Franchising Magazine USA Novmeber 2023

VOL 11, ISSUE 11, november 2023

COVER STORY

Reality Based Threat Training Franchise with

UDT

Capture and Expand Your Franchise Culture with PR special feature

food franchising

franchising news

announcements from the industry

Industrial Revolution Becomes The Franchise Revolution Franchising MAGAZINE USA 1 The magazine for franchisees • WWW.FRANCHISINGMAGAZINEUSA.COM

VOL 11, ISSU

E 11, nOVEmb

Er 2023

coVer sto

u dt

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10, 2023

capture an d ex Your Fr an pand culture wI chIse th pr

On the cover: United Defence Tactical

special feat

Food Fr an Fr anchIsI announceme

president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com

The mag

Publisher: Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com editorial department: editor@cgbpublishing.com advertising: vikki@cgbpublishing.com annie@cgbpublishing.com.au Editorial team: Michelle Quinn Rob Swystun Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com DESIGN: Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com CGB PUBLISHING Canadian Office: Sidney B.C Canada U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 www.franchisingmagazineusa.com

Proud member of the IFA:

ry

Reality thReat tR Based ain ing FRanchise with

creatIve me financial an thods to keep th d otherwise e Best!

azi ne for

fra nch isee

ure

chIsIng

ng news

nts from

the industry

revolutIoIndustrIal n Beco the Fr anchmes Ise revolutIo n

s • WW W.f

ran chi sin

gma gaz Franch ising ine MagaZinE Usa .co Usa m1

Welcome to the November 2023 issue

of Franchising Magazine USA

Here we are in November already, and I am excited for you to read another packed issue with lots of tempting franchise systems featured along with some great advice from many experts in the industry.

On the Front Cover this issue we have United Defence Tactical, In the highly competitive world of tactical self-defense training, UDT stands alone in leadership, innovation, quality, product delivery, and is ideally poised to dominate the tactical firearms training industry for many years to come. The ultimate goal of UDT is to create safer communities across the country, and franchising brings Wes Fox and the entire team closer to that goal. You can read more about this on page 10.

From our experts this issue George Knauf explains how franchising is empowering individuals to shift from being employees to owners, thereby rewriting the narrative set forth since the Industrial Revolution. Lucas Frey discusses Elevating Franchise Success: The Power of Avodah which is a profound idea rooted in ancient wisdom.

The feature Supplement is Food and Franchising, and our regular feature expert Chris Conner walks you through the steps to develop a robust franchising system for your restaurant. Our Feature Cover is Clean Juice and we meet Chris and Marybeth Fiengo Parents of Four who decided to Invest in a Clean Juice franchise to Impact Community with All Organic Fast-Casual Dining Options. You will also find lots of choices in this issue if Food is your passion.

Veterans in Franchising this month has Former Marine Sergeant Nate Alderette who Finds Success at Office Pride, we also Focus on Filta Environmental Kitchens and a common theme that military service uniquely prepares people for franchise success, at Filta, they have real life success stories nationwide from Delaware to California and back to Georgia.

I really hope you enjoy reading this issue and don’t forget to take a moment to scroll thorough to our A-Z Directory at the back of the magazine or visit the website to find more exciting franchises and advice.

Happy Reading.

SUPPLIER FORUM International Franchise Association 1501 K Street, N.W., Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 628-8000 Fax: (202) 628-0812 www.franchise.org

Vikki Bradbury | Publisher Franchising Magazine USA

The information and contents in this publication are believed by the publisher to be true, correct and accurate but no independent investigation has been undertaken. Accordingly the publisher does not represent or warrant that the information and contents are true, correct or accurate and recommends that each reader seek appropriate professional advice, guidance and direction before acting or relying on all information contained herein.

Opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publication is sold subject to the terms and conditions that it shall not be copied in whole or part, resold, hired out, without the express permission of the publisher.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 3

4 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

70

conte nts

november 2023 10 Spotlight on Service 32 Points4Purpose: The Loyalty Platform That Gives Back!

Franchisee in Action Cover Story

Franchisor in Depth

10 United Defence Tactical: Reality Based Threat Training Franchise With UDT

14 Pure Glow: Leads the Charge Towards Safe and Healthy Sunless Tanning

In every issue

28 Spray Foam Genie: Twin Entrepreneurs Bring and Innovative Approach to the Insulation industry

6

Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

35 Special Feature Supplement Food and Franchising

73 Veterans Supplement News and Information for Veterans in Franchising

95 A-Z Franchise & Services Directory

Profile

Women in Franchising 22 Jackie Mendes - Perspire Sauna Studio: Changing Lives One Franchise at a Time

16 Honest Abe: Scaling Roofs and Profits

18 BrightStar Care: How 15 Years in Home Care Franchising Has Enabled me to Help My Community at Large 26 Wild Birds Unlimited: A Tale of Feathers and Family 66 Sylvan Learning Center: The State of Education is Driving Teachers, Administrators and Others to Franchise

Expert Advice 12 Carey Gille: How to Build, Nurture and Maintain a Unique Corporate Culture in the Competitive World of Franchising 20 Evan Hackel: Unlocking the Employee Success Codes 24 Carlos White and Rachel L. O’Conner: Addressing Five Essential ESG Questions for Franchise Companies 30 George Knauf: Industrial Revolution Becomes The Franchise Revolution 64 Lucas Frey: Elevating Franchise Success 68 Heather Ripley: Capture and Expand Your Franchise Culture with PR

14

26

70 David Earl: How a Chief Financial Officer Helps Franchisors and Franchisees Franchising MAGAZINE USA 5

ZIPS Names Jennifer Hall Field Training Manager ZIPS Franchising LLC is pleased to announce that Jennifer Hall, formerly a Store Operations and Development Manager for the company from 2008 to 2019, has rejoined the organization as Field Training Manager. She reports to Training & Development People Manager Jennifer Davis and is based in the company’s corporate headquarters here.

In addition to institutional knowledge acquired over her previous 12 years at ZIPS, Hall brings extensive experience in project management and field recruitment and training to her new role. Aside from her many years at ZIPS, her career has included roles as a national account manager for Bayard Advertising, a recruitment marketing firm helping companies fill

open positions, and as operations project manager with home-cleaning company The Cleaning Authority, where she worked with the corporate operations team and franchise owners on training, recruiting, onboarding, marketing, real estate selection, vendor account setup, supply and equipment purchasing, software needs and more.

“I’m thrilled to return to ZIPS and look forward to working with franchisees on building successful training cultures that aid in the success of their employees and, ultimately, their businesses,” said Hall.

Hall’s years of new employee and ongoing development training as well as her previous tenure at the chain during a time when the chain grew from only a dozen to more than 60 locations give her a distinct

advantage in understanding the business model and industry challenges presented to current and future ZIPS operators, Davis explained.

“We are delighted and honestly quite fortunate to welcome Jennifer back to our organization,” she said. “Her overall experience and her specific familiarity with ZIPS make her an incredibly valuable asset to our corporate and field operations.

Moneypenny Adds Outbound Calling with New Bespoke Service, Shortening Lead Response Times for Franchise Businesses Moneypenny has introduced a new bespoke service that adds outbound lead intake and lead qualification to its portfolio of services. Giving franchise businesses confidence their marketing dollars aren’t going to waste, the global communications leader’s offering is a blend of API technology and personalized human touch.

“Many franchises tell us they don’t have the time to qualify new leads, which is where our dedicated specialists come in to help flag ‘hot’ ones, allowing in-house teams to prioritize, and convert faster,” said Eric Schurke, Vice President of Sales for Moneypenny.

“Studies have found a pick-up rate of 50 to 80 percent when you call a prospect back within five minutes – you may not have time to do that, but we can, so you can get back before they look elsewhere while also creating a great first impression of your brand.”

Moneypenny’s new outbound service integrates with most major CRMs, including Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics.

Within seconds of an inquiry coming into the CRM, a specialist will be connected with the prospect by phone and SMS/text, ensuring every new lead is touched within those critical first five minutes. Moneypenny specialists will then continue to nurture the prospect until an appointment is made.

6 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Outsourcing communications to a dedicated specialist has been shown to help customer-centric companies become up to 60 percent more profitable, with research also showing that brands with superior customer experience bring in five- to seven-times more revenue than those that lag in customer experience.

Five Star Franchising Ranks 11th on Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 list of Fastest-Growing Companies Innovative home service franchise platform appears on the authoritative annual review of area businesses for the second straight year Five Star Franchising, an innovative, growing platform of home service brands, is among the most dynamic companies in Utah for the second consecutive year, according to the 2023 Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50.

Five Star Franchising ranks 11th on the prestigious annual list of the fastest-growing companies in the area.

“We’re proud to be recognized for the impact we’re having on our local community and our franchise owners,” said Scott Abbott, CEO and co-founder of Five Star Franchising. “Our world-class home service franchise platform has experienced outstanding success, with fifteen-fold growth over the last three years and a record of providing unique opportunities for financial freedom to our franchise owners.”

Five Star Franchising offers industry-leading tools and support to empower and inspire franchise owners throughout North America. With more than 800 franchise locations, Five Star Franchising’s brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, 1-800-Packouts, 1-800-Textiles, and Mosquito Shield, are top performers in technology, marketing, operations, local market success and people.

Utah Valley BusinessQ showcases the educated workforce, tremendous quality of life and vast business resources of the Utah Valley, which is consistently rated as one of the best places to do

business in the United States. Every year, the magazine’s UV50 list ranks the area’s 30 fastest-growing companies as well as the 10 leading large businesses and 10 startups to watch.

For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit http:// fivestarfranchising.com/.

QC Kinetix CEO Scott Hoots Honored as a North Carolina CEO of the Year QC Kinetix, a fast-growing regenerative medicine franchise that offers a cuttingedge, non-surgical alternative to joint and pain relief, is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Scott Hoots, was named CEO of the Year in the Growth Division by Business North Carolina magazine. This prestigious accolade was awarded at the annual NC CEO Summit held at Pinehurst Resort on October 2-3.

Hoots joined the QC Kinetix corporate team as Chief Operating Officer in 2020, taking the reins as CEO in 2022. In his first year as CEO, QC Kinetix has experienced remarkable growth, with system-wide sales growing to $100.5 million, marking a

260% growth in 2022. Clinic growth soared by 145% last year as well. It is easy to see why he was chosen as CEO of the Year in the Growth Division.

“I am both humbled and honored to receive this recognition from Business North Carolina magazine,” said Scott Hoots. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire QC Kinetix team. Our success is a collective effort, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.

The NC CEO Summit is a two-day gathering of North Carolina’s top decisionmakers, offering a platform for networking, panel discussions, and shared insights on

leadership and company engagement. The event highlights the collaborative spirit and innovative mindset that propels the state’s business community forward.

For more information about QC Kinetix and its franchise opportunities, visit www.qckinetix.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 7

Jake Van Der Stad Joins D1 Training as Director of Pre-Sales D1 Training, a leading fitness concept utilizing the five core tenets of athleticbased training to help people of all ages, announces the appointment of Jake Van Der Stad as Director of Pre-Sales.

Van Der Stad spent the past 20 years in the fitness industry in positions from General Manager to Executive Vice President.

He played an instrumental role in the oversight of as many as 56 locations generating upwards of $75 million in annual revenue, while supporting 100+ locations as a Franchise Operations Manager.

“I found my place within D1 thanks to the alignment we share on our mission

and core values,” said Van Der Stad. “D1’s holistic approach, catering to scholastic athletes and individuals of diverse backgrounds and aspirations, positions us to create meaningful transformations in numerous lives and communities. Looking forward, I am eager to be a part of the growth planned for D1 as we continue to be one of the most known names in the training and fitness space.”

As the Director of Pre-Sales, he will be responsible for building and maintaining D1’s high performing sales teams as well as new customer relationships. He aims to achieve this by combining expert strategic planning and business skills with consistent success in outperforming the

competition and delivering sustainable revenue, market, and profit growth.

“Jake is an excellent addition to our team, and with his proven track record, we are eager to see his contributions in strengthening our brand performance,” said D1 Training Chief Operating Officer, Dan Murphy.

For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit www.d1franchise.com.

Temporary Wall Systems opens its first Colorado location in South Denver New location will make reusable wall systems widely available for renovation and construction, supporting the forward-thinking city’s commitment to reducing waste Temporary Wall Systems (TWS), the first and leading full-service, temporary containment wall provider in the United States, highlighted its grand opening with a booth at the International Facility Management Association’s World Workplace Expo on Sept. 27 – 29 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

The new business is owned by Mike Guy, Guy, who has worked as an IT consultant, owns and rents several properties throughout Denver, and he’s familiar with the renovation process. He’s ready to show eco-conscious Denverites how TWS will allow them complete renovations without having to waste building supplies traditionally used for temporary containment.

“Owning and operating Colorado’s first Temporary Wall Systems in an environmentally conscious city like Denver 8 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

is a great opportunity for me to support its sustainability initiatives,” Guy said. “I’m proud to be part of the solution. I want to help business owners and contractors make a positive change by giving them new options for reducing construction waste.”

“When the new ordinance begins, we want Denver to know we’re here to help,” Guy said.

Guy has been part of the Denver community for more than 25 years. In addition to his work as an IT consultant, he has a real estate license and has bought afterin the area and sold residential properties for several years. He and his wife, Heather, have two children, and the family enjoys outdoor activities.

For more information about TWS, please visit https://tempwallsystems.com/ locations/denver/.

Scream and Shout! Britney Spears Events Launching at Painting with a Twist

Tarji Carter, The Franchise Player, Creates the First U.S. Black Franchise Symposium Oops, we did it again with a paint party like no other! Painting with a Twist, the nation’s leading paint and sip brand, is partnering with Gallery Books for an epic Britney Spearsthemed painting celebration. In honor of the pop icon’s highlyanticipated memoir, “The Woman in Me,” that hits bookshelves October 24, Painting with a Twist studios are turning into an allout Britney wonderland where fans can paint, sing and unleash their inner Britney.

Participating Painting with a Twist studios across the country will host Britney Spears painting events, starting October 24 until the end of the year. With step-by-step instruction from an artistentertainer, fans can illustrate Britney in some of her most iconic outfits, from her legendary “Toxic” flight attendant attire to her fiery red jumpsuit from the “Oops!... I Did It Again” music video, all while sipping wine and grooving to the princess of pop’s biggest hits. Select locations will even put to the test who is the ultimate fan and include a Britney-themed trivia game in their instructions.

One “Lucky” guest at each event will have a chance to win and take home a copy of her new book.

“We are going ‘Crazy’ with excitement over these Britney Spears events in our studios,” said Painting with a Twist Head of Marketing Brittany Graff. “Britney’s music is nothing short of iconic and multi-generational. It’s a true honor to celebrate her and the release of ‘The Woman in Me’ by creating an all-out Britney experience for fans to enjoy.”

“The Woman in Me” is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.

To find Britney Spears painting events near you, visit www.paintingwithatwist.com/pages/britney-spears-events.

This past September, Tarji Carter, Founder and President of The Franchise Player, a firm created to increase franchise ownership and wealth across the African American community, spearheaded The Franchise Game, becoming the first U.S. Black Franchise Symposium & Trade Show.

Carter created the event alongside Marketing Expert, Dessie Brown, Jr. (Head of Digital Programming at Genius Entertainment.

The event took place in Plano, Texas at Yum! Restaurants International Corporate Campus, featuring sessions from franchisees, lawyers, business development officers, and operation managers. The symposium brought together experts and industry leaders to discuss the secrets to success, challenges, and opportunities in franchising. The theme for the inaugural event was: Doing The Work!

The day kicked off with a keynote address from Damon Dunn (former NFL player and current owner of 40 Dunkin’ Brands franchises), followed by an explosive lineup of panel discussions led by franchise subject matter experts including Mike Quinn (Franchisee, Pizza Hut), Tim Williams (Director of Operations, Williams Chicken), James Fripp (Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer, Yum! Brands), Delmas Arthur (Operations Manager, Dunkin’ Brands, Starbucks, 5 Guys, McDonald’s and Hardee’s), and Carter herself, on behalf of The Franchise Player.

“With this event, we attracted multi-unit franchisees, owner/ after operators, potential investors, athletes, entertainers, and industry influencers,” says Carter, who has worked with some of the world’s most delicious brands, including Cinnabon, Carvel, Baskin Robbins, Dunkin, Wingstop, Edible Arrangements, Fuddruckers, and Bojangles’.

For more information, please visit: thefranchiseplayer.com.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 9

cover story: United Defense Tactical (UDT)

Reality Based Threat Training Franchise with

UDT

United Defense Tactical (UDT) boasts many outstanding attributes, but the one that stands out most is their proprietary reality-based training curriculum.

UDT’s cutting-edge, ultra-realistic selfdefense training courses provide students with all of the self-defense skills required to survive a potentially deadly encounter.

From violent attacks to home invasions, UDT prepares students to be their own protector as law enforcement cannot always stop a violent crime before it happens.

Unlike traditional static range training where the goal is to try to accurately put a hole in a paper target under no threat or

pressure, UDT’s hard-hitting curriculum is ongoing and progressive, allowing

participants to maintain proficiency and continually increase their fundamental

skills while being immersed in realistic

training environments. Similar to a gym

membership, UDT adamantly believes it is essential to have a committed self-defense training regimen in order to always be

prepared and achieve your goals. UDT

empowers its members through intense mental, physical, and emotional strength conditioning, greatly enhancing their ability to survive a real-world worst case scenario. UDT’s ultimate goal is to transform potential victims into ‘dynamic thinking’ survivors. With state-of-the-art firearms simulator training, complimented by high impact, non-static, live fire tactical training exercises, UDT provides a first rate, one-of-a-kind product second to none. All in all, UDT offers the most comprehensive training package on the American market, and there’s never been a better, more crucial time to get in on the action.

Skyrocketing violent crime and murder rates, endless mass shootings, riots, fanatical political extremism, and acts of foreign and domestic terrorism over the past two decades have turned the American landscape into a conflict zone. The ‘good ole days’ of confidently attending the theater, mall, school, or local festival in your community without the underlying fear of encountering a life-threatening situation have sadly become a thing of the past. At no other time in our modern history have so many

10 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Americans felt so insecure about their personal safety and the overall prosperity of their communities. This indisputable truth has become evident over the past several years with the unprecedented rise, and colossal nationwide demand, for private self-defense instruction. Since Covid, few industries, if any, have enjoyed the exponential growth and mania-level social popularity of the tactical firearms purchase and training industry. In every conceivable form, ‘self-reliance’ is the new age American mindset, with safety and personal security exceedingly topping the list. The collective American desire to be one’s own “first responder” has reached an overwhelming fever pitch, with more and more private citizens striving to become proficient in self-defense.

United Defense Tactical founder and CEO, Wes Fox, is a visionary innovator with a singular long range mission concept: Provide the highest quality firearms and self-defense education and training available on the open market, on a nationally brand-recognized scale.

As a expert weapons, tactics, and combat instructor with world class expertise in numerous martial arts and firearms disciplines, the intensely committed UDT team leader believes that everyone has the inherent right of defensive selfpreservation for themselves and their families. Because of this, he is now making UDT’s unparalleled reality-based training available to the masses.

Benefits of Franchising with UDT Franchising with United Defense Tactical comes with resources that set each facility up for success. As we like to say, our franchisees are in business “for themselves” but never “by themselves”.

Our leadership and support team is thoughtfully curated with experts within the self-defense training industry as well as seasoned franchise executives that have worked with successful national franchises including UFC Gyms, Mayweather Boxing, CycleBar, and The NOW Massage, just to name a few..

From the time of initial signing, to grandopening, and throughout the operation of their local UDT academy, franchisees will

receive training and support in every aspect of the business, further complimenting the brand recognition and proven systems and processes within our program. Franchisees receive assistance with site location and lease negotiations, as well as support during the entire construction process.

Franchise owners themselves will complete a training program to teach them to be successful entrepreneurs in this niche market. UDT will also provide training programs tailored for specific members of the franchisee’s team covering all critical areas of sales, training curriculum, and daily operations.

Franchisees will be given a proven business model, offering a sense of financial security, backed by market research that minimizes the trial-anderror phase of business development. This includes a robust marketing program which is designed to expedite the economic scalability of each new academy. They are also joining the UDT network, enabling collaboration and knowledge and resource sharing among other franchisees, fostering a sense of community and shared success.

Our students are trained to survive, our franchisees are trained to thrive.

United Defense Tactical is the fastest growing self-defense/firearms training institution in America. UDT’s proprietary reality-based training curriculum is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, and quickly becoming desired by more enthusiasts and professionals than any other single self-defense organization nationwide. UDT is the first and only pioneering tactical brand to introduce this

unparalleled level of self-defense training, and the very first to share, and franchise their success on a national platform.

United Defense Tactical is thrilled to have awarded our first several territories to our ‘Founding Franchisees.’ These franchisees – most of whom have been members of UDT – are entering several great California markets, and now UDT is excited to expand more nationally, proudly registered in nearly every region of the US Paul Davis, one of the ‘Founding Franchisees,’ has been a member of UDT for two years and is opening his center in Long Beach, California. As he has progressed through the member curriculum, he has seen the demand for dynamic training and creating more responsible firearms owners.

“As a member at United Defense Tactical, the courses have completely changed my life. I’ve seen what this program has done for me, and I want to help bring that to more people,” said Paul. “I want to create a sense of community within my members, and really teach them how to protect themselves.”

In the highly competitive world of tactical self-defense training, UDT stands alone in leadership, innovation, quality, product delivery, and is ideally poised to dominate the tactical firearms training industry for many years to come. The ultimate goal of UDT is to create safer communities across the country, and franchising brings Wes Fox and the entire team closer to that goal.

- Fortune Favors the Bold Franchising MAGAZINE USA 11

EXPERT ADVICE: Carey Gille | Co-founder and CEO | Franchise FastLane

How to Build, Nurture, and Maintain a Unique Corporate Culture in the Competitive World of Franchising…

With more than 4,000 franchise concepts on the market today, the struggle to recruit qualified entrepreneurial candidates and close new deals on awarded units and territories is more competitive than ever before.

12 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

For franchise sales organizations, whose

franchisors they represent. And perhaps

necessity to differentiate themselves

them succeed than building a unique

job is to accomplish these goals, the

nothing has had a bigger effect in helping

from their direct competitors has led to

corporate culture that resonates – not just

initiatives. In effect, they themselves are

externally with their clientele.

organizations with the same fervor as the

FastLane, the leading franchise sales

innovative new approaches, strategies, and

internally with their workforce, but also

working overtime on branding their own

As the Co-founder and CEO of Franchise

“

Any competent executive leader can be good. But only a select few are cut out to be great. Yes, leadership is about leading others, but you also have to be capable of leading yourself.

”

organization in the U.S., I’d like to share some insight and knowledge that I’ve learned on what it takes to build, nurture, and maintain a unique corporate culture – as well as how to use it for your own benefit in driving success. These include my thoughts on team building, encouragement, innovation, and one of my most favorite initiatives - inspiring greatness in others.

A Clear and Compelling Vision Statement Organizations that cannot coalesce around a competent leader are often described as “rudderless,” meandering without direction or purpose. Sadly, no sales-oriented organization operating in this manner will ever become agile enough to overcome the executive leadership gap. First and foremost, you have to develop a clearly defined vision – which just so happens to be my favorite word in the entire Webster’s Dictionary. What a clear and compelling vision offers your workforce is an intricate picture of a preferable future. If this sounds familiar, it also clearly applies to any of the thousands of franchise opportunities in the marketplace today who hope to achieve success.

Building Your Salespeople Accelerated by the events surrounding the pandemic, the relationship between employer and employee continues to undergo rapid transformation. Aspects that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago, such as remote work, hybrid engagements, and a newfound focus on corporate culture, are now the norm.

At Franchise FastLane, we refer to our employees as “Fastlaners,” intentional and

Carey Gille is the Co-founder and CEO of Franchise FastLane, the No. 1 franchise sales organization in the U.S., which now includes more than 25 brands and has awarded over 6,000 territories nationwide. A serial entrepreneur who founded four unique startups throughout her career, Gille possesses extensive knowledge and insight into the world of franchising and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Under Gille’s leadership, Franchise FastLane has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list on two occasions in their six-year history. A resident of Omaha, Neb., Carey is happily married with three active boys and enjoys reading, running, and inspiring change in others.

influential self-starters who demonstrate a sense of urgency and can prioritize tasks without continual input from management.

In building our team, we zero in on certain qualities for our recruiting efforts. We look for employees who encapsulate our five core values. This includes those who are gritty and hungry for success, who can drive fast results with no unsuspecting surprises, who have each other’s back, and demonstrate the ability to support and inspire change in others.

To manage this level of talent, real leaders must have control, a commanding voice, demonstrate influence, and communicate the perspective of what’s possible. If you can do that, the impact is often immeasurable.

It’s about being on top of your game 24/7, which is important to Franchise FastLane because our team is always on the lookout for the next big thing in a franchise - one that’s a perfect fit for our current portfolio of brands. As we like to say, a seasoned franchise sales executive should always be the guide, but the prospect is always the hero.

The Difference Between Good and Great Any competent executive leader can be good. But only a select few are cut out to be great. Yes, leadership is about leading others, but you also have to be capable of leading yourself. And that takes intentionality, trust, consistency, and a true commitment to being a transformational leader. But perhaps the best attribute to master is your own vulnerability – the potential to make others understand that you’re leading from within, not from

Ultimately, leadership is “about serving the needs of others. It should also be a given that not every employee responds the same way in a well-structured corporate culture.

”

above. Ultimately, leadership is about serving the needs of others. It should also be a given that not every employee responds the same way in a wellstructured corporate culture. In reality, it’s not a collective workforce, but a team of individuals, each with their own set of strengths, capabilities, and ability to contribute to the success of your organization. So long as you ensure that each employee feels seen, heard, and valued, great leaders can bring out these personal contributions on an individual level.

My final thought has to do with a deeply personal issue to me – the ability to inspire greatness in others. This quality takes intentional effort to lead by example, the ability to communicate on a personal level, setting a high standard, a little bit of bravado, and the talent to sell the ultimate purpose of your mission.

Collectively, all of these traits have to come from an authentic, personal, and internal place. Henry Ford is the author of my all-time favorite quote, which carries a lot of weight when it comes to building, nurturing, and maintaining a unique corporate culture in a highly competitive world – “Whether you believe you can, or you can’t, you’re always right.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 13

franchisor in depth: Pure Glow

Pure Glow Leads the Charge Towards Safe and Healthy Sunless Tanning Until recently, skincare going hand-in-hand with wellness was never a big talking point in the tanning industry.

Tanning beds have fallen out of popularity due to conversations surrounding sun damage and skin cancer, while many sunless tan foams and lotions are facing similar scrutiny due to questionable ingredients in their formulas. People are becoming more aware of making health-conscious choices, from the household cleaning supplies they use to the food and makeup

14 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

they buy. Having been raised by a registered nurse mother and physician father, I learned at a very young age the importance of prioritizing your health.

These values that were instilled in me as a young person would ultimately blossom into the founding pillars of Pure Glow— to provide a “pure” option for tan-lovers that looks realistic and is safe for the skin.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the tanning industry is that people only tan for cosmetic or vanity-based reasons. This is a one-dimensional, over-generalized view on what is a very

robust and up-and-coming industry. Like countless individuals on this planet, I suffered from debilitating shame and humiliation due to a stubborn skin condition. My acne was embarrassing and painful; any efforts I made to cover it up only seemed to make it look worse.

There are many skin conditions besides acne that can cause an individual to want to seek out measures in order to even out their complexions. People with vitiligo, eczema, rosacea, scarring or other chronic conditions oftentimes have trouble finding products that are made for them. My journey of managing my acne

led me to the world of sunless tanning, and then airbrush tanning. While airbrush tans immediately boosted my confidence, I noticed many things that made the experience unpleasant; the formula smelly, sticky, and oxidized to a color that didn’t look anything like a natural tan. The fade out was often patchy and left me with more “imperfections” to worry about on my skin than before. Pure Glow is everything I wanted during the worst days of my acne flare-ups, and more. Most of our clientele are people like me who are learning how to manage what is often a chronic (lifelong) condition and just want to give themselves a confidence boost.

After a decade of self-funded research, I realized the limitations in current tanning technology and ingredients and set out to fix them. I developed an organic and nontoxic formula that naturally reacts with the skin’s melanin to mimic a natural tan.

The tanning industry is undergoing a massive cultural shift as consumers are prioritizing inclusivity and health more than ever before. These shifts and changes in the industry are making it such an exciting time for us to start franchising.

Airbrush tanning is one of the few beauty services that do not require licensing or certification programs, making Pure Glow an easy-to-enter franchise opportunity with no red tape. Trainings, licenses and certifications tend to pile a mile high for beauty or makeup concepts looking to

franchise. So not only are prospective franchisees coming into a very innovative, rapidly-growing sector of sunless tanning applications, but they also will be able to open their studios and train employees in a quick, timely manner. I knew before entering the franchising scene that I wanted to provide a solid franchise support system and flexible scheduling, allowing franchisees to nurture their work-life balance while running their own business.

It is hard to be a young woman with a hunger to succeed in the business and franchising world, especially when you’re funding your endeavors with everything that you have. I knew going into this journey that, while working in the beauty industry would offer some reprieve, I would still have to work twice as hard to be seen as successful as my male peers.

I knew this was a challenge that I would face, as I had been throughout my life, as do all women. One thing I didn’t expect to happen while pioneering my own business was to be fighting on an entirely different front; in 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, right in the middle of a pandemic that was shutting down small, locally-owned businesses left and right while taking millions of lives. This had the potential to end my life and completely derail my business, but I didn’t let it. I beat it, and I still managed to lift my dream company off the ground stronger than ever

before. This grit and determination is the driving force behind all that I do. I cherish and value my health so much, and want to offer that to people in the form of skincare and airbrush tanning. I want people to know that they can look like the best version of themselves without damaging or prematurely aging the skin.

From increased bodily and racial diversity in models, expanded shade ranges, to a global rise in health-consciousness and safe ingredients, it is clear the world of beauty and skincare is headed towards a new, refreshing era. With this increase in inclusivity comes an increased demand for transparency and accountability from beauty brands. People want to know what you’re about and who you’re for.

They want to look at a beauty band and see the humanity and dedication behind its founders, products and campaigns.

Consumers are putting their trust in us beauty brands to provide safe, healthy and effective services that leave people feeling great about themselves. Brands who do not fall in step with the new wave of fresh and transparent beauty practices are bound to be left behind as the world grows more health-conscious. In a few years, safe, nourishing, non-toxic ingredients in selftanners will be an industry standard, and Pure Glow is keen on leading this charge through our decision to start franchising.

The best kind of glow is the one that comes from inside.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 15

PROFILE: Honest Abe Roofing

Scaling Roofs and Profits:

A Day in the Life of Honest Abe Roofing Franchise Owners To run a successful business, Honest Abe Roofing’s independently owned and operated owners have a busy, but rewarding schedule.

From managing their teams to providing top-notch customer service, the dayto-day operations of a franchisee are diverse, challenging, and rewarding. Like many business owners, day-to-day life is a blend of meetings, critical thinking, and paperwork. But it is also a dynamic mixture of meeting new people, solving customer problems, and hitting new goals. Even with these key differences, each owner navigates their day with determination to enjoy the payoff of their hard work.

Daily Life We’ve all heard the classic idiom— rise and shine! But in the case of an Honest Abe Roofing franchisee, they wake up every morning, rain, shine, cloud, or snow, to attack the day and hit their goals in revenue. Franchise Owner, Vee Valegic says “I start my day bright and early by diving into my inbox and connecting with my dedicated team. In the dynamic world of roofing and construction, there are numerous components in motion, so it’s important my team and I are on the same page to ensure we are operating smoothly.”

He goes on by saying, “Alongside my management team, I examine performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to confirm that we are steering in the right direction.”

Of course, running a successful roofing company isn’t just about making money; it’s also about strategic thinking and problem-solving to help others. Our owners spend time analyzing materials, exploring new opportunities, and fine-tuning their services to invent new ways to provide the best customer experience.

16 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

To make operations run smoothly, each owner has daily priorities to make everything run right. Franchise Owner, Don Lanier says, “Daily, I conduct or oversee training and sales meetings, check on production installs, monitor A/R and collections, check all of our sales and inside sales numbers, and monitor all communications.” He continues by stating, “I have a weekly managers meeting, and about once a month I have a meeting with our marketing company. Of course, there is a whole lot more I do, but these are some of the consistencies.”

As a Franchise owner, each day looks different depending on your location, your teams, or simply, put your personality.

But it’s not all just about the business. At Honest Abe, our franchise owners become part of a close-knit community within the company and their town to assist all homeowners.

This includes hiring and training

employees, assigning tasks, and monitoring their performance to ensure high-quality workmanship on every project. By

checking in with their teams, our owners show they care about their employees

and create a positive work environment.

In addition to leading a team, owners are

also responsible for building relationships with clients and generating new business opportunities. This involves networking

within your community, communicating

effectively, and implementing marketing

strategies provided by our corporate teams to enhance brand visibility.

Ultimately owning an Honest Abe Roofing franchise requires dedication, passion,

and hard work. But in the end, owning a

franchise also offers tremendous rewards

that allow you to hit your goals and achieve high profits so you can thrive in the roofing

Roles & Responsibilities

industry!

The overall roles and responsibilities of each franchise owner are consistent at each of Honest Abe Roofings independently owned and operated locations. Different from day-to-day life, the expectations of each owner stay the same so they can represent the brand well and stay consistent for our customers. One of the most important responsibilities is managing the day-to-day activities of their team.

Franchise Opportunities If you’re looking for a profitable and

fulfilling venture in the roofing industry, becoming an Honest Abe Roofing

franchise owner could be the perfect fit for you. With their proven record of success and commitment to excellence, Honest

Abe Roofing offers a unique opportunity to scale roofs and make profits.

franchisee in action: BrightStar Care

How 15 Years in Home Care Franchising Has Enabled Me to Help My Community at Large Ignacio Cespedes, PhD, Owner of BrightStar Care of Roseville and Sacramento/Carmichael

Fifteen years ago, I was introduced to the world of franchising when BrightStar Care, a nationwide home care franchise, reached out to me with a franchise opportunity.

Before starting my career as a franchise owner, I worked in the healthcare industry for 12 years and was the Chief Operating Officer for a medical device company, but I was eager to begin the next phase of my career. Although I had no previous franchise experience, I leaped at the opportunity of merging my passion of working in the growing healthcare industry, with my desire to become my own boss.

Having never considered the route of franchising before, I strategically weighed my options and discovered franchising is truly for everyone, at all levels of the professional spectrum from college graduates to executives and retirees. I came to the field of home care franchising with an MBA and a Ph.D. in Biomedical 18 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Engineering, however regardless of your professional background, franchising can be a smart investment for anyone interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. With the senior population growing quickly as baby boomers age into the category, the demand for businesses like home care is rapidly increasing. The great thing about investing in a franchise is that the franchisor has already laid a strong foundation for the brand and it is much easier to create a stable business than if you started a business from scratch. In honor of my fifteen-year anniversary milestone with BrightStar Care, I’m here to share my firsthand experience as a seasoned franchise owner and how my franchise business has helped serve my community at large.

Since the opening of my BrightStar Care agency, my talented healthcare field team has provided more than 1.7 million hours of service to the communities across Placer County and Sacramento County. I have also employed nearly 2,000 team members and my agency has

served almost 2,500 clients. My team’s true dedication to care has allowed us to continue to provide the highest level of personalized service to our community for the last 15 years. At BrightStar Care of Roseville and Sacramento/Carmichael, we are passionate about providing a higher standard of care for our clients. While we serve community members of all ages, we have a large number of clients within the senior and veteran populations. We offer all our clients a highly personalized, compassionate approach to care and specialize in dementia and Parkinson’s care, supporting the seniors and their families in our community. Each client that we take on receives a personalized care plan with continuous oversight by a Registered Nurse who visits the client in the comfort of their own home.

We also provide home health services which includes infusions, wound care, and physical therapy, as well as medical staffing services to healthcare facilities.

In addition to the outstanding care that we provide our clients, we are very involved

with our community and passionate about providing resources through community support groups, seminars, and training.

We hold several support group meetings monthly that are open to the community for families and those impacted by Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, those seeking senior care assistance, and learn more about the disease process.

In these groups, people can share their experiences, provide support to one another, share resources, and more. We also host events at our agency, where clients, their family members, and community members can stop by our office to listen to seminars from expert speakers in the medical field. We often bring in specialized doctors and medical professionals to speak about the aging process, home care, and senior care, and we hold question-and-answer panels, so audience members have the floor to ask any questions they need. Although our clients and their family members widely participate in these events, these services are open to the community and people do not have to be BrightStar Care clients to attend. We found these conversations and events help introduce the community to the benefits of aging in place with the assistance of home care and how it can help improve the lives of their aging loved ones.

Our long-term care insurance seminars are some of our most attended events, as we help the public understand their long-term care insurance benefits and what kind of

care they can receive under their plan.

These benefit plans can be confusing, especially for the senior community.

During our seminars, we help people understand their policies, review how to initiate claims, coach them on how to maximize their benefits, and answer any additional questions.

offer this training to other local healthcare professionals and to families taking care of loved ones with dementia. While the industry has been facing a healthcare staffing crisis, throughout our 15 years of operation, we have maintained stable staffing levels by prioritizing education, training and maintaining high standards.

In order to maintain our top-tier level of service, we offer several educational programs and training for our own staff and other medical professionals in the community. We are also certified trainers for the Virtual Dementia Tour, a training program that simulates the experience of a person living with dementia and what it is like to complete everyday tasks and exercises. The caregivers can experience for themselves the physical and mental challenges those with dementia face on a daily basis and use the experience to provide better person-focused care with true empathy towards their clients. We also

Looking ahead, I am hopeful for what the next 15 years will bring and how we can continue to improve the lives of our clients and their families, while simultaneously giving back to the community and providing our talented caregivers, nurses, and therapists a valuable career path. I have witnessed firsthand the many benefits of opening a home care franchise, and I am deeply passionate about the industry and providing the highest quality of care to my clients. For those passionate about caring for others or providing an essential service in their community, a home care franchise is a rewarding career investment.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 19

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

Unlocking the Employee Success Code: The Art of Personal Career Maps

Imagine this: When I recently caught up with John, the president of a large manufacturing company, he dropped a bombshell when he told me, “We don’t create a career plan for every employee. Who has the time?

The smarter people figure out how to get ahead here. Nobody’s complaining.”

20 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

But here’s the kicker - when I asked John about the most promising people in his company, he could name some. He said, for example, “One is a woman named Christine, a sales superstar, heading for the stars. We might toss a promotion her way next year.”

retire this kind of mysterious plan-keeping routine that might have taken hold in your organization.

Wait, what? John had a plan for Christine, had one all along, but he was keeping it under wraps, like a classified mission. Was he trying to turn it into a mystery novel?

I’ll never know, but it’s time to unveil the secrets of personal career maps and

By “everyone,” I mean the folks who aren’t just stopping by for a fleeting coffee break, or temporary or seasonal employees. I mean the ones you’d love to keep around.

Instead of letting these ambitions stay locked in your mind like John’s undercover

So, here’s the riddle of the day: Why haven’t you sat down with every member of your team and crafted personalized career maps for everyone?

Evan Hackel, As author, speaker and entrepreneur, Evan has been instrumental in launching more than 20 businesses and has managed a portfolio of brands with systemwide sales of more than $5 billion.

He is the creator of Ingaged Leadership, is author of the book Ingaging Leadership Meets the Younger Generation and is a thought leader in the fields of leadership and success.

Evan is the CEO of Ingage Consulting, Delta Payment Systems, and an advisor to Tortal Training.

Reach Evan at ehackel@ingage.net, 781-820 7609 or visit www.evanhackelspeaks.com

Make a career planning session part of your onboarding process . . .

become the stage where they act out their own lives.

When you onboard new employees, don’t just toss them an employee handbook and wish them the best. Dive into conversations about their career dreams. It’s like sprinkling a dash of loyalty glitter on their onboarding journey. And consider taking these steps when you are recruiting and interviewing potential new employees.

If you do, you will show them that your company offers an exceptional opportunity.

Use some mentoring magic . . .

Ask questions to unearth your employees’ passions, skills, and longterm aspirations . . .

This isn’t only about your company’s growth. It’s about their personal journey.

Where do they envision themselves in one year, two years, or beyond?

Talk about your company’s culture and mission . . .

promotion scheme, why not sit down

with each member of your team, uncover

their aspirations, and co-create individual career maps to guide them through your organization’s maze?

Transforming Your Organization, One Career Plan at a Time Personal career maps are your secret

weapons to ignite, captivate, and retain your dream team. Here’s a rundown of some steps to take.

Open up about what your organization treasures most. Is it great customer relations, teamwork wizardry, entrepreneurial spirit, a social mission, or something else? When your team grasps these secrets – which should not be secrets at all - they feel like they’ve got a more focused map on how to achieve success.

And some of them will fully buy into your company’s mission. Those employees are the ones you really want on board.

Find ways to empower employees to reach their personal goals in your organization . . .

Get inventive in helping people reach their goals. If someone’s a social media maestro, for example, hand them the social media throne. Put them in charge. If they dream of climbing the managerial ladder, introduce them to your management training program. Your company can

Why not pair each employee with a mentor or coach? It’s like having a personal cheerleader who believes in their journey with your company. Teamwork makes dreams come true. And remember, mentors don’t have to be people who outrank the employee you are developing. A manager of another department or the owner of a different franchise can be a masterful mentor too.

Invest in great, ongoing training . . .

Don’t skimp on it. It equips your team with the tools and skills outlined in their career development plan. It’s like providing them with a treasure map and the X to mark the spot.

Keep the process alive . . .

The development of a career plan should evolve through regular check-ins to keep plans fresh and evolving. It’s like an everenthralling, multi-episode Netflix series customized to their career adventures.

A Little Extra for the Millennials I have found that millennials adore individual career plans. Offer them a roadmap to success, and they’ll be the happiest, most engaged bunch in your office. It’s like handing them the GPS for the company’s career autobahn.

When your team can boldly declare, “I’ve got this, I know the path to success here,” they turn into unstoppable forces in your organization.

So, let’s get rid of the secret plans and unleash the magic of personal career maps for a happier and more motivated team.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 21

women in franchising: Jackie Mendes | Vice President of Franchise Development | Perspire Sauna Studio

Changing Lives, One Franchise at a Time: Empowering 100 Communities for a Healthier Future They say if you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.

That statement holds true for Jackie Mendes, Vice President of Franchise Development for Perspire Sauna Studio, who took her personal wellness journey and turned it into a successful career.

Jackie Mendes Vice President of Franchise Development for Perspire Sauna Studio 22 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

When she was a teenager, she took a prescription medication that led to a lifethreatening allergic reaction. It took several months for Mendes to fully recover from skin welts, hair loss and depression. While traumatic, this event ultimately led her to a life-long pursuit of alternative therapies and a career focused on helping others live a healthy and empowered life.

The realization that we have one precious body - one chance - to live this life, left her inspired to help others make healthy choices so they can achieve their goals and dreams.

Now, Mendes has spent the entirety of her professional career focused on the health and wellbeing of others. From public relations and content creation to marketing and sales, Mendes continuously exhibits the qualities of a true trailblazer in the health and wellness industry, and business in general, with 20+ years of experience, ensuring the public has equal access to the brands and services capable of helping them become their best selves.

It’s what drove her to help develop and expand the national, and even global presence of concepts like World Gym and F45.

When the pandemic hit, she remembers thinking about the value that it would have for the wellness industry for years to come.

She was so oddly excited at the opportunity – with every crisis comes an opportunity, she believed it would wake more people up to prioritizing health, sleep, wellness,

family, etc. – that the pandemic offered.

She believed more people needed to be woken up to the feeling to be empowered for their own lives and their communities.

Her most recent career decision left more than a few people scratching their heads.

F45 had seen explosive growth from a franchise sales perspective, so anyone in their right mind wouldn’t possibly be looking for a new challenge.

Except she wanted to assist another rocket ship launch where she could have an impact on the growth of a company that’s just as impactful and necessary to the wellness community.

After working with some of franchising’s most recognizable fitness concepts, Jackie left to become the new Vice President of Franchise Development for Perspire Sauna Studio; an emerging health franchise with 44 locations nationwide and an additional 20 locations in development. Jackie’s role requires her to increase global unit growth through systems development, direct hand and selling, franchise vetting, and ensuring the success of their existing franchise community.

And according to Mendes, her reasoning for accepting the new position was simple, stating “Perspire is poised for an incredible level of growth, and offers me the chance to play a part in building a brand that is just beginning to take off.”

Since day one, Perspire Sauna Studio has been committed to elevating the wellness of its guests by offering an experience that is personalized to each individual. Its first-of-its-kind infrared lighting systems enhance the user experience and create a high-quality environment where guests can unwind, relax, and achieve their wellness goals. The brand’s advanced sauna technology, along with its medical-grade and high-intensity red light therapy bar, are what set them apart in the industry. The experience has demonstrated the ability to improve sleep, boost immunity, burn calories, reduce inflammation, and simply offer a space for people to allow their minds and bodies to feel better.

Mendes claims Perspire will sell 100 locations in 2023 alone. But how?

Aside from the fact that Mendes is using her one-of-a-kind skillset to turn an emerging, niche brand into one of franchising’s most promising and fastestgrowing franchise brands, the answer is simple – the brand’s easy-to-operate business model.

Mendes has used Perspire Sauna Studio’s business model as a high selling point to potential franchisees, as the model was intentionally crafted to be simple and labor light. The model highlights a minimal initial investment cost, very little labor with no special licensing, skills or training required, and a recurring revenue stream obtained through monthly memberships.

Aside from the business model, Mendes uses strategies such as comprehensive market research, established franchisee support system, effective lead generation, fostering relationships, leveraging franchise

expos, Perspire’s innovative infrared sauna technology, and much more.

For two decades, she’s employed these same strategies across several brands and they’ve all been proven for success.

Coupled with her business expertise and drive to help people live healthier and longer lives started from a scary and lifethreatening moment for her.

And, although her scenario is unique to her, she still stresses the importance of adaptation and analysis. For anyone looking to succeed in business growth, constantly analyzing your sales strategies, conversion rates, and feedback from franchisees to identify areas of improvement will help you overcome any obstacles.

If you trust the data and the feedback from your people, the sales will come.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 23

EXPERT ADVICE: Carlos White and Rachel L. O’Connor | Lathrop GPM’s Franchise & Distribution Practice Group

Addressing Five Essential ESG Questions for Franchise Companies In recent years, “ESG” has become a ubiquitous term in corporate America. However, ESG is not a new concept and has been around for decades.

Examples of ESG-based policies can be found in stakeholders’ actions associated with the civil rights movement in ‘60s, the Vietnam War in the ‘70s, and the antiapartheid movement in South Africa in the ‘80s. The ‘90s saw the establishment of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the modern iteration of ESG-based policies can be traced to the UN Global Compact (Compact) in 2000. The Compact 24 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

encouraged businesses to adopt and report on their sustainable and socially responsible policies.

ESG policies have continued to evolve and take shape since the Compact, and this article responds to five essential ESG questions that franchise companies should consider when developing their ESG policies:

What is ESG? ESG is an acronym that is comprised of the following components that affect businesses: environmental, social, and governance. At its core, ESG is an investment strategy where an investor’s decision to invest in a company revolves

around whether the company’s policies and practices on environmental, social, and/ or governance issues align with the values of the investor. Unlike non-franchise companies, franchise companies must account for the sentiments of not only their current and prospective investors but also current and prospective franchisees since franchisees are making an investment into their franchise brand.

What are some of the benefits associated with ESG? Benefits of ESG for franchise companies include: (1) improved corporate governance systems that help identify and address short-term and long-term sustainability

issues as well as help companies satisfy their fiduciary duty of oversight; (2) a more inclusive and comprehensive decision-making process, which will lead to stronger relationships and buy-in from material stakeholders like employees, customers, and franchisees; (3) mitigation of adverse sustainability issues like pollution, waste, pay equity, discriminatory labor practices, and lack of racial diversity; and (4) increased economic inclusiveness, which in turn could lead to franchisees gaining additional growth and market share.

What are some of the challenges associated with ESG? Challenges of ESG for franchise companies include: (1) as with establishing and creating any company-wide policies, additional time and costs associated with implementing, monitoring, and measuring results of ESG-based policies and (2) navigating through the politicization of ESG issues, so franchise companies must be mindful and respectful of the perspectives and viewpoints of customers and franchisees.

What standards should franchise companies consider in establishing ESG policies?

In creating and implementing ESG policies, a franchise company should consider and prioritize a host of relevant business issues and questions, including whether it is a retail or non-retail concept, distribution and supply chain strategy, current and future geographical locations for the brand, and socio-economic backgrounds of company’s franchisees, employees, and customers.

What are examples of companies that have ESG strategies?

Below, we highlight the following franchise companies to provide some context on how they each address a specific component of ESG: • Environmental - McDonald’s Corporation operates and franchises quick service restaurants and has a

Carlos White is an experienced Attorney with Lathrop GPM’s Franchise & Distribution Practice Group, who helps clients create franchise programs and strategic distribution and licensing agreements, both domestically and internationally, across many business sectors.

robust ESG strategy that is summarized in its 2022-2023 Purpose & Impact Report. McDonald’s has identified three environmental categories within its ESG strategy: 1) climate action, 2) packaging, toys, and waste, and 3) nature, forests, and water. For climate action, McDonald’s is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to its restaurants and offices by 36% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. McDonald’s is focusing on restaurant energy, supply chain, and packaging and waste to meet these goals. Under packaging, toys and waste, McDonald’s disclosed that it is accelerating waste reduction strategies and transitioning to more sustainable packaging and toy materials. McDonald’s is aiming for 100% certified, recycled, or renewable materials by the end of 2025. For nature, forests, and water, McDonald’s describes its commitment to sustainable food production and conserving forests through use of things like regenerative farming models, as well as water stewardship practices that are embedded in its sourcing requirements, such as responsible water use and disposal.

• Social - Avis Budget Group (Avis) is in the business of renting automobiles to the public. In its 2023 ESG Report, Avis disclosed that they are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their workforce, consumer base, communities, and that they supply and promote a culture of shared values to strengthen relationships and create inclusive growth. Accordingly, Avis has established a Disadvantaged, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (“M/WBE) Program to promote the growth and development of diversified suppliers and assure

Rachel L. O’Connor, an associate in Lathrop GPM’s Franchise & Distribution Practice Group.

that M/WBEs have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in Avis’s contract awards. Avis has also created four employee resource groups under its umbrella DE&I program using #PowerofDIFFERENT hashtag that advocates for equity, looks for opportunities for advancement, and facilitates discussions to promote a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

• Governance - Planet Fitness Inc. (PF) is a fitness training concept. PF disclosed in its 2022 ESG Report that it focuses on strong governance and oversight, effective corporate policies, and rigorous compliance. PF has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that oversees its ESG Strategy. In connection with such oversight, PF created a Corporate Social Responsibility team that meets regularly to review and discuss progress on the ESG strategy and provide updates to the Nominating and Governance Committee.

Investors, employees, consumers, and other material stakeholders are placing a growing value on ESG, and companies, including franchise brands, have responded by creating and implementing ESGcentric policies and programs. To be successful, ESG polices must be based on and prioritize a multitude of business and legal issues and concerns. As with moving forward with any corporate-wide strategy, there will be challenges associated with ESG, but if properly developed and updated, implemented, and monitored, ESG can assist franchise companies with improving their return-on-investment strategies, mitigating their sustainable risk profile, and increasing their franchisee and customer bases by appealing to issues and sentiments that resonate with their material stakeholders.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 25

franchisee in action: Wild Birds Unlimited

A Tale of

Feathers and Family In the picturesque town of Dripping Springs, Texas, a legacy franchise of Wild Birds Unlimited finds its heart in the hands of a vibrant and dedicated couple: Amanda and Hector Bustillos.

Their story is not just about entrepreneurship, but also of love, family, community, and a shared passion for nature.

Amanda, a native of the Texas Hill Country town of Dripping Springs, and Hector, originally from the west Texas town of

Midland, first crossed paths at Texas State University. The magnetic 26 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

pull of their shared Hispanic heritage brought them together within the confines of a Hispanic organization at the university.

While Hector delved into international relations and Amanda pursued mass communication, their academic choices only hinted at the broader canvas of shared interests they’d discover. One such shared interest, nature, specifically bird watching, would ultimately play a pivotal role in their future.

Entrepreneurship Takes Flight “My parents always wanted a family business,” said Amanda.

“My parents were working other full-time jobs, my dad as a police officer and my mom as a pharmacist, but they wanted to retire and start a business they could grow and pass down. That’s how this all began.”

At the time, Amanda’s career steered her in the direction of media

and marketing, while Hector utilized his knowledge to become a dual language elementary school teacher, aiding Spanishspeaking students in their educational journey.

When Amanda was expecting their first child, daughter Camila, who is now 7 years old, “My parents approached me with an opportunity that felt right at home.

Having grown up visiting the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Austin, the idea of opening a franchise in Dripping Springs resonated deeply with me. I envisioned it as a perfect blend of business, family, and our shared love for bird watching.”

True to their collaborative spirit, a few years into the venture, Amanda and her parents recognized the need for another full-time employee to support the growing business. “There was no one better for the job than Hector,” Amanda said. “It’s amazing how each of us brought a different skill to the table in this business — and we all work really well together.” Amanda emphasizes how seamless the integration has been of their professional and personal lives.

“This is the definition of a family business,” said Amanda. “Our customers are people I’ve known in my community my whole life. Now they come in the store and chat and ask about how our children are doing. This is truly a special thing, and we recognize that.”

A significant factor in their success as franchise owners has been the overwhelming support from the community for their family and their shop. “We’re in an area that deeply values the environment,” Hector said. “The community has a genuine appreciation for nature and wildlife, and we’ve played a pivotal role in catering to those interests.”

The Bustillos’ commitment to their business was further underscored during the onset of the pandemic. Just as they welcomed their now 3-year old son, Joaquin, into the world, they faced unprecedented challenges that tested the mettle of many small businesses globally.

“We had opened our e-commerce site, myWBU, prior to the pandemic, and we’re glad we did,” said Amanda. “It helped keep

us in business during the shut-downs, along with curbside service and delivery.”

The couple’s resilience and dedication took flight. Not only did they navigate the turbulent waters of the pandemic with grace, but they also garnered significant accolades. “It was a year of trials, but also of immense growth,” Hector said.

“We were recognized as Business of the Year by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce — that was a testament to our hard work and the unwavering support of our community.”

This October marks a significant milestone for the couple: their sixth anniversary with Wild Birds Unlimited of Dripping Springs.

The occasion is made even more special as they officially transition from managing the store to owning it, purchasing the business from Amanda’s parents.

“This is a great opportunity to inherent a strong solid business and grow it,” said Hector. “We align with the principles of Wild Birds Unlimited, which is bringing people and nature together. We want to promote conservationism and let people know how vital it is to embrace taking care of wildlife and birds in particular. We want more people to know our message.”

The couple’s journey with Wild Birds Unlimited is a testament to the power of passion combined with hard work.

Their story combines familial bonds,

entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep-

rooted love for nature. They’re not

only accomplished franchise owners, but they also embody the pride of

the Latino community, reflecting the

diverse opportunities within American entrepreneurship.

“I grew up surrounded by wildlife on my

grandparents farm in Mexico,” said Hector.

“This business helps me feel like I’m

returning to my roots because I have such

a deep-seated appreciation of nature. I feel

like we’re in the position to share this with

the Latino community and the underserved who may not have otherwise been exposed to nature.”

As a family, the Bustillos walk the walk.

They regularly volunteer to pick up trash on area roadways, they support local

parks and are on the front lines of local

conservation efforts. Along with biologists and local birding clubs, the Bustillos

spearheaded Dripping Springs becoming

an official certified bird city, through Texas Parks and Wildlife.

“Owning this Wild Birds Unlimited

franchise is more than just a business venture for us,” said Amanda. “It’s a

legacy, a passion, and a commitment to

our community. We are proud Latinos, and even prouder to carry forward this legacy.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 27

franchisor in depth: Spray Foam Genie

Twin Entrepreneurs Bring an Innovative Approach to the Insulation Industry with Spray Foam Genie the niche industry of spray foam insulation.

Both of us have now taken on different roles at Spray Foam Genie, with Chris now the Chief Operating Officer and Keith the Chief Technology Officer.

In 2020, we met Kevin Longe, the now CEO of Spray Foam Genie, and together we decided to launch the company into the franchising network, selling our first franchise in December of 2022. As of today, our team has sold 60+ locations which equates to over 325 territories, resulting in Spray Foam Genie becoming one of the fastest growing home service brands in the franchise world.

The Magic in Spray Foam Insulation Spray Foam Genie truly believes in the “magic in insulation” and we have established ourselves as an emerging leader in the home services industry through our reliable team of experts, as well as our focus on sustainable materials and methods.

Twin Brothers Turned CoFounders Chris and Keith Ryan are not only identical twin brothers, but also entrepreneurs and co-founders of Spray Foam Genie, one of the fastest growing franchise companies in the country.

We both started our journey into the world of construction and home services at a young age, and have now been in the industry for a total of 25 years.

Fresh out of high school, we began our careers in the painting industry with our dad at his painting business. Soon after, we both decided we wanted to add 28 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

another skill under our belts and became certified electricians, providing electrical services in addition to painting and wood refinishing. With well-versed knowledge of the home improvement industry, we then began remodeling homes and eventually building our own homes.

Our passion for providing customers with the best possible service combined with our background and experience eventually led us to start Spray Foam Genie, a nationally trusted insulation contractor with an emphasis on insulating homes with sustainable and eco-friendly materials. And now, for the past 16 years, we have been forging a powerful path in

So, what special ingredients are used to make spray foam so magical? Spray foam is a cutting-edge, high-quality material composed of two chemicals, polyol resin and a form of isocyanate. When these two chemicals are combined, a reaction occurs that creates a foam that will expand when it’s sprayed onto a surface. Spray foam not only fits into any area, even in hard-toreach places and oddly shaped spaces, but it also creates an airtight seal that prevents cooled and heated air from escaping. As a result, it is much more sustainable and environmentally friendly than traditional forms of insulation.

Revolutionizing the Industry Our team provides a revolutionary approach to the insulation industry with

sprayed over 650,000 gallons of material, have sprayed over 3,500 homes, and have saved over $3,510,00 in energy savings for our clients.

spray foam’s long-lasting results, energy efficiency, and consistent temperatures for all our clients.

Long-Lasting Results Because Spray foam is an extremely durable material that can fit into any space, there’s no need for extra repairs or replacements. As a result, spray foam installations can cover up to 30 years of protection, much longer than other more traditional forms of insulation such as fiberglass or blown insulation. Without the need for repairs or replacements, spray foam also minimizes the waste generated from insulation replacement cycles.

Energy Efficient Compared to traditional insulation methods, spray foam uses less material because of its expanding properties, leading to a decrease in raw material use.

At Spray Foam Genie, we pride ourselves

on being able to help businessowners and homeowners reduce their energy bills by 40%. Spray foam keeps your home well-insulated, regulates its temperature, and also helps reduce air leakage. This helps reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, resulting in energy conservation and lower energy bills.

Consistent Temperatures Spray foam also provides a much higher average R-value, allowing your home to stay at the perfect temperature year-round.

As the foam expands to fit all spaces of your home, an airtight seal is created that prevents heat loss or gain and keeps your home at a consistent, and comfortable temperature.

Shooting for the Stars Over the years, Spray Foam Genie has completed thousands of spray foam jobs across the U.S. As of today, we have

At Spray Foam Genie, we are always looking for potential franchisees to join our team and kickstart their own business. Specifically, we look for individuals who are entrepreneurs at heart, have a passion for helping others, care about the conservation of energy, and of course, wish to provide their communities with an eco-friendly and revolutionary insulation service.

Looking back at younger versions of ourselves, it’s truly astonishing to see all that we have accomplished over the years. What started as painting projects with our dad and small home renovations, has now led us to start our own company and build it into a successful and reliable franchise. As cliché as it may sound, we would not have been able to do it without each other. And most importantly, Spray Foam Genie would not be what it is today without the expertise, support, and friendships behind the brand.

Thanks to our philosophy to always shoot for the stars, Spray Foam Genie’s innovative approach provides residences and commercial properties with an environmentally-conscious solution to insulation, saving energy and helping to pave the way for a green future.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 29

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

Industrial Revolution Becomes The Franchise Revolution The Industrial Revolution marked a definitive shift in economic landscapes, pivoting from agrarian economies dominated by self-employed individuals to industrialized structures where wage-earning employees became the norm.

This shift was powered by the growth of factories and mass production, leading to concentrated wealth and the rise of business magnates. However, a modern entrepreneurial wave, primarily through franchising, is subtly reversing this trend.

This article delves into how franchising is empowering individuals to shift from being 30 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

employees to owners, thereby rewriting the narrative set forth since the Industrial Revolution.

Franchising as a Gateway to Ownership: The essence of franchising is the licensing of a business model, along with operational guidelines, to a franchisee by a franchisor.

This model’s beauty lies in its ability to provide individuals with a ‘businessin-a-box’ — an opportunity to own and operate a proven business model under a recognizable brand. Unlike starting a business from scratch, a franchise offers the security of a tried-and-tested model, reducing the risk traditionally associated

with business ownership and lowering the entry barrier for potential entrepreneurs.

The trend towards franchising is gaining momentum globally. According to the International Franchise Association, there has been consistent growth in the number of franchises worldwide. This trend highlights a subtle but significant shift: individuals are more inclined toward business ownership, finding the allure of autonomy, decision-making power, and potential financial rewards outweighing the perceived stability of wage employment.

Revolutionizing Employment: The franchising model is revolutionary because it provides a middle ground,

George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many of the top franchise ownership groups in the world. With over 25 years of experience in both start-up and mature business franchise operations he is uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of Building their own empires. Whether you have an existing portfolio or searching for your first franchise, he can help you to pursue your dreams. www.MyPerfectFranchise.com

localized ownership model fosters a sense of empowerment, promoting economic growth and innovation at the community level.

Economic Implications: The economic implications of this shift are profound. Franchising contributes significantly to economic growth, job creation, and wealth distribution. It allows wealth to be created and retained locally, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few corporate giants. Additionally, the model supports a diverse range of sectors, from fast food to fitness, education, and health care, contributing to a more resilient economy less susceptible to sector-specific downturns.

combining the security aspects traditionally sought in employment with the autonomy and financial prospects associated with business ownership.

Franchisees receive extensive training and support from franchisors, a safety net that is typically absent for start-up founders.

This support extends to marketing, operations, procurement, and ongoing business strategy, dramatically increasing the likelihood of success.

Moreover, franchising promotes localized ownership and decision-making. Unlike the hierarchical structures common in large corporations, where decisions are often made detached from where their impacts are felt, franchise owners are typically members of the communities they serve. They are uniquely positioned to understand their customers’ needs and can make decisions that benefit both their business and their community. This

However, it’s crucial to note that franchising is not without its challenges.

Initial franchise fees and ongoing royalties can seem significant if their purpose and benefit are not fully understood. The success of a franchise can be heavily dependent on things like the performance of the franchisor, retail location and economy. The relationship between franchisor and franchisee must be one of mutual support, trust, and commitment to shared success for this model to work effectively.

Reversing Industrial Revolution Trends: The trend towards franchising marks a notable departure from the employment norms that emerged from the Industrial Revolution. While the industrial era saw workers dependent on wages from large employers, the rise of franchising has empowered countless individuals to become business owners, taking control of their financial destinies. This shift is not just about economics; it’s also about autonomy, self-determination, and the

redistribution of wealth.

This reversal doesn’t negate the advancements brought by the Industrial Revolution but rather builds upon them. Modern franchises can leverage technology, supply chains, and branding developed by large corporations while maintaining the independence of local ownership. This balance is perhaps what makes franchising an attractive proposition for modern entrepreneurs.

Future Perspectives: As we look to the future, the role of franchising in global economic landscapes is likely to continue growing. The ongoing evolution of technology, especially in communication and digital marketing, lowers entry barriers for franchisees further and expands the potential for franchises to thrive in new sectors.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in business. Franchises were among the businesses that were able to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions, with their local ownership and corporate support networks.

This resilience is likely to drive increased interest in franchising as a business model, post-pandemic.

Conclusion: Franchising is more than a business trend; it’s a global movement that’s empowering individuals, fostering community growth, and redistributing wealth. By providing a bridge between the stability of employment and the empowerment of business ownership, franchising is reversing a trend set in motion in the Industrial Revolution, reshaping our economic narratives, and perhaps, charting a path toward a more equitable economic future.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 31

spotlight on service: Points4Purpose

Points4Purpose The Loyalty Platform That Gives Back!

Ivan Schwartz Director and founder of Points4Purpose

Points4Purpose (P4P) enables participating retailers to offer cashback as a reward.

Customers can then spend their reward as they choose or support a charity of their choice.

This powerful platform opens up the unique opportunity to drive renewed customer engagement and repeat purchases 32 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

as well as support the many worthy causes in our community.

with a number of retail networks in the US through a series of pilot deployments.

Director and founder of P4P, Ivan Schwartz, recognized the widespread need amongst retailers across the board to revitalize what can best be called ‘flatlining’ loyalty programs by unlocking unredeemed points and by creating a new social exchange currency that genuinely champions customer choice. Ivan’s personal journey in responding to his son’s early autism diagnosis was another important factor in developing P4P as a micro philanthropy platform to support the many worthy causes in our community.

So, how does P4P work? The platform is enabled simply by registering the merchant ID on your EFTPOS terminal/ online payment gateway. The key benefit is that no IT integration is required! The platform enables customers to participate by simply linking their membership to their preferred payment card. Furthermore, as the solution is built on the popular E Commerce platform, Magento, it is able to be easily deployed for any retail network.

The platform provides retailers with access to customer data and spend habits, enabling the management of promotions from a central point, thereby maximising storewide impact.

With the final cardlinking integration phase now completed (supported by Visa, Mastercard and American Express), P4P has been in operation in Australia for 12 months with over 500 merchants now on board and more than 2000 charities reaping the benefit derived through this powerful new fundraising channel.

Building on its Australian experience, P4P Inc, now incorporated in the US, is looking to work with local North American franchise networks to bring its breakthrough loyalty platform to the US market. Discussions have now commenced

In the rapidly evolving world of customer loyalty, ‘cashback is king’. A loyal customer represents a relationship for life and this is where the power of P4P is found. Ivan explains “People are tired of earning points that they find difficult to redeem. At its core is the basic principle that the easier it is for customers to redeem their rewards, the greater the chance there is to retain them to underpin retail growth,” says Ivan.

campaigns the success is quantifiable.

Franchise networks interested in engaging their local communities can now also measure the impact that this can have in growing their bottom line! For customers, knowing that every time they shop with a particular store, they can support a cause that is personal and meaningful is a major differentiator to other loyalty programs.

“It’s a win, win, win”, Ivan explains. It’s very clear, redemption is retention, so why not make it easier for your valued customers?

P4P reinforces the importance of customer retention and that’s where its true long term value can be found. “Growing the

lifetime value of a customer is absolutely key for sustainable growth,” says Ivan.

“What we’ve found is that the vast majority of the cashback reward earned is typically spent back with the store where the customer made their original purchase. By ‘liberating’ the customers’ rewards, you actually open up opportunities to reengage with the customer – and that’s a game changer!”

The impact is measurable to the dollar. By charging what is known as the ‘Platform Fee’, P4P can establish exactly what uplift in turnover is required for breakeven – and beyond. Unlike many other marketing

Retailers can decide who they want to include in their network and who they want to exclude, presenting a powerful platform to collaborate with other complementary businesses. This opens up cross promotional opportunities, benefiting all parties.

P4P also dovetails with current loyalty programs by enabling points to be exchanged for cash. Merging and complementing existing systems is key as it makes redemption easier, driving engagement, average basket size and frequency.

Millennials and Gen Y’ers can be actively reengaged through the P4P platform as it is these groups in particular who are motivated by a digital, easy to access cashback system – especially one through which donations can be made to a personal charity of choice. “Giving people the choice of where their hard-earned cash can be spent or donated makes a huge difference,” says Ivan. Local football teams, schools and community centers can all benefit – as does your business by getting behind them!”

P4P enables customers to support their favorite cause every time they shop enabling customers to see the results of their philanthropy in a tangible way, and in so doing, grow their engagement with participating retailers, living the P4P ethos of ‘Get more, Give More!’ https://points4purpose.com/ Franchising MAGAZINE USA 33

Don’t miss an issue

Get the App cover story: United Defense Tactical (UDT) Americans felt so insecure about their personal safety and the overall prosperity of their communities. This indisputable truth has become evident over the past several years with the unprecedented rise, and colossal nationwide demand, for private self-defense instruction. Since Covid, few industries, if any, have enjoyed the exponential growth and mania-level social popularity of the tactical firearms purchase and training industry. In every conceivable form, ‘self-reliance’ is the new age American mindset, with safety and personal security exceedingly topping the list. The collective American desire to be one’s own “first responder” has reached an overwhelming fever pitch, with more and more private citizens striving to become proficient in self-defense.

Reality Based thReat tRaining FRanchise with

Udt

United Defense Tactical (UDT) boasts many outstanding attributes, but the one that stands out most is their proprietary reality-based training curriculum.

UDT’s cutting-edge, ultra-realistic selfdefense training courses provide students with all of the self-defense skills required to survive a potentially deadly encounter.

From violent attacks to home invasions, UDT prepares students to be their own protector as law enforcement cannot always stop a violent crime before it happens.

Unlike traditional static range training where the goal is to try to accurately put a hole in a paper target under no threat or

pressure, UDT’s hard-hitting curriculum is ongoing and progressive, allowing

participants to maintain proficiency and continually increase their fundamental

skills while being immersed in realistic

training environments. Similar to a gym

membership, UDT adamantly believes it is essential to have a committed self-defense training regimen in order to always be

prepared and achieve your goals. UDT

empowers its members through intense mental, physical, and emotional strength conditioning, greatly enhancing their ability to survive a real-world worst case scenario. UDT’s ultimate goal is to transform potential victims into ‘dynamic thinking’ survivors. With state-of-the-art firearms simulator training, complimented by high impact, non-static, live fire tactical training exercises, UDT provides a first rate, one-of-a-kind product second to none. All in all, UDT offers the most comprehensive training package on the American market, and there’s never been a better, more crucial time to get in on the action.

creatIve methods financial and otherwise to keep the Best!

Skyrocketing violent crime and murder rates, endless mass shootings, riots, fanatical political extremism, and acts of foreign and domestic terrorism over the past two decades have turned the American landscape into a conflict zone. The ‘good ole days’ of confidently attending the theater, mall, school, or local festival in your community without the underlying fear of encountering a life-threatening situation have sadly become a thing of the past. At no other time in our modern history have so many 10 Franchising MagaZinE Usa

United Defense Tactical founder and CEO, Wes Fox, is a visionary innovator with a singular long range mission concept: Provide the highest quality firearms and self-defense education and training available on the open market, on a nationally brand-recognized scale.

As a expert weapons, tactics, and combat instructor with world class expertise in numerous martial arts and firearms disciplines, the intensely committed UDT team leader believes that everyone has the inherent right of defensive selfpreservation for themselves and their families. Because of this, he is now making UDT’s unparalleled reality-based training available to the masses.

Benefits of Franchising with UDT Franchising with United Defense Tactical comes with resources that set each facility up for success. As we like to say, our franchisees are in business “for themselves” but never “by themselves”.

Our leadership and support team is thoughtfully curated with experts within the self-defense training industry as well as seasoned franchise executives that have worked with successful national franchises including UFC Gyms, Mayweather Boxing, CycleBar, and The NOW Massage, just to name a few..

From the time of initial signing, to grandopening, and throughout the operation of their local UDT academy, franchisees will

receive training and support in every aspect of the business, further complimenting the brand recognition and proven systems and processes within our program. Franchisees receive assistance with site location and lease negotiations, as well as support during the entire construction process.

Franchise owners themselves will complete a training program to teach them to be successful entrepreneurs in this niche market. UDT will also provide training programs tailored for specific members of the franchisee’s team covering all critical areas of sales, training curriculum, and daily operations.

Franchisees will be given a proven business model, offering a sense of financial security, backed by market research that minimizes the trial-anderror phase of business development. This includes a robust marketing program which is designed to expedite the economic scalability of each new academy. They are also joining the UDT network, enabling collaboration and knowledge and resource sharing among other franchisees, fostering a sense of community and shared success.

Our students are trained to survive, our franchisees are trained to thrive.

United Defense Tactical is the fastest growing self-defense/firearms training institution in America. UDT’s proprietary reality-based training curriculum is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition, and quickly becoming desired by more enthusiasts and professionals than any other single self-defense organization nationwide. UDT is the first and only pioneering tactical brand to introduce this

unparalleled level of self-defense training, and the very first to share, and franchise their success on a national platform.

United Defense Tactical is thrilled to have awarded our first several territories to our ‘Founding Franchisees.’ These franchisees – most of whom have been members of UDT – are entering several great California markets, and now UDT is ISSUE 11,proudly nOVEmbEr 2023 excited to expandVOL more11, nationally, registered in nearly every region of the US Paul Davis, one of the ‘Founding Franchisees,’ has been a member of coVer story UDT for two years and is opening his center in Long Beach, California. As he has progressed through the member curriculum, he has seen the demand for dynamic training and creating more responsible firearms owners.

Reality Based thReat tRaining FRanchise with

udt

“As a member at United Defense Tactical, the courses have completely changed my life. I’ve seen what this program has done for me, and I want to help bring that to more people,” said Paul. “I want to create a sense of community within my members, and really teach them how to protect themselves.”

capture and expand Your FranchIse culture wIth pr

In the highly competitive world of tactical self-defense training, UDT stands alone in leadership, innovation, quality, product delivery, and is ideally poised to dominate the tactical firearms training industry for special feature many years to come. The ultimate goal of UDT is to create safer communities across the country, and franchising brings Wes Fox and the entire team closer to that goal.

Food FranchIsIng

FranchIsIng news

- Fortune Favors the Bold

announcements from the industry Franchising MagaZinE Usa 11

IndustrIal revolutIon Becomes the FranchIse revolutIon Franchising MagaZinE Usa 1 The magazine for franchisees • WWW.franchisingmagazineUsa.com

www.franchisingmagazineusa.com

november 2023

latest news in

food francising expert advice:

Building a Robust Franchising System in order to

Duplicate Your Restaurant Business

cover story

clean juice

Parents of Four Invest to Impact Community Franchising MAGAZINE USA 35

36 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

conte nts

food and fr anchising Cover Story 42 Clean Juice: Parents of Four Invest in Clean Juice to Impact Community

What’s New 38 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry

Franchisee in Action 48 Bonchon: Dallas Based Franchise On a Mission to Share the Joy of Korean Food

Expert Advice

42

44 Chris Conner: Building a Robust Franchising System in Order to Duplicate Your Restaurant Business

Have Your Say 52 Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii: Retail Offerings are The Key to Unlocking Additional Revenue Growth 54 Protein Bar & Kitchen: A Recipe For Success

54

58

Franchisor in Depth 56 Pollo Campero: Breaks Sales Records in 2023 58 Sweet Paris Creperie & Café: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Snapshot 50 District Taco: Announces 10 Unit Development Deal Throughout New York and New Jersey 62 Sarpino’s: Introduces New Boursin Supreme Pizza

Women in Franchising

52

60 Erin Kaylor Biggby Coffee: Former Mcdonalds Finance Leader to Become CFO at Biggby Coffee Franchising MAGAZINE USA 37

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

SHIPLEY DO-NUTS LAUNCHES DO-HAPPY REWARDS PROGRAM

Next Brands Targets Phoenix Market for New Development

New loyalty app is a first for 87-year-old brand

Shipley Do-Nuts, one of the nation’s largest do-nut brands, is offering guests sweet incentives with its first-ever loyalty program, Do-Happy Rewards, at all 340-plus locations.

Everyone who joins the program will instantly be awarded two free signature glazed do-nuts. Do-Happy Rewards members earn five points for every $1 they spend to unlock rewards that range from free do-nuts and kolaches to Shipley merchandise and 99-cent coffees. The more points reward members earn, the higher their membership level, leading to more exclusive offers and discounts. The app also allows for easy, streamlined online ordering for pickup or delivery.

“We began testing Do-Happy Rewards in early 2023 in our company-owned shops, and it was well received, with strong initial sign-ups and positive consumer feedback that told us there’s a real appetite for the program,” said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Flynn Dekker. “With this launch, we can thank our devoted guests the best way we know how – with free do-nuts, merch and other menu items – while offering simpler online ordering and driving business for our franchisees.”

Guests can join the program by downloading the Shipley app from the App Store or Google Play Store or signing up online.

As of Sept. 1, Do-Happy Rewards had more than 40,000 members who are spending 60% more than non-loyalty members. Rewards members also visited about twice a month as the program rolled out.

The new loyalty program is the latest of many tech upgrades for the 87-year-old brand as it prepares to nearly double in size over the next five years. ownashipleydonuts.com 38 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

The Growth Partner for Impactful Food Franchise Brands Looks to Further Expand in Western US Markets Next Brands, a family-owned strategic manager and growth accelerator of impactful food franchise brands, is growing rapidly. As a part of this growth, the brand has its sights set on the Phoenix, Arizona market for expansion further into the western region of the United States. Specifically, Next Brands’ Midwest-based brand, Beef-a-Roo, hopes to be serving up affordable, fresh meals to the Phoenix market.

Beef-a-Roo has experienced impressive growth in recent months, doubling its number of locations in just a year and a half. Currently, the brand operates at 14 locations, four of which are corporate locations in Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri, and Manhattan and Overland Park, Kansas, with three additional locations in development.

“We are thrilled by our continued growth, and we hope to continue the trajectory in our current markets and enter new markets,” said Austin Capoferi, President of Next Brands. “Phoenix presents a great opportunity for Beef-a-Roo to serve a new community and increase our brand’s presence in a new region of the country.”

“Next Brands is a family-run company, and we are looking to expand our family environment and culture by offering more unique franchising opportunities across the country,” said Capoferi. “We are thrilled to expand our restaurant concepts’ footprint and serve high quality and fresh ingredients to more local communities.”

For more information about Next Brands or their franchise opportunity, please visit: https://nextbrands.com/

Mr Gatti’s Pizza Opens Family Entertainment Center Location

Late last month, Mr Gatti’s Pizza opened its newest family entertainment center location in Dadeville, Alabama.

The restaurant features an all-youcan-eat pizza buffet, a salad bar, an entertainment area, and games. This is the brand’s seventh location to open this year, with 140 total locations open or in development.

The dynamic duo behind the expansion are franchise owners Mark Weeks and Kurt Hayley, who have cherished the Mr

Gatti’s Pizza brand since childhood. This latest opening holds a special meaning for Hayley, a Dadeville native. “I’ve always had cherished memories of this community. From birthday celebrations to school events and sports ceremonies, the presence of Mr Gatti’s food always brought us together. Bringing Mr Gatti’s Pizza back to my hometown is a dream come true,” said Hayley.

in Opelika, Ala., where they introduced

This opening in Dadeville comes on the heels of the duo’s recent location opening

success of the franchise model the brand

a Mr Gatti’s Pizza with a contemporary, bar-charmed setting, resonating with both casual meetups and romantic evenings.

In the last three years, the brand has sold 86 franchise agreements and is on track to open 60 locations by the end of 2026.

This continued growth is attributed to the franchisees and is a testament to the has created.

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse Names Chad Gretzema as New CEO to Fuel Growth As part of its strategy for nationwide expansion, Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is fortifying its executive team to enhance growth and franchise support with the appointment of Chad Gretzema as its Chief Executive Officer.

With nearly three decades of multi-unit food and beverage leadership experience, Gretzema brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the Beans & Brews team.

Prior to this appointment, he served as the Brand President of Del Taco, where he led 600 franchise and company restaurants.

During his tenure with Del Taco, he served in various leadership roles including SVP of Strategic Planning and Chief Operating Officer as the brand logged 32 consecutive quarters of franchise same-store sales growth.

Jeff and Kevin Laramie, co-founders of Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, expressed their enthusiasm about Gretzema’s ability to lead the company in this next chapter of growth.

“The journey with Beans & Brews has been the greatest of our lives. Over the years, we have seen our company evolve, innovate, and grow — achieving milestones that we could have only dreamed of when we first embarked on this adventure,” said Jeff Laramie, former CEO. “We believe that with Chad at the helm, the company is poised to achieve even greater heights.

His passion for building brands and supporting franchisees along with his proven track record of success make him the perfect fit for our brand.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Beans

& Brews Coffeehouse as we accelerate growth,” Gretzema said. “Jeff and Kevin Laramie have built a special brand that resonates deeply with its communities and amazing teams in the restaurants.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 39

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

BIGGBY® COFFEE Pursues 500 Open Units by End of 2024

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Acquires 3 Flagship Locations in College Station, Texas Upon the retirement of the original owner, the Layne’s corporate team took ownership of the three original restaurants.

The high-energy coffeehouse franchise has seen monumental growth this year and is on track to meet or exceed the 500-unit mark by the end of next year.

With over 360 open coffeehouses and another 140 in some stage of development, BIGGBY® COFFEE, the high-energy coffeehouse franchise that supports its owners and communities in building lives they love, is in a great position to meet its “BIGG” goal of 500 units opened by the end of 2024.

In the first half of 2023, BIGGBY® signed 43 new franchise agreements and opened 31 new locations, driving expansion in key emerging markets including Illinois, Idaho, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

As it continues along an impressive growth trajectory, BIGGBY® is leveraging real estate flexibility and robust franchise support to create an investment opportunity that is catered to each local owner and the needs of their individual communities. In addition to the traditional coffeehouse build-out, BIGGBY® COFFEE has prototypes that fit end-cap locations with drive-thrus, modular drive-thru-only models, BCubed models and even kiosks.

With the pipeline ready to reach the 500-unit mark by the end of next year, the achievement is just a milestone in BIGGBY® COFFEE’s journey to the 1,000-unit mark at the end of 2028, driven largely by its strong franchisee support, focus on company culture, and evergrowing consumer demand.

40 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

With the retirement of Mike Garratt, the original owner of Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the first three restaurants of the Texas-born and breaded chicken finger franchise have been acquired by the corporate team. Garratt will remain a part-owner in the company and continues to serve on the board, offering his expertise as the franchise pushes ongoing growth.

Because Garratt had a licensing deal, there was a 50-mile protected radius surrounding the original location, and he was not required to follow changing brand guidelines, including new visual branding, updated menu offerings and operational changes. Rather, he maintained the nostalgic Layne’s feel in all three restaurants.

Now, with the corporate team taking over the three restaurants and freeing up the opportunity to develop new locations within the 50mile radius, the brand is only becoming even more connected and cohesive across Texas.

The very first Layne’s restaurant will be maintained as a sort of time capsule while the other two are updated with new branding and menu items, ensuring the brand presents a united front while keeping all franchisees on a level playing field to protect the overarching strength of the brand and future of each individual location.

The acquisition is just one milestone in the brand’s larger growth trajectory. With 12 open restaurants and another 15 on deck for next year, the Soon to be Famous™ chicken franchise is looking at a 100% year-over-year growth rate as it expands across Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Voodoo Brewing Co.: From Small-Town Brewery to Fast Growing Franchise In just over 10 years, Voodoo Brewing Co. has grown from a local brewery to an internationally acclaimed one and is the fastest-growing brewpub franchise on the planet.

After opening their first taproom in Erie, Pennsylvania to a line wrapped around the block, Matteo and Curt Rachocki knew they were doing something right with Voodoo Brewing Co. They began considering how they might expand the product and experience to even more people nationwide. And what better way to expand a community-focused company than with local, communitybased owners? So, they launched franchising.

However, the pandemic soon hit, and corporate locations were forced to close. During a time that was notoriously difficult for food and beverage concepts of all types, the Voodoo Brewing Team knew they would need to take serious action to survive.

I had known the Voodoo Brewing Co. team through their partnership with my company, Raintree, but I decided to get more involved. I knew the system could grow to be a successful franchise with the right support, and wanted to go all in.

I invested in a brewpub concept in the height of a pandemic that had forced many restaurants to close or even fail, specifically because I knew that the Voodoo experience was one people were longing for as a direct result of pandemic-related isolation. After this, development took off.

Two years later, we continue to brew some of the best craft beer out there, and we’ve also branched out into craft cocktails and seltzers. With 17 thriving brewpubs in multiple key markets, another 23 projected to open before the end of the year and even more in some stage of development, we’ve grown to be the fastest-growing brewpub franchise on the planet and don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Brent Dowling is the Chairman of the Board of Voodoo Franchise Group

VELVET TACO OPENS FIRST CASINO RESTAURANT flavors. The restaurant’s partnership with Choctaw Casino & Resort inside the District Food Hall in Durant, OK, stands as the brand’s first casino restaurant opening with more non-traditional openings on the horizon. Velvet Taco’s continued national expansion includes future locations planned for airports, casinos, food halls and more.

Velvet Taco announced the opening of the brand’s first casino restaurant location inside Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK, on September 26, 2023. This new location is one of several planned non-traditional openings for Velvet Taco, as the leadership team continues to prepare for expansive growth.

Velvet Taco first brought its diverse, globally-inspired menu to the city of Dallas, Texas in 2011 and has since continued to break barriers with its immense growth and infamous international

Following the recent appointment of three new executives to its leadership team, including Jeffery Brush as Vice President, Controller, Brooke Perry as Vice President of Marketing, and William Davenport as Chief Financial Officer, the brand is poised for continued growth. With Velvet Taco’s 43 restaurants in 7 states, including its recent successful introduction to the Florida market, the expanded leadership team has exciting plans for 2024 and beyond.

“There couldn’t be a better location to introduce our first casino restaurant and we are honored to partner with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to introduce the Velvet Taco brand to their community and visitors,” says Velvet Taco CEO and Taco Maker Clay Dover, “This opens the door to many more openings, allowing us to bring our internationally-inspired tacos to guests across the US in a nontraditional setting.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 41

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

cover story: Clean Juice

Parents of Four Invest in Clean Juice to Impact Community

with All Organic Fast-Casual Dining Option “If you believe your product or service can fulfill a true need, it’s your moral obligation to sell it.”

- Zig Ziglar

“The concepts of pizza or ice cream shops would be a bit hypocritical. The high volume of carbohydrates, sugar, and cheese in their bodies consistently was not the exact message we felt comfortable with. It just didn’t compliment our message and seemed opposite to what we tried to convey to our young athletes about nutrition,” added Marybeth.

In addition to the athletics piece, Chris travels all over New England for his medical device sales job, explaining that healthy eating options “on the go” are limited.

“Being on the road can lend itself to an unhealthy nutritional lifestyle. As we have gotten older, we have paid far more attention to our diets and tried to set a better example for our children by what we feed into our bodies,” said Chris.

Chris and Marybeth Fiengo met in 2005, married, and started a family in 2006 with a move to southern New Hampshire. For years, Marybeth and Chris dreamed of opening a restaurant.

“It takes years of deliberating what type of business you can put on the ground and also match the passion of the impact you want for that business,” said Chris.

“For the time we have been up in New Hampshire, we always thought New Haven, Connecticut-style pizza would be a great business to introduce in New Hampshire.”

However, having four children who compete in sports made it harder for Chris and Marybeth to support the pizza restaurant venture. As coaches for their children’s sports teams, teaching kids about proper eating, hydration, and training became difficult while preparing for competition.

42 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Then came the pandemic, where ordering food from home or curbside pick-up became commonplace. Trips to the grocery store became limited, and finding healthy options in their living radius was challenging where we could trust the ingredients and nutrients we consumed.

Conversely, the pandemic exposed the need for more preventative health practices, and awareness of healthy eating habits became extremely important.

“The pandemic became a time when nutrition and working out became a much higher priority in our household. Nutrition was always pressured and stressed with every decision we made for our eating options,” commented Marybeth.

In the Summer of 2021, Chris was coaching an AAU baseball team that qualified for an away tournament in New Jersey (the Jersey Shore, to be exact).

“The Jersey Shore is home to some of the best restaurants, food, desserts, and above all else, Italian food, our family’s favorite,” said Chris.

During that trip, discussing where they would go next in their financial journey was taking a more focused course. They were in contact with franchise consultants, real estate agents, and many other investment ventures to figure out which direction they should aim to expand their income.

“Marybeth had been home with all four of the children since 2007, and with our youngest getting out of the toddler age, we were ready for our next challenge,” exclaimed Chris.

During this trip, they woke up and set out to find a healthy meal. They walked the boardwalk with every food option, including mouth-watering, sweet, carbloaded, beautiful, hearty breakfast foods.

However, they were looking for something that would not weigh them down as they faced a hot day and double header baseball schedule.

“Chris directed the entire team to a place selling smoothies and bowls. To our surprise, the entire team followed us to the healthier option, and the decision to go with healthy food was made right then and there. It wasn’t just the parents. The kids guided their families with us,” said Marybeth.

It takes years of deliberating “ what type of business you can They validated our thoughts about the

put on the ground and also match the passion of the impact you want for that business.

”

health food sector as a safe, substantial investment, the post-COVID public reaction to eating better, and every major fast-casual brand adding healthier food

options to meet consumer demands. The decision to invest in healthy eating seemed beyond viable.

With the many franchises out there, they described what they were looking for to their team and directed them to a growing franchise out of North Carolina. Because Michael Jordan was Chris’s childhood idol, he considered the recommendation good karma!

“Clean Juice is a faith-based company, and regardless of your beliefs, companies with this type of foundation present well to their workers and conduct strong principles selling to the public. Clean Juice is a company where we experienced an instant, awesome vibe. Their leadership and team are strong with charisma you want to feed off and simply just be around,” said Chris.

allocate appropriate time to the business allowed this store to become available.

“It was a no-brainer to strike while we had the chance and launch Fiengo Enterprises into New England,” said Chris.

Simsbury is a beautiful growing community they are developing a close relationship with and will have both stores reaching for the highest levels of success.

Marybeth has dedicated the past two years to building and guiding this franchise into their community, and Chris is the ambassador supporting the product’s sales.

Both have very different skill sets that make them a complete team.

“We are extremely proud to see our children working hard in the stores. They

It takes years of deliberating “ what type of business you can put on the ground and also match the passion of the impact you want for that business.

”

are as much a part of the brand as we are. We aim to serve these communities a healthy product with nutrients they can trust. That is how we differentiate ourselves and build long-term relationships.

Our family must have a business, but the impact this business can have on everyone involved is more important. It’s an investment that has become our passion, and we could not be more grateful,” concluded Marybeth.

“We felt we were with family instead of a business proposition. Kat and Landon were very similar people to us. They are very down-to-earth, hard-working people.

They are young parents trying to make an impact through their work, and we identified very closely with them,” added Marybeth.

The Fiengos were ready to walk away if the food did not live up to the hype. But there was no need as they were blown away with the product.

“No one believes in this brand more than us, and no one trusts the direction of this company more than we do,” said Chris.

Like all growing franchises, there are periods when change can be a struggle.

However, the Fiengo’s years working to keep their family financially afloat, changing careers, and managing their lives have prepared them for this venture.

“We have built an infrastructure not just to build our first location in Nashua but have an overall plan in owning many of these throughout New England. We trust our vision and direction to guide this franchise in the challenging Northeast,” added Chris.

As we were building out in Nashua, the only existing Clean Juice in their territory lives in Simsbury, CT. The previous owners were physicians and were moving out of the fast-casual sector to focus their attention on their careers—the inability to Franchising MAGAZINE USA 43

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

EXPERT ADVICE: Chris Conner | Founder | Franchise Marketing Systems

Building a Robust Franchising System in order to Duplicate Your Restaurant Business Expanding a successful restaurant business through franchising can be a strategic and rewarding endeavor.

So many of the world’s best food service brands have leveraged the franchise model as a way to scale and capture market share including McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Johnny Rockets and so many more. Franchising offers the opportunity to duplicate your restaurant’s concept, brand, and success in new markets while sharing the responsibilities and rewards with motivated entrepreneurs. However, creating a solid system to duplicate your restaurant business through franchising is a complex process that requires meticulous planning, detailed documentation, and continuous support. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to develop a robust franchising system for your restaurant.

Establishing a Strong Foundation for your Restaurant Franchise A successful franchising system begins with a strong foundation built on a welldefined restaurant concept, proven viability, and a solid brand identity. You should have a great mission statement and a good understanding for what makes your model unique and powerful.

44 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

a. Defining Your Restaurant Concept Clearly articulate your restaurant concept, from the type of cuisine you serve to the ambiance, target audience, and unique selling points. A welldefined concept forms the basis for your franchise system and guides future franchisees.

b. Proving the Concept’s Viability

Before franchising, ensure your restaurant concept is viable. Run a profitable, well-managed flagship restaurant as proof of your concept’s success. Prospective franchisees will be more confident in investing if they see a demonstrated track record.

c. Building a Solid Brand

Develop a strong brand identity that reflects your restaurant’s values and appeals to your target market. A consistent and compelling brand is vital for attracting franchisees and customers alike.

Developing Standard Operating Procedures Thoroughly document all aspects of your restaurant’s operations, creating a comprehensive operations manual to guide franchisees. We recommend incorporating a good learning management system to have this content be usable and hold

franchisees accountable for reading and understanding the information. a. Documenting Every Aspect of the Business

Leave no aspect of your restaurant business undocumented. Include processes for food preparation, staffing, customer service, marketing, inventory management, and financial reporting.

b. Creating an Operations Manual

Compile the collected information into a comprehensive operations manual. This manual will serve as a reference guide for franchisees, ensuring they understand and implement your restaurant’s standards and procedures.

c. Setting Quality Standards

Clearly define and set quality standards for food preparation, service, and overall operations. Ensure that these standards align with your restaurant’s concept and brand.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance To franchise your restaurant, comply with legal requirements and protect your intellectual property. a. Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) Create a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that outlines essential

information about your franchise system, including financials, franchise fees, and obligations. Comply with federal and state regulations concerning FDD disclosures. b. Franchise Agreements Develop franchise agreements that detail the legal relationship between your restaurant and franchisees. Address all aspects of the franchise arrangement, including territorial rights, fees, and terms. c. Intellectual Property Protection Protect your intellectual property, including trademarks, logos, and proprietary recipes, through legal mechanisms. Ensure that franchisees respect and use your intellectual property according to your standards.

Selecting the Right Franchisees Choosing the right franchisees is crucial to the success of your franchise system. a. Identifying Ideal Franchisee Traits Define the characteristics, values, and qualities you seek in potential franchisees. Traits like dedication, business acumen, and alignment with your brand’s values are essential.

b. Franchisee Recruitment Process Establish a comprehensive franchisee recruitment process that includes advertising, interviews, background checks, and due diligence. A wellstructured process ensures you select the best candidates. c. Training and Onboarding Prepare a comprehensive training and onboarding program for new franchisees.

Training should cover the restaurant concept, operations manual, quality standards, and use of proprietary systems.

Providing Comprehensive Training and Support Support your franchisees with the training and guidance they need to succeed. The best food service franchises have excellent training and put franchisee support at the top of the list of priorities. a. Initial Training Programs Offer comprehensive initial training programs for franchisees, covering all aspects of your restaurant’s operations.

Provide hands-on training at an existing restaurant and ensure franchisees are well-versed in using your operations manual.

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

Visit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information

b. Ongoing Support and Guidance Provide ongoing support to franchisees, including access to support staff for operational questions, challenges, and troubleshooting. Offer regular communication channels for feedback and updates.

c. Supply Chain and Procurement Support

Assist franchisees in establishing supply chain connections and procurement sources. Ensure they have access to the same quality ingredients and products as your flagship restaurant.

Marketing and Branding for Franchisees Collaborate with franchisees to implement coordinated marketing efforts while allowing room for localized strategies. a. Coordinated Marketing Efforts Centralize marketing strategy development to maintain brand consistency. This includes national advertising, social media campaigns, and promotional materials that franchisees can use.

b. Localized Marketing Strategies

Allow franchisees to develop and execute localized marketing strategies that cater to their specific markets and target audiences.

c. Brand Consistency

Emphasize brand consistency in all marketing efforts to maintain a uniform brand image and customer experience across the franchise network.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 45

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

EXPERT ADVICE: Chris Conner | Founder | Franchise Marketing Systems

Maintaining Quality Control Regularly assess franchisee compliance with your quality standards and operational procedures. a. Regular Audits and Inspections Conduct regular audits and inspections of franchisee locations to ensure compliance with your operational standards and quality benchmarks. b. Feedback Loops Establish feedback loops that encourage franchisees to report issues, share insights, and offer suggestions for improvement. Maintain open communication channels for collaboration. c. Continuous Improvement Use feedback and audit results to drive continuous improvement. Update the operations manual and quality standards as needed to address emerging challenges or changes in the industry.

Expanding the Franchise Network Consider the potential for scaling your franchise system. a. Scaling the Franchise System Evaluate the capacity and resources available to expand your franchise network. Plan for additional locations and coordinate growth efforts. b. Exploring New Territories Assess new territories and markets for franchise expansion, considering demographics, competition, and market demand. Conduct thorough market research before expanding. c. International Expansion If applicable, explore opportunities for international expansion. Evaluate the feasibility of entering foreign markets, considering factors such as cultural differences, local regulations, and supply chain logistics.

Franchisee Relationships and Conflict Resolution Maintain positive relationships with franchisees and provide mechanisms for conflict resolution.

46 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

a. Communication and Collaboration Foster open and transparent communication between your restaurant’s management and franchisees. Encourage collaboration and idea sharing.

b. Handling Disputes

Establish a process for handling disputes and conflicts between franchisees.

Ensure that resolutions are fair and in line with the terms of the franchise agreements.

c. Supporting Franchisee Success

Offer guidance and support to franchisees to help them overcome challenges and achieve success. Provide resources for addressing operational issues or financial difficulties.

Legal and Financial Considerations Maintain transparency in financial dealings and adapt to legal changes. a. Financial Transparency Maintain financial transparency with franchisees, providing clear accounting and financial reports. Ensure they understand how franchise fees and royalties are calculated. b. Renewals and Termination Define the terms and conditions for franchise agreement renewals and terminations. These terms should be clear and fair to both parties. c. Adapting to Legal Changes

Stay updated on changes in franchise laws and regulations, and adapt your franchise system accordingly to remain compliant with legal requirements.

Creating a solid system to duplicate your restaurant business through franchising is a multi-faceted endeavor that requires meticulous planning, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of your brand.

A well-structured franchise system offers the opportunity to expand your restaurant’s reach while sharing the entrepreneurial spirit with franchisees who are passionate about your concept. By establishing a strong foundation, developing standard operating procedures, ensuring legal compliance, selecting the right franchisees, providing comprehensive training and support, maintaining quality control, and embracing growth opportunities, you can create a successful and sustainable franchise network.

As you navigate the intricacies of the franchising process, remember that the key to success lies in collaboration, open communication, and a shared dedication to delivering exceptional experiences to your customers, whether they’re dining at your flagship restaurant or one of your franchise locations.

For more information on how to franchise your restaurant business, contact Franchise Marketing Systems (FMS Franchise): www.FMSFranchise.com

Let Filta Handle the Oil & Fryers While You Focus on Delighting Customers

Where kitchen management meets innovation, we're here to transform your operations, enhancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability. With pioneering services designed to redefine kitchen excellence, we're your partners in taking your facility to the next level.

FiltaFry

Elevate Fryer Efficiency with Cooking Oil Filtration & Management Our flagship service microfilters your cooking oil, extending its lifespan by up to 50%. Experience deep fryer cleaning and precise temperature optimization for top performance.

Benefits Cost Savings Enhanced Food Quality Sustainability Improved Safety and Compliance

FiltaClean

Convenience

FiltaGold

Reduced Downtime

Fresh cooking oil supply

FiltaBio

Used cooking oil recycling

FiltaDrain

Grease Devouring Drain Treatment

FiltaCool

Humidity Control for Cold Storage

Extended Equipment Lifespan

Expertise and Professionalism Energy Efficiency Peace of Mind

www.gofilta.com

Commercial kitchen cleaning

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 47

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

franchisee in action: Bonchon

Dallas-based franchise on a mission to share the joy of Korean food Nettie Brant is one of many passionate fans of Bonchon, the Dallas-based franchise on a mission to share the joy of Korean food.

She enjoyed working at the Midlothian, VA location so much that when the original franchise owner shared his plans to retire, she went home and convinced her mother, Cheryl, that they should buy it. Two weeks later, they were the proud owners of their very own Bonchon! The mother-daughter duo will soon expand into multi-unit operators with the Richmond opening of one of the brand’s first ghost kitchens.

48 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

“Bonchon is a unique brand with truly authentic Korean dishes and the best wings around. I already knew how great it was to be part of the company so we seized on the opportunity to take over such a prime location,” said Brant. “Now with the ghost kitchen model, we’re able to provide a dedicated channel for Bonchon fans to get their favorites at their own convenience.”

Founded in Busan, South Korea in 2002, Bonchon first opened in the U.S. in New York City in 2006. The brand is known for its distinctive Korean fried chicken, hand-battered and double-fried to achieve its craveable crunch and hand-brushed to perfection with Bonchon’s unique sauces,

able to focus on this critical element of our business separate from a traditional restaurant format, where the on-site guest experience is the priority.”

Earning an average unit volume of $1.68 million, Bonchon offers franchise partners fast casual and full-service settings, carry-out/delivery and, now, ghost kitchen options, which enable owners to have an additional brand presence that serves a distinct audience with minimal labor demands. Recent openings reflect a variety of nontraditional settings that also include several locations within malls and as part of food halls.

Kelly Moughal and Muhammad Saleem are franchise veterans with four brands in their ownership portfolio. They will soon open their first Bonchon at Queens Center Mall and are confident that this location will be successful.

“While Bonchon is a destination dining option for so many of our guests who will follow their craving for our unique flavors, we also believe the brand fits in well as an option while spending the day shopping or running errands,” said Moughal. “Food court Bonchon locations often have the longest lines during the lunchtime rush and we expect to see the same at the Queens Center Mall.”

including its newest addition of traditional Korean Yangnyeom sauce. A variety of other Asian fusion cuisine options and Korean specialties are also available.

Bonchon is in the midst of a growth spurt, with plans to expand from 125 to 500 U.S. locations and 420 to 500 global locations in the next five years, building on its international presence in countries including Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, France, and Vietnam. Thanks to the recent influx in popularity of Korean culture, from K-pop to cuisine, and a flexible menu of restaurant formats for franchise partners to choose from, the brand is well positioned to achieve these goals, with 40+ units signed already in 2023.

Franchise partner Thomas Heou will soon open his third Bonchon location – the brand’s first ghost kitchen. Coming from a financial services background, Heou carefully evaluated the multiple options offered by Bonchon. With two successful dine-in locations already in the Washington, D.C. market, he recognized the growing need for a solution that would significantly improve efficiency and meet the demand of customers seeking prompt meal delivery that still maintains the Bonchon quality they have come to expect.

“The market for online and delivery food continues to grow, particularly among the younger generations who are some of Bonchon’s biggest fans,” said Heou.

“Through the ghost kitchen model, I’m

“As an industry leader in not just authentic Korean cuisine but also innovation to drive growth, Bonchon is constantly seeking to develop restaurant models that best support both our franchise partners and our guests,” said Bonchon Chief Growth Officer Suzie Tsai. “Through the ghost kitchen, we are able to leverage technology for greater flexibility, help alleviate labor challenges, and increase brand awareness.”

Along with the variety of formats available, Bonchon provides a Restaurant Opening Concierge who partners with franchisees through site selection, store design, permitting, construction, and procurement, complemented by ongoing training, operational, and marketing support.

For information on franchising with Bonchon, visit franchising.bonchon.com.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 49

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

snapshot: District Taco

District Taco Announces 10-Unit Development Deal Throughout New York and New Jersey District Taco, the premier authentic Mexican fast-casual restaurant, is thrilled to announce the signing of a tenunit development agreement with D3 Tacos LLC to bring new District Taco locations to Hudson County, NJ and Richmond and Kings Counties, NY. The brand is excited to bring its unique and fresh Yucatán style food to new guests as they expand into their first New Jersey and New York locations.

“Because of our industry experience, we could easily see that District Taco is a scalable business model poised for growth and success - and we’re excited to be a part of that,” said Daniel Yu, of D3 Tacos LLC. “In addition, I don’t think customers

in the New York-New Jersey area have experienced anything like the Yucatán cuisine District Taco offers, with freshroasted vegetables and spices not often found in other Mexican food restaurants.”

District Taco is differentiated in the market by its Yucatán-inspired menu based on the family recipes of the brand’s CoFounder, Osiris Hoil. Locations proudly serve breakfast and lunch tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, quesadillas, and more. Never wanting to compromise quality, District Taco ensures the freshness of its products by preparing its food daily. Chiles and tomatoes are roasted on the premises, grilled meats are marinated with a secret combination of citrus and spices that are indigenous to the Yucatán region, and chips and salsa are made in-house daily.

All menu items are customizable, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options also available.

“We cannot wait to serve District Taco’s authentic cuisine to the local communities in New York and New Jersey,” said Chris Medhurst, Chief Operating Officer of District Taco. “We are thrilled to partner with D3 Tacos and to continue growing the brand across the country. The tri-state area is a market unlike any other market in the country, and presents a tremendous opportunity for us to reach millions of new, hungry customers.”

For more details about District Taco, go to www.districttaco.com.

For more information on franchising opportunities, visit https://franchising. districttaco.com/.

About DISTRICT TACO: In 2009, two neighbors, Osiris Hoil and Marc Wallace, got together over some homemade chips, salsa and guacamole and decided to launch a District Taco food cart. Since then, District Taco has grown to fourteen locations and employs more than 300 people in and around Washington D.C. and Philadelphia metro areas. Their mission is to serve quality – Yucatán style – Mexican food that is fresh, simple and healthful, with a fully customizable menu that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. At District Taco, food is made fresh daily from the highest quality ingredients.

They strive to limit their impact on the environment by serving in environmentally friendly packaging where possible.

For more information about District Taco or their menu, and to download the app, visit https://www.districttaco.com/ or follow @districttaco across socials.

50 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

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 Franchising MAGAZINE USA 51

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

have your say: Scott Snyder | CEO | Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Retail Offerings are the Key to Unlocking Additional Revenue Growth – Here’s Why of our core customers grow which created buzzing conversations of the brand. This, in turn, created an increased demand for our product – both in-store and online.

Now, merchandise makes up over 8% of systemwide sales, with the top 1/3 of the system over 11% in total sales.

Regardless of your company, whether you’re a fitness concept or a QSR brand, it’s important to carefully evaluate how you can capitalize off the appearance of your space.

For example, all of Bad Ass Coffee locations are designed intentionally while paying homage to our Hawaiian culture.

When you walk through our doors, you’re greeted with an “aloha.” Each location captures the true essence of the island – from the blues and greens that symbolize the land and water, to the music selection we play over the speakers. Channeling the aloha spirit in our stores’ atmospheres furthers our mission of allowing customers to fuel their inner bad ass. This helps drive overall customer engagement.

A well-designed layout guides customers through the store, highlighting featured products and encouraging exploration.

Thoughtful lighting can set the mood and draw attention to key areas, while

In creating an appealing ambience, you’re providing your consumers with an experience, rather than a quick exchange of goods, which can lead to an increase in overall sales.

Bottom line, the power of retail offerings should not be overlooked. Here are three key findings franchise brands can tap into that can help unlock revenue growth.

Prioritize the Ambience of Your Store Design Scott Snyder CEO of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

With the business landscape in a constant state of evolution, brands must prioritize an omnichannel approach to generate consistent revenue growth.

Today, brands have more resources than ever before to advance overall performance.

One of the most often overlooked but immensely valuable revenue streams is retail.

As a franchise-first brand, each decision we make at Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is done so with our franchisee’s best interest in mind. In looking at how we could build off the brand recognition we’ve created, while introducing new people to our brand, we unveiled an undeniable truth of the power of retail.

In prioritizing a strategy to grow Bad Ass Coffee’s retail offerings, our profitability has reached new heights. We saw the base 52 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

decor, such as color schemes, textures, and visual displays, should reflect your brand’s identity and resonate with your target audience. An impressive design and layout can transform the customer experience, and in turn, boost sales.

Amplify Brand Awareness Through Branded Merchandise Branded merchandise is a dynamic strategy to elevate brand awareness, strengthen customer loyalty, and introduce your brand to new consumers. Harness this potential by developing individualized merchandise as well as an array of products that align with your core brand identity.

Thoughtfully-curated and quality merchandise resonates in the minds of consumers, and is a chance to tell your brand’s story in a way that is creative and trendy. By investing in this branch of your business, you’re committing to expanding your customer reach. You don’t only increase your revenue through the branded merchandise itself, but it also serves as a powerful tool in growing brand awareness.

At the heart of Bad Ass Coffee is the legend of the donkey which lives on through our name, premium coffee, and merchandise.

You’ll find the iconic donkey on many of our shirts, keychains, coffee mugs, etc. Beyond our brand name, individuals have grown to recognize the donkey and resonate with the story behind it – legend has it that for generations, donkeys could be heard bellowing as they carried precious loads of coffee beans down the steep mountains of the Big Island. The people of Kona named these hard-working donkeys the “Bad Ass Ones” because of their reliably strong, but stubborn nature in carrying their precious cargo. People are drawn to both the meaningful narrative and the uniqueness of the design.

Optimize Product Assortment A key pathway to enhancing revenue growth within a business is the optimization of product assortment. This is a multi-faceted process that begins and ends with decision-making and strategic selection.

By identifying and prioritizing the most popular and profitable merchandise, you’re able to align your offerings with customer preferences. Furthermore, this ensures your inventory caters to the wants and needs of your consumers.

For our brand, we don’t shy away from offering an assortment of merchandise

– from shirts and glasses, to tote bags and stickers, to our whole or grounded coffee beans. We know some people want a coffee mug that they can enjoy sipping their favorite roast out of while others want to sport favorite coffee brand in their everyday life on a t-shirt or hat. This has helped us build a following and increase our brand’s visibility.

Regularly review sales data and customer feedback to adjust your product assortment, eliminating underperforming items and focusing on what resonates with your

clientele. By constantly refining your offerings to meet customer demands and maintaining a balance between classics and innovation, you can optimize your product assortment and drive retail revenue effectively.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii serves as a testament to the progressive potential of prioritizing retail. From capitalizing on your store design to amplifying brand awareness through merchandise, franchise brands can tap into a new or refreshed strategy for revenue.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 53

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

have your say: Jimmy McFeeters | VP of Franchise Development | Protein Bar & Kitchen

A Recipe for Success:

5 Ways to Tackle the Real Estate Market as a Restaurant Brand I am certain that most restaurant brands have spent much of their time the last few years planning to get ahead of both expected and unexpected challenges, largely due to the pandemic. Here are a few strategies to put into practice to overcome the hurdles of the ever-changing restaurant industry.

Getting Ahead of Challenges:

Jimmy McFeeters VP of Franchise Development for Protein Bar & Kitchen

Is now a good time to buy a business? It’s a question I hear on a daily basis as I begin to speak with new franchisee prospects.

It is no secret that the last few years we have seen inflation and supply chain constraints impact the real estate process.

Projects are taking longer and cost more than they have before. Still, my answer is a resounding yes.

In October, Protein Bar & Kitchen officially announced its plan to begin franchising nationwide. News that many Protein Bar & Kitchen fans have been anticipating for years but also a bold decision as news headlines for the business world range from the good to the bad to the ugly, depending on the day. Despite the daily changes and challenges of the business landscape, it’s important for all restaurants to plan accordingly so bold decisions today are not as surprising as others might suspect.

54 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

As should be excepted with any businesses, you will face challenges regardless of systems and processes you have in place to prepare you. While you should identify potential challenges and create solutions before you actually need them, remaining agile and being willing to innovate will take you the extra mile.

For an emerging brand like Protein Bar & Kitchen, we are looking at challenges from a cost and timing perspective. For us, this means having the right level of awareness and taking an active approach to help get ahead of any potential issues. For example, we are prepared to order equipment with a much longer lead time than we could have ever thought we needed. It also means spending more time and energy on value, and engineering the design and specs to make sure the economics are compelling for the area.

and strategic way, structure has to be a priority. It is really easy when looking for the next location to get rose colored glasses, but data has to prevail for this decision.

Prior to our launch into franchising, for example, we created standardized processes to review each potential Protein Bar & Kitchen site. This includes leveraging data and analytics when evaluating site candidates.

Data collection can come in many forms – from public reports, in-store surveys, etc. The most important thing is that you prioritize these internal and external sources to benefit the longevity of your brand. Loyalty programs are a great way to house this date internally, and something we utilize at Protein Bar & Kitchen. It has become really beneficial to find the areas where we have a high concentration of fans.

Equally important is investing in tools that access mobility data to help understand traffic patterns dwell time, demographics and more. Together, all that data informs your performance model for a potential site and becomes a part of a broader site package to review as a team and compare against other candidates.

As it relates to new markets and growing with franchise partners, you have to align with the right corporate team that possess the experience and networks to help mitigate the risk. The more people on your team with experience, the better of a chance it will be that someone has experienced a similar situation and can share the perfect solution.

While a location right by the highway might seem like the ideal location for your brand, if the data does not support high traffic patterns or the ability to gain more consistent customers, it is not the right fit.

I believe taking the extra time to create a score for each location helps educate franchisees for a location to look for, and helps the brand strategically grow.

It All Begins with a Strong Structure:

The Ideal Prototype Does Exist:

For all brands, in order to grow in a fast

The needs and wants of customers today

in 2023 are very different than 2019. It is important to keep a pulse on spending habits to create a prototype that matches the consumers we have today. The world is now more digital than ever, and many guests would rather pick up their food and enjoy from the comfort of their own home. Keeping this in mind, there is an opportunity to make a new prototype that costs less than before.

Knowing consumers may not necessarily want to spend hours on end sitting in a restaurant, brands should look at this as an opportunity to tap into scalability. With the potential for cost efficiencies, smaller footprints, and simpler models, franchise brands cannot overlook this.

As we launched our franchise opportunity, we created a standardized layout and footprint that matches how our customers use the brand, especially with the increase in digital sales and ordering through our app. With nearly half of our sales coming from digital channels, especially in the suburbs, our physical footprint is smaller than our earlier locations resulting in a lower build out cost. We have also adapted our equipment package over time to best fit the needs of our menu. Our locations do not require black iron grills or heavy ventilation which sets us apart from most restaurant concepts and has led to a lower cost to build.

I find when there is a prototype with the estimated cost to build out available upfront, franchisees are able to decide if this is the right fit for them faster. Gone are the days of packed fast-casual restaurants with guests waiting for a place to sit, and yet sales show the demand for the product is just as high. Making a smaller dining area in new locations is a win for everyone.

Less square feet, less costs and customers get to order how they want.

Leverage Second Generation Restaurant Sites: I’m a big advocate for second-generation sites, when they have what your brand is looking for. If the right location is available with the right facilities, this can save franchisees a lot of time and money when opening up their location. That being said there is a lot to consider when coming across a conversion site that seems like a good fit.

Having limited equipment package and infrastructure needs, like at Protein Bar & Kitchen, restaurant brands are able to fit their locations in unique places.

Soon joining our existing non-traditional location at a local Chicago hospital will be two locations at the O’Hare and Salt Lake City Airports. Before we made the decision to open in these unique places, it was crucial that we made sure the secondgeneration sites fit our criteria of traffic, co-tenancy and visibility.

The ideal circumstance that we and all brands should look for is a location where a major brand had success, before relocating to a different site. This tends to be a sign that the major brand was doing well at this location, so well that they needed more space for their guests. We have also come across sites where another restaurant concept has run into trouble that was unrelated to the space itself. Utilizing data for the location is crucial to ensure your brand can see success at each secondgeneration location.

Becoming an Expert Source for Franchisees: For many franchisees, you are likely their introduction into the business landscape and franchising world. Site selection, lease negotiations, and more is something they have never experienced before. Remember that this is a new territory, and that the

franchisee needs to lean on the corporate team for critical support. Take extra time to help your franchisees through the real estate process – it will only benefit the new owner and the brand as a whole.

Regardless of where you are at in your development goals, having a roster of corporate team members who can navigate real estate is essential. These folks are experts in their field, and they should have made mistakes and learned lessons along the way. It is through experience that corporate leadership can see a red flag from a mile away. Franchisees are putting their faith in you and your brand, and therefore you have to show them that the faith they have is warranted.

Throughout the last 14 years since Protein Bar & Kitchen has been founded, we have learned these invaluable lessons and know exactly the kind of traffic and market that will breed success for our locations. Franchisees have access to our historical database of sites that we have evaluated over the years, using our system scorecard. Our system scorecard is put together with all the internal and external data we gain from researching each potential location. Sharing what made our locations successful and where others ran into hurdles, helps our franchisees find the perfect fit.

Taking each of these key points in mind with the ever-evolving real estate market, you have the right tools at your disposal to grow. Whether you have 500+ units and counting or are an emerging brand like Protein Bar & Kitchen, identify your ideal development strategy and what your end-goals are. I am a firm believer that expansion is all about the tools that are available for the corporate team, and franchisees are what sets the growing brands apart from the rest.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 55

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

franchisor in depth: Pollo Campero

Pollo Campero

Breaks Sales Records in 2023, Continues to Grow The Central American chicken franchise opened eight new restaurants in the first half of the year and executed nine new franchise agreements.

Pollo Campero, the Central American chicken franchise with 89 U.S. locations and another 270 around the world, has broken records in the first half of 2023 and is on track to continue along an exponential growth trajectory. The company closed out the first half of the year with seven new restaurant openings in Manhattan (2) ; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Madison, Tennessee; Lawrenceville, Georgia; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Kyle, Texas. In addition, one of our corporate units was sold in Kenner, Louisiana to a franchise partner.

“We have signed franchise agreements for nine additional units so far this year, and I have another three development agreements representing approximately 56 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

12 restaurants available to award through the rest of the year,” explained Director of Franchise Development Blas Escarcega.

“We’re targeting San Antonio, Reno and Knoxville for that expansion, but it’s clear there is demand for the concept in markets nationwide.”

City; two restaurants in Orlando; and

“Year to date results continue to deliver meaningful system wide sales and profit growth supported by strong same store sales and unit growth along with increase in restaurant margins. July was a record month for us in regards to system-wide sales and profits,” added Escarcega. “We continue to have exceptional first-day results at our new openings, and there’s tremendous acceptance of the brand in new markets.”

potential. In addition to high population

Escarcega said he expects new openings for the remainder of the year to enjoy similar acceptance and enthusiasm. By the end of 2023, Pollo Campero is slated to open three new units in New York

new locations in Santa Ana, California;

Kissimmee, Florida; Fontana, California; Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco), California; and Plantation, Florida.

New York is an especially meaningful

market for Pollo Campero as it holds great density, establishing the Pollo Campero

name in New York will increase exposure

to tourists and others traveling for business or pleasure.

“We have a fan base that has known us for many years in Central America and has continued to support our growth efforts

wherever we go,” said Escarcega. “We’re

very happy with the legacy customer base, and we also have new consumers that

don’t know us but have been very open

to coming and trying our food, and they continue to come. They like our food, menu and offerings.”

Passion for Service “ is one of the strongest initiatives we’ve taken this year to ensure that our guests and employees are taken care of.

”

As It Grows, Pollo Campero Continues to Engage the Communities It Serves As the brand continues to drive system growth, it remains engaged with local communities. Through its Passion for Service campaign, Pollo Campero connects employees of the corporate office with employees and guests in local restaurants.

“Passion for Service is one of the strongest initiatives we’ve taken this year to ensure that our guests and employees are taken care of,” said Escarcega. “We want everyone to feel that they are part of the brand — part of the Campero family.”

Service Days, a key component of Passion for Service, are the twice-yearly events that bring team members from the corporate office to local restaurants. Working side-byside with unit-level employees, corporate employees are able to both connect with employees from other levels of the company and witness the dynamics of instore employee-guest interactions firsthand.

“It’s something that’s a lot of fun. In my case, it was really nice to get out and visit the front line, hear their interactions and feel the brand presence,” said Escarcega.

“This also gives us a better idea of how we can promote the brand feel for every customer who visits. It’s a culture that we want to develop, promote and ingrain in all of us whether it’s in the office or the restaurants.”

Pollo Campero also continues to partner with St. Jude to support children and

families facing cancer and other lifethreatening diseases. An important aspect of this partnership is cup sales in Pollo Campero restaurants. Each year, the brand accepts drawings from patients that are then printed on cups; when these cups are purchased by the public, profits are donated back to St. Jude.

“This is a way for us to engage with a nonprofit organization that we’re very passionate about,” said Escarcega. “We are with them and want them to express themselves, and the drawings and cups that we have seen over the years have been made by some truly talented children.

We’ve been working together for many

years, and we want the children of St. Jude to feel that Pollo Campero truly cares about them, not that we’re just another brand that sells food.”

As Pollo Campero expands, it is targeting markets across the U.S., including Arizona, Louisiana, North Florida, Alabama, Texas, Utah and Colorado. With strong momentum developed in the first half of 2023, the franchise is on track to reach its development goals while proving itself as a strong chicken business concept, cultural icon and community player.

Initial investments range from $1,287,250 – $2,491,500*. For more information, visit https://camperofranchise.com/ Franchising MAGAZINE USA 57

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

franchisor in depth: Sweet Paris Creperie & Café

Finding Your Sweet Spot Four Tactics for Restaurant Brands to Prioritize the Full Dining Experience People often think that a meal begins when you take your first bite. But really, it starts when deciding where to dine – and here’s why.

Consumers often base dining decisions off their schedules and cravings. Perhaps it’s picking up something to take home to your family after a long weekday, or committing to a full sit down experience in an attractive atmosphere. Tastebuds have a way of flipping between light and eclectic, or hearty and filling. All of this plays a role in the overall meal and the full dining experience.

At Sweet Paris Creperie & Café, we believe that guests often eat with their eyes first, which is why we prioritize the full dining experience. From ambiance to plating, menu design to marketing, we know every 58 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

detail matters and contributes to our guests’ overall experience. In today’s era, a meal should go far beyond providing good food. When you prioritize the full dining experience as a restaurant brand, you have the power to turn a one-time visit into a lifelong affinity towards your business and strengthen the longevity of your brand.

Cultivate a One-of-a-Kind Experience In the highly competitive marketplace, restaurant brands have to identify ways to differentiate themselves. One way to do that is to cultivate a particular experience that a guest can only get at your locations.

While this can be a tall order, there are a few tactics to implement that will help serve up success.

It all starts with your concept – and having the ability to attract a range of

building long term success. A strong brand identity helps not only communicate the business’ mission, but it also sets the tone for what customers can expect before even setting foot in the restaurant.

With Sweet Paris, for example, we took great care in crafting our business’ name and logo to give people a sense of the food and ambiance in just a few words. The tone we set with our brand’s name and core design principles helps guide how we communicate with guests. Combined with an active social media presence and strategic marketing initiatives, a restaurant can find ways to keep its brand on people’s minds between in-person visits.

customer personas. While it is difficult to please every person at every mealtime, it’s important to create an experience that will appeal to many groups.

Next, you need to create a unifying experience that is consistent throughout each visit and at every location. At Sweet Paris, each location implements the same music and décor for an inviting atmosphere.

When ordering, our team engages in a personable discourse, and they can see all of the fresh ingredients while their crepe is being prepared. Beautifully crafted signage resonates with each of our guests while clearly displaying our menu items.

When you think of the word ‘café’, you might think of dimly lit enclaves where digital nomads post up for hours on end.

With Sweet Paris Café & Creperie, we have set out to create a bright, airy space for a fine-casual breakfast, brunch, lunch, or coffee date. While our menu resembles what you would expect in a café, part of our mission is to provide an elevated, finedining quality to makes a visit to Sweet Paris feel unique. A key component of our design is cultivating a comfortable setting so customers can focus on the taste of their food while enjoying the environment and overall sensory experience.

Build A Brand that Lasts Once a business has a clear and welldefined brand identity – an essential piece of the business – it is then time to focus on

Use your restaurant’s social media channels to strengthen community relationships this can also demonstrate how you value your client base while sharing information about promotions and deals. We are constantly trying new recipes and crafting seasonal specials that we want our guests to enjoy. By regularly sharing content, we are creating a digital brand catalogue that anyone can access and experience at their convenience.

Marketing initiatives can take a brand far, but serving high-quality products and stellar service are the also key ingredients to keeping your business forefront of people’s minds when selecting a dining destination.

Connect with Customers, Even Outside of Your Restaurant Every business is built on the foundation of its customers. Developing a deep and authentic connection with them can turn a one-time visit into a life-long connection.

Those connections can be established during a visit to your restaurant, but in today’s digital age, a customer’s first interaction with your brand could take place online.

An online presence is a powerful tool to intrigue new guests and retain repeat customers. Embracing the reach of your social media channels shows guests that your brand appreciates connecting with them, both in-store and online.

One way to incentivize guests to engage with you on social media is to offer

compelling giveaways and worthwhile rewards programs that show guests you appreciate their business. At Sweet Paris we’ve developed a rewards system to connect with customers and incentivize people to come in to celebrate life’s special moments. On social media, we like to highlight our loyal customers and reshare footage that our followers post from our locations. We want them to know that our platform is designed for them, much like our cafes themselves.

Don’t underestimate the power and potential each customer interaction can have – prioritize building a personal connection each chance you get. Remember that the full dining experience is something that extends beyond the walls of your restaurant.

No Matter What—Serve Good Food!

At the end of the day, providing delicious, beautiful food is the most important element of the “full dining experience.”

Details about the service style, interior décor, and seasonal promotions are compelling reasons to stop in. But at the core of the full package is delivering a consistently quality meal.

People today are drawn to fresh, made-toorder food. An extensive but focused menu with a wide variety of options that span taste preferences and dietary restrictions shows guests that you want to find ways to serve them. Offer the occasional limited time menu item to excite customers, but the foundation of your restaurant will lie within the tried-and-true items guests can always expect. Certainly, your business and menu will evolve over time, but always pay attention to customer favorites and feedback.

Businesses that prioritize the full dining experience can be a meaningful part of people’s daily routines. Your restaurant can be both the site of milestone moments and where guests know they can always have a consistent meal. When the restaurant reflects thoughtful design details, harmonious brand image, and an enthusiastic team to back your mission, your restaurant can deliver consistent, top-notch experiences to every customer, every time.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 59

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

women in franchising: Erin Kaylor | CFO | BIGGBY® COFFEE

Former McDonald’s Finance Leader to Become CFO at BIGGBY® COFFEE Erin Kaylor brings a wealth of experience to the high-energy coffeehouse franchise as it is on the precipice of monumental growth.

Erin Kaylor, a franchise veteran and finance leader, is bringing her passion to BIGGBY® COFFEE as Chief Financial Officer. As the brand approaches important growth milestones with over 360 units open and another 140 in development, Kaylor will serve a crucial role in supporting the entire system through its next stage of development.

“I’m a CPA and an accountant by trade, but the vast majority of my career was spent in the finance organization of McDonald’s,” said Kaylor. “This new role fits very nicely because I have a lot of experience working with franchisees. I did retire from McDonald’s in 2017, but I discovered I just wasn’t quite ready for retirement. Before long, I found myself back to work at a local gated community and country club as their CFO and Assistant General Manager.”

60 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

At McDonald’s, Kaylor held numerous positions over her twenty-plus years with the company. In her last role, she collaborated with U.S. leadership on the development and execution of a comprehensive re-franchising strategy across the country. This role also enabled her to partner with franchise owners on building their individual businesses.

Kaylor held her later role with the Bluffton, South Carolina Berkeley Hall Club for about two years, and just before the pandemic, she entered her second retirement with intentions to travel the world. When COVID hit, this proved impossible, and she once again found herself looking for engaging opportunities.

“I had just made the decision to go back to work, and a recruiter reached out to me with this opportunity,” said Kaylor. “It felt like a perfect fit.”

After climbing the corporate ladder, Kaylor views the opportunity with BIGGBY® COFFEE as her time to shine in a role where she can truly feel good about the work she’s doing each and every day.

“The commitment to conscious capitalism that the company stands for is so meaningful to me,” explained Kaylor.

“Working for a truly purpose-driven organization is important to me at this point in my career. I think our work sourcing coffee across the globe directly from farmers is amazing. We are literally changing lives around the world. That’s what motivated me to join the team.”

With 360 locations and growing, Kaylor recognizes that there is a lot of exciting work to do to build a strong foundation

that will not only support the system at its current size but also take it into the future.

“I feel a responsibility to ensure the

As she works to implement the systems she sees necessary to take BIGGBY® COFFEE to the next level, she will work collaboratively with members across the organization to ensure the financial success of both the company and the individual store owners.

want to support franchise owners with

financial success of the company now

and into the future,” said Kaylor. “We

their individual profitability and personal

success, as we also address profitability at the home office level. I’m excited to foster and develop a team that will contribute to that mission.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 61

f o o d f r a n c h i s i n g f e at u r e

snapshot: Sarpino’s USA

Sarpino’s USA Introduces New Boursin Supreme Pizza with Authentic Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese, Available for a Limited Time

driven customer experience. Today, Sarpino’s USA offers more than 60 specialty and gourmet pizzas, roughly 20 calzones and 20 sandwiches, 12 pastas, 11 salads, three bone-in wing flavors, and a variety of appetizers, plus an entire separate vegan menu. In a world of sameness and low-quality, factory-made pizzas, Sarpino’s USA has forged an entirely different path and makes its food from scratch, taking an artisanal approach to pizza-making simply not found in big chains.

A staple at holiday gatherings around the country, there is something overwhelmingly delicious about Boursin cheese.

It’s creamy and crumbly at the same time and enjoys this perfect blend of delicate garlic, fragrant parsley, and mild chives. So why not put it on a pizza?

To kick off the holiday season this year, Sarpino’s USA is introducing its new Boursin Supreme Pizza, available for a limited time. The new pizza, featuring Sarpino’s USA’s made-from-scratch dough and hand-shredded signature cheese blend, hits all the notes with extra virgin olive oil, grilled chicken, Boursin cheese, basil, tomatoes and onions. Available today through November 30, the Boursin Supreme Pizza is available at all Sarpino’s 62 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

USA locations in Illinois, Florida, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas.

“There is just something about Boursin cheese around the holidays. It’s a staple of the season on so many family tables and so we thought to ourselves, how do we take that feeling and that flavor and put it on a pizza?” said Rebecca Kroupa, Sarpino’s USA director of R&D and operations training. “Boursin is made from simple ingredients with no preservatives or unnatural additives. And its creamy yet crumbly texture, and nice balance of garlic and herbs, takes pizza to a new level.”

Since entering the U.S. in 2002, the delivery focused Sarpino’s USA has grown to nearly 50 locations and developed a reputation for blending Old World Italian authenticity and American ingenuity. It offers a robust menu with roots traced back to Calabria in Southern Italy and a convenient, seamless, and technology

“The thing we love most about pizza is that it provides an open canvas for flavor, texture, and fun,” said David Chatkin, president of Sarpino’s USA. “Derived from a traditional party dish, fromage frais, Boursin cheese combines savory herbs and rich flavors with creamy, yet crumbly Gournay cheese – and it tastes absolutely amazing on our new Boursin Supreme Pizza. As the holidays kick off this year, we’re excited to celebrate the season with this new pizza that we know will be a hit on tables around the country.”

Sarpino’s USA Boursin Supreme Pizza can be ordered by calling your nearest Sarpino’s USA restaurant or online by visiting: gosarpinos.com

About Sarpino’s USA: Sarpino’s is a pizza delivery and take out franchise concept dedicated to from scratch cooking and baking. This allows Sarpino’s owners to honor the traditions of its Calabrian heritage while simultaneously elevating them to create better opportunities for growth and profitability.

Sarpino’s franchisees can expect their initial investment to range from $395,500 to $582,000 depending on the restaurant format and real estate selected.

For more information about franchising with Sarpino’s, visit: sarpinosfranchise.com

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 63

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

Elevating Franchise Success: The Power of Avodah

A constant challenge looms in franchise ownership - finding and retaining employees.

This challenge isn’t just about the resources spent on recruitment and training; it permeates your team’s morale, the quality of service your business provides, consistency, and your bottom line.

But what if I told you there’s a concept that not only addresses this issue of employee turnover but also brings about a host of additional benefits to your franchise?

Avodah is a profound idea rooted in ancient wisdom.

Avodah: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business Looking back to early biblical manuscripts, the Hebrew word “avodah” intertwined work (Genesis 2:15), worship (Exodus 8:1), and service (Joshua 24:15). In these ancient texts, the three elements are harmoniously connected, emphasizing that a balanced approach to leadership goes beyond mere work.

Avodah teaches us that our dedication and service to a greater purpose blends with our daily tasks.

64 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Inspired by Chick-fil-A’s Success S. Truett Cathy, the visionary founder of Chick-fil-A, grasped the power of avodah.

He built his franchise empire on the bedrock of service, work, and celebration not only with customers but also to the community.

Cathy’s commitment to giving back, practicing ethical business principles, and fostering a culture of care for employees and customers alike sets Chick-fil-A apart in the fast-food industry. This Avodahinspired approach doesn’t just reduce employee turnover; it cultivates exceptional customer loyalty and drives business growth.

Unlocking the Hidden Benefits of Avodah When franchise owners embrace the principles of Avodah, you open a treasure trove of advantages that extend beyond lower turnover rates.

Avodah encourages a workplace culture built on purpose and values. It nurtures a sense of community where employees feel valued and united by a shared vision and mission, elevating employee satisfaction and fostering customer loyalty.

From the perspective of a franchise owner, regardless of your spiritual faith or background, the concept of avodah can increase the value of your business in several ways: 1. Enhanced Work Efforts: Practicing avodah instills a work ethic rooted in dedication and commitment, leading to increased productivity and improved business performance.

You earn your team’s discretionary efforts.

2. Service-Oriented Approach: Avodah emphasizes serving others, which aligns perfectly with exceptional customer service. Franchise owners prioritizing excellent service cultivate a loyal customer base and garner repeat business.

3. Leadership Development: Avodah encompasses aspects of leadership and personal growth. Franchise owners who adopt these principles become more effective leaders, inspiring and guiding their teams toward success.

4. Community Engagement: Actively engaging in acts of service and community involvement, as Avodah encourages, helps franchise owners build strong relationships within their local communities, leading to increased brand recognition and customer trust.

Luke Frey improves franchise owners’ businesses where corporate support alone fails. He brings 26+ years of varied professional experiences including 20 years as a franchise owner of ImageFIRST Cincinnati, 6 years as an industrial engineer for a Fortune 250 company and 19 years as a volunteer firefighter. All of these experiences, in addition to his drive to learn, have brought him to be a positive driving force for other franchise owners’ successes.

To learn more about Luke and how Bella Vista Executive Advisors can help, please click HERE www.bellavistaexecutiveadvisors.com

5. Work-Life Balance: Recognizing the importance of work-life balance and personal well-being is essential. Ensuring work doesn’t consume all aspects of life reflects an understanding of the need for self-care and reflection in harmony with the worship/celebration aspect of avodah.

6. Ethical Decisions: Incorporating avodah values into business practices promotes ethical behavior and decisionmaking, fostering a positive reputation essential for long-term business success.

7. Employee Morale: A franchise owner who practices avodah nurtures a positive and supportive work environment, increasing employee morale, retention, and job satisfaction.

8. Professional Development: As encouraged by Avodah, franchise owners who engage in continuous learning and mentorship develop the skills and knowledge necessary for adapting to industry changes and staying competitive.

You increase your leadership capacity.

Moreover, avodah fosters innovation and creativity within your franchise. When a sense of purpose inspires employees, they think more creatively, offering new solutions to challenges and propelling your business forward.

Taking Practical Steps Towards Avodah Let’s explore how you can incorporate avodah into your business: 1. Strategic Planning and Vision Setting: Taking time to define a clear vision for the business (aligned with your franchisor’s) and creating a strategic plan to achieve

long-term goals aligns with the principles of Avodah. It involves thoughtful reflection, goal-setting (worship), and the necessary work to realize those objectives (work).

2. Employee Development and Mentorship: Investing in the growth and development of employees through training, mentorship, and coaching demonstrates a commitment to their wellbeing and personal growth. This practice aligns with the service aspect of Avodah by helping others succeed.

State requirements for Ohio volunteer firefighter training is 36 hours before being able to go into a burning building. The Terrace Park Fire Department developed a training schedule to complement the next level of state certification for Fire Fighter I, which requires 120 hours of training. Half of the department earned FFI certification.

3. Community Engagement and Philanthropy: Actively participating in the community and engaging in philanthropic efforts demonstrates a commitment to service beyond business. Supporting charitable causes and giving back to the community exemplifies the spirit of service inherent in Avodah.

4. Ethical Leadership and Values-Based Decision-Making: Leading with ethical decision-making and adhering to your values in business operations reflects the worship component of avodah. It’s about recognizing a higher purpose and living up to values that guide business practices.

5. Balancing Work and Personal WellBeing: Recognizing the importance of work-life balance and personal well-being is essential. Ensuring that work doesn’t consume all aspects of life reflects an

understanding of the need for self-care and reflection, aligning with the worship aspect of avodah.

When practiced with intention and commitment, these activities allow business owners to incorporate avodah principles into their work on the business, fostering a balanced, purpose-driven, and service-oriented approach to entrepreneurship.

Take Action Now The top three ways (of many) the Franchise Owner’s Dashboard (FOD) helps franchise owners practice avodah in their business: 1. Defining a Clear Vision: The FOD encourages franchise owners to articulate their vision for the franchise, detailing what they want to achieve in the future and aligning with the worship aspect of Avodah, where franchise owners set clear goals and aspirations for their business.

2. Aligning with Mission and Values: Within the FOD, franchise owners define their mission statement and core values, ensuring their actions and decisions in the business align with their beliefs, reflecting the service aspect of Avodah.

3. Monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): The FOD’s KPIs section provides franchise owners with data that are critical to their business’s performance, reflecting the work aspect of Avodah.

You use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and continually improve your operations.

The elements of the FOD empower franchise owners to integrate the principles of avodah into their leadership practices, fostering a sense of purpose, alignment with values, and informed decisionmaking.

Addressing the challenge of employee turnover is just one facet of the concept of Avodah. By embracing this ancient wisdom, franchise owners can reduce turnover and create a workplace where purpose, innovation, and a strong sense of community thrive.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 65

franchisee in action: Sylvan Learning Center

THE STATE OF EDUCATION IS DRIVING TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND OTHERS TO

FRANCHISE WITH SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER Sylvan Learning is the number one education franchise opportunity on the market and the nation’s leading provider of supplemental and enrichment education for K–12 students.

The notably low-cost franchise has been producing proven results for over four decades. Now, it serves as a key player in the education landscape as students across the country work to recover from pandemic-related learning loss.

A recent study cites students lost out on about 35% of a normal school year’s worth of learning during the pandemic, and the compounding effects are not even realized yet.* In addition, schools are flushed with COVID recovery funding and actively looking for partners to provide high-dosage tutoring, which is the number one solution recommended by the U.S. Department of Education to help students catch up.** 66 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Sylvan has been providing high-dosage tutoring for over 40 years and is the only one-stop solution for all subject matter, college prep, STEM and so much more.

With students struggling to keep up, teachers experiencing burnout and parents searching for additional support to help their kids get back on track, there has never been a better time to franchise with Sylvan.

“We’re making significant strides in franchise development which is a reflection of the state of education,” said Jeff Stephenson, Vice President of Franchise Development at Sylvan.

“Whether they have worked in education or not, candidates are seeing the need for supplemental education services in their own communities, and some are even living that experience with their own children. We’re excited to work with our new and existing franchise owners to meet this mounting demand that shows no signs of slowing down.”

With students struggling to “ keep up, teachers experiencing burnout and parents searching for additional support to help their kids get back on track, there has never been a better time to franchise with Sylvan.

”

Educators in particular are pursuing franchise ownership with Sylvan as an alternative career to the classroom, allowing them to maintain their passion for teaching without experiencing the stress and strain of the education system — rather, they can be part of the solution to getting students back on track while owning their own business. For a limited time, Sylvan is also offering more than 60% off its franchise fee, just for educators.***

Suzanne and Morgan Flottmeier

“

This is a logical leap from what I was doing as a mom to helping other kids at Sylvan.

Doing this with my daughter is icing on the cake!

Nancy and Joe Shrewsbury

”

After retiring from her 20-year career in the classroom, Nancy Shrewsbury is now venturing into multi-center franchise ownership with her husband Joe, an experienced data and business intelligence analyst with an MBA. The pair recently opened their first two centers in Lake Wylie and Rock Hill, S.C. “Although I’m sunsetting my career as a teacher, I’m reinvesting my time and energy into something I truly love outside of the classroom,” said Nancy. “Our goal is to be a resource for students in the community, no matter where they are in their educational journey.”

Similarly, Marty Conner is an educator turned multi-center franchise owner who worked in education for more than 25 years as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent, among other roles in the industry. He recently opened his first Sylvan center in Indian Land, S.C. with plans for a second location in nearby Stallings, N.C. “I’ve spent decades developing relationships with my local community and colleagues in education. These Sylvan centers are a natural extension of the local school districts in the area and add another

Morgan. “I knew our combined experience and shared passion for helping students, along with Sylvan’s resources and support, would bring huge value to our community.

We’re excited to be a family helping other local families!”

Marty Conner

layer of support for students who need it most, which include my own children who attend local schools in one of my territories,” said Conner.

Morgan Flottmeier began her education journey with Sylvan as a part-time tutor then quickly grew into the role of center director at two of the brand’s locations.

Now, she and her mother Suzanne have opened their first franchised location in Albertville, Minn.

“My mom encouraged me to take the next step into owning my own Sylvan center, and I told her ‘not without you!’” said

Suzanne, who was a stay-at-home mom before venturing into business with her daughter, says she spent her whole life dedicated to helping her kids, volunteering at school and being around other families.

“This is a logical leap from what I was doing as a mom to helping other kids at Sylvan. Doing this with my daughter is icing on the cake!” she said.

Are you ready to join these educators and entrepreneurs across the nation to make an impact with your investment?

Visit SylvanFranchise.com. * https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562022-01506-4 ** https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/ west/Blogs/Details/34 *** $12,500 franchise fee for educators.

Normally $34,900.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 67

EXPERT ADVICE: Heather Ripley | Founder and CEO | Ripley PR

Capture and Expand Your Franchise Culture with PR The average American spends more than a third of his or her time at work.

That means that a company’s work-life

balance and a willingness to care for and

support their employees have become more

Heather Ripley is founder and CEO of Ripley PR, an elite, global public relations agency specializing in franchising, skilled trades and B2B tech. Ripley PR has been listed by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Franchise PR Agency five years in a row and was named to Forbes’ America’s Best PR Agencies for 2021. It is also recognized as the top PR agency for the home service industry. Ripley is the author of “NEXT LEVEL NOW: PR Secrets to Drive Explosive Growth for your Home Service Business,” which is now available on all audiobook platforms.

For additional information, visit www.ripleypr.com.

important in recent years. Especially if you want to attract and retain the best talent.

But if you’re a franchise business with

locations all over the country, it can be

difficult to capture your franchise culture.

Encapsulating that culture so that it spreads out to your various locations and ensuring that it’s understood by consumers and

potential franchisees is even more difficult.

Hiring a public relations agency that

understands the franchising business can help.

68 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Defining Your Company Culture For all the articles and social media posts on the subject, the act of finding and defining your company’s culture can be difficult.

There are several factors that contribute to your organizational culture. You will need to review some of the factors that contribute to the development of your company’s culture before you can define it.

These factors can include: • Creating a strong mission statement • Developing an employee retention program

• Asking for employee feedback • Defining the way your employees

communicate with one another; and,

• Determining your company’s work style Once you’ve defined your values, set goals

and developed a plan to bring that culture into your daily operations, you can then spread your values out to your franchisees.

something is successful “in When one market, we can use it as a

An experienced PR agency will have dealt with dozens of companies throughout their tenure and can offer suggestions on how to pinpoint your company’s specific style. They can even help you cultivate your brand message so that it can be easily included as part of your franchisee training.

”

But its not enough to simply tell your prospective franchise owners or potential customers about your culture. You have to show it off.

Internalizing Your Company Culture For many franchisees, once they’ve determined they have the financial stability to invest in a franchise and a market for the product or service they want to sell, their next step is finding a company that shares their values for success.

A PR agency is a great tool to improve your franchise’s organizational design. It can help your franchise build a positive reputation, evaluate employee engagement and improve transparency.

It’s a PR professional’s job to articulate information clearly. These experts can develop messaging that can be provided internally to franchise owners and employees in much the same way they can develop external messaging.

A franchising public relations professional knows that internal communications is as important to a company’s consistency as external messaging is in generating customer leads. Regular communications reinforces your company culture to your franchise owners, employees, customers and other stakeholders.

For Zoom Drain President Ellen Rohr, celebrating a franchise owner’s public relations triumphs internally can spur positive competition among the other franchisees.

Zoom Drain has more than 50 franchise locations throughout the country. With that many individual owners, Rohr notes that an

standardized blueprint that can be leveraged in all markets.

Externalizing Your Company Culture Once you understand your company’s

culture and know your franchisees are

on-board, you also have to ensure you are Zoom Drain President Ellen Rohr

spreading your message to the right media outlets to carry your message.

internal PR strategy can help franchisees learn the best ways to generate positive external publicity.

You may have a beautifully crafted

“When we have someone who has gotten some good PR or done something to bring about positive publicity, we send it out on our intranet so that it can be enjoyed by the other teams,” she said. “When something is successful in one market, we can use it as a standardized blueprint that can be leveraged in all markets.”

hands of the right publications or news

She said that when Zoom Drain of San Diego owner Rick Vazza and Zoom Drain of Seattle owner Dennis “Dennis the Apprentice” Hamon issue their ongoing podcasts, she regularly sends their work out to the team as inspiration on how to publicize the company’s culture.

“Not everyone is going to be comfortable doing a podcast, but there are other ways to establish your company’s culture in your franchisees’ local markets,” she said. “Whether that’s doing something meaningful for the community or giving an interview on television, let them know how to publicize the business – simple things like wearing their uniform or standing in front of their wrapped trucks.”

Consistent communications impacts how cohesive your franchisees are with your parent company, and the effects of this communication level is a significant factor in how your franchisees deal with clientfacing interactions, such as interviews and media coverage.

message and a creatively constructed press release, but if you aren’t getting it into the

outlets, it might not reach the audience you want.

Having a PR professional who has done

the research on the media outlets that you should target ensures you are getting the

most for your publicity dollar. Pitching a

story involves more than simply reaching out to the media with a potential story. It also means doing a deep dive into your

industry’s news sources and understanding what specific outlets like to cover and when.

“You need the right people to brag about

your company,” Rohr said. “It’s that ‘drip,

drip, drip’ of consistent PR that makes the difference. Ensuring that the right eyes

are on your brand is a reminder of how powerful a tool the right publicity is.”

So, whether you are attempting to define your company’s culture by highlighting your good reputation, your positive

employee engagement or your industry

leadership, the right PR strategy can ensure that the message is consistent throughout your franchise locations.

Public relations is about building strong

and lasting relationships and ensuring your

entire team is on board with your PR efforts is a relationship that can’t be overlooked.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 69

expert advice: David Earl | CFO | Stratus Building Solution

How a Chief Financial Officer Helps Franchisors and Franchisees A chief financial officer (CFO) for a franchise organization is a unique role in business and has obligations to two very different stakeholders.

On one hand, the CFO has a fiduciary responsibility to the franchisor as a

business entity to provide accurate and

insightful financial information. On the

other hand, the CFO has a responsibility to the franchisee to present business model

financials and best practices to franchisees who range from having limited experience in running a business to being successful

multi-brand operators focused on building a business portfolio.

70 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Most often, it is the established brands that have CFOs as part of their leadership team, and yet, emerging brands could really benefit from a financial advisor who is focused on helping them reach their goals.

The CFO in franchising has a significant depth of impact across the entire franchise system.

The CFO and the Franchisor When working with the franchisor, the CFO has two lanes of focus.

The first is to advise the franchisor on the financial elements impacting its business.

This means being current with macrolevel information about the economy and applying a forward-thinking lens to issues and opportunities that could be

The advisory role of the “ CFO also comes forward in the preparation of the audited financial statements, tax filings, evaluating the competition’s promise, and ensuring the franchise disclosure document financials are presented with integrity..

”

forthcoming. For example, when inflation and interest rates are on the rise, that can

impact available capital options or increase debt servicing obligations Solutions that target how to offset increased expenses

David Earl, CFO of Stratus Building Solution, is a Strategic execution and growth-focused Senior finance executive with 25+ years of leadership experience with multiple liquidity events. Harnessing in-depth finance and accounting experience to help lead company efforts in creating maximum value. He has also led multiple territory expansions, executed acquisition synergies, and acquisition ROI. Before entering the Franchise space, David started his career with United Parcel Service (UPS) and spent twelve years with The Walt Disney Company before pivoting into private equity backed companies. David is an innovative leader who believes in strong collaborative teams and champions the implementation of new systems and tools that will improve overall company operation, effectiveness, and profitability.

peer group performance to the franchise owner. While a franchisee’s accounting is focused on the individual business, the franchisor CFO provides bigger-picture information that can be used beneficially.

A significant advantage of franchising is having this peer financial data available, and franchisor support, to help a franchisee succeed to their full potential.

Introducing the advisory services of the

It is important to remember that the franchisees are individual CFO can be done in a number of ways, “business owners themselves, and many will have an accountant including presentations by the CFO at the or bookkeeper providing their financial services, at least to some degree.

”

will be critical to mitigating any risk for the organization and increasing the franchisor’s bottom line.

A macro-level view of the industry is also a key component of the CFO’s role.

Knowledge of any changes to tax, FDD or wage regulations across all states and countries where the franchise operates can become part of strategic planning for the franchisor and franchisees alike. The ability to create evolving accounting and tax best practices, and communicate those best practices, allows both parties to make solid decisions moving forward.

The second lane of focus is on the data collected on a monthly (or more frequent) basis. This data is helpful to create accurate corporate forecasts and to gauge the progress of the franchisees. The CFO has important oversight on this data — being able to note any inconsistencies, track trends, and explain any significant differences month over month and year over year. This financial oversight can also alert the franchisor to any red flags that could be addressed early and prevent a difficult situation from advancing. It again lends to providing advice on the strategic direction of the franchise.

The advisory role of the CFO also comes forward in the preparation of the audited financial statements, tax filings, evaluating the competition’s promise, and ensuring the franchise disclosure document financials are presented with integrity. The

franchisor-franchisee relationship is built on trust, and a significant part of that trust comes from the financial aspect of the business. The CFO has to be a beacon of integrity, which leads to strong and trusted relationships not only between CFO and franchisor, but also between franchisor and franchisee.

The CFO and the Franchisee At Stratus, the CFO has a direct role with franchisees. The CFO is an advisor and participant in the financial training and support needed to run the business and acts as a resource to franchisees who are interested in improving performance, increasing cash flow, or discussing business concepts. Stratus is very focused on franchisee profitability and cash flow, such as identifying cost variances between franchisees which may lead to decreased costs across the network, or training on accounts receivable collections best practices. So being vigilant in the financials is crucial, and knowing how to spot trends in the franchise financial data is imperative when advising franchisees.

It is important to remember that the franchisees are individual business owners themselves, and many will have an accountant or bookkeeper providing their financial services, at least to some degree.

The role of the CFO is not to interfere with that relationship but rather to bring an upper-tier level of industry knowledge and

annual conference and regular training or support gatherings. The CFO is the most in-touch member of the franchise leadership team when it comes to knowing the financial position of the franchisees.

The explanation and interpretation of that information can lead to unique ideas and advice that all franchisees can benefit from in their individual businesses.

The Important Takeaways As CFOs, we are often a bridge between two different stakeholders the franchisor and the franchisee. Who are ultimately seeking to increase their respective performance. Identifying the needs of these two distinct stakeholders is an important characteristic that the successful franchisor CFO has to possess. Certain metrics, such as unit growth and average unit volume, are important industry-featured statistics used to attract the attention of potential franchisees. However, the franchisor CFO role can have a far deeper impact to franchisee success when the franchisor is open to being that integrity-driven brand.

If you are a franchise without a CFO, consider adding that position to your leadership team and benefit from the knowledge and unique financial perspective that a CFO brings to the organization. If you already have a CFO in the franchise, engage them and ask if they have growth-oriented or best practice ideas that could be explored.

The CFO is a key resource to your brand.

When you mine their potential, you will grow your brand’s potential. That creates a win-win situation for everyone.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 71

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!

november 2023

cover story

Former Marine Sergeant Finds

Success at Office Pride

latest news in

veteran franchising Franchising MAGAZINE USA 73

Leadership.

Teamwork.

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

74 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

conte nts

ve ter ans supplement 78

Snapshot 92 Gotcha Covered: U.S. Air Force Veteran and Wife Open Gotcha Covered of Roseville

Franchisor in Depth 82 Waters Edge Wineries: Redefining Wine Industry Through Unique Global Partnerships

Franchisee in Action

80

On the Cover 78 Office Pride: Former Marine Sergeant Finds Success at Office Pride

What’s New 76 Franchising News Latest News from Veterans in Franchising

Have Your Say

80 Dog Training Elite: Names Former Senior Executive, Current Franchisee as CEO 84 Merry Maids: A Bronze Star Veteran’s Path From The Army to Entrepreneurship

Focus 86 Filta Enviromental: Military Service Prepares Filta Owners for Franchise Success

90 Dog Training Elite: Supports Veterans in Obtaining and Training Service Dogs

Q&A 88 Vast Coworking Group: Jason Anderson

82

86

88 Franchising MAGAZINE USA 75

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

Window Hero expands into Pennsylvania with a new location in Warminster Window Hero, a HomeFront Brands franchise specializing in a wide range of exterior cleaning services, announced today it is opening the first location in Pennsylvania.

Orr and Gabriel had expressed interest in entrepreneurship and franchising for years and were ready to turn dreams into reality when they came across the opportunity with Window Hero.

“I have had an interest in franchising for some time now, and Window Hero really caught our attention. After we visited the Homefront Brands facility, we were sold,” Orr said. “Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of systems and models, which gives me even more appreciation for Window Hero.”

After spending six years as a union railroader, Orr built experience as a realtor alongside Gabriel, a Marine Corps veteran. Having grown up in the Philadelphia area, Orr and Gabriel expressed an urgent need for reliable home service contractors.

“As a realtor, I see the growing demand for exterior cleaning in the

residential space,” Gabriel said. “We want Window Hero to be the go-to solution for exterior cleaning in the Philadelphia area, and I’m confident our combined skillset and work ethic will help get us there.”

Married with three kids, Gabriel wants to create a scalable business he can pass down to his children that holds value in the community. The business duo said their ultimate goal is to create a family legacy through Window Hero, as well as making a positive impact in the area.

“I hope to inspire the people around me to adopt my entrepreneurial spirit and find a self-motivated attitude and mentality,” Orr said. “Ultimately helping the next person that can contribute to the community.”

For more information about Window Hero Warminster, please visit https://windowhero.com/locations/warminster/.

United Defense Tactical Announces Founding Franchisees towards its goal of national expansion. Wes Fox, founder and Chief Instructor, opened the first United Defense Tactical in Costa Mesa, California, when he realized there was a lack of dynamic self-defense training centers on the market.

“My goal has always been to help keep as many people safe as possible,” said Wes Fox.

United Defense Tactical, the first-of-itskind firearms and self-defense training center, announces the brand’s official “Founding Franchisees.”

These franchisees – most of whom have been members of United Defense Tactical – are entering the California markets, helping United Defense Tactical move 76 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Elyas and Stephanie Peshtaz are one of United Defense Tactical’s first franchisees, with their Los Angeles County training center opening this winter. After a random physical attack on the way to Stephanie’s birthday celebration, the couple decided to sign up for self-defense courses and found United Defense Tactical.

“This incident opened our eyes to the harsh reality that we were not prepared for this to happen,” said Elyas. “We decided it

was time to learn about self-defense, and we fell in love with the entire curriculum and business model of United Defense Tactical.

Paul Davis has been a member of United Defense Tactical for two years and is opening his center in Long Beach, California. As he has progressed through the curriculum, he has seen the demand for dynamic training and creating more responsible firearms owners.

Ray Bowers is another founding franchisee, bringing his United Defense Tactical to Murrieta, California. Ray was introduced to Wes through his flooring business, and after learning about the business model, decided to open his own United Defense Tactical. https://uniteddefensetactical.com/ franchise

Steve White Celebrates 10 Years of Remarkable Leadership at PuroClean they have led PuroClean to unprecedented heights. Under his leadership, the franchise has doubled its locations, tripled average unit sales, and quadrupled profitability and system-wide sales. Most importantly, franchise owners have consistently rated PuroClean among the top 50 franchises for satisfaction in the annual Franchise Satisfaction Survey by Franchise Business Review.

PuroClean, one of the country’s leading property restoration and remediation franchises, is thrilled to mark a decade of excellence with its President and Chief Operating Officer, Steve White.

September 2023 brings a significant milestone as Steve White, a US Army Veteran and a passionate advocate for franchising, celebrates his 10th anniversary with the company.

White’s journey at PuroClean has been nothing short of transformative. With his process-driven mindset and the incomparable support team around him,

Mark W. Davis, CEO and Chairman of PuroClean, commended White, saying, “Steve White has been an incredible asset, mentor, and friend to everyone within the PuroClean family. The work that he has accomplished in his tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

White’s leadership style, characterized by trust and collaboration, has earned him the respect and admiration of both the support team and franchisees. He has instilled a family atmosphere within the PuroClean culture, making it a place where people are excited to be a part of something noteworthy.

Reflecting on his journey, White said, “I am tremendously humble and proud of the work that I have done here at PuroClean.

The amazing people that I have met these past ten years are nothing short of incredible, and I am excited to be a part of an exceptional growing brand like PuroClean.”

As PuroClean continues to expand its reach, Steve White remains a driving force behind its success, guiding the brand toward its mission of providing reliable and high-quality restoration services to communities across North America. His decade-long dedication to PuroClean is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the franchise and its people.

Frank Torre, Vice Chairman of PuroClean, summed it up well, saying, “We are all so grateful for Steve and the work that he has done for the PuroClean family.”

With White’s leadership, PuroClean looks forward to a future filled with continued growth and success, serving even more homeowners and businesses in need of restoration and remediation services.

Tint World® Announces New Ownership for Charlotte-Matthews Location Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, announces a new ownership team at its CharlotteMatthews location, continuing the National Automotive Styling Centers™ franchise’s ongoing success in the region.

With new owners Zach Cohen and Zach Nussbaum, Tint World Charlotte-Matthews provides comprehensive automotive service and products for drivers in Charlotte and the surrounding area, including the industry’s leading window tint solutions, automotive paint protection film, wheels and tires, audio and video, safety and security technology, custom lighting, detailing and more.

“We’re excited about enhancing Tint

World’s presence in this area and building on the company’s record of success in North Carolina,” Cohen said. “With Tint World’s world-class franchise systems and support, we can focus on delivering unbeatable products and services that meet the needs of every automobile owner and automotive enthusiast in our community.”

Tint World Charlotte-Matthews, located at 9129 Monroe Road, Suite 100, CharlotteMatthews, North Carolina 28270, serves the Matthews, Rock Hill, Harrisburg, Concord, Pineville, Monroe, Indian Trail, and Weddington areas. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (704) 941-3058 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/nc/ charlotte-matthews-084/.

“Zach Cohen and Zach Nussbaum have shown how franchisees can quickly leverage Tint World’s franchise system to see immediate results and unlock further opportunities,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “Their passion and commitment make them a great fit for the Tint World family, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow with them.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 77

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

cover story: Office Pride

Former Marine Sergeant Finds

Success at Office Pride

When Nate Alderette left his nearly 10-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps last year, the transition into civilian life was jarring.

considered the go-to guy to get things

As a sergeant, he was used to being in

but wasn’t fulfilling. It wasn’t until he

charge, people knew him, he mentored younger Marines and was often

done. But when his service ended, he found a new career that gave him the

satisfaction of purpose was hard to find.

He contemplated rejoining, but took a job in Albuquerque, N.M. that paid decent received an email promotion from a

veteran’s employment agency, that had

thought of Office Pride as an option. The idea of running his own business was intriguing. Within a few months, he became the owner of Office Pride of Albuquerque.

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services is consistently listed among the nation’s best franchises for military veterans on two prestigious lists, published

by Entrepreneur magazine and Franchise Business Review.

About 10% of Office Pride franchisees and corporate headquarters team members are veterans.

Veterans are highly sought-after franchisees. Office Pride offers a 25% discount off the franchise fee to those who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Office Pride also is a five-star participant in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, a strategic initiative designed to offer incentives and support to veterans who are interested in franchise ownership.

Alderette says that while he never had anyone in his family serve in the military, he knew he wanted to serve his country.

“I just really wanted to serve the country,”

78 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

he says. “I remember very specifically,

they called over the intercom, ‘The Marie for recruiter is here. If you would like to

see him, come down to the office.’ I kind

of stopped there in the office for a second

and right at that moment, I just didn’t go to

class. I went to see the recruiter and figured out I am capable of doing this.

Following high school, Alderette found his home in the Marines, starting as a private as part of the Air Wing in the avionics

division. He also worked as a calibration technician in Japan and in a managerial

role at a base in Yuma, Arizona. But after a few years, he decided it was time to pursue a career outside of the military.

He soon learned civilian life was

significantly different than what he had

during his military career. He applied to

numerous jobs, but nothing was a match, and he was becoming frustrated. At one point he wanted to go back.

“I was losing my mind,” he says. And then

he received a notification about starting his own business as an Office Pride franchisee from an employment agency that works on recruiting veterans. He made the call but

missed his initial appointment because of a confusion in time zone differences.

The opportunity Office Pride presented

was enticing. He could be his own boss,

have his own employees, be in charge of

his business’ future and it was affordable.

“What I found attractive is that, as much

effort as I put into it, is how much it’s going to grow,” he says.

Within a few months, he was operating his new location in Albuquerque and trying

to line up new clients. Starting a business from the ground up took hard work, he

says. But it wasn’t anything that he was

unprepared to do. Several months into it and having a few clients under his belt

he sees his hard work paying off with the

great team that he’s developed, he says. “If

you put in the hard work and keep hustling, it works.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 79

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

FRANCHISEE IN ACTION: Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Names Former Senior Executive, Current Franchisee as CEO

Betsy Feaster will leverage the leadership experience she gained in the Air Force and at Exxon to propel the brand forward in her new role.

Following a long career ranging from the Air Force to senior leadership at ExxonMobil and multi-unit franchise ownership, Betsy Feaster has recently been named as the new CEO of Dog Training Elite.

Making the leap from franchise owner to CEO may have been unexpected for Feaster, but given her long history of leadership and passion for dog training, it’s a move that made sense for everyone.

The dog training franchise is known for supporting owners in creating strong relationships and providing reliable training for their pets. They have over 300 locations across the nation and provide a variety of training methods that are customizable to each client and their pet.

An Unexpected Career Turn After six years living and working abroad, Feaster came home to the U.S. and shortly after became a franchisee with Dog 80 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

Dog Training Elite feels “ passionate about dogs and ensures the trainers hired by the brand share this passion. They strive to become a positive force within the local community, and as service dogs become more visible in public spaces and in our communities.

We had so much fun. “ We really enjoyed meeting

”

the prior leadership staff; we got along well with everyone, and we really understood the business.

franchisees,” she said. “The same issues

”

Training Elite, opening her first location in Louisiana. After just one year, she bought more territories in the greater Philadelphia area, quickly increasing the number of her territories to 16 in total.

While Feaster was initially attracted to Dog Training Elite because of her love for animals and passion for dog training, she has remained loyal to the brand because of her all around positive experience with the people she works with.

“We had so much fun. We really enjoyed meeting the prior leadership staff; we got along well with everyone, and we really understood the business,” said Feaster.

“About a year after we bought our first territory, things were going well, and we decided to buy territories in the greater Philadelphia area.”

When the former CEO chose to sell their ownership, Feaster, as a member of the board, was involved in seeking new leadership. Despite her background, she did not consider taking on the role until her team put her name forward. Her teammates were convinced by Feaster’s experience and general business acumen and suggested she step into the CEO role herself.

While Feaster felt loyal to Dog Training Elite, she never imagined herself as CEO of any business. However, this leadership role with Dog Training Elite felt different and more tempting.

that they have, I have. I can understand

where they’re coming from and balance “This company changed my life,” she said.

“I went from being incredibly stressed at Exxon to doing something I love every day.

The folks here make me happy, and I’m much happier here both as a franchisee and a member of the leadership team.”

the needs of local owners with the needs of

Passion Behind the Brand

with the smallest number of owners. This

Feaster is not the only person who is seeing how special the brand is. This year, the franchise received a great deal of recognition, being ranked No. 521 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list, No. 226 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranking, No. 12 on their Fastest Growing Franchises list, and number one on their Best of the Best, Dog Training list.

Dog Training Elite feels passionate about dogs and ensures the trainers hired by the brand share this passion. They strive to become a positive force within the local community, and as service dogs become more visible in public spaces and in our communities, service dog training programs offered by Dog Training Elite have also become more popular and provide an excellent source of income for Dog Training Elite owners.

An Inside Perspective As a Dog Training Elite franchisee, Feaster brings valuable experience and an insider perspective to the role.

“I think having a franchise owner in this position is helpful for engagement with the

the overarching business. The engagement is healthy, and feedback has already been positive.”

Her goal is ambitious but attainable: to

become the largest dog training franchise goal is only made possible by the strength

of the business model and the franchisees’ genuine passion for the brand.

Looking to the Future Dog Training Elite is looking to continue its growth, with a focus on territories in

California. The state has a high demand for reliable dog training, having experienced a high number of lawsuits surrounding

poorly trained dogs. There is room for over 140 territories, making the state an ideal opportunity for expansion.

Franchisees with Dog Training Elite can operate a minimum of three units, as the

brand has found that people tend to be most successful with this model, and can select from an owner-operator or semi-absentee business model.

Feaster looks forward to continued growth

for the brand and the opportunity to partner with passionate local owners to provide

reliable dog training that is sure to serve the community well.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 81

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

franchisor in depth: Waters Edge Wineries

Waters Edge Wineries Redefining Wine Industry Through Unique Global Partnerships with Winemakers in Lesser-Known Regions Innovative Micro-Winery Franchise System Launches New Program to Introduce Wines from Emerging Markets in U.S. Locations, Beginning with Armenian Wines Waters Edge Wineries, an innovative micro-winery system dedicated to bringing the cultural experience of wine to communities across the United States, has launched a new initiative to introduce its guests to wines from emerging global markets, showcasing the diversity of the global wine landscape and uncovering undiscovered treasures for wine enthusiasts.

To officially kick-off the effort, a team from Waters Edge Wineries, including both corporate leaders and franchise owners, has begun a series of trips to underrepresented wine regions around the world to meet with local winemakers, 82 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

beginning with a recent visit to Armenia to experience the ancient wine region’s viticulture and winemaking firsthand.

Through an alliance with several Armenian winemakers, Waters Edge Wineries is now serving four exclusive Armenian wines in nearly all of its locations.

“There are so many untapped wine regions across the globe, and we are excited to explore those areas and bring new selections to our guests across the U.S., said Ken Lineberger, president and founder of Waters Edge Wineries. “Through an innovative approach to partnerships with small, relatively unknown international winemakers, we are now able to provide our franchise owners a truly incredible point of distinction in their local communities.”

During Waters Edge Wineries’ recent Armenia visit, members of the brand’s home office team - including Director of Training Art DeCaro, Director of Operations Mark Mitzenmacher, Cellar Master Waters Edge Winery Long Beach Collin Mitzenmacher– were joined by franchise owners Roger Whitenhill of Waters Edge Winery Long Beach and Michelle and Brian Dean of Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Broken Arrow for the unique opportunity to meet with local winemakers, explore vineyards nestled amid breathtaking landscapes, and delve into the winemaking process from vine to bottle. Throughout the week-long journey, Waters Edge Wineries met with winemakers from Voskevaz Winery, Van Ardi Winery, Hin Areni, WineWorks, Zulal Vineyards and NOA Winery, in addition to new wineries in the region.

This immersive experience allowed the Waters Edge Wineries team to gain a profound appreciation for the artistry and dedication involved in producing the wines it will now be serving to guests across the United States.

Waters Edge Wineries has rolled out four Armenian wines across its locations– Areni, Areni/Sireni blend, Areni Reserve and Voskehat. Areni, an ancient grape variety more than 6,000 years old with vines over 120 years old, is Armenia’s signature grape. This light to mediumbodied red wine, reminiscent of Pinot Noir with slightly elevated alcohol, boasts bright tannins and aromas of cherry, currants, cranberry, black pepper and black tea.

Sireni offers expressive notes of red and black cherries, pomegranates and a robust structure supported by firm tannins. Sireni wines are deeply colored, full-bodied and rich in flavors. Voskehat, known as the “golden berry” and Armenia’s queen of grapes, is an indigenous variety boasting vines that have endured for more than 250 years. This wine, akin to Chardonnay, offers a dry profile that can be crafted into either a light and fresh or a buttery and complex expression. Its key aromas include pear, melon and floral notes.

“Meeting with local Armenian winemakers was an eye-opening experience for us,” said Collin Mitzenmacher, cellar master at Waters Edge Winery LB. “Interacting with the winemakers and realizing the love they infuse into their wines gave me a deeper connection and understanding of the wine itself. I am excited to share the story behind these wines with our guests, who are already responding incredibly well to the program.”

Armenian wines hold an allure beyond their exceptional taste, stemming from the country’s captivating history. According to biblical accounts, the summit of Mount Ararat in Armenia, where Noah’s ark is believed to have landed after the biblical flood, is considered the origin of humanity’s rebirth. Upon descending from the mountain, Noah is said to have planted the first grapes, birthing vineyards and the art of winemaking in the new world.

Although Armenia’s winemaking history waned during the Soviet era, replaced

by brandy production, a resurgence is underway three decades later, driven by local winemakers whom Waters Edge Wineries encountered during the weeklong journey. This profound connection to winemaking tradition bestows Armenian wines with a distinctive edge, and Waters Edge Wineries takes pride in contributing to the pioneering and celebration of this unparalleled heritage.

Waters Edge Wineries’ role in pioneering this new yet ancient wine region extends beyond simply acquiring and selling these exceptional wines. As a national, award-winning winery franchise, Waters Edge Wineries offers an extraordinary opportunity for passionate entrepreneurs to embark on similar immersive journeys, exploring new cultures, uncovering new wines, and deepening their passion for the art of winemaking. This unique aspect of Waters Edge Wineries’ franchise model not

only enriches the knowledge and expertise of its owners but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the wines presented to its guests.

“Waters Edge Wineries is thrilled to contribute to the promotion of Armenian wines and showcase the distinct characteristics that set them apart in the world of viticulture,” said Lineberger. “By bringing Armenian wines to the United States, we are poised to recategorize how people think about wine. We have big plans to continue this program with upcoming trips to other countries and can’t wait to share more with our owners and their guests.”

Stay up-to-date on new wine offerings and other news from Waters Edge Wineries at WatersEdgeWineries.com, follow on Instagram at @wew_hq or on Facebook.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 83

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

franchisee in action: Merry Maids

A Bronze Star Veteran’s Path From the Army to Entrepreneurship after the devastating September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. The American government was deeply invested in its mission to counteract the Taliban’s regime.

The strategy not only focused on a military defeat of the Taliban but also aimed to reconstruct the fundamental institutions of Afghanistan with the help of the U.S. military, like Mike’s unit.

The Military Journey

Few accolades speak to valor and outstanding service like the Bronze Star Medal, a distinction awarded to those serving in the United States military who have achieved a heroic or meritorious achievement or service.

It’s this very honor that Mike Blomker, a U.S. Army veteran, returned home with after serving in Afghanistan. His journey, from the rigorous landscapes of the Middle East to spearheading a bustling franchise in Albuquerque, is an extraordinary tale of dedication, resilience, and leadership.

84 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

“Everyone on my team earned a Bronze Star Medal when we were in Afghanistan.

We were constantly doing various security operations, partnering with NATO units,” Mike recalls. As leader of an Embedded Training Team (ETT) assigned to work with the Afghan Army, Mike held a pivotal role in overseeing a 10-man team. Their mission was to train and run operations with the Afghans, building a bond amidst demanding circumstances, like building checkpoints around Kabul or conducting security operations in remote areas where there was suspicious activity.

Mike was deployed in 2005, just four years

Mike’s path to military service was paved early on. Through an ROTC scholarship, he delved into Sociology at St. John’s University in Minnesota. Post-graduation, his commitment to the Army took him to Fort Carson, Colorado. Here, as a second lieutenant, he was commissioned in the medical service corps, leading a medical platoon in an armored battalion, which essentially ran logistics in field medical units. Subsequent roles saw him stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and finally, Afghanistan, where he led and also mentored an Afghan battalion commander.

“Over the years, thanks to the Army, I really honed my leadership skills,” Mike reflects. “When I first became a platoon leader at Fort Carson, I was just 21 years old — but I recall that my second in command, the platoon sergeant, was my father’s age, and I was essentially his boss.

I had to lead 30 people, and I had never been in charge of anything in my life! I gave orders, they had to follow them, but I had to earn their respect. Even though there’s a rank structure that has to be followed, you still have to earn respect to be an effective leader.”

From the Field to Franchising Mike’s military journey was interspersed with his foray into the world of business.

After his initial active duty, he moved to Albuquerque, joining his father’s Merry Maids franchises. By 1989, he had purchased his dad’s locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, but in 2005, as he was nearing his reserve retirement, duty called again. This time, that 12-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Mike’s transition from the battlefield to business wasn’t without its challenges.

Yet, it was during these testing times that his wife of 23 years, Paige, stood as a pillar of strength. She took the reins of their franchises during his deployment. “I can’t imagine how I would have managed without Paige. She kept the business running, ensuring everything was in place when I returned.”

Both Mike and Paige have a profound appreciation for the franchise model. “It’s structured, systematic,” Mike observes.

“It’s similar to the Army. You follow a proven model, and you see results. That’s what we love about franchising, and it’s been successful for us.”

Mike believes it was his early leadership experiences in the military that paved the

way for his success in franchise ownership.

“There’s a huge correlation between the military and being a franchise owner. The leadership skills, teamwork, the drive — all these elements that were ingrained in me during my time in the Army, I find myself applying them every day in the business,” Mike says. He recalls, “It’s like being the quarterback on a football team. Whether leading troops or running a business, you’re constantly in the huddle, making decisions. People look to you, and you have to deliver.”

For Mike, morale stands as a significant takeaway from his military experience. He believes that the spirit of a team, whether in a combat zone or an office, is largely dependent on leadership. “It’s essential, be it in the field or a franchise. Your team’s morale, their drive, hinge on how you lead them. At work, you have a team that shows up every morning, they need leadership, guidance, direction, they need to be motivated. The big difference is in the military, in the Army, people were required by the Uniform Code of Military Justice to show up for work every day — whereas civilians can make the decision about going to work every day. It requires a bit different approach, but not as different as you might think.”

Advice to Veterans To veterans contemplating a venture into franchising, Mike’s advice is straightforward, “Engage with current franchise owners. Understand their journey. Remember, while franchising offers the freedom of entrepreneurship,

you’re also working within an established framework. Just like the Army, you’re expected to do things a certain way.

Following a proven model can produce great outcomes — there’s a parallel there.”

Even with his notable accomplishments and accolades, Mike maintains a demeanor that is both modest and understated. His pride in his military service is palpable, yet he doesn’t seek the limelight or recognition. He recounted a poignant memory that deeply moved him: “I was in uniform, en route to Afghanistan, and enjoying what I knew would be my last comforting meal for a while, at BWI airport in Baltimore,” he reminisces. “The waitress came over and informed me that an anonymous individual had paid for my meal, expressing thanks for my service.

Numerous others also stepped forward to convey their gratitude during that time. It held immense meaning for me.”

Mike sums up his military journey with heartfelt gratitude, “I am very proud to be a veteran. It was my profound honor to serve my country — and my great honor to wear the uniform of the U.S. Army and lead troops in combat. That’s something not many people have had a chance to do.”

Merry Maids is a proud supporter of U.S. military veterans. Their veteranfocused program offers a 20% discount on franchise fees for those who served, recognizing the invaluable skills they bring. Merry Maids is also a member of the VetFran program, designed to educate franchisors and veterans about the distinct entrepreneurial skill set veterans offer.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 85

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

Focus: Filta Environmental

Military Service Prepares Filta Owners for Franchise Success from Delaware to California to Georgia

It’s a common theme that military service uniquely prepares people for franchise success, but here at Filta, where we make commercial kitchens faster, greener, safer and cleaner, we have real life success stories nationwide from Delaware to California and back to Georgia.

U.S. Army Medical Lab Tech < Delaware Owner John Maloney, who owns Filta in Delaware, served in the U.S. Army for eight years.

He was stationed in Germany as a medical services lab technician and worked throughout Europe including Dublin, France, Italy and Turkey.

He met his wife at Walter Reed National Medical Center. Sabrina was in the U.S. Navy and the two worked together, John sending samples from the theater home to the armed forces medical center in Dover, Del. for toxicology testing. Sabrina was his point of contact stateside, their paths kept crossing until they made it official, marrying in 2016.

Upon John’s discharge and after feeling restless in civilian medical settings, the Maloney’s explored franchise concepts from sub and sandwich shops to sign shops.

Filta resonated because it was a “sticky” business.

you need to figure out how to do it,” John explained. “We do the same thing here at Filta. I tell my tech to make sure the hospital’s fryer is dumped on Tuesday, but I don’t have to say, ‘drive there at 4 a.m. or park in the loading dock’.”

A 51% owner, Sabrina will soon wrap her 25-year Navy career and the two look forward to merging more of their leadership traits honed from years of military service for Filta’s success.

“With other franchise concepts you’re always chasing business, looking for the next client,” said Maloney. “But Filta is sticky. We’ve doubled our business in five years because of Filta’s repeat customer model.”

Some of the more recognizable clients the Maloney’s serve in Delaware include corporate campuses like Barclays, Chase and Bank of America, the University of Delaware, several hospitals and even two Chick-fil-A restaurants.

“Owning our own business offers positive work-life balance, especially with three kids. Sabrina’s gone a lot so flexibility with dentist appointments, teacher conferences and activities is a real plus. But she’s always a great sounding board and we use military analogies often to solve our problems,” John said.

“We talk about Commander’s Intent. You might hear ‘go take that hill,’ but then

86 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

U.S. Air Force IT Specialist < California Owner Arthur Haggerty is one of Filta’s newest owners, signing on with the brand in March 2023 after more than 25 years working in security and information technology operations and 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was an information

technology specialist in California, Guam and South Korea.

With a master’s degree in technology, Arthur has worked IT consulting for a variety of industries like healthcare, finance, education, entertainment, defense, and manufacturing. He’s consulted for gigantic names like Kaiser and Blue Cross Blue Shield, Netflix and Redbox, Boeing, the NFL and McDonald’s, but he walked away this spring, looking for something he could manage and own.

“I didn’t want to be at the whim of someone else…I enjoy calling the shots,” Arthur said. “I’m really strong at general consulting and customer interaction. I figured if I can discuss the intricacies of technology, I can definitely discuss fryer oil cleaning.”

Arthur’s biggest account is Yosemite National Park. Since his territory is California’s sprawling Central Valley and Yosemite is technically outside that area, Arthur shares the Yosemite account with the Northern California Filta owner, Tim Whipple. Right now, work at the park requires 25 to 28 hours a week including drive time. Arthur services 22 fryers, ranging from 50- to 100-pounds, in seven Yosemite hotels and restaurants and, when winter comes, he’ll ratchet back to 16 fryers in the Curry Village, Degnan’s Deli, The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge and Badger Pass Ski Resort.

Interestingly, the Yosemite business came to Arthur because bears were foraging after smells tempting them from waste oil bins.

With Arthur servicing Yosemite, the bears are dining elsewhere now.

U.S. Air Force C-9A Pilot < Georgia Owner Scott Clark, Filta owner in central and eastern Georgia, is also a newer owner starting in June 2021 when he made a whopping $25 in revenue. Not to be deterred, he kept at it, picked up business - including the largest dining halls on the University of Georgia campus and at Sanford Stadium, home of the 2021 and 2022 NCAA National Football Champs – and last year had $265,000+ in revenue.

He’s on track to finish 2023 around $290,000, has added technicians, and

expects to add a third van by early 2024.

Much of Scott’s business tenacity and success is a direct result of discipline developed as a U.S. Air Force pilot from 1997 to 2006.

He flew C-9A medical transport missions, moving wounded out of harm’s way during wartime. He spent time in Germany and flew Afghanistan and Iraq missions, sleeping in tents in Qatar, coming home for a few days, then turning around and doing it all over again.

“I like that there’s a system,” Scott said.

“With Filta there’s a good plan so there’s something to deviate from when things go wrong, because they will. You can’t control things like the weather or other traffic, so having a plan with flexibility really does mirror the military plan.”

His years of combat flying paled in comparison to the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon, Scott says.

“That morning I was to fly a transport mission in Alaska, but the day changed very quickly. I remember being glued to the TV then getting the call that every available C-9 needed to get to D.C. Because I was crew rested and mission ready for Alaska, I was the first C-9 off the ground and the first on the ground in DC.” Scott was Lt. Col. Del Pinto’s co-pilot and, for Del Pinto, it was very important to be first.

“The controller cleared us direct from Scott A.F.B. to Andrews at any altitude we wanted. Our clearance came down from

the top and when we got to D.C. air space, F-16s flew around us. We were there for the wounded but there were none. There were only dead. We did fly one mission with a few wounded out of D.C./Andrews but our C-9 was the only one…everybody else flew home empty.”

“Of all the things I did in the service, 9/11 stands out,” Scott said. “It’s gratifying to me that I had some small part to play.”

Filta makes commercial kitchens faster, cleaner, safer and greener by microfiltering existing cooking oil, providing bin-free waste oil collection, deep cleaning fryers, and recycling waste oil.

Filta offers a $5,000 franchise fee discount to veterans and, in addition to the above persons featured, is proud to have the following other veterans in our franchise system (alphabetically): • Chris Clarke [Bismarck, N.D. owner: U.S. Army (National Guard and Reserve) 19992011]; • David A. Davis [Memphis, Tenn. owner: U.S. Army 1973-75; Member: Wounded Warrior, Paralyzed Veterans, DAV]; • Ben Gofton [Filta senior business development representative: U.S. Army 1986-88]; • James Hamilton [Filta corporate operations manager: U.S. Marine Corps 1997-99]; • John Lopez [Atlanta owner: U.S. Army 1982-87]; • Keith Rivers [Southern Maryland/ Northern Virginia owner: Col. (R) U.S. Army 1990-2019; 7 combat tours including Desert Storm and Desert Shield]; and • James Williamson [greater East Texas owner: U.S. Army 1988-92 including Desert Storm].

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 87

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

Q&A: Jason Anderson | Vast Coworking Group

during this time that I bought and flipped my first house which got me into real estate.

In 2007, I started my own real estate company. Despite the Great Recession, by 2011 I had close to 200 agents. I thought I was going to be the next Keller Williams or RE/MAX. What I didn’t understand at the time was how these bigger real estate companies grew. After digging deeper, I discovered that all the major competitors were franchises and, in fact, franchising dominated the real estate industry.

This was my first introduction to franchising, and it immediately intrigued me. After doing my own research and due diligence, I began franchising my real estate company.

with Jason Anderson of high school. I had plans to double retire in 35-40 years; 20 years in the military and then 15-20 years working in government or as a contractor.

I was an engineer, and my first duty station was RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom; I landed there in April 2001. Just a few months later, the planes hit the Twin Towers on 9/11. I was deployed less than a week later.

I joined the Air Force in the summer of

2000 at the age of 17, just a few months out 88 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

What appealed to you about franchising? What makes franchising a great option for veterans?

What was your career after the military?

I believe I was always meant to be in franchising. My Myers-Briggs personality type is ENTP or “The Rational Inventor,” the top career of which is franchisor.

Franchising allows my unique personality traits and strengths to shine, and I love the utility of the franchise model and how it successfully helps businesses scale and grow.

While I was in the military, I had my first run with entrepreneurship and started a business installing car stereos on base.

Once I left the military, I moved to Dallas and started a credit card processing company at the beginning of the PINbased debit and electronic gift card era.

I eventually sold that business, but it was

Franchising is proven to be a great option for veterans with one in seven franchises

That experience changed my life and my plans, and I decided to leave the military and was honorably discharged in 2005.

Can you tell us about your military background and career in the U.S. Air Force?

I eventually sold the company, and it was around this time that someone from United Franchise Group (UFG) messaged me on LinkedIn about working for a company called Transworld Business Advisors. Transworld is the world leader in the marketing and sales of businesses, mergers and acquisitions, and franchises.

After meeting with UFG’s CEO, Ray Titus, I became Transworld’s regional vice president for the Southwest and my passion for franchise sales and development only grew.

Particularly working with United Franchise Group, I’ve had the opportunity to combine my experience in both franchising and real estate within our coworking division and develop the largest coworking franchise company in the world.

We have several veteran franchise owners in both brands, including Ryan Gagne in Marlborough, MA (Marines); Jim Garrett in San Antonio, TX (Navy); and Terry Wallace in Bethlehem, PA (Marines). And we know that coworking can be a great solution for veteran-owned businesses, which is why we offer free office space for new veteran members during the month of November.

What makes coworking a good franchise opportunity?

being owned by a military vet. We work well with structure and following proven systems and procedures, and we often possess discipline and other transferable skills that are required to operate a successful business.

When you invest in a franchise, you’re investing in a well-developed operation.

Franchising takes the guesswork out of starting a business because it has been formulated for success (if you follow the steps). And, because franchises are designed to be replicable, there are extensive training systems in place that don’t require you to have industry or business ownership experience.

What led you to the coworking industry?

I started my real estate company out of a coworking space, so it was a model I was familiar with from the very beginning of my real estate career. Working in that field and having a background in marketing and tech, it was a natural progression to enter the coworking industry.

Of course coworking has been around for many years, but the pandemic pushed us into an age I call “Coworking 2.0,” where flexibility is not only the expectation, but the standard in how we work. The global demand for flexible office space is growing at an unprecedented rate, and we’re focused on meeting that demand.

What is Vast Coworking Group? Does it have veteran franchise owners?

Vast Coworking Group is the fourth largest coworking group in America and the largest privately owned coworking franchise company in the world. We founded Vast with the express intention of building a framework that would connect a variety of coworking brands, services, and amenities within the coworking industry.

Vast provides the largest privately owned affiliated franchise network of flexible, professional, and shared office space options. Our network can be compared to world’s largest hotel chains, such as Marriott which has several brands occupying different chain scales under one umbrella. These brands complement each other but have different looks, feels, styles, amenities, etc.

We currently have two shared workspace concepts – Office Evolution and Venture X – both of which are growing rapidly.

In fact, many of our franchise owners are building out their portfolios with both brands using our hub-and-spoke development model. Similar to hotel chains, our brands complement one another but cater to their own demographics. For example, Venture X locations typically occupy high-traffic urban areas and city centers, while Office Evolution locations are perfect for more suburban areas.

Not only is coworking a booming industry with unprecedented demand, but the business model also lends itself to a good work-life balance as a Monday-Friday, 9-5 business. You don’t have to deal with managing a large staff; you only need 1-2 employees to run the day-to-day. Plus, you’ll have professional clientele (mostly B2B), so you’ll be interfacing with likeminded people and avoiding a broader customer base that brings many challenges.

Additionally, the business generates strong recurring revenue and has mostly fixed expenses versus variable. In terms of investment, it is similar to many other franchise concepts that don’t offer these attributes.

What advice do you have for veterans interested in franchising?

• Utilize your military training to find something you’re interested in.

• Utilize all available military benefits and discounts.

• Follow the rules laid out by the franchise; don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

• Plan to scale, with more than one location stabilized.

• Get comfortable with the worst-case scenario, and then move forward optimistically.

To connect with Jason on LinkedIn, visit www.linkedin.com/in/ jasonandersonmba.

To learn more about Vast Coworking Group, visit www.vastcoworking.com Franchising MAGAZINE USA 89

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

HAVE YOUR SAY: Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Supports Veterans in Obtaining and Training Service Dogs with The Malinois Foundation The dog training franchise’s charitable arm provides free service dog training for Veterans with physical and mental support needs.

of Dog Training Elite, The Malinois Foundation has placed 50 service dogs with people in need, including 32 Veterans, and has raised $300,000 to support the continuation of the mission.

Through The Malinois Foundation and its standard service dog training programs provided by local Dog Training Elite franchisees, the system has trained over 2,000 service dogs to address handlers’ mental and physical health needs, including PTSD, Autism, Anxiety, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and mobility.

With over 240 territories across multiple states, Dog Training Elite, the dog training franchise that supports local owners in taking control of their dog training journey, has made a great impact on families across the nation.

While the franchise supports the average family in everyday training, it is also committed to supporting Veterans and their families in identifying and training a service dog to meet their needs.

“As a Veteran myself, I see incredible value in providing other servicemembers with the support they need to continue to lead a fulfilling life,” said Betsy Feaster, CEO of Dog Training Elite. “While Veterans are not the only population we 90 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

support, there is a great need for service dogs in the Veteran community, and we’re proud to play a role in addressing that.”

Though there are nearly 5 million Veterans with disabilities associated with their service, many are unable to be paired with a service dog that can support them in military retirement. A trained service dog can cost thousands of dollars, and this is just the number associated with making the pairing. In many cases, the new handler is responsible for all dog-related costs, including food and veterinary care, for the rest of the dog’s life.

A resource as powerful as a service dog, which can literally be life-saving for Veterans, should not be so out of reach.

This is where The Malinois Foundation comes into play. As the charitable arm

Dog Training Elite Empowers New Handlers to Be Involved Throughout the Entire Process Unlike other service dog organizations that assign a pre-trained dog to a given recipient, which is often a driver of the cost of a service dog, Dog Training Elite supports each person in need of a service dog throughout the entire process. The professionals provide guidance and expertise as the soon-to-be handler selects their puppy or dog based on temperament and allow the handler to be involved throughout the entire training process.

“Dog Training Elite is committed to involving the handler in all stages of the training and development process,” said Feaster. “This ensures that they feel empowered to communicate with their dog and move through the world as a true team, confidently addressing any social, emotional or physical needs that may arise.”

A resource as powerful as a can successfully communicate with their “ service dog, which can literally dog in a meaningful and effective way to be life-saving for Veterans, should not be so out of reach. This is where The Malinois Foundation comes into play.

”

Handlers and their dogs move through life as a unit, and it’s important that each party knows what to expect of the other. With both the Veteran and a trainer involved in the selection process, a dog that is both compatible with the Veteran’s personality and support needs can be carefully chosen.

Once the dog is selected, training begins, and the Veteran continues to be involved.

One of the key pillars of Dog Training Elite’s training model with the general public is to involve owners in the process so the dog knows who to look to for direction, and this value holds true in service dog training as well.

“Allowing the Veteran to be a key part of the training process helps ensure that the dog and handler know what to expect in their day-to-day from each other,” added Feaster. “It’s not just about training the dog and sending it home with the expectations that the owner and dog will both automatically know what to do. Our goal is to give the handler the knowledge of the training — the how and the why — so they

help with their identified service issue.”

What the Opportunity Means to Franchisees Many Dog Training Elite franchisees note the opportunity to support Veterans and other community members with unique medical needs in their journey to having a service dog as a key reason for their love for the brand. Whether they have a family member who has used a service dog or have retired colleagues who need service dogs, the opportunity to contribute to a cause close to their hearts draws local owners in.

Whitley Cheatham, owner of Dog Training Elite of San Antonio, is a prime example of this passion. Cheatham is a retired paramedic and leverages her ownership with Dog Training Elite to support Veterans; first responders; women survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and rape; and children with fragile medical needs with service dog training. This has been a major driver for her involvement with the brand.

“I want to continue to routinely give back.

We donated seven dogs to Uvalde school shooting victims,” said Cheatham. “We’re also training diabetic alert dogs and allergen detection dogs.”

Why We Need Service Dogs Service dogs play an incredible role in

relieving stress, anxiety and depression, as well as empowering a handler to

live a more independent life and feel

confident doing the things they love with a supportive partner by their side.

For Veterans specifically, the reality of the consequences of their service can

be especially harrowing. Around one-

fourth of Veterans develop PTSD-related symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, flashbacks and social isolation.

On average, 22 Veterans die by suicide

each day, and the negative mental health impacts associated with PTSD can be

addressed with the help of a service dog that knows how to ground their handler, prevent crowding and even support

emotional regulation with early detection and pressure therapy.

“We are proud and fortunate to say that the majority of the Veterans who have

applied for support through The Malinois

Foundation have received the support they

need,” said Feaster. “Having been matched with life-saving service dogs, they have all beaten these statistics and continue to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.”

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 91

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

SNAPSHOT: Gotcha Covered

U.S. Air Force Veteran and wife open Gotcha Covered of Roseville Steve and Terri Ferrero to lead new custom window treatments consultation business in Sacramento metropolitan area Gotcha Covered, a leader in custom window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada, welcomes Steve and Terri Ferrero to the franchise family. Steve and Terri own and operate Gotcha Covered of Roseville, the newest location in California.

With an emphasis on end-to-end consultations, Gotcha Covered of Roseville will provide the best in soft and hard window treatments to homeowners in the area by offering a variety of blinds, draperies, smart solutions and much more.

“California is a state that isn’t short on entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Paul Linenberg, president of Gotcha Covered.

“Our franchise is always looking for opportunities to grow, and we believe that we’ve found two excellent owners in Steve and Terri (Ferrero). They have displayed their hard work throughout their careers, and we believe they will be great brand ambassadors for the Gotcha Covered franchise and great assets to the community.”

Steve and Terri bring a wealth of experience to the Gotcha Covered brand. A United States Air Force veteran, Steve has over three decades of product development

92 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

experience with companies like Apple and Microsoft.

Terri, a mom and entrepreneur, is the former owner of a cherished kids’ art studio and brings an innate understanding of the significance of personalized details and creating inviting environments.

The duo was drawn to the window treatment business through their passion for home improvements. They have completed numerous projects of their own, including full kitchen and bathroom remodels and outdoor landscaping.

“It was our passion for home improvement that drove us to explore opportunities where our expertise could help others enhance their living space,” said Steve Ferrero. “It was during our search that we discovered Gotcha Covered. It didn’t take long for us to decide it was the perfect choice.”

“We love working from home and within our communities to help others realize their dreams. We love the opportunity to work with individuals and truly understand their distinct needs for their home improvement projects. The ability to craft tailor-made window coverings based on these insights resonates deeply with our passion. We love one-of-a-kind design challenges, and the thrill of assisting our clients in overcoming these challenges fuels our enthusiasm even more.”

Terri stated that she loves the freedom they have as Gotcha Covered business owners and the opportunities it brings.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity that owning a Gotcha Covered franchise brings to us and our family,” Terri Ferrero said. “We get great joy in helping others transform their homes with the products we provide, and we love the freedoms we have in setting our own goals and schedules. It is truly a win-win scenario.”

Adding 40 new franchise locations in 2022, Gotcha Covered currently has over 155 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The franchise has been operating under the Gotcha Covered name since 2009.

To schedule an appointment with Gotcha Covered of Roseville, visit https://www.gotchacovered.com/ roseville/.

About Gotcha Covered: Gotcha Covered is a leader in custom soft and hard window treatment consultation in the U.S. and Canada.

Flying under their Gotcha Covered flag since 2009, they offer custom window treatments including blinds, draperies, shutters and much more. They offer endto-end consultation with the customer’s specific needs and goals in mind.

The company currently has over 155 total franchises across the U.S. and Canada.

We’re honored to serve veterans.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we’re committed to providing veterans and their families with exceptional in-home care. And with the vast majority of our locations being contracted with the VA, we make it easy for veterans to use their VA benefits to get the quality in-home support they deserve.

VA benefits that may cover home care services include:

Reliable & flexible home care assistance

HOUSEBOUND PENSION:

Here are some of the many ways our experienced caregivers proudly serve veterans: · Companion care · Personal care / assistance with daily activities · Disability assistance · Recovery support for illness, stroke or surgery · Memory care

· Light housekeeping, errands and transportation · Medication reminders · Meal preparation · Assistance with mobility around the home · Respite care for family caregivers

Respite support for military family caregivers We understand that caregiving is a full-time job. If you’re a family caregiver to an injured, ill or wounded service member or veteran, we’re here to help. Our flexible approach to respite care can give family caregivers time to refresh and recharge, whether it’s for a few hours or a few days.

VA AID AND ATTENDANCE:

A benefit paid by the VA to eligible veterans, their spouses or surviving spouses in addition to a veteran’s basic pension.

A benefit paid by the VA to eligible veterans who get a VA pension and spend most of their time at home because of a permanent disability.

HOMEMAKER & HOME HEALTH AIDE CARE:

A benefit for eligible veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. May cover the cost of respite care services to provide relief for family caregivers. Care is provided by organizations like SYNERGY HomeCare who are part of the Community Care Network, a network of VA-approved providers.

Call us to find the home care solution that’s right for you.

877-432-2692

SYNERGYHomeCare.com/veterans Proudly independently owned and operated. © 2023 SYNERGY HomeCare. All rights reserved.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 93

WAY REAT G A ARE S G LISTIN A-Z BUSINESS YOUR TO PROMOTE

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

Excellent for branding and recognition.

Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your FOCUS, PROFILE or ad!

To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products, please contact Vikki Bradbury: vikki@cgbpublishing.com 94 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

www.franchisingmagazineusa.com

Beans & Brews Coffee House has been around since 1993, when the Laramie family opened shop next to Salt Lake City’s beloved hangout, Liberty Park.

The family refined the process of high-altitude roasting™, which required special tweaks just like high-altitude baking. They soon got the process just right, and they built a reputation for uniquely smooth coffee in a friendly neighborhood setting. Beans & Brews—or “Beans,” as friends call us for short—is now a staple around Utah and its friends, Idaho and Nevada.

The Laramie family still owns and operates our headquarters, and many baristas from our earlier days have grown into senior roles as managers, directors, and VPs. They carry on our best

Business Finance Depot

traditions and work to create new ones too. Meanwhile, around the region, locally owned franchises brew up our beloved recipes for their own neighbors. Our guests are our reason for getting up in the morning. We love greeting regulars with their favorite drinks, made just the way they like ‘em. And we dig getting to know newcomers and welcoming them to the Beans community.

Come in for a cup, alone or with a friend, and make yourself at home. And let us know how we can make your day a little brighter—whether it’s adding extra whipped cream or it’s donating a gift basket to your little-league fundraiser. Cheers, and stop by soon.

Contact: Kim Falk Email: kfalk@beansandbrews.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

Clayton Kendall

materials including uniforms, signage, branded merchandise and print collateral.

Clayton Kendall provides a simple, easy to use e-store platform that connects your franchisees to our integrated front-to-back inventory management system.

Our system controls the creation, production, fulfillment, distribution and shipping of all your marketing and sales

Comet Cleaners Franchise Group, LLC Become a part of the largest family-owned dry cleaning chain in the USA through our franchising opportunities. Be your own boss, feed that entrepreneurial spirit, do business that not only helps individuals but your community as a whole. Comet Cleaners and Laundry Services is here to help you help others. Our 60 years of brand history speaks

Drybar Shops Franchising Drybar is an innovative concept in the multi-billion dollar beauty industry and as the world has changed so much so fast, there has never been a better time to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true! Drybar has taken the country by storm with a refreshingly simple concept: provide amazing blowouts, in a fun and beautiful environment, at a great price. Life is too short not to do something you love!

Drybar is more than just beautiful hair in about 45 minutes. It’s the experience, the happiness and the confidence women feel after a fresh dose of Drybar!

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

Beans & Brews Coffee house

Clayton Kendal is the single source marketing solution for dozens of national franchises.

Contact: Dan Broudy, CEO Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Phone: 412-798-7120 (1-888-799-4757) Website: claytonkendall.com

for itself when it comes to customer loyalty and trust. We are an easy and straightforward business to learn, allowing you more time to spend focusing on profits than building business expertise.

For more information: Contact: Jack D. Godfrey Jr. Phone: 888-461-3555 Email: franchising@cometcleaners.com Website: cometfranchising.com

In addition to the strong brand and customer experience established by Drybar you will benefit from the infrastructure of being part of WellBiz Brands, Inc. A best-in-class franchise platform specializing in beauty and wellness concepts with nearly 1000 locations, WellBiz Brands, Inc has developed resources to help you every step of the way!

For more information please contact Kelli Schroeder at: Ph: 303 663 0880 E: Leads@Drybarshops.com https://www.drybarshops.com/franchising/

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 95

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

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 ®

filta environmental Filta’s environmental franchises have been handling the tough but essential job of fryer management and cooking oil filtration and removal (and other important related tasks) for restaurants and food establishments for over 20 years.

Our proprietary filtration system gets more life out of commercial cooking oil, saving our customers time and money, and our ability to recycle oil once it’s outlived its usefulness means protecting the environment from spills and haphazard disposal.

every week, and when you partner with us to open your Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions franchise, you’ll enjoy the freedom of being your own boss, benefit from unmatched franchisor support, and tap into multiple revenue streams that leave the environment healthier and employees safer from the risk of painful burns and other accidents.

The best way to learn more about what it takes to invest in one of our Environmental Franchises is to contact us for more information. Filta offers a $5,000 franchise fee discount to Veterans.

Today, Filta meets the needs of over 7,000 customers

Phone 866 513 4582

Generator Supercenter

By becoming a Generator Supercenter home services franchise partner, you can benefit from our impeccable reputation, established business model, customer service network, and proven experience in the power supply industry.

Generator Supercenter is the #1 seller of Generac generators, and this allows you to enter this emerging market with instant brandname recognition that is associated with quality and reliability.

People know our brand name and trust the brand products that we offer. Generator sales are part of a growing industry that appeals to both the public and private sectors.

grease monkey Founded in 1978 and part of the FullSpeed Automotive® family of brands, Grease Monkey® has grown to more than 500 centers internationally with operations in the United States, China, Colombia, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.

The brand has flourished, thanks to a commitment to customer service, innovation, and driving strong ROI for franchisees.

One reason Grease Monkey is a great business opportunity is because nearly everyone in America drives, and more than 99% of the vehicles on U.S. roads need regular oil changes. Americans cumulatively drive about 3.2 trillion miles per year, and Americans are keeping their

Honest Abe Roofing Since 2007, Honest Abe Roofing has been installing, repairing, and maintaining residential and commercial roofs. Within just 5 years of franchising, HAR has expanded into over twenty locations.

Honest Abe Roofing has been awarded Entrepreneurs Top 500 Franchises of 2022, and Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 Franchises of 2023.

Founded in the small town of Terre Haute, Indiana, Kevin Newton launched his small-town business and slowly gained customers from his friendly demeanor

96 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

• Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 20112015 • Franchise Research Institute #1 Rated Sign & Graphics Franchise 2014-2015 • CFA Franchisees’ Choice Designation 2004-2015 • FASTSIGNS is one of only a handful of franchises approved for $21 million in SBA financing for approved franchise candidates FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide.

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

For more inforamtion: Contact: Glenn Leingang Phone: 281-251-6100 Email: glenn@generatorsupercenter.com Website: generatorfranchise.com

vehicles longer than ever before. According to research conducted by S&P Global Mobility, the average age of light vehicles in the U.S. rose to an all-time high of 12.2 years in 2022. This is the fifth straight year the average vehicle age in the U.S. has risen. Drivers understand that to extend the life of their vehicles, routine maintenance is a must.

Even if you don’t have automotive repair experience and are simply exploring the industry because of its stability and strong margins, you can be assured that you will be backed by a large franchise support team dedicated to your success. We provide training, marketing support, and a wide range of tools to help you find customers and serve them well!

and skilled roofing craftsmanship. Within a few years, Newton took initiative to grow his small business into something bigger, and better. Upon this new direction, his business took off, and Honest Abe Roofing began growing into a large corporate roofing franchise, with its one-of-a-kind small-town feel. Since opening, Honest Abe Roofing has never stopped growing!

Contact our VP of Franchise, Brian Kiefer, at brian@honestaberoofingfranchise.com to learn how you can become a leader in the roofing industry. https://www.honestaberoofing.com/

Image One USA is a commercial cleaning services business. The Image One franchising model was formed on the principles of transparency, training, and top-notch financial and customer service support. It is regularly recognized as a top franchise by third-party franchise and business publications, including CNBC.com, Entrepreneur. com and Franchise Business Review.

Image One franchisees work for themselves in a unique relationship with the franchise company. Image One provides them with customer support for their business, ongoing training, along with assistance with billing, equipment and sales training. Image One

Kumon North America Inc. High school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic.

Realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.

McMillan PLLC McMillan PLLC is an innovative law firm focusing on commercial real estate law, financial services, and business law.

Our attorneys are licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, and serve our clients from the firm’s Charlotte and Charleston offices.

We represent tenants in commercial lease negotiations and are particularly attuned to the

NerdsToGo Build a future with the computer service industry pioneers and accomplish your business dreams with NerdsToGo! Computers, handheld devices, tablets, and mobile phones are all things that only continue to grow and change the landscape of the technology industry in the 21st century. That is why NerdsToGo is such a lucrative concept. With businesses, homeowners, and individuals continuing to rely

provides necessary training, tools and support to help franchise affiliates build their business, including teaching franchisees the latest cleaning techniques and empowering them with insights on best-in-class equipment and technology. Ongoing training is delivered both at Image One’s corporate headquarters and onsite at existing client locations to ensure that franchisees continue to grow their own businesses.

Image One has commercial cleaning franchise locations covering Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Nashville and Orlando. Franchise territories are available nationwide.

For information on the franchise, visit http://ImageOneUSA.com

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

Today, at locations throughout North America, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills.

Phone: 201-928-0444 Website: Kumonfranchise.com

specific needs of franchisees. Our founder, Shawn McMillan, began his legal career over 20 years ago and has represented small businesses to national corporations in the commercial lease space.

McMillan PLLC prides itself on providing legendary service at fair rates.

For more information contact Shawn McMillan at: Phone: (980) 585-1260 Email: Shawn@McMillanpllc.com Website: https://mcmillanpllc.com/

on technology, handling the repairs, computer service and support, and other computer services that can accompany a technologically based society seems like second nature. This means franchise owners can tend to the high demands of a reliable customer base and reap the financial benefits by taking advantage of a constantly innovative, inventive, and lucrative industry.

Contact us today to learn why NerdsToGo is one of the fastest growing computer service and technology franchises in the United States!

Next Health

Therapy, Hormone Optimization, Ozone Therapy, and Aesthetics.

Next Health is your partner for vitality, longevity, and personalized health. We believe health is not the absence of disease.

As a one-stop shop of premium wellness services and technology, Next Health gives you the tools you need to live your healthiest life. Our experienced medical team empowers you to achieve optimal vitality & longevity through our personalized, data-driven approach to health optimization. We take health to the next level.

Health is the abundance of vitality.

The Next Health journey is a medical, data-driven approach empowering you to live healthier, longer.

Conveniently offering the latest in technology and medical services in a vibrant atmosphere with white glove hospitality, Next Health Members and Guests can enjoy: NAD Therapy, IV Therapy, Cryotherapy, Infrared Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen

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

Image One USA

For more information contact Vanessa Kekina at: Phone: 310-295-2075 Email: marketing@next-health.com Website: www.next-health.com

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 97

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

OHM Fitness OHM Fitness is a franchise that provides a revolutionary fitness experience using wireless electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology integrated into a small group setting.

The EMPower Suit allows customers to complete an intense 2–3-hour workout in just 25 minutes. It is a low-impact workout that puts minimal stress on the joints, ligaments, and muscles, making it suitable for all fitness levels. OHM Fitness is the first fitness franchise to offer this wireless EMS technology in a group setting.

Remedy Spa & Salon Suites Remedy Spa & Salon Suites first opened its doors in Atlanta, Georgia in 2018. As an attempt to enter the highly profitable health and beauty industries, Remedy Spa & Salon Suites came equipped with 22 fully leased salon suites. To date, they have opened three locations through Metro-Atlanta.

Amenities and perks to leasing include: 24/7 access, private upscale studios, spacious single/double suites, private parking, valet parking and premium fixtures, finishes and appliances.

Contact: Doug Payne Phone: (480) 582-2900 Email: franchisees@ohmfitness.com Website: www.ohmfitness.com

chains, cooperative marketing, new product research, development and roll-out, experienced training staff, and continuing training and education.

Franchising opportunities are available to entrepreneurs and investors in all industries but will be particularly appealing to health and beauty enthusiasts.

Remedy Spa & Salon Suites already has an established market presence and substantial market penetration in Atlanta. From this successful platform, the company is looking to expand the brand in select key areas domestically.

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

www.remedysalonsuites.com/franchise

southern steer butcher

meal packs. Every meal pack contains 5 meals with all of the required ingredients for each dish, all that’s left is to prep, serve, and enjoy.

Founded in 2013 by Greg Snyder, Southern Steer Butcher was designed to be a trusted source for customers to feel confident in their selections after each and every visit.

remedysalonsuites@gmail.com

The story all started after Greg made a visit to a similar style shop while traveling and recognized this level of butcher shop was lacking in his own hometown of Clearwater, Florida. From then on, Greg set his sights on filling this need in his community and began work on launching Southern Steer.

For those looking to be a bit more involved in the meal prep process, Southern Steer also offers prep classes. The classes are designed for each participant to fully prep and pack 10 meals, each serving a family of 4-5. Continuing to be a hit among customers, with many returning to the classes again and again to prep delicious meals for the whole family, and maybe learn a thing or two in the process.

Each location offers a wide selection of premium meats, sides, desserts, craft beers, and wine. In addition to the variety of products, the brand also offers pre-assembled

For more information about Southern Steer Butcher’s franchising options, please visit https://southernsteerfranchise.com/

SSCP Management, Inc.

on portfolio purchases, individual purchases, multi-family investments and retail properties. Led by President Chris Dharod, the company’s primary objective is to strengthen the communities it invests in and provide second-to-none service through all its business ventures.

SSCP Management, Inc. is an award-winning, familyowned and operated management company with a portfolio of high-profile restaurant brands and real estate holdings.

The Dallas-based company is a leader in the restaurant industry with established, high-profile brands such as the 300-unit Cici’s Pizza brand, 44 Sonic Drive-In locations, 80 Applebee’s locations, the Roy’s Hawaiian fusion chain, and JMC Distribution. The management company also owns a diverse real estate portfolio with more than 100 assets that includes shopping centers, medical office buildings, industrial, and multi-family properties across the United States. SSCP Management’s real estate practice focuses

98 Franchising MAGAZINE USA

The technology helps individuals work their muscles more effectively than with conventional workouts, producing better results in less time. OHM Fitness is ideal for health enthusiasts looking for real results without enduring the high-intensity stress of HIIT training. It is also a perfect fit for those in recovery or fitness newbies, as well as busy parents and professionals. It doesn’t produce damaging cortisol spikes associated with stress, making it ideal for everyone.

SSCP is looking to significantly increase their holdings as they build a larger presence in the commercial real estate world, focusing on acquiring retail and additional multifamily properties nationwide Contact: Kerry Assa, Director of Real Estate: 214-926-4873 (Kerry’s cell) or 972-644-9494 x 128 (Real Estate general box) Email: kassa@sscpmanagement.com Website: www.sscpmanagement.com

or developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions or recovering from illness or surgery.

SYNERGY HomeCare is the fastest-growing national franchisor of home care services with over 200 franchises operating in more than 450 territories across the U.S.

No matter what each person’s circumstances are, SYNERGY HomeCare steps in with effective, comforting, life-affirming care that moves people emotionally and physically forward.

The company provides a broad range of non-medical services including personal care, companion care, memory care and specialized care for individuals who are living with physical

For more information please contact Mike Steed at: 888-578-5357 mikesteed@synergyhomecare.com SYNERGYHomeCareFranchise.com

The Entrepreneur’s Source

continuously since it started franchising in 1998 and continues to lead the $1.5 billion business coaching franchise market in North America.

Established in 1984, The Entrepreneur’s Source® is North America’s leading Career Ownership Coaching™ franchise dedicated to empowering those who yearn to be self-sufficient and want to take control of their lives by finding a pathway to help them achieve their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth and Equity goals.

The Entrepreneur’s Source® has grown

The Goddard School Goddard Systems, LLC, is the manager of The Goddard School® franchise system. The Goddard School is the acknowledged leader in the premium early childcare and education market segment.

The Goddard School has been consistently named one of the top childcare franchises in the United States by Entrepreneur Magazine and one of the Top 200 franchise systems (in worldwide sales) by Franchise Times.

Children learn best through experience. For 35 years, The Goddard School has employed

United Defense Tactical Founded in 2019 and franchising since 2023, United Defense Tactical is the first-of-its-kind self-defense training center actively bringing safety and protection to communities, families, businesses, and individuals.

Wes Fox, Founder and Chief Instructor, saw the disconnect between training in a static environment and real-life scenarios, and founded United Defense Tactical as a way to bridge that gap. Members at United Defense Tactical receive a cumulative and educational training experience through an extensive curriculum while eliminating the risk and danger of training with live ammunition.

wellbiz brands inc.

WellBiz Brands, Inc. is a category leader in experience-based businesses that change lives.

With five separate franchise brands, Amazing Lash Studio®, Drybar®, Elements Massage®, Fitness Together®, and Radiant Waxing™ and more than 900 locations, we help build profitable businesses by franchising emerging, growth-oriented consumer brands that

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

SYNERGY HomeCare

The Entrepreneur’s Source® network of career ownership coaches offer coaching to individuals seeking alternate career possibilities outside of the traditional job market.

For more information about The Entrepreneur’s Source, please visit entrepreneurssource.com.

academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.

The Goddard School serves more than 90,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 600 Goddard Schools in 37 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more about The Goddard School, please visit GoddardSchool.com.

For more information about The Goddard School franchise system, visit GoddardSchoolFranchise.com.

Courses range from beginner through police or military level experience. Our Reality Based Threat Training concept is a cutting-edge approach to training individuals in real-world threat scenarios.

Using dynamic virtual reality technology, it employs immersive simulations, self-defense, mindset, de-escalation and more, to create a highly realistic training environment.

For more information contact Ken Lynch Phone: (949) 612-2711 ken@uniteddefensetactical.com https://uniteddefensetactical.com/

offer exceptional, service-based experiences through recurring revenue models.

Our vision is to establish a sustainable growth plan for each independent brand, and use our value-adding platform to extend to additional brands.

We do this work because we believe in making life better and building profitable experiencebased businesses in spaces that can’t be delivered online.

Franchising MAGAZINE USA 99

100 Franchising MAGAZINE USA