrose is working with new entrepreneurs, as well as veteran franchise owners, to help the nation’s fastest growing areas, like Austin, Boise, Reno and Nashville, meet the needs of its residents. Child care shortages in Silicon Valley, Milwaukee and other tech hubs grew significantly as they transitioned to remote workforces at the height of the pandemic. As many businesses begin their call for a return to the office, Primrose has plans to open schools in these communities in the upcoming years to provide parents with the quality early education and care solutions they need. In addition to experiencing rapid growth, Primrose Schools has been recognized for its dedication to franchise owners and advocacy efforts alongside the Early Care & Education Consortium and other national partners to expand access to early education and create meaningful child care solutions.

Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® awards, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking, named Primrose Schools No. 1 in the child care category and No. 65 on the overall list of best franchises for 2022. This is the sixth consecutive year Primrose Schools received the honor of claiming the top spot in the child care category. Primrose also received the top ranking in the child care services category of Newsweek’s 2022 America’s Best Customer Service list and outperformed all child care competitors on the latest Franchise Times Top 400 report, earning the 108th spot overall. As lawmakers continued to debate the child care funding provisions to be included in the Build Back Better bill, Primrose Schools CEO Jo Kirchner worked alongside the Early Care & Education Consortium (ECEC) to advocate for a comprehensive public-private partnership and mixed-delivery child care framework benefitting all children. Likewise, Primrose continued its collaboration with partners AdventHealth, Lift Orlando, Purpose Built Communities, West Lakes Partnership and the Bainum Family Foundation at the revolutionary West Lakes Early Learning Center in Orlando, Florida. The innovative center combines high-quality early education, child care and comprehensive health, wellness and social services for children and their families. Looking to replicate this model in other communities in the

Primrose also became the first national system of preschools to have their teachers and parents utilize evidencebased screening tools for their children aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics. The tools offer the unique ability to assess seven areas of social and emotional development alongside learning milestones, highlighting strength areas and opportunities for individualized student support. The pandemic has made clearer than ever before the need to address social-emotional development in early learning, as children have had to adjust to remote learning and greater social isolation. Launching the program in all schools nationwide has allowed Primrose to further support franchise owners with the innovative resources they need to offer the highest-quality standard of care. “Primrose Schools and its franchise owners are helping provide the essential service of early education and care to communities across the country, but there are still too many families that are struggling to access high quality child care” said Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools. “We’re looking forward to working with the many altruistic entrepreneurs that have decided to open new school locations, as well as welcoming first-time Primrose franchise owners all of whom will help further our mission of expanding access to quality educational child care for all children.” Entrepreneurs looking for impactful, innovative business opportunities can visit Primrose Schools online or call 800-PRIMROSE (774-6767) to learn more about franchise opportunities today. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 47

EXPERT ADVICE: Lucas Frey | CEO | Bella Vista Executive Advisors

The Passionate Franchisee (and Why It’s Important for You) Great leaders possess passion and keep it fresh. Defined by Webster’s as “a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.” It is a core fiber of the culture of any successful organization including your franchise. How a leader’s passion appears to others varies greatly depending on their personality. One successful franchisee may exude passion subtly. Another may choose grand gestures so everyone sees their passion. Be authentic. Your underlying “enthusiasm or excitement” is always present…or not. The key for successful franchisees is figuring out how to be passionate about the process of leading their employees. Those you work with want to make a difference. That difference can be as focused as helping a co-worker get a child to school or as broad as saving the whales. Developing and displaying your passion authentically inspires those around you to extraordinary achievements. There is a balance between invigorating passion to fuel your franchise success and unhealthy obsession leading to catastrophic burnout. Ask yourself these 4 questions: • Do you enjoy the process of leading your company? • Do you grind out each day and end up mentally spent? • Do your daily to-do’s pile up with no end in sight? • Are you able to unplug from your franchise 2 weeks on a vacation? Exception for new franchisees developing their business from scratch. This is a spectrum. The questions help you determine where you may fall.

Luke Frey improves franchise owners’ businesses where corporate support alone fails. He brings 26+ years of varied professional experiences including 20 years as a franchise owner of ImageFIRST Cincinnati, 6 years as an industrial engineer for a Fortune 250 company and 19 years as a volunteer firefighter. All of these experiences, in addition to his drive to learn, have brought him to be a positive driving force for other franchise owners’ successes. To learn more about Luke and how Bella Vista Executive Advisors can help, please click HERE www.bellavistaexecutiveadvisors.com

Your passion fosters an inspirational culture These 3 activities are critical to keep your employees enthusiastic at work:

1 Encourage your associates to explore. • How can your franchise make an impact on the industry in general or your franchisor specifically as well as your clients? ImageFIRST - Cincinnati was the first franchisee of the franchisor. There were some differences in the operations manual and the realities of our facilities. My crews helped identify and communicate those differences to the franchisor. This aided subsequent franchise locations overcome locational obstacles more efficiently. • Professional development fuels enthusiasm. Consistently challenge your associates to take “one more step” in their development. Added training to fortify current skills or adding new ones keeps your franchise moving forward. Training the Terrace Park Firefighters beyond the volunteer requirements opened the door to working with other departments on whom we depended. • Internal communications systems encouraging crossdepartmental networking are beneficial for your franchise. Best practices are shared. Forming teams to overcome significant performance challenges is more natural. Camaraderie is enhanced. And wins are celebrated.

2 Create systems that allow experimentation to challenge “this is the way it’s always done.” • An internal feedback system focusing on behaviors rather than feelings, helps your employees identify and improve areas needing help. And establishes a vehicle to recognize wins. • Shared, cross-functional work spaces help establish cohesion to focus on the overall organizational goals. Insulating functional groups is counter-productive to exploit inter-departmental synergies. 48 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

“

The key for successful franchisees is figuring out how to be passionate about the process of leading their employees. Those you work with want to make a difference.

”

• Management must support experimentation with resources, actions and systems. Those systems reward low-risk experimentation even if the outcome is different than the hypothesis. Proving a new process isn’t as efficient provides insights not previously known.

3 Establish your franchise’s performance path following the key priorities from your strategic plan. Communicate these objectives. Set intermediate successes and celebrate when achieved. Ensure daily activities are aligned with your long-term objectives.

Feed YOUR passion Your initial enthusiasm starting your franchise will fade with time, unless you take positive action. Keeping your passion strong is critical for long-term success for 3 reasons: • Your employees watch you to make sure your actions align with your words. Show them what passion looks like. A well-trained group of individuals passionate about meeting performance goals, creates an unstoppable organization. • A successful franchisee challenges themselves daily. YOU must stay engaged. Keep your franchise moving forward each day. • Feeding your passion is the key to developing new leadership skills. You also build on and perfect the skills you have. These 4 daily habits are the prime rib buffet to feed your passion. • Read about leadership, your industry trends, your franchisor, etc., at least 30 minutes daily. It’s the third thing I do every morning before the rest of the house wakes. In case you’re wondering, a visit to the “head” is the first and making coffee second.

• Write at least an hour each day. Put your processes and systems in writing, create a new training opportunity for your crews or keep a daily log. Do something daily keeping you practiced to articulate your knowledge and showcase your employees. • Teach others what you know. The franchisor and other franchisees can gain valuable lessons from what you’re doing. As the first franchisee of ImageFIRST, we stayed in constant contact with the franchisor. We tweaked the operations manual the first few years and subsequent franchisees benefited. • Your network is valuable. Let me say that again, YOUR NETWORK IS VALUABLE. Take actions to keep your current network close and never stop growing your circle. Be a part of an industry specific association as well as those focused on franchising. Join a local Business Networking International (BNI) chapter or your local Kiwanis. Keep up to date with franchising trends in general. Great leaders are passionate about their industry, their company and, most importantly, their associates’ success. You can take steps today to foster passion in those working with you. Even better, you now have the tools to re-establish the passion you felt when you first started your franchise. Your employees and clients and colleagues are watching you. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 49

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march 2022

cover story

Veteran Service Brands

adds new recruit to its growing army of brand names

latest news in

veteran franchising Why is Franchising a Good Business

Opportunity for Veterans?

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

52 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

contents

veterans supplement Cover Story 58 Paint Corps: Veteran Service Brands adds new recruit to its growing army of Brand names

What’s New

54 Franchising News Latest News from Veterans in Franchising

Franchisee in Action 56 PuroClean: Restoration Professionals Dedication and Commitment

Expert Advice

58 62

60 Jeff Todd: Why is Franchising a good business opportunity for Veterans 68 VetFran: Veterans and Franchising a Perfect Fit

Spotlights 62 LIT Method: Appoints Fitness Franchise Industry Mogul Mike Abramson to Chief Strategy Officer 70 Pet Supplies Plus: Acquires Wag n Wash Natural Pet Foods and Grooming

Snapshot 64 College Hunks: Looking to Acquire 500 Trucks despite supply chain shortages and Commitment

70 Franchising MAGAZINE USA 53

v e t e r a n s s u ppl e m e n t

Throw out that bor JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting™ Ranked Number One Commercial Cleaning Franchise In Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500®

“Gone are the days of boring lunches that don’t keep you energized and are just plain wrong. Panera Bread saw this issue and sprung to action. Pan American is excited to announce hot new items to spice up your lunches that will be sure to fill you with energy.

Smooth JAN-PRO CLEANING & DISINFECTING – One of the largest commercial cleaning franchise brands in the country – was recognized as the #1 Commercial Cleaning Franchise out of 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. The 43rd annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the 2022 Franchise 500 ranks JAN-PRO CLEANING & DISINFECTING as #1 for the 14th year in a row for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. “The past year has been one of the most challenging for businesses in recent memory, which made putting together our 43rd annual Franchise 500 list more enlightening than ever,” says Entrepreneur Editor in Chief Jason Feifer. “The companies named to this year’s list showed us how being resilient, supportive, and nimble can help navigate extraordinary challenges and also underscore the grit and innovation that define entrepreneurship.” “Right now, there is an incredible opportunity for expansion for JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting,” said Gary Bauer, President of JAN-PRO SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL. “We are thrilled to be ranked the #1 commercial cleaning franchise for the 14th year in a row by Entrepreneur Magazine.”

Veteran Benefits We offer a 10% discount off the initial franchise fee. 54 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

ring Lunch The Citrus Asian Crunch Salad with Chicken is the perfect blend of romaine, kale, cabbage, carrots and broccoli slaw that is perfectly blended with edamame, pickled red onions and cilantro. The salad is topped off with dark meat chicken thighs, teriyaki drizzle and crispy carrots. Thai Chicken Soup is filled with Thai yellow coconut curry broth, ginger lemongrass and galangal. This soup is perfectly mixed with chicken, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, spicy red bell peppers and edamame. Throw out your boring lunch and pick up these exciting items. Your lunch break might only be an hour, but these items are here to stay. You can try these latest items at any Flynn Restaurant Group Panera Bread.” Flynn Restaurant Group

hie King Launches Pilot Test of Text-to-Order Platform World’s Largest Smoothie Brand Partners with HungerRush Text After an extraordinary year in 2021 that brought a 16.5% sales increase year-overyear domestically and a record $834,562 average unit volume (AUV) for the top 25% of franchised units in operation, Smoothie King recently announced a test of its new text-to-order platform. The global smoothie brand is rolling out the program in Chicago and Jacksonville, with the goal of offering a more modern guest experience while driving top-line digital sales for franchisees. Through a partnership with HungerRush and its sophisticated platform OrderAI, the world’s largest smoothie brand continues to demonstrate its willingness to invest in new technology to increase sales and profitability for its franchisees while making it easier than ever for guests to order and enjoy its world-class smoothies. Using a 4–5digit code, Smoothie King fans in Chicago and Jacksonville can place and pay for their order with the nearest Smoothie King location via SMS text message and visit the store to pick up and enjoy their smoothie.

Veteran Benefits We offer a 20% discount off our franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans. As the world’s largest smoothie brand with more than 1,300 stores open, Smoothie King has achieved same-store sales growth for the past 9+ years by delivering masterfully crafted blends that support its guests’ healthy and active lifestyles. Get started by visiting www.smoothiekingfranchise.com for more information

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 55

v e t e r a n s s u ppl e m e n t

Hungry Howie’s Bakes Up Aggressive Multi-Unit Franchise Growth Strategy a slice of the dynamic quick-service pizza sector. With more than 535 stores in 21 states, the pizza brand aims to expand its national footprint by signing at least 10 more franchisees and grow by 10% in 2022.

Hungry Howie’s, the originator of Flavored Crust® pizza, announced today the roll out of its new franchise incentive program to promote accelerated unit growth in 2022. Offering bold incentives for a limitedtime, Hungry Howie’s new aggressive development strategy is designed for multi-unit operators who are looking for

For those interested in expanding their portfolio with a leading brand in the $46 billion pizza industry, Hungry Howie’s is offering investors up to $150,000 in free royalties for three or more locations as part of its brand-new Strategic Growth Partner franchise incentive program. “There is a tremendous franchise growth opportunity for Hungry Howie’s and there is no better time to join,” said Steve Clough, Director of Franchise Development at Hungry Howie’s. “This is the first time in the brand’s history that we

have introduced a program this aggressive. The Michigan-based pizza brand has continuously been recognized as one of the nation’s top pizza chains and with record-breaking sales numbers, a strong customer base, proven success in our business model; Hungry Howie’s is primed for national multi-unit growth expansion. We’ll be looking to partner with multiunit operators who have a passion for the brand, strong business acumen, and proven restaurant industry experience.” For more information about franchising please visit https://franchising. hungryhowies.com/

Veteran Benefits Hungry Howie’s offers honorably discharged veterans $12,500 off the initial franchise fee.

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA Proudly Opens First Idaho Location to introduce the brand’s signature experience of “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!®” to Meridian locals. “We are proud to bring Mountain Mike’s Pizza to the great state of Idaho, and it’s not lost on us how clearly the values of Idaho residents overlap with the family and community-based pillars on which Mountain Mike’s was established,” said longtime Idaho resident Boris Ilic for Gem State Pies. “We’re thrilled to welcome the community in for the unique dine-in experience only found at Mountain Mike’s, where families and friends of all ages can come together and make memories over some really fantastic pizza.” The 2,500-square-foot Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Meridian features the same welcoming atmosphere the brand is known for and a design that pays tribute to the adventurous spirit within us all. Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for more than 40 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily, is excited to announce the opening of its first Idaho location in Meridian. The new restaurant is owned and operated by Gem State Pies, the franchise group that recently inked a multi-unit deal with Mountain Mike’s Pizza to open five locations throughout Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Located on Eagle Road, Mountain Mike’s is thrilled 56 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

For additional information about Mountain Mike’s Pizza visit www.mountainmikespizza.com

Veteran Benefits 50% reduction on the franchise fee for U.S. Veterans. We are actively seeking veterans with integrity, passion and character, who have a strong personal commitment to their communities.

Little Caesars Sees Considerable Growth Little Caesars, the global, family-owned pizza chain with locations in 27 countries and territories, is riding considerable growth momentum from 2021 into what is shaping up to be a year marked by even more worldwide growth in 2022. The brand has ambitious plans to continue global expansion efforts in 2022 and is actively seeking interested franchisees to join its world-renowned team. In the coming year, the brand intends to continue its domestic growth by adding more multi-unit and single-unit franchisees, offering special incentives for military veterans and first responders. With these targets in mind, Little Caesars is pursuing franchise candidates who strongly align with the brand’s values and eligibility requirements in New England, New York City, Minneapolis, Denver and the Pacific Northwest. Little Caesars has grown its international presence over the past few years in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Canada,

the Caribbean and Asia Pacific, most recently opening restaurants in Russia, Colombia, Spain and Barbados. The brand is currently seeking multi-unit developers in Brazil, France, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines and United Arab Emirates.

the past year and a half, Little Caesars also hired Craig Sherwood as Vice President of U.S. Development, Marc DaSilva as Vice President of International Development and Basil Kazepis as Vice President of Real Estate and Construction.

To fuel the brand’s future growth, Little Caesars expanded its development team. Jeremy Vitaro, joined Little Caesars as Chief Development Officer in April 2021. Over

Domestic franchising investments start around $360,000. Interested prospects should visit Franchise.LittleCaesars.com for more information.

Transworld Business Advisors Franchise Raises Over $320,000 at 20th Annual Pasta Dinner LifeNet4Families center to share what great things they were doing for the community. His goal, to raise a little bit of money and have a nice dinner, has turned into a 20-year tradition of bringing families together, and now raising over $2 million in total, to support a great cause, LifeNet4Families. During the event, guests were treated to a delicious Italian-style pasta dinner. LifeNet4Families President/CEO Dr. Melanie Geddes spoke about LifeNet4Families vital services and the necessity of a system of care for individuals and families in Broward County. The passion and dedication that began in 1985, continues as LifeNet4Families works to reduce hunger, help clients regain or maintain stability through counseling, referrals, emergency financial assistance and Andy’s 20th Annual Family Pasta Dinner, hosted by Andy Cagnetta, CEO of Transworld Business Advisors, raised $320,000 for LifeNet4Families, an organization dedicated to providing necessary food, ancillary services, and referrals to those in need in Broward County.

more. Each year, Andy’s Family Pasta Dinner recognizes Honorary Chefs for their efforts to better the South Florida community. The dinner also recognized Junior Chefs, South Florida youths who have achieved accomplishments in fundraising, community service, and leadership. The Junior Chef component aims to promote family bonding by providing substantive activities

Over 800 guests attended the event on Sunday, February 20th

for kids to teach them the importance of giving back to the

at the Signature Grand in Davie, Fla. In 2003, Andy Cagnetta

community. The dinner also featured both silent and live auctions

started with a simple idea to invite his friends and family to the

that contributed to the event’s impressive fundraising total. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 57

v e t e r a n s s u ppl e m e n t

cover story: PAINT CORPS

Veteran Service Brands adds new recruit to its growing army of brand names PAINT CORPS is the newest addition to Veteran Service Brands, joining G-FORCE, MACH ONE and FIELD OPS in the exclusively veteran-owned family of businesses.

The “rookie” of Veteran Service Brands, PAINT CORPS, offers interior and exterior painting and high-end cabinet refinishing. Meanwhile, G-FORCE provides pavement marking services, MACH ONE installs epoxy floors, and FIELD OPS focuses on athletic field marking.

Although PAINT CORPS may be the newest member of the Veteran Service Brands family, it’s actually been operating for five years, owner and founder Burgess Perry said during a recent interview with Franchising USA magazine from the franchise’s headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The company just recently started franchising and is in the process of finding and onboarding its first franchise owners.

Getting started An active duty member of the military for 10 years – first as a medic and then a nurse – Perry’s father owned a painting business when the franchise owner was a teenager, which he credits as giving him the idea of starting a painting business. He retired from the military in 2016 and in March of 2017, he started a local painting company in Tampa, which he called American Veteran Painting. It started with just him painting and his first customer was his neighbor across the street. While Perry got the job done on his own, he admitted that it was not done in the most efficient manner. But, that first house gave him a plethora of lessons on both how to paint a house and how to run a business.

58 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Veterans joining the “ Veteran Service Brands family enjoy instant camaraderie, proven systems in high demand businesses, group discounts, and more.

”

As he grew the business, he hired a good team around him and they worked out better systems for painting and scaling the business. There was just one problem; while the name American Veteran Painting was accurate, it also proved problematic for trademarking purposes.

In demand Painting has certainly been in-demand over the five years of PAINT CORPS existence. A lot of places in the United States have homeowners associations that mandate homeowners paint their houses and keep them looking good, Perry pointed out. This typically drives up demand, along with people just wanting to perform some general maintenance on their homes. And then there is cabinet refinishing. “Cabinet refinishing has kind of been a buzz,” Perry explained. “It’s been a trendy thing for the past three to five years.”

So, in 2021, the company rebranded to PAINT CORPS.

At PAINT CORPS’ current corporate location, they are booked for six months in advance for cabinet refinishing and they have a similar demand for painting.

Joining the family

The right stuff

Perry joined the Veteran Service Brands family through a connection in his own family. His brother-in-law, Vish Munusami, who lives near him in Tampa, had become the first ever G-FORCE franchisee. Since Perry and Munusami’s families meet every Friday for dinner, Munusami told Perry about Veteran Service Brands owner Jack Child, who Perry then met. Perry asked Child what he thought of house painting as a business and it turns out that Child was planning to open a house painting franchise to add to the Veteran Service Brands portfolio. Rather than starting a painting franchise from scratch, after meeting Perry, Child decided to add PAINT CORPS to his stable of franchise brands. “The puzzle pieces fit together just right and we partnered up to make it happen,” Perry recalled. With their focus on veteran ownership, PAINT CORPS is an ideal fit for Veteran Service Brands, as the franchise promises the same camaraderie for veterans as the company’s other brand names. “Veterans joining the Veteran Service Brands family enjoy instant camaraderie, proven systems in high demand businesses, group discounts, and more,” Child said in a statement.

Perry said PAINT CORPS is looking for veterans who are driven, ambitious, goal-oriented, and take pride in what they do. They should also love working with customers. Franchisee prospects who fit the profile will undergo one week of training in Tampa. The first part of the week is mostly classroom work to go through the business processes, the software the franchise uses and the day-to-day administrative operations. The second half of the week is on-the-job training to study actual ongoing projects that are being done by the Tampa location so new franchisees can see the actual painting and cabinet refinishing processes. PAINT CORPS also has an in-house coaching program where all franchisees meet virtually every two weeks for an hour-and-a-half coaching session.

Standing out The fact that PAINT CORPS owners will all be veterans, and primarily employ veterans means customers are going to enjoy the integrity and professionalism that comes with being a veteran of the armed forces, Perry said. The franchise also offers a free five-year touch up warranty where they will come back and do touch ups to the paint for a five-year period.

“All of our projects are warrantied in that way,” Perry noted. Perry has already grown to 12 service vehicles and 24 technicians and competes and wins against the big name paint brands. In five years, Perry wants to have 100 locations, along with an excellent team of veteran owners. Currently, franchise locations are available nationwide. PAINT CORPS has a veteran discount based on years of service, so someone who has served 10 years like Perry would get a bigger discount than someone who has served five years. Any veterans looking to flex their entrepreneurial muscles in civilian life will enjoy the camaraderie of Veteran Service Brands’ newest recruit, PAINT CORPS.

Veteran Service Brands: • G-FORCE - Pavement marking • MACH ONE - Epoxy Floors • FIELD OPS - Athletic field markings • PAINT CORPS - Interior & exterior painting & high-end cabinet refinishing Initial Investments Start as low as $20,000 for FIELD OPS (assuming possession of a suitable pickup truck) and run as high as $150,000 depending upon brand, territory size, truck choice, and equipment package. Early Bird Discounts on Franchise Fees Deeply discounted for the first five franchise partners of Veteran Service Brands’ new brand partners. MACH ONE and PAINT CORPS normally have a $25,000 Franchise Fee, but offer the first five franchisees a $15,000 discount. FIELD OPS has a $10,000 fee. It offers a 50% discount for the first five franchisees. Veteran Service Brands is already the largest veteran-only franchise system and aims to triple its size in the next 12-18 months. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 59

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expert advice: Jeff Todd | Vice President of Franchise Development | Driven Brands, Inc

Why is Franchising

a Good Business Opportunity for Veterans?

Becoming a franchisee is an excellent opportunity for all aspiring business owners, but veterans are uniquely qualified for this type of entrepreneurship. After a U.S. military veteran retires from the armed forces, they have a big decision to make and often find themselves wondering, What do I do now? With endless questions and dozens of possible directions, it can be an unsettling task to determine what the next step should be. The good news is that military veterans possess a unique set of skills that makes them an ideal candidate for owning a franchise. Those who have served have acquired substantial proficiency in viewing problems as opportunities, and often have leadership abilities as well as a diligent work ethic. The same qualities that allow an individual to succeed as a member of the armed forces allow veterans to find significant fulfillment and success within franchising. Managing a successful franchise takes a lot of determination, leadership skills and grit, which service members have in abundance. Franchisees are required to work within a franchisor’s proven business model and follow processes and systems put into place to properly execute standards and success, something veterans are accustomed to. Owning a franchise allows individuals to create a secure future and diversify their investments while operating their own businesses and earning experience being their own boss. 60 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Owning a franchise allows “ individuals to create a secure future and diversify their investments while operating their own businesses and earning experience being their own boss.

”

Jeff Todd is the Vice President of Franchise Development at Driven Brands, Inc., with a focus on Meineke Car Care Centers (Meineke) and Maaco America’s Body Shop (Maaco). He leads a team that is responsible for awarding each brand’s franchise opportunity to qualified investors — working closely with individuals and operator groups who are either interested in diversifying their portfolios or seek to transition into entrepreneurship in the attractive automotive aftermarket segment.

Here are five reasons why veterans should consider franchising:

Investing in an 1You’re Established Business

Often times adjusting to civilian life after the military can be challenging. Veterans are trained to work within an established framework, so franchising is a great option because there are systems and processes in place for owners to follow, and an abundance of training programs to ensure they’re set up for success. Additionally, franchisees don’t need to do a lot of hard work to establish credibility, because a franchise brand has already done the legwork. Franchised companies have a perfected system, and all franchisees need to do is follow it.

Experience is 2Leadership Crucial to Success

Franchisees are responsible for the day-today operation of their business including hiring, training and managing staff. Strong leadership skills will ensure franchisees are successful.

3Teamwork Is Key

Being part of a franchise system means everyone is working together towards a common goal, and franchisees will thrive when they have a great team in place. Similar to the military, teamwork is crucial to success in franchising.

4Proven System

world’s leading automotive aftermarket franchisor. Meineke offers veteran incentives, benefits and programs through the International Franchise Association’s VetFran Program. Veterans of the U.S. armed forces who otherwise meet the requirements of the VetFran Program will receive a 50% reduction in royalty fees for the first six months of operation of their Meineke Centers.

5You Start at the Top

We are honored to provide a strong business opportunity for those who have served our country, and we recognize the value veterans can bring to our franchise system. Our current veteran owners are extremely talented and make up a significant part of our network. They clearly understand the value of being part of a franchise that offers a proven model to follow.

Nationwide, 14% of franchisees are veterans and more than 500 companies offer discounts to prospective veteran franchise owners, including Meineke, the

And while the experience veterans possess positions them favorably as franchisees, choosing a reputable franchise model is also crucial to their success. Often, it is just as important as choosing a career path itself — the system in which a veteran chooses to establish his or herself sets the tone for their future. It is critical to align with a franchise that shares a compatible set of values.

Working within a proven system and executing procedures is what makes franchising a successful entrepreneurial venture. Veterans bring a great deal of experience when it comes to procedural execution and working within a system. When you decide to leave the service for civilian life and have to start over again, it can be discouraging, especially when coming from a leadership position. When you buy a franchise, you start at the top as owner and executive of your business, which means you skip climbing the ranks.

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spotlight: LIT Method

LIT Method Appoints Fitness Franchise Industry Mogul Mike Abramson to Chief Strategy Officer Creators of Low Impact Training™ Add Seasoned Leader to Executive Team to Spearhead Expansion into Franchising As someone always looking “ to be at the cutting-edge of the fitness franchise space, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of a nationally recognized brand while being on the ground level of an emerging concept with tremendous potential.

”

excellence in franchising, brings immense value to the LIT Method executive leadership team. With an aggressive growth goal of awarding 100 units over the next 12 months, Abramson will spearhead LIT’s innovative expansion into the fitness franchise space.

Backed by Marcy Venture Partners and five-time MLB All-Star Adrian Gonzalez, LIT Method, the wellness and tech company known for its innovative, high-intensity, Low Impact Training (LIT™), announces the hiring of Mike Abramson as Chief Strategy Officer. The news comes on the heels of the brand’s launch of its franchise opportunity — a first of its kind hybrid digital and physical experience set to reimagine the future of fitness franchising. Abramson’s more than two decades of senior leadership experience, combined with his passion and commitment to 62 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

“When we made the decision to create a whole new kind of franchise opportunity, we knew there wasn’t a stronger candidate for this position,” said Justin Norris, CoFounder & CEO of LIT Method. “Mike has the proven track record with fitness franchise brands, and he consistently meets and exceeds goals. But more than that, he saw right away the unique opportunity we’re trying to outline for entrepreneurs and the versatile experience we’re introducing for clients. That’s the kind of eye, determination, and alignment on vision we need in order to grow our brand through franchising.” Abramson’s career spans both the entrepreneurial and corporate landscapes. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Revenue Officer for Xponential Fitness Inc. While

acting as COO, Abramson served on the IPO steering committee, playing a pivotal role in taking Xponential Fitness public. Previously, Abramson served as President of D1 Training, where he led the franchise model from its founding, to receiving a strategic investment from Princeton Equity Group, to its solidification as one of the most successful franchised fitness brands in America. After 15 years plus in the fitness industry, Abramson has become a well-known and respected leader. “I’ve worked with Mike a lot over the years and when it comes to boutique fitness brand expansion, there’s nobody better,” said Fritz Lanman, CEO of ClassPass. “Mike knows what makes — and sustains — a legacy fitness brand. Franchising at scale requires a very granular understanding of how quickly the fitness world can change, and there’s no one out there more adept at strategic leadership and more equipped to handle that kind of growth.” “As someone always looking to be at the cutting-edge of the fitness franchise space, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of a nationally recognized brand while being on the ground level of an emerging concept with tremendous potential,” said Abramson. “I truly believe LIT Method will reimagine the future of fitness. No other fitness concept has LIT’s hybrid studio and showroom model, and its proprietary Low Impact Strength Machine. I’m eager to use my experience to accelerate company-wide success to scale nationwide and to welcome franchise partners to the LIT family.”

LIT’s hybrid model offers “ multiple revenue streams in the form of virtual training, LIT Labs with direct-toconsumer products, and its brick-and-mortar group fitness program.

”

who are involved with their community, have a passion for fitness, and are hungry to dive into the world of franchising. LIT Method offers an affordable, highly scalable opportunity with strong profitpotential. Franchisees will enjoy the benefits of world-class training and ongoing support. Interested individuals can expect a total investment ranging from $200K- $500K, with discounts available for multi-unit signings. As International Franchise Association VetFran members, veteran franchisees who join the LIT Method team will receive a 15% discount off the initial franchise fee. For more information on LIT Method and the franchise opportunity, please visit www.litmethodfranchise.com or call (800) 692-6894.

About LIT Method

LIT Method began as a passion project by husband-and-wife founders Justin and Taylor Norris, which has evolved over the years while staying true to its steadfast promise to deliver results not injuries. The duo opened their first flagship studio in West Hollywood in 2017 and in May 2020, they formally launched the patent pending LIT Strength Machine — the world’s first all-in-one Pilates reformer, water rower, and strength trainer. LIT’s hybrid model offers multiple revenue streams in the form of virtual training, LIT Labs with direct-

to-consumer products, and its brick-andmortar group fitness program. With investments from Marcy Venture Partners (MVP) and former Los Angeles Dodger and five-time MLB All-Star Adrian Gonzalez, franchisees will have the unique chance to get in on the ground level of a highly sought-after brand with a lucrative franchise opportunity. LIT Method is looking to partner with qualified and engaged individuals seeking single and multi-unit opportunities and

Through its Los Angeles-based fitness studio, LIT On-Demand platform, and patent pending multifunctional LIT Strength Machine, LIT Method delivers a first of its kind, high-intensity, low impact strength training workout. Created by husband-and-wife duo, Justin and Taylor Norris, LIT is a combination of physical therapy, injury prevention, and personal training — and the LIT Strength Machine is an all-in-one water rower, Pilates reformer, and strength trainer. Known for delivering on its promise of ‘no running, no jumping, and no weights,’ the method is designed to build bodies, not break them. Learn more about LIT Method and its franchise opportunity at www.litmethodfranchise.com and follow LIT Method on Instagram @ litmethod. Franchising MAGAZINE USA 63

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snapshot: College Hunks

COLLEGE HUNKS LOOKING TO ACQUIRE 500 TRUCKS DESPITE SUPPLY CHAIN TRUCK SHORTAGES As brand grows at rapid pace, HUNKS is on the hunt for additional truck suppliers with the growing demand. As we welcome more franchise partners to our network, access to trucks will be critical and we are exploring creative ways to help our franchises secure the vehicles needed, because waiting more than a year isn’t an option.”

TAMPA, FL – College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving®, an award-winning company and industry leader in stress-free solutions for moving and junkhauling needs, is on the fast track for growth after coming off a record-breaking year. The full-service moving company is expanding with such speed that it is projected to need more than 500 new trucks to fulfill the needs of its existing and newly signed franchise partners. As the company is trending upward, it faces another growing trend, which is the supply chain shortage, specifically truck purchase availability. “Across industries and populations, people are facing supply chain shortages. We are incredibly thrilled about our growth, but the concern of having to wait more than 12 months to find trucks for our franchises is untenable,” said Roman Cowan, Brand President of College HUNKS. “Trucks are key to our services, as they obviously allow us to transport the materials our customers need moved or removed from their homes or businesses. Without additional trucks, our operations will not be able to keep up 64 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

In 2021, College HUNKS added 50 new franchise locations, including in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The company operates 170 franchise locations in 38 states. The company also operates in Canada with 2 franchise locations across the provinces of Alberta and Ontario. “The pandemic produced a myriad of issues for companies around the globe. We were incredibly fortunate to actually experience growth during the past couple of years and we are looking forward to continuing with this momentum,” added Cowan. “The supply chain issue is surely one hurdle that is having us work through creative solutions, and we welcome new vendors and partners that will allow us to stay on track and continue to provide our best-in-class services to those with moving and hauling needs.” “We are taking a four-pronged approach to tackling this issue, which includes a mix of 3 short-term tactics, along with a long-term strategy.” “Though we have been thrilled with our current truck supply partners, this issue has forced us to begin the process of casting a wider net of dealers and suppliers, which will include partnerships with used-trucks dealers” something Cowan says they have never previously done. “Secondly, we will also start the process of directly sourcing satisfactory used-trucks to be delivered

to our franchise locations.” Though this pivot made sense for the College HUNKS Brand, Cowan explained that becoming a used truck dealer was never a part of their strategic vision. “Our third short-term pivot will be exploring alternative manufacturers (and truck types) that can meet our needs as we look to get creative around the issue. Finally, in the longer-term, we will explore sourcing new trucks directly from manufacturers as we aim meet our growing needs for trucks.” “We have already got the ball rolling on all four approaches and fully expect to see significant improvement in our truck sourcing procedures while also providing our brand with greater flexibility and preparedness for future potential supply chain complications.” “If you have a moving truck for sale, call us at 833.626.1326 or via our website www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com - because we are buying,” concluded Cowan. In January 2022, College HUNKS was featured in the Season 11 premiere of the CBS series UNDERCOVER BOSS. Co-founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman both went undercover to examine their company’s operations, and this marked the first time that two bosses were featured in one show. For more information, visit www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com.

Veteran Benefits We offer a $7500 discount on the initial franchise fee for the first zone to all military veterans who have been honorably discharged who are majority owners of the franchise.

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FRANCHSEE IN Action: U.L. Armstrong Jr., Owner of PuroClean of Boerne, TX

PuroClean restoration professionals dedication and commitment “

U.L.’s dedication to service manifests by helping his neighbors through their times of need, born out of a 30+ year tenure with the United States Armed Forces.

”

No one embodies the commitment to service quite like U.L. Armstrong, the owner of PuroClean of Boerne. The Texas-based franchise owner is

familiar with the damage caused by the excessive rainfall, flash flooding, hail,

and tornadoes that frequently occur in his

area, and through his work as a restoration professional, U.L.’s dedication to service 66 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

manifests by helping his neighbors through their times of need, born out of a 30+ year tenure with the United States Armed Forces. Since his transition into civilian life, U.L. has dedicated himself to his community, giving back through the services of his PuroClean franchise. This Black History Month, PuroClean is reflecting upon the diversity that exists within its network and proudly honoring U.L. for his service to the nation, his community, and the PuroClean family.

From Ranking Officer to Entrepreneur As a junior in high school in 1986, U.L. was first inspired to join the U.S. Army when a visiting officer shared his experience with students, noting all that was possible through a career within the military. Evaluating the opportunity, U.L. knew a career in the military would offer him a unique path to leadership resting on his bravery and willingness to serve, setting him up for success later in life. While he obtained various assignments in a multitude of areas throughout his military career, U.L. developed extensive experience as a 74 CBRN officer: an Army position focused on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, including CBRN weapons and weapons of mass destruction. For decades, his team of highly-trained operatives led a robust chemical unit dedicated to protecting the country against specified attacks using these chemical agents. Working across teams and departments, U.L. and his fellow servicemen and women maintained control of the fast-paced, ever-evolving environment to get the job done. It was this notion of cultivating a group of diverse team members to accomplish one shared mission that resonated most with U.L., and he has carried that forward already in his short two years as a PuroClean franchise owner. Working with the Soldier for Life retirement and transition program during his post at Fort Sam, U.L. knew he wanted to develop a path to business ownership following his career, with central goal to build a team that could accomplish something greater. Utilizing his specialized skillset as a “74,” U.L. weighed the opportunities of non-

U.L. Armstrong with daughter, Maeghyn Armstrong; his wife, Audra Armstrong; oldest son, Caleb Armstrong; youngest son, Colin Armstrong; and two dogs Hera (German Shepherd) and Mr. Beau Jangles (Toy Schnauzer)

As the ‘Paramedics of “ Property Damage,’ PuroClean’s culture rests on the mutual trust built between the company and its franchise owners.

”

franchising companies before considering what a franchise-structured business could help him achieve. While his knowledge of PuroClean was minimal at the time, upon meeting the team and experiencing a truly new kind of corporate culture embodying “One Team: All In,” he realized just how much he had in common with PuroClean. In particular, the brand’s values of leadership involvement, training and development programs, and collaboration with others. After making the decision to join PuroClean as a franchise owner, U.L. dove right in, launching his entrepreneurial journey. Since opening his office in 2020, U.L. has grown his business with his hands-on leadership, providing essential restoration services through one of Texas’s worst recorded winter storms.

A Family-Run Support System U.L’s wife Audra Armstrong has been by his side throughout the entirety of his career. She currently serves as Marketing Manager and Lead Technician for PuroClean of Boerne. An active military spouse of 33 years, she has served military families in her own right through her work with the Family Advocacy Program and Exceptional Family Member Program. Living and working in Boerne has inspired U.L. and Audra to support others in the community dedicated to service. Their team makes an effort to connect with first responders directly to showcase their respect and commitment to those on the front lines. Through pro bono efforts,

charitable events, and donations, U.L.’s primary goal since starting his PuroClean business in 2020 has always been to focus on and support the local community. Families like the Armstrongs are prime examples of the kind of leaders that make up the PuroClean franchise network. Dedicated to making a difference in their customers’ lives, the Armstrongs live by the credo of the PuroClean company culture: Servant Leadership, Active Collaboration, and Extreme Ownership.

A Testament to the PuroClean Way As the “Paramedics of Property Damage,” PuroClean’s culture rests on the mutual trust built between the company and its franchise owners, who all work toward one common goal - being the choice restoration and remediation brand for those in local communities across the country. By placing emphasis on robust recruitment programs and maintaining an open line of communication with prospective franchise owners, executive leaders ensure the onboarding of candidates like U.L. who naturally fit the “PuroClean Way.”

U.L. and wife Audra, Marketing Manager and Lead Technician

Families like the Armstrongs “ are prime examples of the kind of leaders that make up the PuroClean franchise network.

”

When new owners invest in a PuroClean franchise, they are simultaneously investing in the reputation of relentless customer service and high-quality work for which the brand is known. U.L. is being spotlighted by PuroClean now as a way to showcase the company’s appreciation for U.L.’s compassion and empathy. “The families and businesses we serve in Boerne, Texas, and the surrounding areas require support in dire circumstances that bring a great deal of uncertainty,” said U.L. “Using the experience I gained through a career of service, I am able to help my neighbors return to normalcy as quickly as possible and to do so while treating them with the utmost compassion and respect. It’s a rewarding career, and I’m only just getting started in creating a strong positive impact on my local community.” Franchising MAGAZINE USA 67

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expert advice: VetFran

Veterans and Franchising a Perfect Fit

Franchising is one of America’s most enduring contributions to the world of business. The franchise business model allows individuals to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. Why reinvent the wheel when you can purchase your own small business complete with know-how, a proven brand and system, and support from the franchisor? A franchisee is his own boss, owns his own small-business and grows at his own pace with the support of the franchisor. Franchising is a popular business model, and it accounts for nearly 7.6 million direct jobs and 2.5% of US GDP. Franchising is also diverse, spanning a range of industries and business formats.

Why Veterans and Franchising Are a Perfect Fit Veterans have always been drawn to the franchise business model, and franchisors have long recognized that entrepreneurial veterans are some of the best qualified, motivated and successful prospective 68 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

franchisees out there. Even though veterans account for about 7% of the population, 14% of franchisees are vets. Veteran franchisees are more likely to hire veterans as employees, and 65% of franchisors have indicated that their rate of hiring veterans has increased in recent years.

Why are Veterans so often suited and successful in franchising careers? Veterans emerge from service with strong leadership skills and a thorough Understanding of teams. Military experience includes leading and motivating people, improving processes, and accomplishing a defined mission. Like the military, successful franchisees and employees accomplish the mission with a team. An established franchise business operates on proven systems and defined procedures. Executing systems and following procedures with precision is emphasized in military training and leads to success in franchising. Franchises provide training. The military has extensive training and teaches very

specific skills to be used to carry out very specific tasks. Franchises also have comprehensive training and support built into the franchising process. This means a Veteran is more likely to succeed by following the franchisor’s proven business model and completing the training program. Franchises are also highly team orientated, meaning you are part of a larger system that is focused on a collective mission greater than the individual. You’re in business “for” yourself, but not “by” yourself.

What Should Veterans Consider when exploring Franchise Opportunities Educate yourself on franchising and how being a franchisee is different than being a pure entrepreneur. Seek out other Veterans in the business you are interested in and ask questions about their experience. Prioritize what is important to you and then seek a franchise opportunity that matches your priorities. Your priorities may be having passion for the product/ service, independence, aligning your

• what is the required net worth and liquidity? • what is the total startup capital needed? • is the company a member of VetFran? • what does the company offer Veterans? • is the territory you wish to operate in available? • how many years has the company been franchising? • what are the terms and conditions outlined within the Franchise Disclosure Document?

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Write down your overall objective and have goals that will help you achieve success.

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values with the franchise system, financial rewards, etc. Write down your overall objective and have goals that will help you achieve success. Consider different models (home-based vs. office-based, capital requirements, servicebased, etc.) to find franchises that will be a good fit. Do extensive research to understand the history, the terms of agreement outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document, and what is expected of the franchisor and as a franchisee.

What are the steps to take once a Ve teran knows which business they want to get into You would need to contact the franchisor directly to better understand what their process is for franchise ownership. Each franchise system has a process to complete before an agreement between the franchisor and prospective franchisee is realized. If you need a loan, then there would be a separate process for receiving a small business loan and the timeline varies. In some cases, the franchisor will have in-house financing available that can help streamline the process.

Typically, the steps for becoming a franchise business owner are as follows: 1. Introductory phone call – Normally there is an introductory call with the sale representative at the franchisor’s headquarters. The purpose of the call is to get an understanding of what the prospective franchisee’s goals are and to answer any preliminary questions about the franchise system. 2. Submit franchise application –The prospective franchisee will submit an application to see if they qualify based on the franchisor’s criteria. 3. Meeting in person – A representative will meet with you in your local market to discuss the franchise program and go over the Franchise Disclosure Document. 4. Discovery Day – This is a day to conduct formal meetings with the corporate headquarters and have a more detailed review of the Franchise Disclosure Document and business opportunity. 5. Create a Development Agreement – This agreement is typically where your territory of operation is defined and the timeline for execution and payment is discussed. 6.Select the location of business – In many cases the franchisor will assist you in finding available locations for your business. Some other aspects you may want to keep in mind when evaluating franchise businesses include:

To read more VetFran answers to frequently asked questions – like how long it takes to start planning a franchise venture; what typical start-up franchise fees and costs are involved; and where to go for loans and financial backing – visit the VetFran website For Veterans - VetFran

About VetFran Our Mission The mission of VetFran is two fold; To educate both veterans and franchisors about the unique match between the skills and aptitude of entrepreneurial veterans and the demands and opportunities of being a franchisee. Our research and experience has shown that veterans make great franchisees and that the business model is a gateway to small business ownership, prosperity and success for our Nations Heroes. To facilitate the transition of veterans into franchising by encouraging franchisors to offer discounts and incentives to veterans on the one hand, and to assemble resources, tools and a database of franchising opportunities. www.vetfran.org Franchising MAGAZINE USA 69

v e t e r a n s s u ppl e m e n t

SPOTLIGHT: Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Supplies Plus Acquires Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming Pet Supplies Plus, (“PSP” or the “Company”) the largest independent pet retailer in North America with over 600 stores in 39 states, announced today it has acquired Wag N’ Wash, an emerging natural pet food, self-wash, and grooming franchise with over 15 locations. Each brand will continue to operate as separate entities, providing pet product knowledge, personalized service and a distinct playful, local shopping experience in their respective communities. All Wag N’ Wash corporate team members will remain at Wag Central and continue to be instrumental in growing the business. Pet Supplies Plus offers a convenient selection of services, prescription fulfillment, and a full assortment of pet products for all types of furry, scaly and feathery friends, including live animals, while Wag N’ Wash is mainly centered on self-wash, grooming services, and natural food options primarily for dogs and select cat items. Both franchise systems have 70 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

healthy unit economics as demand for pet products and services continues to grow and pet parents remain loyal to shopping local. “The acquisition presents mutual benefits for franchisees, neighbors and guests of both brands,” said Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland. “Pet Supplies Plus neighbors will see no change and will

continue to receive the same neighborly service and access to all the same products for all types of pets. Wag N’ Wash guests will continue to enjoy this fun and passionate brand’s specialty offerings, but now will have access to an even greater assortment of products.” Rowland noted that new and existing franchise owners will have the opportunity

involved. “Our owners find joy in serving their communities and pets well,” she said. “Now, they can do this with enhanced resources, such as best-in-class fulfillment and assortment though a collective supply chain, back-office functionality and technology, pricing and cost support and more. It’s a win for everyone from the franchise owners to the guests and their pets.” Wag N’ Wash original founders Jef Strauss and Dan Remus will remain on for a minimum of two years. “As the pet landscape evolves, this will allow the brand to reach its full potential by reaching more guests at a better pace,” Remus said. Strauss added, “Culture was very important to us when looking for a partner. Both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash believes in community, local retail and a fun experience in our stores. This was the right fit. With strong infrastructure behind them, passionate owners can build local relationships and deliver the ultimate experiential retail experience.”

to open a store under the Wag N’ Wash or Pet Supplies Plus name, depending on what makes most sense for the market. “Being under the Pet Supplies Plus umbrella company allows Wag N’ Wash to unlock a new level of purchasing power, funding to advance expansion and collective negotiation for strategic placement in territories that may not make

sense for a Pet Supplies Plus store,” he said. “Because Wag N’ Wash’s specialty products and services are focused mainly on dogs, Pet Supplies Plus can further develop its presence in current and new markets without interfering with the neighbor’s expectations of our brand.” Wag N’ Wash Vice President Kristen Risby said the acquisition adds value to all parties

The acquisition supports PSP’s commitment to grow the independent pet specialty channel, while equipping franchisees with best-in-class support to focus on what they love most – fostering relationships at the local level with guests and their pets.

Pet Supplies Plus offers discounts for Veterans. For more information on Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunities, visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 71

FR A NCH I SE & SERV I CES D I RECTORY

AAMCO First started in 1963 by Anthony Martino as a transmission repair shop, the company now has nearly 700 locations throughout North America and about 12 years ago expanded into total car care. AAMCO franchisees benefit from joining a brand that has been in business for over 50 years. Our iconic, Double A, Beep Beep, M-C-O mnemonic brings instant recognition and trust from the American consumer.

Bloomin’ Blinds Founded the morning of 9/11...our incorporation papers received their approval stamps within minutes of the towers being struck...Bloomin’ Blinds is a family company. Karen McGuffin founded the company in Dallas and was joined by her three sons within a handful of years. Together they created Bloomin’ Blinds over the next 16 years before the franchise was formed. Now Karen is retired and the boys are still running the show. Bloomin’ Blinds has always been a “repair company that happens to sell a ton of blinds”.

Business Finance Depot

With this franchisee focus in mind, AAMCO provides the brand, tools, guidance and education necessary for new franchisees. This includes financing support, real estate support and training through the entire opening process. http://www.aamcofranchises.com

Early on we realized that retailers were primarily sales only and Bloomin’ Blinds had a significant differentiator in the addition of the repair concept. The business model has weathered the economic storms that followed 9/11 and the housing bubble pop in 2008. Bloomin’ Blinds is a technology based, fresh, new approach to an industry otherwise resisting modernization. For more information contact Kelsey Stuart at: Ph: 1-214-995-1062 Email: kelsey.stuart@bloominblinds.com https://www.bloominblinds.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

caring transitions

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.

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 a simple, easy to use e-store platform that connects your franchisees to our integrated front-to-back inventory management system. Our system controls the creation, production, fulfillment, distribution and shipping of all your marketing and sales

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In addition to automatic brand recognition, AAMCO franchisees benefit from an Executive Leadership Team who established themselves by servicing the automotive aftermarket as franchisees.

Phone: 1-800-647-0766 Email: CaringTransitionsFranchising@gmail.com Website: https://caringtransitionsfranchise.com

materials including uniforms, signage, branded merchandise and print collateral. Clayton Kendal is the single source marketing solution for dozens of national franchises. Contact: Dan Broudy, CEO Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Phone: 412-798-7120 (1-888-799-4757) Website: claytonkendall.com

The owners of a family oriented business Dough & Arrows aim to expand their business through nationwide franchising opportunities. Dough & Arrows is well known for their famous Edible Cookie Dough, Gourmet Ice Cream, delicious homemade desserts, and family atmosphere. Based in Hanover, PA, Dough & Arrows is currently looking for potential

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

FirstLight Home Care FirstLight Home Care offers comprehensive, in-home, 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, &

Image One USA Image One USA is a commercial cleaning services business. The Image One franchising model was formed on the principles of transparency, training, and top-notch financial and customer service support. It is regularly recognized as a top franchise by third-party franchise and business publications, including CNBC.com, Entrepreneur. com and Franchise Business Review. Image One franchisees work for themselves in a unique relationship with the franchise company. Image One provides them with customer support for their business, ongoing training, along with assistance with billing, equipment and sales training. Image One

franchisees all across the United States. For potential franchisees who are family oriented and who wish to spread joy to the community while being at the forefront of a burgeoning food trend, Dough & Arrows might just be the business family you are looking to join. Ph: 717-969-8481 E-mail: info@doughandarrows.com www.doughandarrows.com

• Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 20112015 • 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 baby-boomers 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

provides necessary training, tools and support to help franchise affiliates build their business, including teaching franchisees the latest cleaning techniques and empowering them with insights on best-in-class equipment and technology. Ongoing training is delivered both at Image One’s corporate headquarters and onsite at existing client locations to ensure that franchisees continue to grow their own businesses. Image One has commercial cleaning franchise locations covering Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Nashville and Orlando. Franchise territories are available nationwide. For information on the franchise, visit http://ImageOneUSA.com

franchising usa

Excellent for branding and recognition.

A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website.

Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!

Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

FR A NCH I SE & SERV I CES D I RECTORY

Dough & Arrows

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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FR A NCH I SE & SERV I CES D I RECTORY

Kumon North America Inc. High school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic. Realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.

QC Franchise Group (DBA QC Kinetix) QC Kinetix is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based franchise company leading the way in helping people maintain an active lifestyle using comprehensive regenerative medicine treatments to address musculoskeletal conditions and joint pain. QC Kinetix is the place to go when you’ve been told invasive surgery is your best option, or after you’ve tried everything to eliminate the pain and immobility of your condition without success. We provide comprehensive regenerative medicine injection treatments, including stem cell therapy with

Today, at locations throughout North America, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills. Phone: 201-928-0444 Website: Kumonfranchise.com

BMAC, regenerative cell therapy with amniotic membrane tissue, A2M therapy and PRP therapy. With such a wide array of regenerative medicine treatments available, we make sure to discuss all the therapeutic options with each of our patients. While not all patients may be candidates for all therapies, we will help guide you to make the most appropriate decisions for your particular condition. We treat everyone from weekend warriors and professional athletes to active aging patients who want to stay active. QC Kinetix clinics are dedicated to maximizing the body’s ability to help heal and repair itself from the inside out for vastly improved function and overall quality of life. https://qcfranchise.com/

franchising usa

Excellent for branding and recognition.

A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website.

Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!

Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

Remedy Spa & Salon Suites Remedy Spa & Salon Suites first opened its doors in Atlanta, Georgia in 2018. As an attempt to enter the highly profitable health and beauty industries, Remedy Spa & Salon Suites came equipped with 22 fully leased salon suites. To date, they have opened three locations through Metro-Atlanta. Amenities and perks to leasing include: 24/7 access, private upscale studios, spacious single/double suites, private parking, valet parking and premium fixtures, finishes and appliances.

To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

chains, cooperative marketing, new product research, development and roll-out, experienced training staff, and continuing training and education. Franchising opportunities are available to entrepreneurs and investors in all industries but will be particularly appealing to health and beauty enthusiasts. Remedy Spa & Salon Suites already has an established market presence and substantial market penetration in Atlanta. From this successful platform, the company is looking to expand the brand in select key areas domestically.

Franchisees will obtain access to the brand, tested and proven processes and support, purchasing power and distribution

www.remedysalonsuites.com/franchise

The red Chickz

this with systems and growth in mind, so you can become the next proud owner of a The Red Chickz restaurant franchise with ease.

We’ve Done the Heavy Lifting for You We know the restaurant business and have done our homework. From the homestyle kitchens of Nashville to The Red Chickz restaurants that will be popping up everywhere, we’ve created something really special in an untapped, sizzling market. We make it simple. Our team has worked our tails off to create a superior business model that is streamlined and simple to operate. We designed

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With daily practice, Kumon’s son gradually expanded his mastery of mathematical skills and by sixth grade was able to solve differential equations and integral calculus problems.

remedysalonsuites@gmail.com

An investment in a restaurant franchise like The Red Chickz is an excellent way to break into the foodservice business or expand your already existing restaurant portfolio. We seek qualified business owners who understand or appreciate the restaurant industry and are fired up about our brand. www.theredchickz.com

Sheenco Travel began trading in 2012 under the name Shamrock Vacations. Nowadays Sheenco is the leading name in luxury travel to Ireland and the UK and has just launched a brand new Travel Franchise in the USA. Our focus on luxury helps us to stand out as we only use 4* and 5* properties and have a special focus on the wonderful Castle accommodations available throughout Ireland and the UK. But more than anything it’s the level of service we offer, from the first point of contact until after your reluctant arrival home. Our friendly and close knit team go beyond your expectations with ease. Despite the difficulties of

the Global Pandemic, Genevieve continued with the companies plans (albeit on a delayed timescale) to expand their operation in the US and the Sheenco Travel Franchise was launched in June 2021. When asked about the timing of the expansion Genevieve laughingly asks “having started a business in a recession when else would you expand but in a Pandemic?!” Thanks to a solid team and great communication with guests and team members alike, Sheenco Travel have come out the other side of the Pandemic relatively unscathed and the future looks bright for this progressive and innovative company. Opportunities@sheencotravel.com www.sheencotravelfranchise.com

Slim Chickens

10 years, is targeting qualified and experienced multi-unit groups to develop in dynamic markets across the country.

Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the better-chicken segment, opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The brand prides itself on its cooked-to-order fresh food and strong devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts.” Fans also resonate with the southern contemporary look and feel and open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

Offering high-quality food with a focus on fresh, delicious ingredients, the brand prides itself on its southern flair and commitment to hospitality, all in a fast-casual setting. Food is cooked to order, and the differentiated menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items, alongside 17 house-made dipping sauces. Today, there are more than 145 Slim Chickens locations open and 700 restaurants in development. The brand, which recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 700 units in

Veteran Service Brands Veteran Service Brands (VSB) is the umbrella organization for four distinct, but affiliated service brands - all of which are exclusive to military veterans. Capitalizing on our success with G-FORCE (the first franchise brand exclusive to veterans), we are adding MACH ONE Epoxy Floors, FIELD OPS Athletic Field Markings, and PAINT CORPS (like Marine “Corps”) franchise systems to the VSB family of veteran-only franchises. Initial Investment starts as low as $20,000 for FIELD OPS (assuming possession of a suitable pickup truck) and runs as high as $150,000 depending upon which brand, size of territory, truck choice, and equipment package. Franchise Fees are deeply discounted for the first five franchise partners of our new brands (some are already spoken for).

VFPnext VFPnext - So much more than just a CRM. VFPnext delivers complete marketing automation that provides a 360° view of prospects and members. Speed to Lead is the winning formula in 2021 and VFPnext connects staff to leads in less than 60 seconds with our innovative Hot Lead Notification.

The Slim Chickens franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and world-class franchisee support system. As Slim Chickens expands, it is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced and passionate multi-unit groups looking to add a dynamic segment to their portfolio. For more information on the Slim Chickens franchise opportunity, visit slimchickensfranchise.com

MACH ONE and PAINT CORPS normally have a $25,000 Franchise Fee (some of the lowest in their industries), but offer the first five a steep $15,000 discount. FIELD OPS, already a low $10,000 Fee, offers a 50% discount for the first five takers. Veterans joining the Veteran Service Brands family enjoy instant camaraderie, proven systems in high demand businesses, group discounts, and more. VSB is actively recruiting qualified veterans across the country to join our team. VSB is already the largest veteran-only franchise system and expects to triple its size in the next 12-18 months. For more information, visit www.VeteranServiceBrands.com

orientation to increase personal training sales - all on a single platform. The VFPnext platform collects more data on your prospects and members and is built “API first” for seamless data integration and leverage across your softwares.

Increase speed to member conversion with a complete member tour.

Join in the excitement of the fastest growing marketing automation system (CRM) in the fitness industry and switch to an enterprise solution used by the best clubs.

Enroll members faster with our seamless, branded digital enrollment, and provide a compelling member

Email: info@vfp.us Website: getvfpnext.com

franchising usa

Excellent for branding and recognition.

A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website.

Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!

Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

FR A NCH I SE & SERV I CES D I RECTORY

Sheenco Travel

To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 75

Y A W T A E R G A E R A S G N I T A-Z LIS S S E N I S U B R U O Y TE O M O TO PR

Making an appearance every month in Franchising USA magazine. Each detailed, 4 color A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo. 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: vikki@cgbpublishing.com 76 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

FRANCHISING MAGAZINE USA MARCH 2022

Articles inside

A-Z Franchise & Services Directory

Lucas Frey

Kumon

Franchising news

Primrose Schools

nerds to Go

Jason Gehrke

Zoom Room

Dan Broudy

Evan Hackel