FRANCHISING USA APRIL 2020

Franchising usa $5.95 www.franchisingusamagazine.com

The magazine for franchisees

VOL 08, ISSUE 5, apr 2020

2020 BENCHMARK REPORT

SOCi HELPS FRANCHISES MASTER LOCALIZED DIGITAL MARKETING How Hepatitis A

Prepared Restaurants for Coronavirus

Improvise, Adapt and Overcome special feature

business services LATEST NEWS

FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS

TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE

®

Generations in business Families succeed together.

Since its founding, the Subway® brand has valued family. The past 54 years would not have been possible without help from our world-class Franchise Owners, Business Development teams and their families from around the world. See how far the Subway® family can lead you. Your new opportunity is available now.

Thank you to all the families within the Subway® team, including the Daltons, the Grewals and the Hammonds.

Franchising USA

800.888.4848 subway.com/franchise FranchiseNAmerica@subway.com Subway® is a registered trademark of Subway IP LLC ©2019 Subway IP LLC

Franchising usa The magazine for franchisees

FRANCHISING USA VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2020 president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com

Publisher:

Comments

f r o m t he p u bl i s he r & e d i t or

Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com

Welcome to the April issue of Franchising USA.

managing editor:

Step outside lately and it’s as though the entire world has been put on pause. Social distancing and isolation measures from the global novel coronavirus pandemic are keeping most people away from work and sequestered at home, while closed for business signs dot the landscape of what were once thriving hubs of activity. And yet amidst all the quiet and rubble is a rising new frontier of franchises that are finding their footing and adapting to the shifting business landscape.

Diana Cikes. editor@cgbpublishing.com

advertising: Leslye Fisher. National Advertising Manager leslye@franchisingusamagazine.com

Editorial team: Gina Gill Rob Swystun

Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com

DESIGN: Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com

COVER IMAGE: SOCi

CGB PUBLISHING Canadian Office: Sidney B.C Canada U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 Sales: 847 607 8407 Editorial: 778 426 2446 www.franchisingusamagazine.com 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

In this issue we bring you the latest in Industry News and stories on how franchises are reacting and adapting to the global crisis, including a Profile on Scooter’s Coffee on page 16 about how the franchise is finding new and innovative ways to serve both its customers and its franchisees during this crisis.

We’ve also included timely strategies and advice from our Industry Experts on how to navigate through these times of uncertainty, including tips from Rosyln Stone on page 22 about how restaurants can safely staying open for take-out and delivery as well as what to do if you need to shut down temporarily due to the pandemic. Our regular contributor George Knauf also offers advice adapted from a tried and true military strategy on how to “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome” this crisis.

On the Cover we have SOCi, Inc., an award-winning platform built specifically for “nextlevel” multi-location marketers. Localized marketing is more important than ever and the brand wants to help franchises reach and engage the local communities they serve. Turn to page 10 to learn more about SOCi and how their Benchmark Report Aims to Empower Franchises to Successfully Localize Their Marketing.

Our Special Feature this issue is on Business Services, where you can find our Feature Article that offers a comprehensive view of an industry with endless options and numerous opportunities for franchisees, from catering to cleaning to coffee delivery services. So be sure to give it a read through starting on page 30.

We’re all in the dark about where this is all going and what will be waiting for us on the other side. But according to franchising consultants I’ve recently spoken with, franchises are eager to adapt and learn how to grow, and franchising overall remains in steady demand.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Just take it one step at a time and do the best you can to discover the opportunity in this challenge and establish your new center of gravity.

Stay safe, be well, and enjoy the read!

“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity.

Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

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 USA

a nchsing usa usa f ra nchising

Page 3

contents

april 2020

On the Cover 10 Cover Story: SOCi Helps Franchises Master

Localized Digital Marketing

14 Improvise, Adapt and Overcome

10

22 How Hepatitis A Prepared Restaurants for Coronavirus 25 Special Feature: Business Services

In Every Issue 6 Franchising News

14

Announcements from the Industry

25 Business Services Feature 43 Veterans in Franchising Supplement 54 A-Z Franchise and Services Directory

Profile 16 Scooter’s Coffee:

16

Company Encourages Franchisees to “Be Amazing” Online

Expert Advice 14 Improvise, Adapt and Overcome

George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice

18 How to Use Franchisee Success Stories to Generate Leads

18 Franchising USA

Heather Ripley, CEO, Ripley PR

22 How Hepatitis A Prepared Restaurants for Coronavirus

Roslyn Stone, MPH; Chief Operating Officer, Zero Hour Health; Creator, Zedic

Snapshot

20

20 Nurse Next Door:

From Caregiver to Career, to Business Owner

BUSINESS SERVICES FEATURE On the Cover

22

34 The Services and Strategies Entrepreneurs Need

to Grow Their Business

38 Demand for Personalized Business Services Has Never Been Higher

40 The Strategies Franchisees Need to Grow Their Business In Every Issue 26 Feature News

34

30 Feature Article Expert Advice 34 The Services and Strategies Entrepreneurs Need

to Grow Their Business Shannon Swenson, Vice President of Franchise Development, Dave’s Hot Chicken

38 Demand for Personalized Business Services Has

38

Never Been Higher Bill McPherson, Vice President of Franchise Development at AlphaGraphics

40 The Strategies Franchisees Need to Grow Their Business

Jeff Brazier, VP of Franchise Development, Kiddie Academy Educational Childcare

40 Franchising USA

f ra nchising usa

what’s new!

Kona Poké Announces Industry Leading 100% No-Contact Food Prep Guarantee

From Prep to Packaging, Seminole County, Florida’s Popular Poké Restaurant Ensures the Health and Safety of All Its Customers The popular, fast-casual, fresh food concept Kona Poké is going above and beyond to certify the health and safety of its customers. Effective immediately, Kona Poké’s restaurants in Lake Mary and Sanford are providing a 100% NoContact Food Prep Guarantee for all curbside pickup and delivery orders.

From prep to packaging, the 100% no-contact guarantee consists of preshift employee screening, routine hand sterilization, hand protection with fresh gloves for each order, no-contact food prep, no-contact food assembly and a no-contact guarantee employee sign-off. View Kona

Poké 100% no-contact food prep guarantee in action at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MGI61p4OL8I. “At Kona Poké our team and our customers are always our top priority,” says Kona Poké Owners Matthew Ting and Ernie Falco III. “Our teams are working tirelessly to go above and beyond to keep our customers safe. From food prep to packaging, we want our customers to order with confidence. In these extremely challenging times with the increasing

threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are making every possible effort to ensure the safety and health of our customers and to continue providing our healthy and delicious food.”

Kona Poké is currently offering curbside pickup, in-house delivery and delivery through third-party delivery services – all with the 100% no-contact food prep guarantee.

For more information, visit www.konapokébowls.com.

Abrakadoodle Launches Weekly Art Challenge for Kids With schools and community programs shuttering, Abrakadoodle reaches out to connect kids with art With schools shut down and businesses being negatively impacted because of COVID-19, Abrakadoodle recently announced a project to connect kids with art.

According to Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President & Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, “We believe that art uplifts us! During this difficult time, Abrakadoodle announces its Weekly Splat Doodle Art Challenge!

Each week Abrakadoodle’s company mascot Splat, our arty dog, will post an art challenge activity that children of all ages can participate in. The art challenge will present a fun and creative art activity that children can do at home and then share

Franchising USA

with others.” Abrakadoodle will post the art challenges on its blog, Facebook and via Twitter. Abrakadoodle invites families to share the art creations via their social media, using the hash tag #SplatDoodle, and to tag @abrakadoodle.

“We see the Splat Doodle Art Challenge as a way to continue to nurture creativity in children and help them to focus on the positive and uplifting process of creating art,” Rosemarie exclaimed. “We see it as a way to stay connected through the beauty of art during this very difficult time. We hope you will join us!”

Visit www.abrakadoodle.com for more information.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe® Aims to Donate 100,000 Smoothies to Local Healthcare Workers and First Responders CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “Our safety is dependent upon the selfless, hard work of our local healthcare workers and first responders and we want to help them in any way we can. The 100K smoothie giveaway is a simple, but impactful example of one way we can show our gratitude and bring a smile to their face – one sip at a time.”

As of March 27, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has delivered approximately 20,000 smoothies across over 20 states and over 30 markets.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe®, a leading national fast-casual concept known for its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, announced today its goal to donate 100,000 smoothies nationwide to local healthcare workers and first responders as part of its #InItTogether campaign to help support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In cafes across the country, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe family is working tirelessly to support our local communities, which are currently facing unprecedented hardship,” said Charles Watson,

“As a small business owner, I was grateful for the opportunity to show our local first responders and healthcare workers who go above and beyond for us every day,” said Nick Crouch, a multi-unit franchisee with Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the CEO of DYNE Hospitality Group. “Even if it is just in a small way, we want them to know we appreciate their hard work that we’re all in this together!”

To learn more about Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the #InItTogether campaign, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Farmer Boys Locations Throughout California and Nevada Offering Drive-Thru, Carryout, and Delivery Third-party delivery services are also available at select locations. Customers can visit Farmer Boys’ VIF (Very Important Farmer) app, available to download in the Apple app store and on Google Play, for location-specific information on how to order & pick up your food.

Farmer Boys, the Southern Californiabased fast casual concept known for its award-winning burgers and exceptional service, has shifted operations to emphasize phone-ahead ordering, carryout, and drive-thru service in compliance with all state and local regulations and mandates regarding restaurant operations.

“At Farmer Boys, our attention to the safety and well-being of our guests, team members, and communities is one of our core values and is our highest priority,” said Larry Rusinko, vice president and chief marketing officer. “While we have temporarily closed our dining room seating in accordance with statewide mandates and the CDC’s suggestions pertaining to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are happy to offer service at our cooked to order drivethru lanes, in addition to phone ahead,

carryout, and delivery via third party apps at some locations.”

Additionally, while team members’ hours may be reduced as a result of the operational adjustments at some restaurants, all corporate-owned locations are committed to avoiding layoffs as a result of COVID-19. In further support, Farmer Boys corporate has established a $200,000 Farmer Boys Hardship Fund to help financially support Farmer Boys’ team members at corporate-owned locations during these uncertain times. Farmer Boys’ senior corporate executive team is contributing to the fund, and all restaurant support team members are invited to also contribute at their discretion.

To learn more about Farmer Boys, visit www.farmerboys.com

Franchising USA

f ra nchising usa

Page 7

f ra nchising usa

what’s new!

SWIPEBY Now Offering Free Curbside Pickup Platform to Restaurants and Food Focused Businesses

SWIPEBY, a startup that provides restaurants with a turnkey curbside pickup platform, is now free to all restaurants and food focused businesses. They have waived all sign-up costs and do not charge commissions, monthly fees or require locked-in contracts.

“We are determined to help the industry we are so proud to be a part of,” Said Carl Turner, Founder of SWIPEBY. “To survive this crisis food focused businesses need to offer no-contact transactions, and our automated curbside service is an excellent solution. By offering it for free we relieve any unnecessary financial barriers to providing a service that will help customers support local and maintain safe social distancing practices.”

From small boutiques to national chains, SWIPEBY is partnering with restaurants nationwide.

“Swipeby has been a trusted and reliable partner at Village Juice Company for over a year. Our customers have loved, and continue to love, it’s convenience and reliability,” said Nathan Atkinson owner of Village Juice.

Some additional benefits of SWIPEBY are: • Consumer facing app offers easy mobile ordering, removing any need to use cash or credit cards.

• In-app notifications lets the restaurant know when the customer has arrived.

• Easy menu upload and customization • No sign-up costs. No fees. No commissions. (4.5% + $0.45 INCLUDING CC fees) • Restaurants can be onboarded in 24 hrs.

To learn more about SWIPEBY’s free curbside pickup platform visit www.swipe.by

Franchising USA

FASTSIGNS® Marks 35th Anniversary with Celebratory Franchise Fee of $35,000 FASTSIGNS International, Inc., the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise, is marking its 35th year in business by offering qualified franchisees in the U.S. a celebratory franchise fee of $35,000 — a savings of $14,750.

The limited opportunity will be available through April 30, 2020, and applies to franchise agreements for new, co-branded, and conversion centers.

This year, FASTSIGNS is aiming to sign over 45 franchise agreements in markets like Michigan, Southern California, Florida, New York City, Boston, and throughout the Northeast Corridor.

The brand’s aggressive growth comes on the heels of a strong 2019 where FASTSIGNS reported exceptional results, including the signing of over 40 franchise agreements in the U.S and Canada to develop new, co-branded, and conversion centers and the opening of more than 30 locations. FASTSIGNS also acquired Long Islandbased Sign Me Up Signs & Advertising, adding seven locations to its network.

“As a brand and franchise opportunity, FASTSIGNS has never been stronger. To capitalize on our strong performance in 2019 and mark our 35th anniversary, we’re excited to offer this special franchise fee to enable prospective franchisees to join the leading sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise,” said Mark Jameson, Executive Vice President of Franchise Support and Development. www.fsfastsigns.com

Assisted Living Locators Partners With Love For The Elderly To Encourage People To Write “Letters of Love” To Uplift Seniors During COVID-19 The CDC, World Health Organization, as well as the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.

“With COVID-19 reaching pandemic levels and our seniors being one of the most vulnerable to the disease, many states have ordered lockdowns or issued shelter-in-place guidelines,” said Angela Olea, Assisted Living Locators CEO RN. “Social distancing has led older adults living in long term care facilities to be isolated from their loved ones. It’s extremely important to ensure residents are positively engaged and supported during COVID-19. We’re asking for kind, handwritten letters to mail to bring comfort to seniors. Just take 5 minutes and write a letter of love to a stranger.”

“During this scary, uncertain time, we’re looking for handwritten love in the form of letters and for senior facilities to receive them,” explained Jacob Cramer, Founder and Executive Director of Love For The Elderly. “Help us fight loneliness with love for our seniors!”

“Letters of Love” can be mailed to:

Assisted Living Locators, a leading nationwide senior placement and referral service, is partnering with Love For The Elderly, a non-profit organization that mails handwritten letters to seniors, to encourage people to write “Letters of Love” to uplift seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Love For The Elderly P. O. Box 24248 Cleveland, OH 44124, USA For more information on Assisted Living Locators free senior placement and referral service, visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com and to learn more about the mission and projects of Love For The Elderly, visit www.lovefortheelderly.org

Pizza Joe’s COVID-19 Update Page Now Available on Website Pizza Joe’s has a new website page where customers can find updates for each Pizza Joe’s location in western PA and eastern OH during the COVID-19 stay at home orders.

“We are fortunate to be operational and offering carryout, curbside, and delivery services to our customers,” said Katie Seminara-DeToro, CMO Pizza Joe’s Corporate.

When visiting the Pizza Joe’s homepage, a pop-up screen directs visitors to the COVID-19 updates page. The page will be amended on a frequent basis and provides customers information regarding reduced hours, closures, and service changes at individual locations.

“Each of our locations is taking things one day at a time and are adapting to all guidelines set forth by Pennsylvania and Ohio officials, as well as the CDC. We continue to put safety at the forefront of our service and look to remain operational through these challenging times.”

Pizza Joe’s appreciates the continued patronage of its customers and the support of every community we serve.

For more information, please visit www.pizzajoes.com

Franchising USA

f ra nchising usa

Page 9

cov er sto ry

So ci

Empower Benchmark Report Aims to

Franchises

to Successfully Localize Their Marketing Localized marketing is more important than ever and SOCi, Inc., an awardwinning platform built specifically for “next-level” multi-location marketers, wants to help franchises reach and engage the local communities they serve with its recently released 2020 Localized Marketing Benchmark Report (LMBR).

recent interview from Austin where SOCi has a sales office.

The LMBR is the second annual report conducted by SOCi and Localogy (formerly the Local Search Association), and was developed to understand whether a relationship existed between localized marketing performance, and real-world business results, SOCi’s Senior Director of Marketing Leah Linnet said during a

Relationship between localized marketing and revenue

Franchising USA

Linnet said the 2020 LMBR, which released last month, has three primary goals: • Establish standards for multi-location brand presence and promotion through top local marketing channels that influence modern consumer buying decisions.

• Quantify the presence and optimization of today’s top multi-location brands, thereby establishing benchmarks for practicing marketers through a scoring index of top performers.

• Analyze who scores above or below the benchmark, thus revealing a target list of best practices for multi-location brands.

The majority of online search queries are now local or have local intent. Therefore, sites like Google prioritize local search results, which means franchises have to embrace a comprehensive localized marketing strategy to optimize all digital

efforts to match consumers digital habits, Linnet said. This includes monitoring and responding to ratings and reviews for each business location, optimizing local listings to ensure accurate up-to-date information, and increasing social engagement on local pages.

For two consecutive years, the LMBR has discovered that franchise businesses that performed well in localized marketing saw substantial business growth, with the top 10 localized marketing leaders seeing average sales growth three times that of their less localized marketing savvy competitors.

Companies can use the 2020 LMBR as a sort of checklist for localized marketing they need to pay attention to in order to perform better, Linnet said.

“Every time I’m talking to prospects or customers, they’re all trying to understand what’s new, what they are missing, what they should be doing differently, and how the algorithms have changed,” Linnet said. “We’re trying to give marketers that perspective about all the digital aspects they need to be monitoring to improve their score.”

“Every time I’m talking to prospects or customers, they’re all trying to understand what’s new, what they are missing, what they should be doing differently, and how the algorithms have changed. We’re trying to give marketers that perspective about all the digital aspects they need to be monitoring to improve their score.” - Leah Linnet

How a major franchise utilized the 2019 LMBR One franchise that benefited greatly from the first annual report in 2019 was Sport Clips.

Chad Jordan, who is now Vice President of Business Development and Brands at SOCi, used to be Director of Digital Marketing at Sport Clips.

Jordan said Sport Clips used the 2019 report to determine that it was not doing well engaging with customers who were leaving positive online reviews, meaning that while it was receiving a lot of good customer reviews, it was missing a key component of online reputation – review responses. This lack of engagement actually ended up hurting Sport Clips’ locations in local search rankings.

“After looking at the 2019 LMBR, we made it a big focus to go educate our

Franchising USA

cov er sto ry

Page 11

cov er sto ry

So ci

franchisees and give them tools, like SOCi, to set up notifications on their phones, so each time a location received a new review, the local user could promptly respond,” Jordan said during a recent interview from his home office in Santa Barbara.

“Sport Clips plans to once again analyze the data from this year’s report and take actionable measures to further improve upon our digital marketing results,” said John Musser, Social and Digital Marketing Manager at Sport Clips.

Similar to what Sport Clips did in 2019 and plans to do in 2020, other franchise businesses will be able to use the 2020 LMBR to identify gaps in their localized marketing and focus their strategies more, he explained.

For Sport Clips, it was important to capture that hometown feeling of having the

local business owner communicate with customers in their local community.

As with independently-owned businesses, localized marketing is important for franchisees, Jordan said, to show consumers that when they spend their money with the franchise location, that money is staying within the community and helping a local business owner rather than leaving the community and going to some huge corporation.

“We wanted to send content to all 1,800 of our locations on Facebook, Instagram, and Google My Business, but we didn’t want it to look like corporate was doing it,” Jordan explained. “So, we were able to localize the messaging and schedule it for each one of the local pages through SOCi. Additionally, through our partnership with SOCi, we were able to place dynamic tags

“After looking at the 2019 LMBR, we made it a big focus to go educate our franchisees and give them tools, like SOCi, to set up notifications on their phones, so each time a location received a new review, the local user could promptly respond.” - Chad Jordan and location-specific information in the posts or content, so when it did land on a local page, it appeared to a consumer

that the franchisee or business owner had

posted it themselves, rather than something corporate did.”

The Report The report examines how top franchise

businesses are performing in the top digital channels covering local search, social, and ratings and reviews.

For the 2020 LMBR, SOCi and Localogy examined over 665,000 local pages from 251 brands and ranked each on a 100point scale. The scoring was awarded

based on 23 ranking factors that cover

presence, customer care (in the form of ratings and reviews), and engagement

across the top three digital platforms for

localized marketing: Google My Business, Facebook, and Yelp.

SOCi and Localogy audited, on average,

85% of a brand’s locations, and examined millions of reviews, comments, and other forms of engagement on Google My

Business, Facebook, and Yelp local pages.

The 2020 version of the report was

released last month, and companies can

use it to help them see where they stand in terms of localized marketing and improve in areas where they are lacking.

Interested franchise brands with 50 or more locations can request their very own LMBR score, plus download the full report, from the lmbenchmark.com website at no cost.

Franchising USA

Page 13

FRANCHISE THE

FLAVOR OF NEW Y RK

( ( $ ' (% %( % ' + & % $ $ (% + %&! ' $ '( '( '( $ #%'( '( ') " ') " ) ' $ + Fresh Angus Burgers + Premium Heroes

+ 103 years of global brand power & consumer loyalty + High profits, low cost

+ Hand-Breaded Chicken & Onion Rings

+ Best-in-class training & ongoing support

+ The World’s Best Hot Dogs & Fresh Crinkle Cut French Fries

$ % ) ( # % & ( % ,

+ Flexible, adaptable restaurant designs

# " )'

* ' ( %)& ' (

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Within the U.S.A., we offer franchises solely by means of our Franchise Disclosure Document. There are also countries outside the U.S.A. that have laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states or countries, we will not offer you a franchise until we have complied with pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

Franchising USA

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

George Knauf | Senior Franchise Business Advisor | FranChoice

Improvise, Adapt and Overcome If you know a member of the US military then you may have heard that phrase before, it describes their approach to success in the face of adversity. You can develop the best plan in the world but sometimes things don’t go the way we planned.

Today’s business environment, different than the one we had just a month ago, is a good example of that.

If you watch the people and businesses around you, there are two responses. The first is to panic and hunker down. This is a short term response best suited to snow storms or power outages. Consumers make quick shopping trips to buy large volumes - possibly more that one needs – of necessities. Businesses close, send staff home and hope everything will be okay when it is over.

The problem becomes that if the turmoil will not be short lived, a few days or a week, then stopping there may mean you are not in a position to come back.

The second reaction may include that first step, in an accelerated fashion, then move quickly to next steps that would be required to overcome the challenge if the situation lasts longer than expected.

Franchising USA

“Owning a business takes a lot of training, drive and you are on a mission every day and have been for many years. Franchisees have a support team, systems and people there to work with them through adversities.”

Let me first point out that not every business can work around every challenge, but I know a lot of business owners that will exhaust every possibility.

A related TV quote I recall that applies here is: “The Universe, if you think about it, has conspired to put you right here, right now… Now off you go, we’re all waiting on you.” (The Unit, Jonas Blane) In a military scenario that motto, “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome” is part of their training from day one. They may someday be in a place they are not familiar with, may not be able to communicate with leadership or may be having equipment problems. But they have a mission and an operational philosophy that they have trained for over years. They will know what to do when adversity hits, no matter how tough the situation becomes.

Business owners are not that different.

Owning a business takes a lot of training, drive and you are on a mission every day and have been for many years. Franchisees have a support team, systems and people there to work with them through adversities.

If you are an employee trying to figure out what is next for you, stabilize your situation, then think about what you can put in place that will give you more control in the future. As you consider franchises, look at the market right now and see who is still working, what services are necessities and where you may build an empire you can depend on.

Now, business owners, let’s talk about next steps (though this is unfortunately brief).

First, figure out what you have to work with. Can you stay open to the public?

What changes do you need to make to fit

current regulations? Can you get inventory?

How will staff be able to report to work?

What needs do your customers have?

Write out everything you know about your current situation.

Now, let’s address the pain points: What costs do you have that can be managed?

Will your landlord hold off your rent payments for a period of time? Can you lower your insurance cost because it is based on business volume and that has dropped? Work with your vendors on any money owed there.

Now that you have sorted out all the pain point you can we need to move on. You need revenue; this may mean revenue from different sources than you have seen before.

Restaurant owners need to become fast experts at delivery and pick up. You need to tell your customers that story; social media is about to be your best friend.

Whatever you spent on social media marketing before, spend more now. Your customers are stranded at home surfing the internet.

Gym owners can make a big leap into posted, video or streamed workouts and nutrition coaching. Your clients will be at home and missing their workouts as well as their gym community.

Retail shops can do online demos, take orders by phone or online and deliver.

Service providers like plumbers and electricians, many of you will either see little change or possibly even increases in demand.

Times of economic or social turmoil are also the greatest opportunities for new ideas and growth. There were more millionaires (a really big number at the

George Knauf

time) created during the Great Depression than in any other era in US history. Those millionaires were people that Improvised, Adapted and Overcame the challenges presented to them; they thrived and found opportunity while others chose to just try to survive.

Now a first time call out for anyone needing guidance for their business or transitioning out of a job, I want you to feel comfortable reaching out to me. I will take your call personally and we will brainstorm your challenges and find workable solutions. Please don’t hunker down and hope, let’s go find your path through.

You are ready for this challenge. I believe in you, we will get through this together.

George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many of the top franchise ownership groups in the world.

With over 25 years of experience in both start-up and mature business franchise operations he is uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of Building their own empires. Whether you have an existing portfolio or searching for your first franchise, he can help you to pursue your dreams. Contact the Franchising USA Expert, George’s Hotline: 703-424-2980. www.MyPerfectFranchise.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 15

PRO FILE

Scooter’s Coffee

Company Encourages Franchisees to

“Be Amazing” Online

Daily life for many Americans has been turned upside down.

As customers and entrepreneurs find themselves increasingly isolated from friends, family, and coworkers, one company is doing everything it can to bring normality back for Americans.

Scooter’s Coffee, the Midwest-based drivethru coffee chain that has been growing throughout America, is finding new and innovative ways to serve both its customers and its franchisees during these times of uncertainty.

Tim Arpin, Vice President of Franchise

Franchising USA

Recruitment for Scooter’s Coffee, says that the company’s unique business model gives it the chance to be a bright spot in troubled times for its customers.

it’s all a part of maintaining a sense of business-as-usual while providing prospective franchisees with something they can eagerly anticipate.

“We have the ability and are positioned to put something positive into our communities,” Arpin says. “That’s what our franchisees and our baristas have been delivering through that drive-thru window.”

“We have to continue to move the business forward,” he says. “We also want to give our prospective franchisees some sense of normalcy and something they can look forward to and plan for their future.”

Serving Reliability in Uncertain Times

The virtual setting made some franchise candidates more comfortable, which encouraged them to speak up and ask more questions than usual.

For entrepreneurs, the latest restrictions have the potential to also put a damper on the franchise ownership process.

“Discovery Days” are the culmination of a franchise purchasing process that may traditionally take weeks or months.

“I talked to a franchisee who said she asked a lot more questions because she didn’t feel as intimidated,” he says. “She felt emboldened to ask some of those questions that maybe she wouldn’t have asked in a larger group.”

Scooter’s Coffee is finding exciting new ways to connect with prospective franchisees by taking its Discovery Days online. The new digital events are called “Virtual Be Amazing Days.” Arpin says

Continuing a Solution-Driven Approach Through Technology When asked if the “Virtual Be Amazing Day” is something that Scooter’s Coffee

s “We have to continue to move the business forward. We also want to give our prospective franchisees some sense of normalcy and something they can look forward to and plan for their future.” - Tim Arpin

” will continue, Arpin said that the company will continue to follow the guidelines as laid out by the CDC. “We’re going to continue to be good stewards and good citizens. We’ll find a way to leverage technology to continue to move the business forward… for our investors, our franchisees, and our customers.”

“I would hope that people take away that we all have an opportunity to create a sense of normalcy and stability for the people around us, and to not be afraid to be creative and create that atmosphere.” - Tim Arpin

Arpin says that other businesses should be inspired by the success of the “Virtual Be Amazing Day” and find their own ways to continue to care for their communities.

“I would hope that people take away that we all have an opportunity to create a sense of normalcy and stability for the people around us, and to not be afraid to be creative and create that atmosphere,” he says.

The next “Virtual Be Amazing Day” for Scooter’s Coffee franchisees is currently planned for April. franchising.scooterscoffee.com

Franchising USA

PRO FILE

Page 17

ex per t advice

Heather Ripley | CEO | Ripley PR

How to Use Franchisee

to Generate Leads As a franchisor, driving qualified leads to your franchise development funnel should be top of mind, all the time.

Nailing the lead-generation message can be difficult. Signing a franchise agreement is an important investment and a lifechanging decision. Are you showing your prospects what they want and need to see?

Does your marketing grow their trust in the value proposition your brand represents?

As Steven Beagleman wrote in Forbes: Today’s franchise buyer is more educated than ever, and as a result, a hard sell is no longer a viable option if a brand wants to

Franchising USA

“Franchisee success stories are the stories your leads want and need to hear. The stories help them feel aligned with your company culture, the lifestyle your brand represents, and the earning potential it offers.” scale effectively with the right franchise partners. This means franchisors must invest in improving their marketing efforts to present their franchise opportunity in the best way possible.

Leads want to know that they can be successful with your franchise, and facts and figures by themselves don’t get that message across. They need real-world proof and real-life faces to connect with, and that means your existing, successful franchisees. And you’re often balancing two marketing messages — one aimed at

the consumers who buy your product or service, and another aimed at potential franchise owners.

A great communications strategy for franchise development should showcase franchisees who are doing well, leveraging their success stories and learnings to attract and reassure qualified leads. Here are a few tactics to try.

Get Them in the News Earned media is hands down the most valuable form of marketing. Earned media

your franchisees, showing leads that your headquarters supports franchisees and celebrates their wins.

“Don’t forget, your franchisees are the face of your brand in their local markets. Why not let their success create qualified franchise development leads, too?”

— features and stories about your brand produced by media outlets and influencers — is still trusted more than any other form of marketing. Consumers are bombarded with multiple marketing messages 24/7.

They have learned to filter out and distrust traditional paid advertising, but third-party stories still earn respect.

According to Cision, consumers view earned media as the most authentic form of marketing, and right now authenticity is king. To showcase franchisee success, take a step beyond a grand opening press release. Your franchisees are generating newsworthy moments every day. Get those moments in the media to build your brand’s success story.

Showcase Them on Your Website Sharing franchisees’ stories on your franchise development website and blog is another way to showcase their success. Leads are researching you online long before they speak with a sales representative. Make sure what they find there is positive.

Find the best franchisee stories and put them online. Make sure those stories are relatable and inspirational, that they encapsulate the culture and values of your brand as much as they highlight your value proposition.

Testimonials videos and quotes are great additions to your website, too. Just make sure the content is relevant to the franchise buyer’s journey.

Get Support All of these initiatives are powerful tools for developing your lead gen funnel.

Franchisee success stories are the stories your leads want and need to hear. The stories help them feel aligned with your company culture, the lifestyle your brand represents, and the earning potential it offers.

Boost the Signal on Social Media Social media is an integral part of any public relations and marketing plan today.

According to Sprout Social, consumers are 71% more likely to purchase from a brand after a positive social media experience.

That’s significant, especially when you realize that today’s customers could become tomorrow’s leads.

There are various approaches to social media among different franchises. Some franchises choose a single social media presence, while others let franchisees create and maintain their own local accounts. I recommend combining the approaches, operating a franchise-wide social media presence plus accounts for each location, with the franchisees encouraged to post to their own local accounts.

This lets franchisees share their own good news and develop a voice that fits their territory. It lets them become the human face for your brand in that area. Just be sure to offer robust social media training for all franchisees and maintain some kind of control over the local accounts. One franchisee getting social media wrong can impact the entire network.

One advantage is that local social media posting gives you an easy way to share their successes to your national accounts.

Just watch what they’re posting and share the big wins. Social media also lets you share earned media featuring

However, this kind of hyper-local strategy takes a lot of work to implement. Creating relationships with local media, crafting story pitches and press releases, and sharing news across multiple channels, all require time and staffing you might not have in-house.

A public relations agency specializing in franchises can help you get franchisee showcasing off the ground quickly and effectively, and their expertise in your market space can hone the message gaining the results you want to see.

Don’t forget, your franchisees are the face of your brand in their local markets.

Why not let their success create qualified franchise development leads, too?

Heather Ripley

Heather Ripley is CEO of Ripley PR, a global public relations agency specializing in B2B and franchising.

Orange Orchard, a division of Ripley PR, champions franchisors that cater to environmentally-conscious consumers.

For additional information, visit www.ripleypr.com or www.orangeorchardpr.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 19

SN A PSH OT

Nurse Next Door

From Caregiver to Career, to Business Owner It’s no secret that the gig economy is here to stay.

Trends show that workers are increasingly drawn to jobs where they can ‘run their own show’, often lured by the flexibility that comes with choosing their own hours – but what does this mean for financial stability?

Recent reports show that workers who support themselves through the gig economy experience far more financial struggles than the average person, and 58% of full-time gig workers said they would have a hard time coming up with $400 to cover an emergency bill compared to 38% of people in ‘regular’ employment.

Caregivers make up one of the largest segments of the gig economy With a reputation for inconsistent work schedules and limited career advancement, the home care industry is no stranger to the challenges brought on by labor shortages.

Caregivers have shared stories of working multiple jobs to make ends meet with some even leaving the industry altogether in search of higher wages and better conditions. If this issue is so widespread, what are providers doing to counteract it?

Enter Nurse Next Door Committed to disrupting the home care space, Nurse Next Door launched Caregiving as a Career to set a new standard for the industry. The initiative gives Nurse Next Door caregivers the best of both worlds - the flexibility of an app-based scheduling system providing

Franchising USA

the ability to accept shifts in real-time, and the financial peace of mind that comes with competitive wages, and in more and more cases, guaranteed hours, benefits and upward career progression. Caregiving as a Career achieved great overall success in boosting employee morale, caregiver retention and internal promotions within the organization. Many HeartQuarters (head office) employees have come from a caregiver background and continue to thrive in their corporate roles.

Leveling up, and the opportunity for business ownership in a booming industry Following the success of Caregiving as a Career, Nurse Next Door took it one step further and launched Caregiver to Business Owner. This exciting iteration breaks down the barriers to business ownership by giving caregivers flexible options to purchase their own Nurse Next Door franchise. Some of Nurse Next Door’s strongest franchise partners are former caregivers - their invaluable insights and on-the-job experience means that they know the business better than anyone.

Franchise partner and Personal Support Worker Tammy Bale from London,

Ontario made the leap to business owner in 2015. “I feel like it has been such an asset having a background in caregiving.”, she says. “ I feel like it gave me an advantage to really know what things I did not want to see happen in my business as well. I was so excited at the opportunity to provide care and to lead a team of caregivers that felt as passionate as I did when it came to good quality care.”.

It’s an exciting time for those who are interested in a home care franchise. The US home care market is expected to grow to $225 billion by 2024, driven by the everincreasing elderly population. Caregiver employment is also set to soar, with growth projected to grow by 36% from 2018 to 2028 which is significantly faster than the average for all other occupations. When it comes to combining profit and purpose to build a home care franchise with heart the future is bright!

Founded in 2001, Nurse Next Door is one of North America’s fastest-growing home care providers with over 200 franchises across Canada, the United States and Australia.

To learn more about available franchise opportunities, call 1-855-737-6803 or visit www.nursenextdoorfranchise.com

Franchise Opportunities Available.

Partner With A PROVEN Brand.

OWN YOUR TUFFY TODAY! Helping our franchisees to operate successfully and meet the challenges of today’s marketplace is the top priority for the Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Centers Franchise and Operations Team. We provide our franchisees with a proven operating system, and as a result, our franchisees have played a key role in the ongoing success of Tuffy.

Our value proposition includes (but is not limited to) the following: • Over 45 Years in Business.

• State of the Art Management, Sales & Technical Training.

• Comprehensive Marketing & Advertising Programs.

• National Vendor Partnerships.

• National & Local Support.

• Powerful Brand Proposition.

• Strong Business Model.

• On-going Research & Development.

AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE NOT REQUIRED! Tuffy is looking for customer focused, ethical business owners. Our franchisees come from many different walks of life. A background in auto repair is not needed to run a successful Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center, but can be helpful.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

800-228-8339 www.TuffyFranchising.com

ex per t advice

Roslyn Stone, MPH | Chief Operating Officer | Zero Hour Health

How Hepatitis A Prepared Restaurants for Coronavirus

Before Coronavirus dominated the news, the US was e xperiencing another epidemic: Hepatitis A. Almost every restaurant group in the country has had at least one Hep A case in the past two years. It’s turned the industry upside down.

But one unexpected outcome of the Hep A crisis was to better prepare the industry for the Coronavirus pandemic. \Restaurants learned some key lessons about preventing the spread of Hep A, and other viral illnesses like Norovirus. They learned about how important handwashing is, and how hard it is to do it right. They experienced first hand the importance of communicating symptoms to employees, and started regularly asking employees if they had any of those symptoms. And, unfortunately, many of them learned how devastating an illness can be to their restaurant’s revenue and reputation.

All of these lessons are being implemented in full force during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Some of Zero Hour Health’s restaurant clients have already implemented such strong procedures that they’ve had to do almost nothing new from a clinical perspective to respond to COVID-19. They

Franchising USA

were already doing daily wellness checks, regular sanitizing according to the strictest protocols, and additional handwashing at the top of every hour.

It’s possible that we’ll break the Hep A cycle through the actions that restaurants and communities are taking due to Coronavirus. Because of COVID-19, people are staying home, employers are asking about symptoms, people aren’t working sick, and there are generally fewer opportunities for exposure to Hep A along with the Coronavirus.

Still, restaurants will be very financially stressed by the Coronavirus pandemic, and will be more vulnerable to a single incident.

As franchisees, you can and should prepare yourself now, and keep abreast of local and national health trends both during and after this pandemic runs its course. By keeping updated on the latest outbreaks in your area, you’ll be better situated to be on top of illnesses that have the potential to impact the health of your business and the community. And remember, the changes made in the days leading up to and during the height of this pandemic will positively impact your business, with reduced Hep-A, calls to health departments, and employee illnesses.

Roslyn Stone

Tips for Safely Staying Open for Takeout & Delivery Many US states are requiring all

restaurants to move to takeout and delivery during the Coronavirus pandemic. Those that haven’t yet are seeing dramatic

downturn in customers as Americans

hunker down to self-isolate. The impact on

the restaurant industry will be enormous as customers stay home to avoid Coronavirus.

Here are some tips to handle increased takeout and delivery in a safe way:

“There’s also a great opportunity here to share what you’re doing with customers. Anxious patrons will be relieved to know they can grab their favorite meal without unnecessary interaction, or that their curbside pick up is from someone who is gloved.”

• Pay Online: Many are considering limiting delivery and take-out payments to online only. Cash touches lots of hands, and requires close contact. Keep in mind that this option has equity issues - some folks don’t have access to credit or debit cards.

• Hands-Off Takeout: Use a rack just inside the store. Clients can stay in their car and receive a text when their food is ready to go and placed on the rack.

• Hands-Off Delivery: Leave orders at the door rather than interact physically with customers.

• Food-safety Seals: While this virus isn’t particularly foodborne (but rather is mainly transmitted person to person), some restaurants are using bags with food-safety seals which tend to allay the fears of anxious patrons.

There’s also a great opportunity here to share what you’re doing with customers.

Anxious patrons will be relieved to know they can grab their favorite meal without unnecessary interaction, or that their curbside pick up is from someone who is gloved. Simply, it just makes them more comfortable.

Tips If You Do Need to Temporarily Close Down Due to Coronavirus Despite the efforts to make takeout and delivery available, some restaurants are being instructed to shut down temporarily during the Coronavirus pandemic. There are some things you can do as you’re closing up that will make opening much easier when you’re ready to do so.

These tips come from restaurants who have had to close down due to hurricanes, tornadoes, water main breaks, and other unexpected events.

• Empty your walk-in of anything perishable. Give it to your staff to take home as they hunker down during the pandemic.

• Clean and sanitize the walk-in and everything else in your kitchen, especially your three compartment sinks, handwashing sinks, stoves, ovens, grills, hoods, and countertops.

• Empty every single trash container • Wash every dish, pot, and pan (these will attract rodents if you don’t clean them!)

• Run the dishwasher with anything left in it

• Leave the bathroom spotlessly clean • Freeze a new, clean garbage pail filled with water and place it in your freezer. That will keep a closed freezer cold for an extra 24 hours.

There’s no reason to expect power failures, but you’re not there to know about an equipment failure.

We know that you leave your restaurants

in top-top shape every night, but before a

longer closure you should take it to the next level. You’ll be happy you did when you

can walk in, stock up, and fire up the grill -- and the time it takes to do this cleaning will give your staff a few extra hours of work before your closure.

No one can predict how long it will take for COVID-19 to move through the U.S

population, but its impact will be felt for years.

Roslyn Stone, MPH is Chief Operating Officer of Zero Hour Health, and the creator of Zedic, the first app providing 24/7 live chat subscription service to help operators manage employee and patron health safety issues. www.getzedic.com

Franchising USA

ex per t advice

Page 23

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.

Follow us

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

Help us keep the momentum going

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

You benefit by joining

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

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

b

a

x

Our Franchise

@OurFranchise

@OurFranchise

This is just the beginning

Make sure you stay up to date with the campaign’s latest efforts through email updates and social media.

Visit our website to read and share the latest stories of franchisors and franchisees making an impact in their communities. Become a franchise advocate to help ensure Americans, now and in the future, have the opportunity to start franchise businesses. Take the lead today!

FranchisingFeature business services

a pril 2020

the services and strategies entrepreneurs need to grow their business

demand for personalized business services has never been higher

the strategies franchisees need to grow their business

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

what’s new!

P3 Cost Analysts Helps Businesses, Adds Franchisees, Across the U.S. During Coronavirus Outbreak The coronavirus has made it clearer than ever that every penny matters for businesses. P3 Cost Analysts is helping businesses across the United States save thousands – sometimes hundreds of thousands – of dollars with its process.

“Now more than ever, businesses need to be focused on cost reduction and making sure every penny counts,” said P3 Cost Analysts CEO Aaron Stahl. “Our expertise is helping keep many of our clients’ businesses alive now. We’re helping them keep the lights on.”

COVID 19 also has not affected P3 Cost Analysts’ huge nationwide expansion as several franchisees, including two in New York, have been added in the last few weeks. Stahl said he also expects to expand his company’s workforce by 20 percent over the next 12 months.

“We’ll be hiring in the not too distant future,” Stahl said. “And we’ve had an uptick in new clients over the last few weeks, and we expect to have several more over the next few weeks, once people get used to a new normal.”

Stahl said he’s seen a big increase of interest from companies that have had their budgets severely slashed, including restaurants, anything travel-related, and cities/counties.

The Art Department Celebrates Sixth-Year Anniversary

The Art Department, LLC, which was founded by Lamont Johnson in April 2014, is celebrating their sixth-year anniversary this month.

The company focuses on bringing the art, creativity, and strategy to public relations and brand marketing. With over 15 years of public relations experience under his belt, Johnson created the company to garner interest and placements for lifestyle, food, spirits, fashion, beauty, real estate, book, corporate and franchise clients.

“When I created this company, I did not think that it would take off like it did,” says Founder/Owner, Lamont Johnson. “These six years have flown by, and we are looking forward to growing and expanding in the years to come.”

To date, their clients have appeared in outlets including Forbes, Inc., Fortune, CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, Good Morning America, TODAY, and more.

The company has also been accepted into Entrepreneur Magazine’s directory of top franchise suppliers. This honor is for companies that provide services and products to help franchisors and franchisees succeed.

In addition to having their own clients, the company also consults and advises other public relations and marketing firms on media pitching, strategy plans and securing placements.

“That’s where we can help the most,” Stahl said. “Our expertise is helping to save businesses. And cities are seeing a huge drop in sales tax revenue, so we’re helping them add dollars to their budgets.”

The Art Department has serviced many franchises, including: Slaters 50/50, Carolina Hemp Company, CRU Hemp Lounge, Slutty Vegan, The Original Hot Dog Factory, Lean Kitchen Company, The Stacked Pickle, Splash & Dash, Hattie Marie’s, Avendelle, JW Tumbles, Sweet Charlie’s and more.

For more information on P3 Cost Analysts, visit costanalysts.com

For more information, please visit www.artdepartmentpr.com

Franchising USA

Tint World® Toasts Top 2019 Franchises and Charts Future Success at International Franchise Convention The 2020 Tint World® International Franchise Convention featured a vendor trade show, seminars and training, and an awards banquet to recognize top-performing franchises.

“The annual convention is one of the highlights of the year for the Tint World® family,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World®. “We take some time to celebrate our success, but our franchise owners and the corporate team both are always focused on the future. The franchisees show up focused for the training and education we provide here at the convention, and it’s a chance for us to learn from them, too. The connections that we make at this event are a big inspiration to reach even further in 2020.”

annual International Franchise Convention in Fort

Tim and Stacy Kjaer, co-owners of the Medford/Long Island store, along with store manager Kurt Kaufman, were once again honored as members of the $2 Million Club. The $1 Million Club included Jeff and Penny Rackley; Michael Richards and Dylan Thiel (Grapevine, Texas); Acey and Kerri Light (Lubbock, Texas); Santiago and Dominica Rojas (Massapequa, New York); and Randy and Austin Silver (Cary, North Carolina).

Lauderdale, Florida, last month.

www.tintworld.com

Leading automotive customization and window tinting franchise Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™ honored its top franchise owners at the company’s 12th

Spray-Net, Inc. Wins Big at Competition at IFA’s 60th 2020 Annual Convention Spray-Net, whose mission is to use chemistry & software to deliver the best renovation solutions to homeowners, won the All-Star Round of the IFA’s NextGen’s Franchising Global Competition at the 60th 2020 Annual Convention in Orlando.

The theme for this year challenged past winners to pitch how their businesses are getting ready for the next five years.

Spray-Net’s pitch focused on how they are hopping aboard the data train and using internal data through their proprietary software, “The Spray-Network,” to provide a more customized and personalized experience for their customers, and to help their franchisees optimize their businesses.

“Spray-Net is getting ready for the next five years, and our proprietary and custom-built

software is going to allow us to do that.

The Spray-Network compiles customer and job data from across our entire franchise network, ensures consistency and accuracy in pricing, provides our franchisees with the business intelligence to easily measure the performance of their businesses, and collects enough data to know how and when to personalize things along the way,” says CEO/Founder, Carmelo Marsala.

“By collecting data from The SprayNetwork and other data sources, we can aggregate it into different types of machine learning algorithms and with the right business architecture, we can personalize customer experience, employee experience, marketing communications, create proactive and custom training for franchisees, and, ultimately, increase our franchisees’ effectiveness,” he adds.

The NextGen in Franchising Global Competition engages young entrepreneurs who are seeking careers and business opportunities in the franchising industry.

For more information, please visit: www.spray-net.com

Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Page 27

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

what’s new!

Hattie Marie’s BBQ Restaurant Creates Catering Initiative to Service Businesses Through Coronavirus Outbreak Hattie Marie’s Texas Style BBQ & Cajun Kitchen of College Park, Georgia, which was founded by Port Arthur native, Willie Griggie, is now offering catering services to small business that are still working through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chopped Winner, Chef Ed Harris, Launches Chef Life Consulting to Help Restaurants Train Staff and Update Menu Items

Chef Ed Harris is most famous for being a winner on Food Network’s hit cooking show, “Chopped Season 4” and competing on “Iron Chef International.”

Chef Ed Harris has now launched his own consulting firm “Chef Life Consulting.” Through his company, he will be restaurant consulting to train staff and update menus.

The restaurant and social media staple has officially announced their off-site catering initiative dedicated to service workers and small businesses throughout the city.

He has spent five years as a chef for Buddakan restaurant in NYC, where he developed a passion for Asian cuisine. During this tenure, he trained with a master dim sum chef and perfected the art of cooking dumplings as well as making Asian sauces and fried rice.

Hattie Marie’s will be offering a wide variety of mouthwatering BBQ dishes including: BBQ Ribs, Smoked Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smokey Sausage Links, Fried Catfish & Shrimp, Macaroni & Cheese, Potato Salad, Collard Greens and Texas-Style Gumbo.

Chef Ed Harris is originally from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. He was exposed to various culinary experiences prior to his family moving to Brooklyn NY. After graduating high school, he studied culinary arts at the Art Institute of New York City.

“We are looking to do offsite catering for groups that are servicing our city. We would work with the business to choose a menu and customize a per person price based on what they want to eat, what type of service that they would like and the duration of the service,” says Co-Founder, Ramona Griggie.

“Ever since COVID-19 has been the talk of the entire word, I’ve been getting tons of calls from restaurants looking to add items that can boost your immune system,” says Harris. “Our focus is now shifting to creating dishes that are healthy, taste great and will provide health benefits in the prevention of diseases.”

They offer a la carte pick-ups of many of their menu favorites including whole briskets, racks of ribs and trays of sides. Barbecue is best when freshly cut so for pick-ups, they keep all meat whole and will give you cutting instructions in order to preserve the integrity and tenderness of the meat.

Chef Ed Harris has released his own line of seasonings: FAYE’S FLAVOR ENHANCERS, named after his mom, Faye. He also released his own brand of aprons called “Knife and Spoon.” The line is hand-selected, raw denim cotton, and super useful for in and out of the kitchen, studio, salon, school or home.

For more information, please visit www.hattiemariesbarbecue.com/catering

For more information, please contact www.cheflifeconsulting.com

Franchising USA

Big Sky Franchise Team Launches Online Training Solution for Franchisors to Train Franchisees With the worldwide domination of the COVID-19 virus over the last several weeks, the need for having online learning systems in place is no longer an option. Rather, it is a MUST. For franchisors, it is imperative to be able to provide online training to support franchisees with new marketing, new methods, and new services/products. The franchisor has an obligation to their franchisees to provide this continued training and, unfortunately, it is often not provided, or it is provided in a very limited scope.

The FranLeadership training system was developed to solve this problem. This system provides an online “franchise specific” training tool that is easy to use and tracks and monitors a franchisee’s performance. Franchisees are always asking “What

have you done for me lately?” This system allows for the franchisor to provide a real solution to that question by providing online training of new programs, products, and marketing.

If you are a franchisee or franchisor reading this, you should be asking, “What kind of online training programs do we have in place?” For less than a few hundred dollars this system can be up and running to be training your current generation of franchise leaders.

For more information, please visit www.FranLeadership.com

Royal Restrooms Mobilizes Sanitization Zones for High Risk Locations in Response to Coronavirus Royal Restrooms is working with health care officials to create and manage a system of containment, offering locations with high risk individuals the opportunity to set up sanitation zones. These sanitation zones can be mobilized outside sensitive areas where individuals with compromised immune systems may be located.

By offering staff, visitors, vendors, and delivery personnel a “triage” location to wash hands and sanitize themselves before entering the sanitized zone, the hope is to create a safe buffer layer.

In keeping with the CDC’s recommendation of handwashing with soap and running water for 20 seconds to combat the Coronavirus, this buffer layer is essential but obtainable.

As part of President Trump’s mandate for hospitals and locations frequented by high risk individuals to construct an emergency management plan, Royal Restrooms is reserving restrooms for the highest priority clients.

Locations such as nursing homes, medical facilities, and childcare providers are currently taking precedence. Royal Restrooms is offering restrooms with hot and cold running water sinks as well as flushing toilets.

In addition, if a business or organization currently has an event or remodel scheduled, Royal Restrooms is able to outfit it with restrooms, hand washing stations, or “sanitation stations” (mobile hand sanitizing stations) that may ensure that guests or clients will feel secure as well as be safe.

“We stand together with you during this crisis and you can continue to rely on us during this virus outbreak,” says Co-Founder, David Sauers.

For more information, visit royalrestrooms.com

Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Page 29

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

business

Franchising Fe “It takes a village to raise a child,” as they say, and in some ways it could be said of a business.

In order to be successful a company must rely on a lot of variables to gain profit and recognition. Though sales are dependent on consumers, the actual business itself has a lot of underlying factors that help support its function and operation.

While it’s evident that businesses rely on cleaning and maintenance services, there are different types of operations needed in order for a company to function day to day.

A business can’t be expected to be a jack

Franchising USA

of all trades; it’s impossible to consider all the necessities of upkeep on your own, therefore businesses rely on other businesses to keep them working. There are plenty of different franchising options that offer business services to help others run properly and be successfully.

A franchisee offering businesses services has a leg up on any competition because they have a great support system from the franchise, as well as a good reputation and reliable tools and resources to help a business thrive.

The benefit of a business service franchise is that it tends to come with a portfolio of clients, contracts or potential clients. Take a moment to review the clients accessible within your territory and see how much leverage your franchise would have within your area. You might have the opportunity

to gain a franchise with a lot of clients built in from the get-go.

Social Media and Websites It’s important for businesses to have an online presence, but it’s not always easy to run such platforms in a successful way.

Therefore a lot of businesses, especially smaller ones, rely on other companies to build their brand on social media, follow trends, garner online customers and help

“Franchises offering online and social media services are a great way to support local businesses and help them market themselves.”

“Though day to day cleaning is a franchise within itself, there are also window washing franchises, or floor cleaning and buffering franchises as well as gardening.”

eature maintain their website. It’s essential for all businesses to provide a website and an online persona to adhere to their many consumers and the immediacy of today’s market. Everyone expects a business to be available online and to remain up to date and following trends.

Franchises offering online and social media services are a great way to support local businesses and help them market themselves. There is no need for a background in technology or PR, but a passion for communications and digital resources would be helpful. A lot of services can be provided from one’s home and a franchisee is likely to have a good work life balance. However, online services could need assistance to anyone at anytime, and a marketing campaign might have time constraints and need constant reviews. If you’re looking for a less hands on approach, ensure a franchise comes with great support and a lot of flexibility in hiring talent who can get the job done.

Cleaning Services The most notable business service franchise is the cleaning service. A lot of businesses rely on outside sources to help them upkeep their inside operations like cleaning. A business needs other companies to come to their office after hours and make sure everything is vacuumed, clean, washed and ready to run the business the next day.

Though day to day cleaning is a franchise within itself, there are also window washing franchises, or floor cleaning and buffering franchises as well as gardening.

Depending on the breadth of services you would like to offer, some franchises have a variety of cleaning services or specialize in a particular one.

Coffee delivery and food catering services With businesses catering to other businesses, they need a little support for their networking and meetings. A lot of businesses rely on outside sources for catering needs, especially during events and conferences.

Offices are always hosting lunches and larger scale meetings that need to provide lunch or buffets to keep the teams engaged and to have more people sign up. Offering food as part of a meeting or venue has become the norm in the office industry and it’s a great place for franchises to step in. A food franchise may specialize specifically

Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Page 31

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Featu re

b y G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A

“Offering food as part of a meeting or venue has become the norm in the office industry and it’s a great place for franchises to step in. A food franchise may specialize specifically in business and event catering, but may also have other food options to consider.”

out and remain efficient and operating throughout the day.

“The benefit of a business service franchise is that it tends to come with a portfolio of clients, contracts or potential clients. . . . You might have the opportunity to gain a franchise with a lot of clients built in from the get-go.”

If the franchise only works with businesses and events, it would be wise to review other franchises to get a sense of expectations and workload to give a better understanding of expectations, and be sure to ask if the franchise comes with potential clientele. A catering service that is specific to events may be more successful in a busier territory or a large city.

employees. This type of franchise is likely a mobile franchise with a smaller start up fee. Employees would deliver a supply of coffee to offices to have on hand for a period of time and ensure all their coffee needs are met, sometimes including coffee makers and other speciality products and services. A franchise may be called in for events or during low supply, and may be asked to serve coffee for higher up occasions. It’s important to take a look at the portfolios franchises have and what the expectations are for a franchisee before investing, but this is generally an easy business format to take on.

On another side of the food industry comes coffee delivery. Not only do offices want coffee delivered to them for specific events but they also want coffee on hand for everyday use and to provide a boost to their

When it comes to helping other businesses to grow, function and succeed, franchises can help support others reach the best of their potential. Businesses are dependent on others to help them get the message

in business and event catering, but may also have other food options to consider.

Nowadays, food businesses tend to reach beyond the scope of one service but there are catering specific franchises if that’s the focus you would like to remain within.

Franchising USA

There are numerous opportunities for franchisees interested in a business services franchise, so the options are endless. It’s a great time to figure out one’s area of passion and look into how it provides to businesses, as well as the greater public with services.

Some franchises work with individuals, customers and businesses to take advantage of all possibilities for clientele. Depending on the workload and customer base one was interested in, a franchisee could consider different quantities of clients.

The most beneficial part of business service franchise is the reputation they have already set in place and the roster of potential clients already set in place.

Whether it’s a small scale mobile coffee delivery or a large tech company specializing in marketing and promotion, business services offer many opportunities for franchises to help other businesses reach their greatest potential and become a success.

Look out for our next special feature: HEALTH AND FITNESS ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina Gill became a freelance journalist in 2008. She has worked as a reporter and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.

Page 33 NEW NEWDATE DATE

ONLY THE BEST FROM EAST TO WEST

OCT. OCT.1-3, 1-3,2020 2020

New New York, York,NY NY IFEinfo.com IFEinfo.com Supported SupportedBy By

33 Day DayRegional RegionalExpos Expos

MFV MFV Franchise Franchise Expos Expos are are the the perfect perfectplatform platformto toconnect connect with with the the top top franchise franchise brands. brands. Meet Meet face-to-face face-to-face with with proven proven franchise franchise opportunities opportunities in in every every industry industry and and every every investment investment level level at at our our shows shows across across the thecountry. country.

SEPT. SEPT.10-12, 10-12,2020 2020 Phoenix, Phoenix,AZ AZ FranchiseExpoWest.com FranchiseExpoWest.com

FEB. FEB.11-13, 11-13,2021 2021 Miami MiamiBeach, Beach,FL FL

FranchiseExpoSouth.com FranchiseExpoSouth.com

22 Day DayLocal LocalExpos Expos

REGISTER FOR FREE! USE PROMO CODE FRANUSA USE PROMO CODE FRANUSA

MFVexpo.com Sponsored By MFVexpo.com Sponsored By

NEW DATE NEW DATE

OCT. OCT.17-18, 17-18,2020 2020 Nashville, TN Nashville, TN

FranchiseExpoNashville.com FranchiseExpoNashville.com NEW DATE NEW DATE

NOV. 13-14, 2020 NOV. 13-14,TX 2020 Houston, Houston, TX

FranchiseExpoHouston.com FranchiseExpoHouston.com Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Expert Advice: Shannon Swenson | Vice President of Franchise Development | Dave’s Hot Chicken

The Services and Strategies

Entrepreneurs Need to Grow Their Business – it can help the entire franchise system grow, so it benefits both the owner and the franchisor by offering robust processes and systems, as well as for the franchisor and franchisee to work closely together as partners in growing a brand. In fact, offering franchisees assistance can help build their trust in you, since it becomes apparent that you have their best interests, in addition to your own, in mind.

I’ve listed out five practices that, as a franchisor, you should seriously consider offering to your brand’s franchise owners if you want your system to grow.

Constant Communication Shannon Swenson

It can be difficult to effectively scale your business as an individual owner without the support of a broader network.

Despite an individual’s strengths or skills, entrepreneurs often need solutions that are tailored to their situation and represent best practices, so they are not reinventing the wheel.

When individual franchisees grow their own business – whether that be through higher profits, owning more locations, etc.

Franchising USA

Recent events have made it abundantly clear that executive teams must be communicating with their entire franchise system as often as they can. No one ever knows when a crisis may emerge, which makes it a priority to have great communication practices in place. Your communications team should be prepared with statements for nearly any kind of emergency that can take place and ready to answer the questions or quell the fears of concerned franchise owners.

However, regular communication shouldn’t just be for big challenges. It’s important that you’re communicating with franchisees during big wins, too, such as if last quarter boasted strong sales or if you’ve signed a large number of new franchisees recently. Good news can be a big morale booster and show to franchisees

that their investment is paying off.

While a mass email to all the franchisees can work, email can sometimes feel too distant. Checking in with franchisees individually via phone calls can be a pleasant surprise for them and lead to communication where all concerns can be addressed right away. Video conferences can be used in a similar fashion.

Communication doesn’t have to just be between franchisees and the corporate team either. It can be very beneficial to encourage communication amongst franchise owners. This creates a collaborative environment amongst their peers, which can lead to new ideas and initiatives being created. Plus, a franchisee might receive better and more helpful feedback from someone else who has been in a similar situation.

A Collaborative Approach It’s essential that franchisors work with franchisees in a collaborative spirit.

Franchisees are in the daily trenches of operations and have a variety of experiences that can provide great insights for a growing a brand.

Letting franchisees know that they can voice comments or concerns whenever they want is also important. You want to encourage a collaborative relationship with franchisees, rather than coming off as a dictator making all the decisions without their feedback.

“Recent events have made it abundantly clear that executive teams must be communicating with their entire franchise system as often as they can. No one ever knows when a crisis may emerge, which makes it a priority to have great communication practices in place.”

Most franchisees come from decades of operational experience, and are often part of other franchise concepts where they’ve honed their craft over the years. These franchisees can provide great ideas for new procedures, cutting costs, marketing and other aspects of the business. It’s important that franchisors listen to franchisees’ ideas for the further benefit of the system as a whole. This can often be done through creating counsels specific to different topics (such as marketing, operations, etc.) and inviting franchisees with knowledge in those areas to join them.

National conferences can also be a great avenue to connect franchisees together as well as develop the franchisor-franchisee relationship in sharing ideas. These can be fun events held in different cities, but ultimately the goal is idea sharing and rallying excitement around the concept.

Throughout the year, having system-wide contests for best idea submissions to even get managers involved can be a great way to encourage sharing of ideas amongst the whole system.

“Your communications team should be prepared with statements for nearly any kind of emergency that can take place and ready to answer the questions or quell the fears of concerned franchise owners.”

Franchisors should foster this culture of sharing ideas and feedback, as well as showing franchisees they are listening by implementing shared concepts for the greater good of the system.

Proactive Franchisor Many franchisors operate in a reactive approach rather than a proactive one, which can leave a system in a state of chaos, especially when trying times hit. Our current situation in 2020 so far is a prime example of the hospitality industry being hit with a scenario that no one could have predicted or known how to be prepared for.

Franchisees look to the franchisor to guide them effectively through difficult times. There were franchisors who reacted quickly to match nationwide policies of

closing in-restaurant dining and focusing on takeout and delivery for the safety of their guests and employees. They were able to stay ahead of the curve and still drive some level of business to meet their guests’ needs.

While the case in 2020 was a severe scenario for the hospitality industry, there will always be changing times and instances that could affect franchises, meaning it’s important that franchisors know how to work through moments of crisis and guide their franchisees on what to do.

Focus on Employees Your employees are the face and culture of your brand. They are who interact face-toface with your guests and create the guest

Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Page 35

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Expert Advice: Shannon Swenson | Vice President of Franchise Development | Dave’s Hot Chicken

experience. The happiness and satisfaction of your employees is a direct reflection on how your concept will be delivered.

Many concepts miss this connection, and forget that they need to be focused on their employees’ satisfaction just as much as they need to be on their guests’ satisfaction. Sure, you can pay employees minimum wage with no incentives, but at what expense? Low morale, low satisfaction, poor guest interactions and higher turnover.

Ultimately, the costs of higher training due to turnover way offset the expense of incentivizing and keeping happy employees. Think of your employees as the driving force of your brand and your revenue, and realize the importance of incentivizing the front line for your guests’ experience. Higher wages than the competition will cause employees to choose to stay with you, meaning lower turnover.

Figuring out incentives that employees

Franchising USA

desire, such as a four-day work week, flexible schedules around schooling, health insurance, paid maternity and sales contests, can really set you apart from the competition and create loyal employees.

This, in turn, creates loyal customers.

Give Back Initiatives Partnering with charities or nonprofits to donate services or funds is a great way to grow through community good will as well. A giveback initiative can build respect and a good reputation in the local communities that franchised locations serve, and a good reputation often leads to more business. The relationships your brand can form with prominent members of the community is an invaluable resource as well.

Employees will want to work for someone who does good as well. Employees and staff live in the local community that the businesses they work for serve, and being a part of a brand that makes a positive

impact can be a huge morale booster.

These are just five of the strategies and services that, as a franchisor, can lead to serious returns and help your brand grow, especially those that empower others.

It’s important to keep in mind that your company doesn’t have a direct impact on just its employees, but also the customers and others found in the local community.

Understanding this impact can help you make the right decisions that grow your business.

Shannon Swenson is the vice president of franchise development at Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville Hot Chicken concept based in Los Angeles, a role she has held since 2019. She has more than 15 years of experience in franchise development, and has worked for brands such as Images 4 Kids, Twin Peaks Restaurants and Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill, where she has supported both corporate and franchise growth. www.daveshotchicken.com

Page 37

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 Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Expert Advice: Bill McPherson | Vice President of Franchise Development | AlphaGraphics

Demand for Personalized Business Services Has Never Been Higher

If you’re thinking of investing in a franchise business, it can be tempting to look for the next big thing. A trendy product or service might be a big draw for aspiring business owners, but trends also come with risks.

Ask yourself what happens when that trend’s popularity wanes. You might find

Franchising USA

yourself owning a business with little to no demand, as well as lack of support from the franchisor.

Is it possible to be on the cutting edge of an industry even if the brand or service is tried and true? For example, now is a great time to invest in a business services franchise. Companies of all types and sizes need help with marketing, financial management, manufacturing, distribution, technology and more.

Due to developing technology and demands of business owners and key management personnel, the business services market space is full of innovations and advances. This gives potential

franchise owners a forward-looking business model in high demand.

A Changing Landscape With convenience culture on the rise, the lines between B2B and B2C service expectations are changing. Business decision-makers are busier than ever before. They want the online convenience they require in their daily lives, but with the personal feel of dealing with a local business owner. They want a great product, great customer service, and they want to leverage technology. We also see a high propensity of customers who want a onestop expert provider in the community.

“Don’t forget you’re a critical part of your team, and its vital to understand how every single person on your team works in order to succeed.”

support of the franchise network, they are positioned to achieve just the right mix of personal and convenient.

Finding the Balance With proven training and support of a franchise system, offering business services is attractive to people from nearly any professional background. However, those who choose to open business services franchises tend to come from previous careers in the corporate world, bringing with them a high-level of management, technology and networking skills.

Community involvement and networking are key in business services. Through networking, the franchise owner is established as a trusted, local service provider and creates relationships with B2B decision-makers.

With the support of the franchise’s technology and online systems, business services franchisees offer convenient ordering and fast turnaround times while still developing real-world relationships with clients.

Room for Growth As Altimeter Group principal analyst Brian Solis recently said: Business buyers don’t go to work and forget what they do as humans. There’s a new normal that blurs the line between B2B and B2C. They just want things personalized.

More successful companies are looking and prioritizing things like understanding customers’ evolving behaviors and preferences to design more meaningful engagement opportunities.

Due to this shift, B2B service providers are finding a balance between on-demand, digital convenience and personalized customer service. Because franchise location owners are backed by the

The upside is that the relationship-driven nature of a business services franchise also makes it easily scalable. The B2B networking sales model tends to attract referrals and repeat clients. You can take a single unit and grow the business through deeper marketing alone.

The technology available through a franchise enhances scalability even further.

Embracing technology is key in business services today, giving quicker turnaround times and better levels of conveniencebased customer service. Technology is constantly changing and evolving, giving franchise owners, with the help and support of the franchisor, the ability to stay on the cutting edge of innovations in their field.

Bill McPherson

They Want it Yesterday Across all industries, customers seem to want and expect goods and services “yesterday.” B2B buyers are no different.

With innovations, efficiencies, new products and enhanced services rolling out consistently, and a changing customer base to keep up with, a business services model opportunity is an exciting one.

It’s an industry where people of diverse backgrounds and skillsets can find fulfilment and financial success. And even better, the demand for these services is here to stay.

Bill McPherson is vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics, one of the largest U.S.based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers, offering a complete range of print, visual communications and marketing products and solutions.

For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com

Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Page 39

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Expert Advice: Jeff Brazier | VP of Franchise Development | Kiddie Academy Educational Childcare

The Strategies Franchisees Need to Grow Their Business “Take advantage of your franchisor’s reliable corporate support system with experts in real estate, construction, training, operations, finance, business analysis, education, marketing and technology.” create a system for its franchise owners to follow and have made the costly mistakes that come with creating a business so you don’t have to. As the franchise owner, it’s your responsibility to apply the tools and techniques given to you to build your business.

Jeff Brazier

Being a successful entrepreneur is rarely a matter of luck. It’s most often the result of hard work and being smart about the strategies and services you use to help your business grow.

But if you’ve opted into franchise ownership, you shouldn’t have to look far to find help.

Your corporate support team can provide you with resources and guidance in many of the areas that are critical to your success. It’s the job of the franchisor to

Franchising USA

Here are some of the crucial areas I encourage my franchisees to focus on while building a successful business: • Plan Strategically – Success isn’t the result of a random spin of the wheel of fortune. Successful entrepreneurs make a detailed plan and stick to it. Identify your business’s current position, where you want your business to be a year from now, how you’re going to get there and how to deal with anticipated challenges.

• Make Good Hires – Hiring the right people is important to building a successful franchise. Your current staff and even your customers can be good referral sources for finding the right employees. You want to bring in qualified people who also add complementary strengths to others who are already working there. A good hire becomes productive faster and is likely to stay with you longer.

• Create a Positive Culture –

Good leaders create cultures that people want to be a part of. Selecting people with the skills you need is important, but you also want people who will be a good fit within the culture you’re trying to build. You want your franchise to reflect your values, so the people you add to your team should share those same values. It should be a place of transparency, trust and commitment, a place where employees feel empowered, valued and are excited to come to work each day. When your employees are happy, your customers are happy.

• Create Outstanding Customer Experiences – Everything you do should be done with the customer in mind. You want to make people feel like they made the right decision to select your business.

Be sure to offer numerous opportunities to engage and build great relationships with your customers and within your community. If your customers are pleased with the relationships and service they get from you and your staff, they’re more likely to recommend your business to others.

• Trust Your Advisors – Part of your overall strategy should be building a network of experts you can rely on for support and advice. Take advantage

of your franchisor’s reliable corporate support system with experts in real estate, construction, training, operations, finance, business analysis, education, marketing and technology. Having inhouse experts a call away is essential to provide business owners the help they need or direct them to a trusted source where you can find it.

• Communication is Key – Good communication skills are the key to success in all aspects of life, including work. This includes being able to effectively communicate with not only your staff, but with your franchisor. When you take the time to acquire and hone good communication skills you open yourself up to better business relationships. You’ll also be able to reach higher levels of mutual understanding and cooperation amongst your colleagues which will allow you to successfully attain your goals.

• Avoid the Status Quo – The common saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” will get an entrepreneur in trouble.

When enjoying success, small subtle

“Your franchisor has a tried and true support system to help its franchisees through tough decisions to bolster business and keep franchisees from losing sight of essential business strategies it needs to thrive.”

changes could have large impacts while also preparing your business for the future. This could be anything from training your staff and streamlining your processes to investing in marketing and other smaller projects. Even though it may seem counterintuitive to make these types of investments when your business is booming as a result you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges that may arise in the future.

It takes hard work and determination to keep a business in peak shape it’s important to keep the basics in mind to set your business apart from others. Your franchisor has a tried and true support system to help its franchisees through tough decisions to bolster business and keep franchisees from losing sight of essential business strategies it needs

to thrive. When searching for the ideal franchise company to support your entrepreneurial goals, be sure to align with a company that will nurture all aspects of your business, no matter how small.

Jeff Brazier joined the Kiddie Academy franchise development team in 2016. In his role as VP of Franchise Development, he works closely with franchise candidates to guide them through our franchise discovery process. Jeff has over 16 years of business development experience. Brazier began his career in the sports industry, with an emphasis on baseball, where he transitioned into business development. Jeff holds a BS from Towson University and MS from California University of PA. kiddieacademyfranchising.com

Franchising USA

fe at ure : busi n ess serv ices Fr anch isi ng

Page 41

GLOBAL

EXPANSION

G L O B A L E X PA N S I O N

Our GLOBAL CONNECTIONS are trusted operators in their markets and will enable a smooth entry into NEW TERRITORIES.

We can help to put your franchise

system in an operational position to attract successful franchisees.

We are members of the IFA and other respected organisations.

The transition process can be

daunting, but we know the trusted

business and legal players who can take you through the first minefield.

Constant changes within the codes of conduct can create a massive challenge to franchise systems

wanting to move outside of their established markets.

With direct experience of the North American, UK and Australian/ New Zealand Franchise markets we have been in the business

of selling franchise systems direct to franchisees for over 35 years.

For an initial discussion, please contact

globalpublishers@icloud.com

Page 43

Veterans in Franchising april 2020

www.franchisingusamagazine.com

FIRSTLIGHT’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

CARRIES ON FATHER’S LEGACY OF HELPING OTHERS, FINDS BUSINESS SUCCESS

EXPERIENCE IN ARMY HELPS LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISE CAREER FROM THE MILITARY TO MOBILITY: INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE WELCOMES RETIRED ARMY OFFICER AS NEW LEADER

Franchising USA

Leadership.

Teamwork.

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

Franchising USA

Page 45

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

Contents On the Cover

Veterans News

4 Rookie of the Year Carries on Father’s

Legacy of Helping Others, Finds Business Success

46 Assisted Living Locators Offers 10 Percent Initial Franchise Fee Discount to Encourage, Honor Aspiring Veteran Business Owners

50 Experience in Army Helps Lead to Successful Franchise Career 52 From the Military to Mobility: International Franchise Welcomes Retired Army Officer

as New Leader

Veterans Profile 50 AdvantaClean 52 Kona Ice 54 101 Mobility

Franchising USA

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

veteran news Assisted Living Locators Offers 10 Percent Initial Franchise Fee Discount to Encourage, Honor Aspiring Veteran Business Owners Veterans are buying into franchises at a record pace. According to the International Franchise Association, one of every seven franchises in America is owned by a veteran. “Veterans make

great franchisees because they have the skills it takes to own and run a successful business – a mixture of leadership, hard work

and dedication, and the ability to follow systems and procedures,” stated Olea.

“Franchising can be a tremendous opportunity for veterans because the business framework is already in place,” she

explained. “As an established, top-ranked senior placement brand, Assisted Living Locators offers the entire package for aspiring

veteran business owners. Not only do we have a proven, successful business model, but we also offer exceptional training and support for our franchisees.

Olea noted that some of their best Assisted Living Locators

franchisees are veterans, such as Arizona franchisee Dustin

Baker, recently named Franchise Business Review’s 2019 Rock Star Franchise Owner.

Baker served in the United States Army as a combat medic in

an artillery unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also an administrative supervisor at an outpatient surgical ward at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX.

As a top Assisted Living Locators franchise producer, Baker helps and mentors his fellow franchisees and also passionately cares for his senior clients and families, the company and community.

“After my career as a combat medic ended, I wanted to own a

business that would make a positive impact on my community,” Assisted Living Locators, a nationwide senior placement and referral franchisor, recently announced it is offering veterans

said Baker. “My journey in helping and serving others led me to the role of Assisted Living Locators franchise owner to provide

a 10 percent initial franchise fee discount to encourage and

care and guidance to seniors and families in my community.”

honor aspiring veteran business owners.

“As thousands of men and women return home from war, it is

Assisted Living Locators is a veteran-friendly franchisor with an

important to acknowledge the skills they have acquired during

and comprehensive training and mentorship platform, according

the same way they served their country, with integrity and

36 states and the District of Columbia, the company is ranked in

outstanding franchise entrepreneur. We encourage them to join

2020 Top Franchises Report and the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s

To learn more about a franchise opportunity with

affordable, low-cost franchise fee, a 10 percent veteran discount,

their military careers, “Olea added. “They operate their businesses

to Founder and CEO RN Angela Olea. With 130 franchisees in

dedication, and possess the strong characteristics that make an

Entrepreneur’s 2020 Franchise 500®, Franchise Business Review’s

our organization.”

fastest growing private companies.

Franchising USA

Assisted Living Locators, visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com.

Franchising USA

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

cover story: FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight’s Rookie of the Year

Carries on Father’s Legacy of Helping Others, Finds Business Success FirstLight Home Care’s 2019 Rookie of the Year says the franchise is ideal for any veterans looking into business ownership.

David Kapajos, who owns the FirstLight that serves the San Gabriel Valley in California, said in a recent interview from his headquarters in Arcadia that getting into the homecare industry allows business owners to help others, including veterans.

“There are a lot of veterans who need help with home care,” he said.

FirstLight Home Care offers companion care, personal care, dementia care, brain health services, respite care and travel companion services to seniors, veterans, adults with disabilities, people recuperating from injuries or sickness and busy families who require help caring for adults.

Through agencies like American Veteran Connection and Vet Assist, FirstLight works with Veterans Affairs to provide home care to veterans at no cost to them.

What makes FirstLight an especially good business choice for veterans, Kapajos said, is the substantial veterans’ discount the home care franchise offers to former military members.

In addition to the discount for veterans, FirstLight also offers the FirstPass Startup Package which includes several thousand dollars in valuable products and services to all new franchisees to help them get started.

It’s measures like these that helped

Franchising USA

Kapajos reach 500 hours per week of home care service provided by his sixth month in business and over 1,000 hours per week of home care service provided by the end of his first year in business, earning him his Rookie of the Year award with the company.

Seeing as how the home care business is so competitive, waiving these fees and providing veterans with a good discount on the franchising fee gives them a headstart with FirstLight.

The franchise company also has comprehensive support for marketing and for the cloud-based technology it uses, as well as business development.

Kapajos described how he was brand new to the business of home care when he started and the Business Development Director assigned to him helped him get

his franchise location up and running successfully.

Something else that helps FirstLight franchisees with success is the culture of the franchise, which puts an emphasis on only choosing franchisees who have a real passion for the home care industry and passes this along to their franchise locations.

Kapajos said he was impressed with the culture of FirstLight when he visited their headquarters in Ohio for the initial discovery day.

This culture of excellence and passion is something he brings to his own franchise location. He oversees about 175 caregivers and estimated that he only hires about 10 percent of candidates who come to interview for a position.

“We only choose the best,” he explained.

FirstLight also helps franchises retain the best caregivers by compensating them well and making it so they will want to stay with the company.

The company’s rates are also competitive and they have a client-based approach that really sets them apart from their competition, Kapajos said.

Military background and training While FirstLight has given him every opportunity to succeed as a business owner, Kapajo’s own experiences and training with the military have also helped him.

He joined the army in 2003 and was in the infantry before moving into the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRN) unit of 74 Delta.

He was deployed to Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2013 and exited the military in 2014, although he is still in the National Guard Reserves.

“What I learned from the military is to never quit,” Kapajos said.

This focus on persistence, as well as leadership, helped him to become FirstLight’s Rookie of the Year for 2019.

Legacy Something else that has helped him is the desire to carry on his father’s legacy of helping people.

Kapajo’s father was a surgeon who was forced into early retirement after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at 59 and suffered from dementia and depression as a result of the disease.

At the time, it was difficult to find reliable and trustworthy caregivers so he and his mother and brother took on caregiving duties, which proved to be incredibly difficult for the family.

So, when it came time to start a business for himself, Kapajos decided he wanted to help people like his father had.

“I wanted to continue his legacy and open this business to provide care to people who need it,” he said.

“I would hope that people take away that we all have an opportunity to create a sense of normalcy and stability for the people around us, and to not be afraid to be creative and create that atmosphere.” - Tim Arpin

In addition to helping people, home care is also a good industry to get into because of the aging population, Kapajos noted.

to maintain a good quality of life through

Many baby boomers are now retired and requiring home care and they can afford to hire people to help them with their daily living tasks.

a good franchise in a growing industry,

A lot of times, the people who FirstLight cares for have children who live out of state and they can’t take care of their parents, he said. Home care allows these seniors

their twilight years.

For veterans or anyone else looking for FirstLight’s Rookie of the Year is an

example of how a culture of excellence

partnered with strong support, a desire to do good in the world and some good old

perseverance can lead to business success. www.firstlightfranchise.com

Franchising USA

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

Page 49

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

profile: Barry Hintz | AdvantaClean

Experience in Army Helps Lead to Successful Franchise Career Barry Hintz left the United State Army in 1992, but the experience of serving his country never left him.

He thinks that is probably why he has been able to enjoy a successful business career and has thrived as a franchise owner.

Hintz owns an AdvantaClean of Suburban Milwaukee, a national indoor air quality and mold remediation company. But it was Hintz’s time spent in the military that laid the foundation that he would use to build his business career.

Serving his country Hintz went to ROTC during college and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in economics in 1988. After that, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a regular transportation corps officer from 1988 to 1992. Hintz

was in charge of loading and unloading

cargo and ammunition from ships, trains, aircraft and trucks. He traveled all over

the world, serving in Ft. Eustis, Virginia, New Zealand and Central America, and performed in conditions ranging from a wind chill of 88 degrees below zero in

Antarctica to 135 degrees in Saudi Arabia.

He also served during the Gulf War. In

fact, Hintz had the unfortunate experience of standing on a pier in the Persian Gulf while under a scud missile attack –

missiles that dropped 2,000-pound bombs -- thinking he may die at any moment.

“It was pretty intense,” he said. “It forced

“If you follow the system, it should generally work. You don’t need to figure everything out for yourself. That makes it easier than if you started a company on your own.”

me to grow up quickly.”

But Hintz said that in that moment, he

wasn’t scared. Maybe he couldn’t be. There

was nowhere to run. He told himself, “It’s a real cool Fourth of July show. I just happen to be standing underneath it.” At some

point, he saw a red glare and an American

flag waving nearby and thought, “How cool was that?”

Once the war was over, there was still plenty to do.

“It was a lot of hard work to load and

unload the ships,” said Hintz. “After the war was over, it turned into a grind to

motivate others to get everything done.”

He traveled into Iraq after the war was over to load military equipment, but everything was destroyed. Of his time in the army,

Hintz said, “I was in it to serve my country, and I loved it.”

Franchising USA

“The Army taught me what it means to have a sense of purpose, and since then, I have followed the ideal that everything I do should be for the greater good.”

The transition from military into business After Hintz left his tour of duty, he entered the world of business and found it to his liking. He went to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and earned an MBA. From there, he spent the next two decades working in several executive sales positions at various companies, mostly in healthcare.

When he decided to go into business for himself and purchase a franchise, Hintz couldn’t help but be struck by the similarities with serving in the military.

In the army, he said everything is “easy” because it’s all written down.

“Even if you get promoted to the next level, you are not even close to being the first person who has ever done it. You learn as you grow into things,” he said.

It works the same way with a franchise.

“If you follow the system, it should generally work,” said Hintz. “You don’t need to figure everything out for yourself.

That makes it easier than if you started a

company on your own. AdvantaClean has a system and if you start with that system, it is going to work, but you have to be smart enough to adapt it to your market.”

Meanwhile, his military experience has also given him the right mindset to succeed as a franchisee. “In the army, I learned that individuals are responsible for everything that happens or fails to happen,” said Hintz. “It isn’t very different as a business owner. You need to be aware of every detail that goes on with your business and be able to juggle all the balls at once.”

Ultimately, Hintz said, “I can take care of some responsibilities myself and delegate others, but I’m still responsible for everything.”

He is able to delegate a lot. His crew leaders and salesperson are very knowledgeable. A lot of that was due to proper staff training. He and his team have also established a clear definition of where they are in the marketplace, what are they going to do and how are they going

to do it. Hintz feels that his job is to keep everybody focused on that.

Meanwhile, the military has remained with Hintz in other ways. He has hired veterans over the years and among his clients are the Milwaukee VA Medical Center and Dry Hootch, a retail coffee house and veteran support organization.

“I love walking around and serving my guys,” said Hintz. “Everyone who was in the military is one of my guys. We’re all brothers.”

By hanging onto what he learned in the army, Hintz has been able to achieve his company’s mission – bringing in plenty of work and keeping customers and employees happy.

“I’m not interested in the check that we get for the work we do,” said Hintz. “I’m interested in making sure that the person we do work for becomes a raving fan of my company.” www.advantaclean.com/milwaukee-wi

Franchising USA

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

Page 51

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

profile: Ron Buckner | Kona Ice

Why Veterans and Mobile Franchise Concepts Make a Great Fit There are many people who hold the belief that everyone should work a customer service job at least once in their lives. Some, like myself, take that belief a step further and maintain that everyone should have a career in the military at least once in their lives.

While the latter is a bit more challenging to achieve, a military career provides people with a set of skills and a level of discipline that they can’t receive anywhere else.

Because of this, many veterans find great success in their professional careers after the military, with many choosing entrepreneurship as their next venture.

As a veteran of the United States Air Force and as the owner of Kona Ice NE Green County, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of franchise ownership, specifically with a mobile concept. Below, I will detail how veterans like myself can achieve the same level of accomplishment while finding their passion with a post-military career in franchising.

WHY FRANCHISING? As mentioned above, veterans develop a keen set of skills throughout their time in the military, several of which are transferrable to a career in franchising. For example, when someone buys into a franchise, they buy into an entire business system that has an established set of rules, systems and processes already in place. Veterans understand, more than most, the need to follow guidelines in order to achieve a goal. Because of this, following the processes of a franchise system comes naturally for many veterans.

Franchising USA

“Working with a mobile franchise concept has provided me the opportunity to stay busy and successful, but most importantly, it has helped me find a career in which I am truly passionate about.”

ADVANTAGES OF A MOBILE CONCEPT Having worked for more traditional franchise concepts in the past, I have found that there are certain advantages to owning a mobile concept that conventional brick-and-mortar brands do not offer. A major perk? Mobile franchises aren’t confined to regular working hours, meaning you are at liberty to create your own schedule. At Kona Ice, for example, franchisees are able to choose which events to go to and how long to stay at those events. This freedom grants you the power to make your business as fruitful – or in some cases, fruitless – as you want. So, having a military mindset and strong work ethic aids in the success of a mobile franchise.

Another advantage to owning a mobile franchise concept is that your business serves as a “walking” advertisement. When people hear the tropical tunes and see the vibrant colors of my Kona Ice truck, they are immediately enticed – children and adults alike line up down the street to get a Kona Kup. Plus, military personnel have an understanding of how to manage people and situations in order to achieve a goal, meaning a veteran-owned mobile franchise is sure to offer customers military-grade service built on consistency.

FINDING YOUR PASSION POST MILITARY “After serving in the military, many veterans find it difficult to readjust to civilian life and the civilian workforce. Opening a franchise, specifically a mobile concept, is one path that many veterans take in order to settle into a fulfilling post-military career.”

Another reason many veterans find their fit in franchising is because they are extremely self-driven and motived. A military career often presents more challenges than a regular profession might, instilling a mindset in service members that success is based on hard work and discipline. This ideal allows many veteran franchise owners to find great success in their business. It’s important to note that as a franchise owner, you have the power to make your business as successful as you want it to be. If you work hard, put in the hours and take advantage of the resources provided by the franchisor, you will reap the benefits of a thriving franchise.

After serving in the military, many veterans find it difficult to readjust to civilian life and the civilian workforce. Opening a franchise, specifically a mobile concept, is one path that many veterans take in order to settle into a fulfilling post-military career.

However, above all else, it is essential to find a career that you are passionate about.

My time in the Air Force helped me build a set of skills and a work ethic that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I always knew, though, that I wanted a high-energy career that would allow me to connect with people. Through my work with Kona Ice, I have been able to see people at their happiest – on their wedding day, at a birthday party or even at a company picnic. Working with a mobile franchise concept has provided me the opportunity to stay busy and successful, but most importantly, it has helped me find a career in which I am truly passionate about.

Ron Buckner is the owner of Kona Ice of NE Green County in Oklahoma. In addition to running his Kona Ice business, Ron has held a career in real estate for over 40 years. Ron also served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975. www.kona-ice.com

Franchising USA

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

Page 53

V e t er ans i n Fr anch isi ng

profile: Mark Baker | 101 Mobility

From the Military to Mobility: International Franchise Welcomes Retired Army Officer as New Leader

Mark Baker has always understood the importance of mixing compassion with firmness as a leader — call it his military training.

When asked what kind of leader he is, he’ll tell you he’s one who sets high expectations. He encourages the best from everyone on his team, and he proudly admits it.

“I’m all about the team. I like to surround myself with people who are subject matter experts and give them leeway,” says Baker.

“I’m very direct and I’m pretty demanding.

I set high expectations.”

It’s this mentality that brought Baker to 101 Mobility, one of the largest providers of mobility and accessibility solutions in the United States. From stairlifts to wheelchair ramps, 101 Mobility sells, rents, installs and services products meant to help people with disabilities get around their homes with ease. The franchise recently welcomed Baker as its new president, and he plans to march the company into new territory.

For much of his life, all Mark knew was the military. Both he and his wife come from military families (with strict allegiance to the Army and the Navy) and service to the country served his family

Franchising USA

well. It was during his 20 years of service in the military that the father of two gained much of his leadership experience. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer and retired from the U.S. Army Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Mark’s transition into civilian life led him toward a career in the franchise industry, holding several executive positions within the real estate and home services franchise sector. Baker also formerly served on the board of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. He was previously a board advisor for the Metropolitan State University Center for Innovation’s franchising program, and he earned the IFA’s Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation.

Now, as the new leader of 101 Mobility, Mark intends to oversee the company’s growth across North America. The brand has a presence in 30 states and several locations in Canada. Over the next three years, Baker hopes to double the size of today’s system and anticipates adding 60 more franchisees.

“I believe that 101 Mobility is the market leader in the industry,” says Mark. “They have a great brand promise, and they have a huge opportunity for growth. In your time of need, we’re there. It’s a big deal to help people have a better quality of life, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re helping people have a better quality of life.”

It’s not surprising that a high-ranking military veteran would choose to lead a company that serves those in need of help. 101 Mobility was created in 2008 to deliver mobility and accessibility solutions to people who are faced with limited physical mobility. Mark acknowledges and appreciates 101 Mobility’s efforts to assist those in need, including our country’s veterans, both by helping clients with disabilities and by offering a discount to veteran franchisee candidates.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re old, young or somewhere in the middle; there’s a huge need in the U.S. for this kind of service.

Every community needs someone like us, and 101 Mobility’s franchise owners make a difference in people’s lives.”

101mobility.com/franchiseopportunity

Page 55

(/(0 (00)$ !$/!./ #,* (/(0 (00)$ !$/!./ #,* ,. !))

,. !))

0, )$!.+ *,.$ !",10 0, )$!.+ *,.$ !",10 $2#(0(+& %.!+#'(/$ $2#(0(+& %.!+#'(/$ ,--,.01+(0($/ ,--,.01+(0($/

Franchising USA

fr anch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Assisted Living Locators Assisted Living Locators provides the vital function to seniors and their families of identifying their ideal alternative living solutions and other related services – all at no cost to them.

Our proprietary evaluation system results in free residential referrals that enable our clients to make the best possible decisions for their loved ones. Our elder care advisors are trained to find solutions that meet our clients’ needs and to personally accompany them on guided tours of facilities that match their individual preferences.

Ours is a truly turn-key program that puts our owners on the path to success through a proven executive business model with high profit margins, low overhead, minimum employees,

Business Finance Depot

If you’re aware of the unsurpassed value of the assisted living market, if you’ve always dreamed about the freedom and independence that business ownership could bring you, and if you’ve been waiting for the perfect, local, affordable opportunity to carve out your piece of the industry, Assisted Living Locators may be just the match you’ve been seeking.

For more information please contact Mary Ann Russo or Tom Ingle at: Phone: 800-267-7816 Email: franchise@assistedlivinglocators.com Website: http://www.assistedlivinglocators.com/

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

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

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

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

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 comprehensive branded merchandise programs for franchise communities nationwide, resulting in greater brand exposure, cost-savings, streamlined operations and brand compliance.

Franchising USA

repeat referrals, and residual income. Even more importantly, many of the industry’s most desired areas of the country remain available for new development.

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

We provide marketing collateral, signage, POP displays, printed materials, promotional products and apparel. Our services include graphic design, merchandising, sourcing, warehousing and fulfillment, kitting and proprietary technology with advanced management reports. All programs are scalable and can be customized to the unique needs of your community. Customer service is our forte.

With a customized online store as the organizing principle, our websites give users the ability to purchase their advertising and marketing tools in one easy to use program.

Contact: Dan Broudy CFE, Chief Executive Officer Phone:412-798-7120 Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Website: www.claytonkendall.com

Everything Hemp Store (EHS Franchise LLC)

foods including hemp seeds and hemp seed oil, dietary and health supplements.

Everything Hemp Store is a consultative marketplace for naturally sourced health, beauty and nutritional products. Our product suite consists of a variety of industrial hemp-derived products such as hemp textiles, floral derivatives, lotions, pain creams, salves, hemp extract tinctures containing Canabidiol (CBD), nutritional

Everything Hemp Store is truly your One Stop Hemp Shop™ focused on delivering top quality products to our consumers with full trace-ability from farm to family.

Contact: Gary Norris Phone: 888-334-4367 Ext. 21 9 Email: EHSFranchise@gmail.com Web: www.EverythingHempStore.com

Fastsigns® Now more than ever, businesses look to FASTSIGNS for innovative ways to connect with customers in a highly competitive marketplace. Our high standards for quality and customer service have made FASTSIGNS the most recognized brand in the industry, driving significantly more traffic to the web than any other sign company.

We also lead in these important areas: • #1 Ranked Sign Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 three years in a row • Franchise Business Review FBR50 Franchisee Satisfaction Award 2006-2015 • Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 2011-2015 ®

FirstLight Home Care FirstLight Home Care offers comprehensive, inhome, non-medical and personal care services to seniors, new mothers, disabled adults and others needing assistance.

FirstLight’s team brings more than 170 years of collaborative experience in health care, franchising and senior services, creating FirstLight’s Culture of Care foundation.

The last 10 years, we’ve received numerous awards, most recently including ranking among Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises, Forbes’ Best Franchises to Buy,

FranFund, Inc. A top IFA supplier and recognized as a top franchise funding supplier by Entrepreneur, FranFund, Inc. designs smart all-inone funding plans that grow with your franchise business.

Whether you are considering leaving your current job to start a new venture or if you are looking to expand your existing operation – we are here to help. Based on your specific financial picture, we will work with you to design a funding plan that will set your business up for long-term success.

We provide a free funding consultation and make sure you understand all of our program and service costs before you commit to anything.

Our most popular funding programs are SBA loans and 401(k) business financing, which allows you to use qualified retirement savings tax-free and penalty-free. We also offer

Fresh Coat The average Fresh Coat on average earns 41.22% gross profit and $507,883.18 in revenue!* (*See Item 19 of our April 1, 2018 Franchise Disclosure Document for details. Based on data reported by franchisees that were open and operating full-time for at least 1 year for the period ending December 31, 2017 and that reported Gross Revenues and income statements. A new franchise owner’s results may differ.

Our owners continually testify about the amazing amount of help they receive from our company. From coaching and onboarding, to marketing and operational support, we guide you every step of the way.

Marketing Support & Operation Support – At Fresh Coat, our franchisees are constantly surrounded by support from both

Funtopia Funtopia business philosophy capitalizes on a growing trend towards healthier, active lifestyles.

More than just a place for kids to play, Funtopia is an adventure park where family and friends come to entertain and challenge themselves.

Our mix of sports and fun, coupled with an amazing brand experience, has enabled our locations to enjoy the benefits of customer loyalty.

The concept was created out of desire to provide a new type of entertainment that would be an alternative to today’s prevalence of physically-

• Franchise Research Institute #1 Rated Sign & Graphics Franchise 2014-2015 • CFA Franchisees’ Choice Designation 2004-2015 • FASTSIGNS is one of only a handful of franchises approved for $21 million in SBA financing for approved franchise candidates FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide.

For more information: Phone: 1-214-346-5679 Email: mark.jameson@fastsigns.com Or visit our Website: www.fastsigns.com

& Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises for franchisee satisfaction. In the $80 billion home care, demand for our services already exceeds market supply in many areas. In 2015, the babyboomers turning age 65 in the U.S. reached 10,000 per day! By 2025, it will grow to nearly 72 million.

We’re looking for people who are passionate and strive to provide exceptional service. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives while building a powerful business, THIS is this franchise for you.

Phone: 866-985-4031 Email: jdavis@firstlighthomecare.com Website: Firstlightfranchise.com

conventional loans and other non-traditional solutions including unsecured loans, securities-backed loans, equipment leasing, and refinancing programs.

By utilizing our franchise-specific pre-approval tool and cultivating an extensive network of lenders who are comfortable with the franchise model, FranFund’s loan approval rate is 99%.

We believe delivering an exceptional customer experience is just as important as providing high-quality products and services and are proud of our high level of customer satisfaction.

Contact: Tim Seiber, CFE Phone: 817-730-4500 Email: info@franfund.com Website: www.franfund.com

our Marketing Department and our Operations Team. We have national and local marketing initiatives and resources to drive customers to your place of business, and experts to guide and coach you for as long as you own your Fresh Coat franchise.

Fresh Coat is committed to leading the painting industry by driving platinum level customer service delivered by a team of professionals and painting experts. To do this, our franchisees only hire the most skilled and experienced painters, allowing their franchise businesses to offer 6 unique services. Your painters provide positive experiences from the initial quote to final touch-ups.

Phone: (513) 605-4877 Email: freshcoatpaintersfranchise@gmail.com Website: www.freshcoatfranchise.com

passive screen display entertainment. Believing that being active, both mentally and physically is the essence of healthy lifestyle, we decided to make it as fun as possible. Our culture, our customers, and the Funtopia brand experience is the “icing on the cake” to a solid business model that allows you to grow your income and reach long-term wealth goals.

Contact: Yasen Nikolov Phone: 1.833.386.8674 Email: yassen@adventurefacilities.com Website: funtopiaworld.com/franchise

Franchising USA

fr anch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Page 57

fr anch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Home Technology Handyman As you know by now, the Home Automation industry is growing at record rates. All around the world, people are beginning view Connected Home products as an essential component of their lifestyle. They’re looking to integrate technology into their homes to make their lives easier, safer and more convenient.

There’s no doubt that this industry will continue to grow. In effect, the need for connected home professionals to install and integrate this technology will grow right along with it.

If owning your own Smart Home Franchise through Home Technology Handyman has piqued your interest, there’s never been a better time to see what we’re all about!

What exactly does a Home Technology Handyman do?

International Franchise Professionals Group

From basic service calls to turn-key projects, Home Technology Handyman can handle it all. Our most popular services include: • Connected Home Devices & Systems • Home Networking • Audio/Video Systems • Home Theater • Surveillance Cameras • TV Mounting • Remote Control Systems • Basic Lighting Control • Security Systems We want you to Take Control of Your Future!

Contact Jack Beeckman at: Ph: 888-303-4191 Email: franchise@hometechnologyone.com Website: hometechnologyhandyman.com/franchise

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

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

The IFPG is a strictly membership based organization that does not participate in any referral fees from our franchisor members or our brokers, thereby allowing all of our members to work freely together.

Our long-term success is predicated on retaining our members and providing all the tools needed to help you sell more franchises, and close more deals.

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

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

Lifted

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

Lifted, An Elevated Experience is a Hemp/CBD shopping experience. Stepping into the retail environment at Lifted, it only takes a few seconds to realize why the consumer’s needs are so readily met, as this is not the typical Hemp/CBD shopping experience.

The space is laid out in such a way that the flow lends itself to making the most of the square footage - which is modest, by some retail standards and yet, is comfortable and inviting; creating ease and efficiency for hemp/CBD consumers of every experience level. This design also reinforces Lifted’s respect for the consumer’s time, as well as their own.

Little Caesars As the largest carryout-only pizza chain in the world, Little Caesars is doing something right. Little Caesars is an international brand and household name. It’s come a long way since starting as a single store in metro Detroit in 1959.

The Little Caesars brand and distinction of being named “Best Value in America”* for the last ten years is proof of its commitment to satisfying customers by providing one of America’s favorite meals at an affordable cost.

Today, Little Caesars is looking for franchisees to bring HOT-N-READY® pizza to a wide range of communities

MONKEE’S FRANCHISING Monkee’s Franchising, LLC is a franchisor of upscale ladies’ boutiques specializing in shoes, clothing and accessories.

Headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, Monkee’s was founded in 1995 and has become one of the most successful organizations of independently owned boutiques in the Southeast. Our boutiques can now be found in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky,

Franchising USA

We’re a home service provider, just like a plumber or electrician. Our technicians are the trusted resource for sales, service and installation of home technology products to customers of all income brackets.

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

nationwide. The company also offers opportunities in non-traditional franchise venues, including convenience stores, college campuses and military bases. Little Caesars works closely with franchisees to develop locations with customized architectural and build-out plans. *“Highest Rated Chain-Value for the Money” based on a nationwide survey of quick service restaurant consumers conducted by Sandelman & Associates, 2007-2015.

Phone: 800-553-5776 Email: USdevelopment@LCEcorp.com Website: www.LittleCaesars.com

North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia and we are excited as our growth continues nationally.

Monkee’s is recognized throughout this region as a leader in providing the finest fashions from the world’s top designers.

Contact: Troy Taylor Phone: 336-529-5200 Email: troy@shopmonkees.com Website: www.ownamonkees.com

Moran Family of Brands Moran Family of Brands is one of the nation’s leading franchisors of general automotive repair, transmission repair and automotive accessory centers.

Based in Midlothian, Illinois, Moran Family of Brands provides specialty products and services in virtually every aspect of the automotive aftermarket through four individual brands and a total of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide including:

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. NEW YORK IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, which is why - after over 100 years as one of New York’s most famous restaurant brands - anyone can walk into a Nathan’s Famous Restaurant anywhere in the world and experience the best of the New York Casual Food scene.

Universally regarded as the “Flavor of New York”, Nathan’s Famous’ menu focuses on four food pillars: World-Famous Hot Dogs & Fries; Premium Subs, including Angus Ribeye New York Cheesesteaks by Pat LaFrieda; Best-in-class, cooked-to-order burger with our proprietary Best Burger Pledge™, and Hand-Breaded Chicken and Onion Rings.

Our restaurant system includes over 250 restaurants

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services is one of the most respected full-service commercial cleaning franchise companies in the nation. Office Pride’s business was built on a strong set of core values that ensures business is conducted with integrity and that every customer receives the highest level of commercial cleaning and janitorial services.

Our Values Make Us Different.® Office Pride was founded in 1992 by Todd Hopkins, who created the concept as an independent research project while working on his MBA at Butler University. He asked leaders of large cleaning companies what they would

OELO LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Oelo provides color-changing commercial LED lighting solutions for franchises and businesses.

Practically invisible by day, the lighting is installed in a weather-resistant channel that blends in with the building’s fascia, while the lights’ color and movement can be controlled by the Oelo color app.

The lights can double as seasonal lighting,

pet wants Pet Wants creates fresh and all-natural pet food and delivers it to our customers on a monthly, subscription basis...that ensures the food is fresh for the pets and that you generate consistent and ongoing revenue streams.

As a franchise owner, you will need to share this love of pets and their well-being. But no experience is needed. No matter if you start in your home, a small office or store, we teach you everything you need to know about operating and growing a successful pet food business.

Mr. Transmission, “The Professionals”; Alta Mere “The Automotive Outfitters”; Milex Complete Auto Care centers and SmartView Window Solutions.

For more information on Moran Family of Brands visit www.moranfamilyofbrands.com.

Contact: Ben Reist Phone: 800-377-9247 Fax: 708-389-9882 Email: breist@moranindustries.com Website: www.moranfamilyofbrands.com

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

Contact: James Walker Phone: 516-338-8500 Email: jwalker@nathansfamous.com Website: www.nathansfamous.com

do differently, and he repeatedly heard how they would deliver “total customer satisfaction.” Using his research, HopkinsRichHelm@OfficePride.com started Office Pride, an industry leader whose spotless reputation earns rave reviews from franchisees, clients and competitors.

Today, Office Pride has 137 franchises around the nation and is listed in Franchise Business Review’s Hall of Fame for its exceptional franchisee satisfaction ratings and is ranked among Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. Office Pride provides a wide range of commercial cleaning services, including carpet cleaning, floor stripping and waxing, to offices and commercial facilities.

Contact: Rich Helm, Director of Franchise Development Phone: 727.754.5990 Website: www.OfficePride.com; OfficePrideFranchise.com

eliminating the yearly hassle and annual cost of hanging holiday lighting.

With Oelo, franchisees can give their building a green St. Patrick’s day glow, create breast cancer awareness with a pink storefront or add custom movement to attract attention to your franchise.

Contact: Devin Rodarmel Phone: 970-212-3670 Email: devinr@oelo.com Website: oelo.com

You just need a passion for pets, the drive for success and the ability to follow our proven operating system.

In return, you will be rewarded with the great benefits of being a business owner. Bottom line, this is a fulfilling, financially rewarding and enjoyable “people and pets” business.

Contact: Beth Boecker Phone: 513-331-3647 Email: bbboecker@strategicfranchising.com Website: www.petwantsfranchise.com

Franchising USA

fr anch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Page 59

fr anch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry

pool scouts

• Recurring revenue business

Backed by multi brand franchisor, Buzz Franchise Brands – winner of Inc. 500, Pool Scouts helps franchisees hit the ground running.

A Pool Scouts franchise is a business opportunity that can be run from virtually any home or office. We are talking to motivated people to operate Pool Scouts businesses across the United States. Individual territories or area development opportunities are available. Pool Scouts…Perfect Pools, Scouts Honor!

Pool Scouts is the franchise opportunity poised to make a splash in the industry.

Here are some compelling attributes: • Fragmented market in a $3 Billion industry • Fast growing franchise opportunity • Low franchise fee and fast start up

PropertyGuys.com INC. PropertyGuys.com has created a marketing system that is transparent and includes a community of real estate professionals who are empowered through technology – providing the customer with a true endto-end experience.

We have reconstructed how real estate is bought and sold. We’re NOT real estate agents or brokers, we’re something very different, something we believe is much better.

We provide sellers with all the tools required to successfully and confidently sell their property on

Re-Bath In an industry of independent home remodeling contractors, Re-Bath stands out as a unified, trusted national brand. Re-Bath is known for providing expert, affordable and effortless bathroom remodeling solutions that transform homeowners’ bathrooms in days, not weeks. We offer a spirit of innovation and an alternative to cover-up or overpriced remodeling.

We handle both the design and the installation – it’s a branded, one-stop customer experience that the industry sorely needs. We are the go-to resource for bathroom remodeling in the markets our franchisees currently serve, and our national reputation strengthens as we continue to connect the dots across the country.

scooter’s coffee

their own at a fixed rate, not a percentage of the value of the home.

Ultimately, we help buyers and sellers avoid the high cost of commission by connecting directly.

We have experience two decades of franchise success and along the way, have been honored with many awards and acclamations. Franchisees benefit from the knowledge and skill of our award-winning franchise system.

Contact: Franchising Team Phone: 844-333-7017 Email: opportunities@propertyguys.com Website: www.propertyguys.com

Of course, it helps to have the trust of renowned companies like Home Depot. Re-Bath is the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise with presence in more than 150 cities and 43 states.

The ideal candidate for Re-Bath should have sales, marketing, and/or management experience and be extremely results oriented. Construction knowledge is not required. You must have a minimum of $100,000 in liquid capital, and be ready to make a full-time commitment.

Contact: Samantha Wilson Phone: 866-721-7761 Email: swilson@sfdpros.com Website: www.rebathfranchise.com

Founded in 1998, Scooter’s Coffee roasts the finest coffee beans in the world at its headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. In two decades of business, Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company core values.

employees is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks...

Amazingly Fast!”™ It reflects a commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers. Scooter’s Coffee is quickly approaching 200 locations in 16 states and has 135 franchise commitments to build new stores.

Franchise opportunities are available.

A partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to source shade-grown coffee to protect the rainforests reaffirms its commitment to contribute to a “chain of good”. The company’s Brand Promise, recited to franchisees, customers and

Phone: (402) 934-7284 Website: https://franchising.scooterscoffee.com Email: Kelly.crummer@scooterscoffee.com Contact: Kelly Crummer- Franchise Development Manager

SOCi

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

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

Franchising USA

Phone: 1-844-407-2688 Email: franchising@poolscouts.com Website: poolscoutsfranchise.com

www.meetsoci.com

StretchLab Founded in 2015, StretchLab is the first boutique health and wellness franchise that offers one-on-one assisted stretching services in a fun, energetic and communal environment.

It is designed to increase mobility and flexibility, helping to reduce pain, decrease muscle aches, improve posture, reduce recovery time and enhance quality of life.

Guided by highly-trained Flexologists™ in a one-on-one or group atmosphere, StretchLab is

TopFire Media TopFire Media is an integrated digital marketing and public relations agency, specializing in the franchise industry.

Our clients benefit from our years of experience in franchise SEO service, public relations, media relations, content writing and management, social media marketing, and web design. We work to bring all of these elements together to achieve a common goal – our clients’ success.

Tuffy Tire and Auto In 1970, the first Tuffy Muffler shop opened in Detroit, Michigan. To keep up with changing times, we’ve changed and evolved too, from just a Muffler shop to an auto service center. Our service line up currently includes brakes, shocks, struts, springs, alignment, front-end, oil change, mufflers, tires, air conditioning, batteries, starting and charging, flush and fill, and C.V. joints. We take care of all your auto repair needs.

revolutionizing the stretching industry through its approach to help clients of all ages, fitness levels, genders and sizes achieve deeper stretches that allow them to reach individual wellness goals.

Headquartered in Irvine, CA, StretchLab is backed

by Xponential Fitness, a curator of popular boutique fitness brands.

Contact: Martin Balcaitis Phone: (949) 326-9765 Email: martin@stretchlab.com Website: https://stretchlab.com

Our integrated approach combines our public relations and franchise SEO service prowess and is designed to generate brand awareness, drive consumer engagement, and build credibility for your company.

Phone: (708) 249-1090 Fax: (708) 957-2395 Website: www.topfiremedia.com Email: info@topfiremedia.com Contact: Matthew Jonas

our franchisees have played a key role in the success of Tuffy. Tuffy, is looking for customer focused, ethical business owners.

With over 45 years in business, franchisees are provided a value proposition that includes a state-of-the-art management, sales and Technical Training, comprehensive marketing and advertising programs, national vendor partnerships, national and local support, a powerful brand proposition, a strong business model and on-going research and development.

Helping our franchisees to operate successfully and meet the challenges of today’s marketplace is the top priority for the Tuffy® Tire & Auto Service Centers. We provide our franchisees with a proven operating system, and as a result,

Contact: Travis Mulligan Phone: 800-228-8339 Email: Travis@tuffy.com Website: Tuffyfranchising.com

Veterans Business Services

campaigns, news press releases, and online franchising e-magazine articles, VBS gets the message to qualified Veterans who are invested in starting a franchise.

Veterans Business Services provides the most advantageous franchise acquisition terms for Veterans and provides innovative entrepreneurial training for qualified Veterans seeking grants under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Veterans Business Services (“VBS”) specializes in entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and has an extensive reach into the Veterans community and can generate significant interest from qualified Veterans who wish to start a franchise or small business.

VBS offers multiple marketing methods that have proven effective with helping franchise organizations with their expansion plans. Utilizing custom email marketing

Window World Window World®, headquartered in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, with more than 200 locally owned offices nationwide.

Founded in 1995, the company sells and installs windows, siding, doors and other exterior products, with over 16 million windows sold to date. Window World is an ENERGY STAR® partner and its windows, vinyl siding and Therma-Tru doors have all earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.

In 2018, it was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Window and Patio Door Retailers” by J.D. Power.

Through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares®, the Window World family provides funding for St. Jude Children’s

VBS supports service disabled Veterans who are enrolled in the self-employment track within the Veterans Administration and provides outreach efforts to transitioning military through TAP and ACAP programs. As a graduate business of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (“EBV”), we also assist other graduates of EBV and provide coaching support through mentoring programs. VBS is where Veterans turn to make their franchise dreams a reality.

Contact: James Mingey Phone: 202-349-0860 Email: info@veteransbusinessservices.us Website: www.veteransbusinessservices.us

Research Hospital®, which honored the foundation with its Organizational Support Award in 2017. Since its inception in 2008, the foundation has raised over $9 million for St. Jude.

Window World also supports the Veterans Airlift Command, a nonprofit organization that facilitates free air transportation to wounded veterans and their families. Window World has flown over 100 missions and surpassed $1 million in flights and in-kind donations since it began its partnership with the VAC in 2008.

For more information, visit WindowWorld.com or call 1-800 NEXTWINDOW. Contact: Zach Luffman, Director of Franchising Phone: (336) 667-2100 Email: franchising@windowworld.com Website: www.windowworldfranchise.com

Franchising USA

fr anch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry

Page 61

Franchising USA