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U. s. Office: seattle, Wa www.franchisingmagazineusa.com
Welcome to the september 2024 issue of Franchising Magazine Usa
t his edition of Franchising Magazine Usa is a packed issue with some inspiring stories and great advice. We start with our Front Cover story on d onar shack who are bringing Europe’s Favorite Fast-food to the Usa It’s thanks to the extreme popularity of kebabs internationally that the d oner shack team see significant potential in the Us market, backed by over 200 prospective franchisee enquiries they have received in the past year. you can read more about this on page 10.
o ur top experts in the industry continue to deliver great advice. From our regular contributors we have g eorge k nauf who highlights the rise of celebrity franchise ownership. Lucas Frey continues his series with part two of your guide to success. Evan hackel focuses on the benefits of collaborative learning. araceley Melendez discusses what to know before purchasing a franchise re-sale. Turn to our contents page to find more great advice.
o ur main feature is children’s Product and s ervices Franchising. in this section of the magazine, we have our regular expert chris conner and his take on the growing market of child and family focused franchises. We also look at kumon, Urban air, code ninjas and Brooklyn r obot Foundry.
o ur regular supplement for Veterans in Franchising has a great cover story on PJ’ s coffee of n ew o rleans and their commitment to supporting veterans with an annual franchise licence giveaway, we meet last year’s recipient r ob smith, and we learn more about this great opportunity, turn to page 66 to learn more. You will also find several inspiring articles for veterans.
a s always, i really hope you enjoy reading this issue and don’t forget to take a moment to scroll thorough to our a-Z d irectory at the back of the magazine or visit the website www. franchisingmagazineusa.com to find more exciting franchises and advice. happy r eading.
Vikki Bradbury | Publisher Franchising Magazine USA
Phone: (202) 628-8000
Fax: (202) 628-0812 www.franchise.org
Have Your Say
Donar Shack: Brings Europe’s Favourite Fast Food to the Us
20 World Gym: how Women are redefining Fitness and how Franchise Brands can adapt
Franchisor In Depth
48 Ray Titus: confused about ai here’s how You can Learn to Love it.
54 Century 21 Real Estate: announces Third annual global giving initiative
Snapshot
26 Christian Brothers Automotive: honors Essential Workers. 30 The Melting Pot: how a culture of care and connection has Fueled ongoing success
60 Hounds Town USA: set to open Marana Location
Spotlight on Service
58 Tandem Theory: how Franchise Brands can attract new customers
Franchisee in Action
22 College Hunks: owners Try to reason with hurricane season
Expert Advice
12 Craig Maloney: overcoming high Turnover: The case for Workforce Education in Franchises
16 Lucas Frey: Your guide to 90-day success: The Franchisee’s strategy For Early Wins - Part 2
24 George Knauf: The rise of celebrity Franchise ownership
50 Evan Hackel: The Benefits of colaborative Learning
56 Aracely Melendez: What to know Before Purchasing a Franchise resale
Fresh, Seasonal Menus: Gré G oire’s French Inspired Recipe for Success
Using the freshest, seasonal ingredients not only enhances flavor but also drives customer loyalty and boosts revenue for Grégoire.
At Grégoire, we believe that fresh, seasonal menus are key to our success. Drawing from my experience as a chef, I know that using the freshest ingredients available makes all the difference. By aligning our menu with the seasons and using products at their peak repiness, we ensure that every dish is flavorful and exciting, which delights our customers and keeps them coming back.
When i transitioned to the fine fast-casual space, i brought this philosophy with me. s easonal menus mean we’re always offering something new. This constant change helps us stand out in a crowded market and build customer loyalty
s ourcing ingredients seasonally also means supporting local farmers and suppliers, which boosts the local economy. it also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of our restaurants, which aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
From a business standpoint, seasonal menus help us manage our inventory better, reducing waste and keeping food costs in check. This flexibility allows us to adapt to changing tastes and preferences, which is crucial in the fast-casual market. Being able to offer fresh, seasonal dishes at competitive prices attracts a wider range of customers without compromising on quality.
in short, our focus on fresh, seasonal menus is a core part of g régoire’s success. it reflects our dedication to great food, community support and sustainable practices. By consistently delivering high-quality seasonal dishes, we create memorable dining experiences that drive customer loyalty and boost our revenue. at g régoire, great food starts with great ingredients, and there’s no better way to ensure quality than by following the seasons.
e xtraordinary Brands Expands Fitness Footprint with Acquisition of Neighborhood Barre
Extraordinary Brands announced today the acquisition of Neighborhood Barre, marking the fourth boutique fitness brand to join the fast-growing fitness conglomerate alongside Premium Service Brands. Neighborhood Barre is rooted in the brand’s commitment to delivering results-driven classes for all fitness levels and now stands alongside pūrvelo cycle, Eat the Frog Fitness, and Row House in the expanding lineup at Extraordinary Brands.
n eighborhood Barre was founded and created in 2011 by k aty r ichardson, with the first studio in k noxville, T n . There are currently 22 studios open and several in development. The unique workout combines the elements of dance conditioning, Pilates, and resistance training, offering a comprehensive fitness experience suitable for all fitness levels. a s the fourth boutique fitness brand to join Extraordinary Brands, adding a barre concept enriches the current roster of indoor cycling, group strength training, and rowing offerings.
“ n eighborhood Barre is a beloved concept, and k aty has expertly crafted a brand that resonates uniquely with its audience,” said r J k rone, President of Extraordinary Brands. “We are excited to incorporate n eighborhood Barre into our portfolio and further expand our franchise footprint nationwide. This addition strengthens our commitment to offering a diverse range of boutique fitness concepts under the Extraordinary Brands umbrella.”
a s part of Extraordinary Brands, n eighborhood Barre franchisees will benefit from the additional support of a seasoned team of franchise veterans with extensive experience in building some of the most successful franchise brands in fitness industry. o ur mission is to help aspiring entrepreneurs bring Extraordinary to their communities, one health and wellness brand at a time.
li M e Paintin G Eager to Continue their Robust Momentum
LIME Painting – the first and only highend painting franchise company, is eager to continue their robust momentum as 2024 reaches its midpoint. This year, the brand has made it their mission to enter new markets in its pursuit to deliver high-quality, consistent high-end paint jobs to commercial and residential properties, while creating an all-star leadership team to steer the ship.
LiME Painting has worked hard in 2024 to create a well-rounded team of experienced leaders:
• VP of Operations (Darrin Crystal)
• VP of Marketing (Ted Adams)
• VP of Franchise Development (Stacie shannon)
• Director of Franchise Development (g avri g rossman)
The brand is also hosting their 4th annual Lime Light o utreach g olf Tournament on s eptember 24. The host of the event, Lime Light o utreach, is a nonprofit created
by LiME Painting founder and cEo, nick Lopez. The organization embodies the company’s core values of love, integrity, mission, and excellence (L. i .M.E.) by actively supporting and empowering youth through various avenues. This year, LiME Painting is partnering with Purple d oor coffee, a non-profit d enver-based coffee roastery committed to working
with unhoused and street-connected teens and young adults to prepare them for job readiness and independent life skills. Those interested in interacting with and supporting the golf tournament can purchase tickets and learn more here.
For more information about LIME Painting, please visit https://limepainting.com/
d e G ree Wellness® Joins Franchise FastLane’s Family of Brands
Franchise FastLane, the industry’s No. 1 franchise sales organization (FSO), has announced that Degree Wellness® has joined their portfolio of high-performing brands.
d egree Wellness is an emerging franchisor that offers consumers a wide variety of self-care solutions in state-of-the-art retail studios - empowering them to feel, look, and be their best selves. Each of the innovative services are science-backed, including cryotherapy, infrared s auna, r ed Light Therapy, cold Plunge, contrast
Therapy, i V d rips, and Vitamin Booster injections.
“We’re so pleased to welcome d egree Wellness to our family of best-in-class brands,” shared c arey gille, cEo of Franchise FastLane. “The health, wellness, and beauty industry continues to outperform expectations and we’re very confident that d egree Wellness will be an amazing opportunity at the community level for many new franchisees.
d egree Wellness also recently announced
an exclusive investment partnership with Franworth, a leading franchise growth organization that specializes in scaling franchise brands through mentorship, purchasing power, and best-in-class support. Franworth is no stranger to the health, wellness, and boutique fitness industry, having successfully grown franchise brands such as Pure Barre, Title Boxing, and Lash Lounge. To help raise brand awareness on a national level, Franworth has also secured a brand ambassador role with future nFL hall of Fame quarterback d rew Brees, who has signed on as an investor to help promote the brand and serve as an official spokesperson.
“Franchisee success is critical to our mission of bringing cutting-edge self-care solutions to communities across america,” stated amanda Watts Lightcap, president of d egree Wellness and owner of four corporate-owned locations.
Go Mini’s Experiences Growth & Success Through First Half of 2024
Go Mini’s - the portable storage franchise that offers containers for moving, storage, renovation, and restoration needs - has experienced substantial growth in the first half of 2024. With six new Go Mini’s territories awarded so far this year, the brand is set to expand its reach, delivering convenient storage solutions to more communities nationwide. Go Mini’s aims to finalize additional franchise agreements as the year progresses, further broadening its presence.
“o ur achievements as a brand this year have been outstanding,” said chris Walls, cEo and President of g o Mini’s. “ i am incredibly proud of our network’s dedication and hard work in strengthening g o Mini’s national presence. o ur team hopes to continue our trajectory in the second half of this year as we look to expand throughout the country.”
Looking ahead to 2025, g o Mini’s is exploring innovative uses for its existing fleet of trucks and containers to stay ahead in the
industry. By implementing dynamic marketing strategies, the brand aims to solidify its leadership position in the moving and portable storage sector.
g o Mini’s offers a comprehensive support system for their franchisees, who are provided with everything they need to hit the ground running, including a proprietary operating system.
“ in today’s fluctuating housing market and ongoing economic uncertainty, portable storage services remain essential,” added Walls. “We are equipped with the infrastructure and systems to meet industry demands and deliver top-notch customer experiences. o ur success hinges on our franchisees’ success, and we’ve crafted a business model designed to thrive in any market. We look forward to finishing the year as strongly as we started.”
Visit: https://www.gominisfranchise.com/
BoW ie Barker Bath + Groo M erie Expands in Los Angeles; New Culver City Location
Bowie Barker Bath + Groomerie, a new concept offering full-service grooming and self-serve wash stations for every size dog, opened its new Culver City location at 11924 West Washington Boulevard, Suite E, on Friday, Aug. 9. The new location marks the brand’s second Los Angeles groomerie, in addition to its flagship shop in West Hollywood.
“ d esigned to meet the needs of Millennial and g en Z dog owners, Bowie Barker’s thoughtful, modern design, custom technology platform, and straightforward, membership-based pricing elevates the standard pet care experience,” said Bowie Barker co-Founder Michelle s andonato.
“Following the quick-yet-strategic success of our first location in West h ollywood, we cannot wait to welcome dog owners and their furry friends into our culver city shop soon.”
Bowie Barker is a lifestyle brand under the Los angeles-based Post investment g roup family, which focuses on four sectors; real estate, consumer products, pet services, and health and wellness, including emerging franchise The noW Massage. Bowie Barker was co-founded by Jeff Platt, former cEo of sky Zone and current President of The noW Massage, g ara Post, co-Founder and chief creative o fficer of The noW Massage, and Michelle s andonato, VP of strategy at The noW Massage and former VP of g uest Experience at sky Zone.
in addition to its new culver city location, the Bowie Barker team looks forward to expanding upon the brand’s initial success by welcoming franchise owners to join the rapidly growing $5 billion pet grooming industry in prime territories across the U. s
Visit www.bowiebarker.com/franchise.
s erotonin a nti-aG in G c enters Announces 6-Center Development Deal for Nassau County, NY
Serotonin Anti-Aging Centers, the nation’s fastest-growing anti-aging/longevity franchise, has announced a new multiunit development deal that will introduce six new centers to Nassau County, NY. This deal marks the brand’s official entrance into the State of New York and continued development in the Northeast region.
“communities across the country are placing greater significance than ever on access to preventative health care, fueling the adoption of s erotonin’s franchise opportunity and service offerings at record-rate,” said Matt Mauriello, VP of d evelopment for s erotonin anti-aging centers. “We are excited about developing on Long island, one of america’s most densely-
populated consumer hubs, which will further amplify the reach and impact of the s erotonin brand.”
s erotonin anti-aging centers is lauded for its concierge-style health optimization and anti-aging services, including:
• Medical weight loss
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Body contouring (CoolSculpting/EmSculpt Neo)
• Medical aesthetics (Botox, Fillers, Microneedling with PRP, and h ydrafacials)
• IV drip therapy
• Restorative services like red-light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (hB oT)
Each center staffs licensed medical practitioners and personal health coaches that design personalized prescriptive road maps to assist members to achieve their individual goals.
“From the start, s erotonin has been intent on helping men and women take control of their lives, optimize their health, and enjoy the aging process while simultaneously looking and feeling their best,” said Eric c asaburi, Founder and cEo of s erotonin antiaging centers. “The show of support that the franchise has seen from entrepreneurs and consumers alike has only fortified that determination, and verified that ours is a mission the public has long been awaiting.”
WindoW h ero LAuNCHES NEw DRo NE-powERED CLEANING
SERvICE AND wINDow FILM So LuTIo NS
Window Hero, a HomeFront Brands franchise specializing in a wide range of exterior cleaning services, announced today that it is launching two new services that will not only take exterior cleaning to new heights, but will also provide customers with an added layer of physical protection.
Window h ero has partnered with n orth c arolina-based Lucid Bots, inc., an artificial intelligence (ai) robotics company, to offer drone-powered exterior cleaning solutions that are able to tackle larger structures more efficiently. in addition to the drone-cleaning service, the exterior cleaning company now carries and installs a security window film to help commercial clients reinforce their external barriers.
“This new drone-powered cleaning service is a cost-effective solution that allows for a faster cleanup time with a smaller crew using fewer tools,” said Window h ero President david Blue. “We’re also delighted to offer our customers with the new security window film.
Window h ero showcased the new drone-cleaning service at ambassador christian s chool in huntersville, n orth c arolina last week. The company also outfitted the school’s windows with the security film while they were on premises.
“o ur goal is to provide a clean and safe environment for local children to receive an education,” said h omeFront Brands chairman and cEo Jeff d udan.
“We have high hopes for our new partnership with h omeFront Brands and Window h ero,” said Lucid founder and cEo andrew a shur. “ it’s been Lucid’s goal to make dangerous jobs safer and to provide frontier technology for old-school industries.
To learn more about Window Hero’s new drone services, visit https://windowhero.com/commercial/drone/ and to learn more about HomeFront Brands, visit https://homefrontbrands.com/.
d oner s hack brings e urope’s favorite fast food to the us
As one of the UK’s leading kebab franchises, Doner Shack’s next step in their global expansion strategy will see the brand bringing its delicious QSR franchise to the American market, opening restaurants in 2025.
It’s thanks to the extreme popularity of kebabs internationally that the Doner Shack team see significant potential in the US market, backed by over 200 prospective franchisee enquiries they have received in the past year.
As Europe’s favorite fast-food option, kebabs outsell the top 5 fast-food brands combined in the region 5 to 1, demonstrating the massive popularity of the product on an international basis. The predicted ‘kebab boom’ in the USA is a fantastic opportunity for prospective franchisees to get on board early and be at the forefront of this phenomenon. As the kebab is currently relatively unknown in America, with the right marketing, top-quality ingredients and Doner Shack’s tasty recipes, the product is set to become a staple across the US.
For those who desire a range of food choice, Doner Shack’s varied menu means
that kebabs aren’t the only thing on offer. A delicious selection of sliders, buttermilk chicken tenders, wraps, loaded fries, milkshakes and breakfast mean there is something for everyone to enjoy.
the need for innovation
Co-founders of Doner Shack, Laura Bruce and Sanjeev Sanghera, have identified a growing interest in the American market for diverse food options. Their research suggests that Americans are increasingly eager to explore a variety of food options looking beyond traditional favorites like pizza and burgers, giving rise to a confidence that Doner Shack will be a leader in this new market.
Laura said, “We've always considered the US a key market for our brand, and we believe the potential here is huge. We're confident that kebabs are set to become the next major global food trend. Our commitment in the US market is so strong that we're planning to relocate our head office to the US, transitioning into an American company in the near future.”
Innovation at the brand headquarters comes as second nature. Doner Shack is a highly systemized, simple and easily scalable business model, delivering consistency, low wastage and with no requirement for skilled chefs. As a result, they serve guests at a lightning-quick speed.
“It’s due to our robust operational systems, authentic recipes, targeted marketing strategies, a strong financial model and a long-term growth strategy that our franchisees can build their own highly successful and profitable businesses. It’s made even more attractive because they’re simple, scalable and efficient, whether you’re looking to operate single or multiple restaurants,” explained Sanjeev.
Doner Shack is the first kebab brand internationally to introduce robotics and advanced operating procedures to prepare the food in its kitchens. Constantly driving toward greater efficiency in their restaurants, they ensure speed of service is best in class, as well as creating a safe and simple place to work for their staff.
And whilst delivering good food is Doner Shack’s number one objective, ensuring convenience is maintained is a close
second. That’s why ease of access and flexibility are covered in the range of Doner Shack store designs. With an option to fit into any location or space where the team deem the demographics a winner for the brand, franchisees can tap into one of five store models. Two Stand-Alone models include one with the all-important Drive Thru, a Kiosk for travel hubs, food courts and sports arenas, an End Cap design for shopping centers and retail strips with easy access parking, and In-Line restaurants within retail environments.
the american dream
Doner Shack’s primary long-term goal has always been to expand into America and with the QSR market size expected to rise to 662.53 billion USD by 2029, the timing has never been better. There is a huge gap in the market for European-inspired foods and the frequent dining and low-cost spending habits of young adults in America perfectly aligns with the franchise’s 18-34 target demographic.
Following two years of planning and negotiations, Sanjeev and Laura have built strong relationships with US suppliers and prospective franchisees, assembling the support network at a steady pace with people that have the hunger to build a franchise restaurant brand. It’s essential for them that the franchisees get the support they need in taking those first steps and any additional help along the way.
“Our ultimate goal is to become the number one kebab franchise in the world. We believe America is the route to achieve this – by focusing on not just each state, but each city and each individual franchisee developing in that area,” added Laura.
Franchise e xpo south
The largest franchise expo in the south of the USA, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was chosen by Laura and Sanjeev as the perfect location for its first even on US soil. Their impressive new stand-build is great for potential investors to gain some insight into the opportunity, its menu and technology.
Sanjeev concluded, “The team’s first expo in Florida is the kick-off point for our US expansion strategy. As the largest franchise expo in the south, the opportunity to showcase our brand here is a great starting point. After this, we plan to utilize the connections we’ve made in the US and begin opening restaurants in 2025.”
Further afield
Doner Shack is also finalizing master franchise deals in the Middle East and Asia, further extending their global expansion strategy. Although America is the brand’s priority, other parts of the world can expect to see Doner Shack locations popping up within the next 12 months and will be well served from a base in the US. v
overcoming h igh t urnover:
t he c ase for workforce e ducation in f ranchises
When the labor market is tight and economic uncertainties
loom, franchises feel the pinch, especially with some of the highest employee turnover rates, particularly in quickservice restaurants (QSRs). This situation underscores the urgent need for more effective employee retention strategies.
Despite wage growth, retention challenges persist, indicating that franchise employees need additional incentives to stay.
Workforce education programs are gaining attention as a compelling remedy, offering franchise owners a way to maintain a stable and skilled workforce.
Many franchisors already offer workforce education programs – it’s simply up to the franchisee to opt in and tailor the program to suit their own workforce needs and aspirations. But why should they?
What’s at stake
High turnover rates are a well-known issue across franchise businesses. Only 54 percent of QSR employees remain after 90 days of their start date. This constant churn disrupts operations and negatively impacts customer satisfaction. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 63 percent of customers believe that restaurants are increasingly understaffed, which reflects customer dissatisfaction with poor levels of service spurned by turnover.
With high turnover rates and decreased quality of service, franchises can easily take a hit. Hiring and training new employees is expensive and results in lost productivity. However, data shows that franchises offering workforce education programs have higher retention rates, which saves businesses money in the long run.
Investing in employee education can also give franchisees an advantage over competitors. In an industry in which consistency and brand experience are critical, this focus on talent development can result in a more committed and skilled workforce that is willing and able to uphold a high standard of service, ultimately improving the bottom line.
Imagine one franchisee opts in for an education program and another nearby franchisee, which is under a different owner, doesn’t offer such programs. If the location offering education attracts and retains better talent, the other location will likely suffer.
how it works
Workforce education programs are evolving to meet franchisees where they are. The one-size-fits-all offerings previously provided by franchise parent companies are increasingly obsolete. Franchise organizations now recognize this dynamic and are offering customizable education programs to meet the diverse needs and goals of their franchisees. By allowing franchise owners to tailor education programs to their specific location, budget, and context, these organizations encourage greater employee participation. In other words, flexibility is a key ingredient for program success.
Equally important to the flexibility of a workforce education program is its accessibility. Franchisors from McDonald’s to KFC have embraced an upfront tuition model for this reason. Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement programs which require employees to pay upfront and get reimbursed later, modern
Maloney
record of achieving profitable growth and creating shareholder value. He has extensive experience in the benefits and healthcare space and deep domain expertise in SaaS and tech-enabled services. Before joining InStride, Craig held executive leadership positions at Maestro Health (CEO), Benefitfocus (EVP), Hewitt Associates (Divisional CEO), and Aon / Univers (President / COO), where the focus was on growth programs and value-based solutions across SaaS and tech-enabled service models.
“ A franchise might partner with local colleges or online education providers to offer courses relevant to the industry, such as business management, hospitality, or culinary arts.”
tuition assistance programs pay upfront tuition costs to the academic institutions directly. This approach makes higher education more accessible, encouraging employees to participate and advance their education and careers without the financial burden of waiting to be reimbursed. Considering half of Americans have less than $500 available in their savings accounts, a reimbursement-based program is a major deterrent to participation.
A franchise might partner with local colleges or online education providers to offer courses relevant to the industry, such as business management, hospitality, or culinary arts. By opting into their franchisor’s education program, franchisees extend opportunities to their employees to enroll in these programs with the assurance that their tuition will be covered, allowing them to focus on their studies and career development.
returns on investment
The costs associated with tuition assistance, certifications, and other education initiatives can be daunting for some franchisees. Concerns about the immediate financial impact and return on investment are natural. Fortunately, the results from these programs often far exceed their costs. For example, a franchisor in the logistics industry found that employees enrolled
in an education program had 40% higher retention rates than their non-participating peers. This immediately reduced hiring rates and associated costs. Considering the cost of frontline employee turnover was estimated at $5,864 per employee in 2016 (approximately $7,664 in today’s dollars), the savings from higher retention add up quickly.
Employee engagement also improves, benefiting the entire franchise. In a survey of employees with available education benefits, 82% agreed that offering education improved their view of their employer. These advantages accrue to the franchise owner, with education programs typically generating a threefold return on investment over the first three years.
Final thoughts
Implementing workforce education programs can seem challenging, but the benefits are substantial. By investing in education, franchises can improve retention, boost morale, and enhance productivity. In an industry in which consistency and brand experience are crucial, these programs can have a substantial effect on both the top and bottom lines.
Because ultimately, if you invest in your workforce, they’ll invest back in you. v
Craig
, Chief Executive Officer at InStride. Craig is a seasoned leader with a proven track
The power of franchising lies in multiples. With more than half of all franchise units controlled by multi-unit owners, franchising not only offers a path to success for entrepreneurs but also paves the way for rapid and sustained growth.
The rapidly growing staffing franchise AtWork® is a prime example of how multi-unit franchising can drive growth and prosperity. Nearly half of AtWork’s franchisees capitalize on the benefits of multi-unit ownership. The highest revenue earners and gross-margin-producing franchise owners in the franchise system are multi-unit owners. Additionally, 10 multi-unit owners are projected to produce more than $1 million in gross margin this year alone.
“Multi-unit ownership builds a stronger,
The Magic of MulTiples: h ow franchisees are finding s uccess
and fulfill M enT
more valuable business by enhancing a franchisee’s business worth and creating more stability in their cash flow and general business operations,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork.
Josee Minero: From receptionist to top owner
Josee Minero’s journey with AtWork began in 2017 after working for another staffing agency for over 30 years. She started as a receptionist at the first agency and worked up to a division vice president position. After recognizing the lack of growth opportunities available to her at that agency, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with AtWork.
In just seven years, Minero has opened offices in California, Missouri, and Florida and has become the largest-grossing owner in the AtWork system.
“Owning multiple units is what has made this all possible. It allows me to diversify my revenue stream, reduce potential risks,
and generate higher revenue overall,” said Minero. “It would not be possible without the comprehensive support of the AtWork franchise.”
kelly young: leveraging e xperience to e xpand across states
Like Minero, Kelly Young brings a wealth of staffing experience to her AtWork franchise ownership. During her 21-year staffing career, she managed 30 locations for a national staffing firm. She took the bold step of franchising to reap the benefits of running multiple offices instead of managing them for someone else.
Young opened her first AtWork location in Las Vegas in 2017. She has since opened four more offices in Dallas and Phoenix and plans to add five more locations within the next 10 years.
“Multi-unit ownership allows me to grow my business further and faster,” said Young. “AtWork keeps everything
organized for my business - they send me monthly statements for each office and make sure we are compliant in all states with different laws. AtWork is just a great partner in helping me run multiple units.”
rodrigo solis: innovating and empowering communities
AtWork franchisee Rodrigo Solis opened his first AtWork in Laredo, Texas, 10 years ago and has since opened two more locations in San Antonio and San Marcos. A decade ago, he embarked on his franchise journey after a successful career in operations at a national staffing agency. The AtWork opportunity caught his attention for its company culture and family-like feeling. He loves the brand’s flexibility and access to corporate when he needs help.
“When searching for a franchise to partner with, I was drawn to AtWork’s company culture and family feel,” said Solis. “The brand’s flexibility and resources help
“ A Owning multiple units is what has made this all possible. It allows me to diversify my revenue stream, reduce potential risks, and generate higher revenue overall.
“It would not be possible without the comprehensive support of the AtWork franchise.”
me thrive at my various locations. Our technology and systems are specifically designed to streamline management for those with multiple locations, even for those with locations in different states.”
Beyond his business operations, Solis is committed to the continued growth and evolution of the AtWork brand. As a member of the AtWork Advisory Council, he is actively involved in refining the company’s systems, testing new products and services, and exploring innovative lines of business. Through his dedication to his community and the AtWork franchise, Solis exemplifies how multiunit ownership can lead to both financial success and a deep sense of purpose.
the atWork Multi-Unit difference
Unlike many franchises where growth can sometimes feel like a challenge, AtWork’s structure and support system make scaling not only feasible but highly rewarding, too. At the core of AtWork’s approach is a robust training and support network. Franchisees are not just handed the keys to a new location and left to figure things out on their own. Instead, they receive thorough onboarding, ongoing training sessions, and continuous access to a dedicated support team. When a franchisee is ready to expand into a new market, AtWork ensures they have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.
Operational efficiencies are another standout feature of AtWork’s multi-unit franchising model. By leveraging shared resources, streamlining administrative tasks, and integrating advanced CRM and recruitment technology, franchisees can cut costs while improving service quality. This focus on efficiency boosts the bottom
What really sets AtWork apart is its flexibility and adaptability. Not every market is the same, so a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. AtWork empowers its franchisees to adjust their operations to serve their local communities better. This ability to adapt has led to some of AtWork’s smallest market locations becoming top producers.
Financially, AtWork’s franchise support is invaluable. The franchisor offers comprehensive payroll funding and tax processing services, which can significantly offset franchise fees like royalties and marketing. This financial backing reduces the administrative load on franchisees, allowing them to concentrate on growing their business.
Multi-unit franchising is becoming the key to sustained growth and success in franchising. The stories of Minero, Young, and Solis highlight the success and fulfillment that can come from multi-unit ownership.
AtWork’s commitment to providing exceptional support, flexibility, and efficient operating models positions it as a leader in this space. AtWork continues to innovate and adapt to help more entrepreneurs achieve their dreams and significantly impact their communities. v
line and enhances client satisfaction — a crucial element in the competitive staffing industry.
Josee Minero
your g uide to 90- day s uccess: t
he
f ranchisee’s strategy for
e arly
Wins - part 2
As you transition into franchise ownership, the first 90 days are pivotal. They set the groundwork for long-term success by establishing efficient systems, leveraging your strengths, building your audience, and creating a highperforming team.
This article is the second in a series designed to help new franchisees build a solid foundation for a successful business. Unexpected challenges and setbacks will occur. Address them with a passion for learning and a growth mindset. The greater the obstacle you overcome, the more confidence you earn.
i - identifying essential systems
Start by identifying the essential systems needed to run your franchise smoothly. These typically include marketing, sales, back-office operations, and customer service. While your franchisor provides a solid operations manual, you'll need to complement their systems to fit your specific market and business needs.
Systems Beyond the Franchisor's Manual
Your franchise has unique requirements that may not be fully covered in the franchisor's manual, such as regional marketing strategies or local vendor relationships. Take the foundational systems provided and tailor them to suit your business. This customization ensures
that your operations are efficient and aligned with your vision.
ImageFIRST wrote their first version of the operations manual for local or regional laundries and dry cleaners, those with processing equipment and facilities. I didn't have either of those starting their first franchise in Cincinnati. The COO and I set out to determine what contractors we needed in place of the capital equipment, and Joe helped me find the right suppliers to meet healthcare laundry requirements. Documenting and Scaling Processes Efficient processes are crucial for scalability. Document every process meticulously that complements your franchisor’s operations manual, from how you handle customer inquiries to local marketing strategies to your inventory
To learn more about Luke and how Bella Vista Executive Advisors can help, please click hERE www.bellavistaexecutiveadvisors.com
management practices. This documentation is a reference for training new employees and maintaining consistency as your business grows.
Continuous Improvement and Feedback Loops
Processes should evolve based on feedback and performance. Establish feedback loops to improve continuously. Encourage your team to provide insights on how processes can be streamlined or enhanced. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and keeps your business agile.
ii - leveraging your strengths and delegating Weaknesses
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Begin with a thorough self-assessment. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. This honest evaluation helps you understand where you can excel and where you might need support. I use Zorakle because of its focus on franchising. Assessments are the starting point for conversations, not the ultimate determination of success.
Objective Evaluations and Trusted Advisors
Seek objective evaluations from your trusted advisor. Mentors, franchise consultants, or experienced franchisees can help you see your strengths from a different perspective. Their insights can provide a clearer picture of your capabilities and areas for improvement.
Effective Delegation Strategies
Prioritize the most important and urgent tasks according to your Eisenhower matrix. At times, it feels like you’ll never have enough time. It’s important to have the
tasks ordered.
Effective delegation is key to managing your workload. Assign tasks that align with your team’s strengths. This strategy frees up your time and empowers your team members, boosting their confidence and productivity.
Building a Reliable Support Network
Outsource tasks that require specialized skills. Building a network of reliable vendors and contractors can help manage non-core activities efficiently. This network allows you to focus on strategic growth and core business functions.
iii - Building a highPerforming team
Finding Candidates Aligned with Your Culture
Finding and hiring the right employees is crucial for any small business or franchise. Building a team that fits your culture and shares your vision can significantly impact your success.
Leveraging your network can be one of the most effective ways to find potential employees. Your network includes current employees, friends, family, business contacts, and even customers. People who know and trust you are more likely to refer individuals who they believe would be a good fit for your business.
1. Ask for Referrals: Encourage your network to refer candidates. Offer incentives for successful hires.
2. Utilize Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and even Twitter can be great for posting job openings and connecting with potential candidates.
3. Join Professional Groups: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. Join local business groups and chambers of commerce.
Hiring for Cultural Fit
Hiring someone who fits your company culture is often more important than hiring someone with the perfect skill set. Skills can be taught to the right person that fits your culture and exemplifies your values.
1. Define Your Culture: Clearly define your company culture and values. Communicate these during the hiring process.
2. Behavioral Interview Questions: Use questions that reveal how candidates handle situations that align with your values. For example, “Can you give an example of how you handled a conflict at work?”
3. Team Involvement: Involve your team in the interview process. Their input can help identify candidates who will integrate well. My long-time GM helped decide who we chose for the outside sales position even though sales did not directly report to him.
Training and Onboarding Best Practices
Develop comprehensive training and onboarding programs. These should cover not only the operational aspects but also your franchise’s cultural values and mission. A well-trained team is a highperforming team.
I have successfully created and implemented training for many types of organizations. One critical element is defining and finding a great fit for the key roles in your franchise. The general manager is one obvious key role. There may be additional key roles for your franchise.
Define the characteristics required for success and take your time finding the candidate that checks all of the cultural and personality boxes. If they also possess the technical skills for the position, that’s a bonus. Skills are teachable, so weigh the personality attributes ahead of technical.
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.
“ Join local business associations. These groups offer networking opportunities, resources, and support that can help you navigate the local market more effectively.”
Creating a Supportive and Productive Environment
Foster a supportive and productive work environment. Encourage open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. Based on your clear mission and values, your culture drives employee engagement and retention.
Encouraging Continuous Improvement and Innovation
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation where it’s ok to learn from failures. Encourage your team to share ideas and feedback. Recognize and reward innovative solutions that enhance business operations.
iV - networking Within the Franchise community
You may be new to leading your company, but the foundational principles are timeless. Engage actively within the franchise community, especially your franchisor. Attend franchise meetings,
participate in online forums, and connect with other franchisees. These interactions can provide valuable insights and support.
Engaging with Local Business Associations
Join local business associations. These groups offer networking opportunities, resources, and support that can help you navigate the local market more effectively.
Finding and Nurturing Mentorships
Seek out mentors who can guide you through your franchise journey. Nurture these relationships by being open to feedback and willing to learn. Mentors can provide invaluable advice and perspective.
Collaborating with Peers for Mutual
Growth
Collaborate with peers for mutual growth. Share experiences, challenges, and solutions. Your collaborative approach can lead to innovative strategies and collective success. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
The first 90 days are critical for setting the foundation of your franchise. Focus on creating efficient systems, leveraging your strengths, building a high-performing team, and establishing professional relationships. These steps will guide you through the initial phase and set you on the path to long-term success.
Next month, I’ll discuss marketing and launching your new franchise, evaluating KPIs against your 90-day goals, and your leadership mindsets and continuous development.
eBook alert
Leadership is inspiring your team to achieve the impossible.” - From “Your Guide to 90-Day Success: The Franchisee’s Strategy for Early Wins.” The eBook is available now.
Leaders serve their team. Their team serves customers. Customers make the business thrive. Your business takes care of you and your family. v
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
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.
Share the tools and resources offered on AtOurFranchise.org/resources Our Franchise @OurFranchise @OurFranchise
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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
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!
h ow w o M en are r edefining fiTness and h ow franchise Brands c an adap T
By focusing on strength training, prioritizing holistic health, creating inclusive environments and leveraging the power of social media, fitness brands can play a pivotal role in this ongoing transformation.
The $112 billion fitness industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and women are at the forefront of this change. Historically, the realm of weight rooms and strength training was dominated by men, but today, women are increasingly taking over these spaces.
This shift is not just about physical strength — it represents a broader movement towards holistic health and empowerment. Here are some of the ways women are redefining fitness for themselves and some of the ways brands are adapting to fit their needs.
a Primary Focus on strength training
One of the most notable trends is the increasing emphasis on strength training among women. Over 60% of consumers now include weight or strength training in their fitness routines, with many working out two to four times per week. This change is driven by several factors, including scientific evidence that highlights the numerous health benefits of strength training — according to Mindbody’s 2024 wellness trends report, for example, strength training is key to longevity
For women in particular, studies have shown that strength training helps improve muscle mass, enhance bone density and boost overall physical performance. Additionally, it has been shown to improve mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting a sense of empowerment and resilience.
A new study found that women who do
strength training exercises two to three days a week are more likely to live longer and have a lower risk of death from heart disease, compared to women who do none. In response to this shift, many fitness brands are adapting their offerings. Gyms are reallocating space to accommodate more strength training equipment, for example, such as larger selections of dumbbells and additional squat racks. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated this trend, as many people realized they could perform cardio exercises outdoors, leading gyms to reduce the size of their cardio areas.
holistic health and Wellness
Another significant shift in the fitness industry is the growing focus on holistic health. Women are increasingly paying attention to nutrition, mental health and overall well-being. This comprehensive approach to health is reflected in the rising popularity of recovery tools and
Tiffany hamlin
programming centered around longevity and stress management.
Similarly, the motivations behind women’s gym attendance are also shifting. Instead of striving to fit societal norms or achieve a specific appearance, more women are focusing on long-term health, strength and longevity. This empowerment movement encourages women to prioritize what makes them feel strong and healthy, both physically and mentally.
Fitness brands are recognizing the importance of supporting members in all aspects of their health journey. This includes offering nutrition coaching, meal prep services and recovery programs. World Gym, for example, has become known for its Barbell Café serving up refreshing smoothies and nutrition programs, as well as its Pro Shop stocked with branded merchandise and supplements. By providing these types of
“ For women in particular, studies have shown that strength training helps improve muscle mass, enhance bone density and boost overall physical performance. Additionally, it has been shown to improve mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting a sense of empowerment and resilience.”
services, fitness brands can help members achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle, beyond just physical fitness.
the role of social Media
It is also important to note that social media has played a crucial role in this transformation, providing women with a platform to find inspiration, support and community. From female bodybuilders to fitness influencers, social media has helped break down stereotypes and allowed women to share their fitness journeys, successes and challenges. This virtual camaraderie has empowered more women to pursue strength training and redefine their fitness goals on their own terms.
To foster and support this kind of inclusivity and diversity, some fitness chains are reintroducing women-only areas to create more comfortable environments, for example. These spaces are not always just for women, but for anyone seeking a more private workout experience.
looking ahead
At the end of the day, the fitness industry must continue to evolve to meet the changing needs and expectations of women. This means not only adapting gym spaces and equipment but also fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. As women continue to redefine fitness, the industry has a unique opportunity to support and celebrate their achievements. Together, we can build a future where fitness is accessible, empowering and inclusive for everyone. v
college hunK s o wners Try T o r eason wiTh h urricane s eason
Kasper Norkus and Mario Portillo remember driving their College HUNKS vehicles through the Island Park neighborhood in Fort Myers, Florida, following Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The streets were littered with debris –water-logged carpet, washing machines, overturned boats, tattered entertainment centers and soaked drywall. Everyone needed help.
“It literally looked like a landfill there,” said Norkus, who owns the Fort Myers location of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving. “For a mile and a half, you knew going through every turn, there were at least 10 football fields’ worth of furniture, appliances, cabinets and carpet. People were just dragging things out of every home, destroyed.”
It was a similar scene, along with significant flooding, for Jeff Moss in Wilmington, North Carolina, when Hurricane Florence hit the area in 2018. Wilmington received over 23 inches of rain with the storm.
While College HUNKS does specialize in moving, it’s also known for its junk hauling services. Typically, that translates to removing old and discarded items that customers have left over after moving and can be donated or trashed. But what they saw in the aftermath of the hurricanes wasn’t junk. The piles included still-important items of their neighbors’ upended lives, waterlogged and dragged to the curb.
The scenes from both storms were emotional gut punches for the local business owners. It’s something they hope to avoid repeating this year, but NOAA National Weather Service forecasters
predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.
This hurricane season, which spans June 1 to Nov. 30, forecasters expect 17 to 25 named storms. Of those, eight to 13 are forecast to become hurricanes, and four to seven, major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.
“Down here in Fort Myers, we got hit with the eye of that storm,” Norkus recalled. “I don’t know what you could do to prepare for that.”
no stranger to disaster
Norkus, Moss and Portillo’s experiences in disaster hauling aren’t uncommon among owners of College HUNKS locations around the country.
One thing that unites them is a collective desire to help their community through their business. But there’s a balance.
After first checking on their teams, Norkus and Moss were out working long days helping their neighbors following the storms.
“You know, it’s really bad,” Portillo said. “It’s heartbreaking to see it. All we can do is go out there and, you know, be selfless with it. We just treat everybody else’s property like it’s our own. There are good people, and you want to treat people as you want to be treated. That’s how we look at it.”
Both Norkus and Moss said that they love helping those who truly need help and try to find them in the community. As small business owners, they have to weigh what they can afford to do since they aren’t set up for specific disaster recovery. There are FEMA programs for that, along with insurance.
“You just have to be smart about picking and choosing where you’re going to be able to get in and help people,” Moss said.
In his experiences with storms, that means helping indigent people through community, veterans and nonprofit charities, he said. “It’s just about vetting the situation. Insurance is there for a reason but not everyone has that. But there’s people who aren’t insured and they’re already barely surviving. Anytime we can try to do something to help somebody like that, that’s what we want to do.”
Post disaster cleanup
Cleaning up after an event like a tornado or hurricane, there are steps you can take to
protect yourself, your belongings and ways to prevent additional damage.
Wearing the appropriate protective gear, including gloves, comfortable shoes, long sleeves and safety glasses, is a good start following any natural disaster. Power lines, gas leaks and other hazardous materials could be around or hidden under debris and in flood waters.
“It can be dangerous work,” Moss said. “So, we have a lot of involvement there when it comes to safety.”
As you assess the damage in and around your home, identify areas where you will need professional assistance, such as with hazardous materials or structural damage. Companies like College HUNKS can also help haul away other debris and provide
you with paperwork you need for insurance claim reimbursement.
Local governments will communicate with you on cleanup plans for organic debris, household trash, damaged appliances and other items. These will all need to be separated regardless of who might be contracted to pick up the material.
Until that help arrives, you can collaborate with neighbors, family or community members to tackle larger debris and make the process more efficient and safer.
“People should be heeding these upcoming storm seasons,” Norkus said. “These storms are really only getting bigger. They’re getting stronger year after year. We got lucky last year, but I don’t think we’re going to be as lucky this year.” v
JEff MOSS
t he r ise of c elebrity f ranchise ownership
Celebrities, particularly those from sports and entertainment, have long sought ways to diversify their income streams and invest in ventures that can secure their financial futures.
One notable trend in recent years is the influx of celebrities buying and opening franchises. This move not only diversifies their portfolios but also capitalizes on their star power to boost brand visibility and attract customers. This article delves into the phenomenon, highlighting notable examples, motivations, and impacts of celebrity franchise ownership.
the appeal of Franchise ownership for celebrities
Franchise ownership offers several advantages that make it an attractive investment for celebrities:
1. Established Brand and Business Model: Franchises come with a proven business model, brand recognition, and a support system. This reduces the risk compared to starting a business from scratch.
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2. Diversification of Income: For athletes and entertainers, whose primary income is often tied to their physical performance or public image, franchises provide a stable and ongoing revenue stream.
3. Utilizing Celebrity Influence: Celebrities can leverage their fame to drive traffic to their franchises, creating a symbiotic relationship where both the franchise and the celebrity benefit.
4. Post-Career Planning: For athletes, in particular, investing in franchises can be a strategic move for life after sports, providing financial stability and new career opportunities.
notable sports Figures in Franchise ownership
Shaquille O'Neal: The Franchise King Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer, is perhaps the most prolific celebrity franchise owner. His portfolio includes various franchises such as Five Guys Burgers, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, and Papa John's Pizza. O'Neal's approach to franchising is strategic; he invests in brands he believes in and often becomes actively involved in their operations and marketing. His involvement with Papa John's, for instance, extends to a board position and a significant role in their advertising campaigns.
LeBron James: From Basketball to Blaze Pizza
LeBron James, another NBA superstar, made headlines with his investment in Blaze Pizza. James's initial investment of less than $1 million has grown exponentially, with Blaze Pizza becoming one of the fastest-growing food chains in the United States. His hands-on involvement, including surprise appearances at franchise locations, has significantly boosted the brand’s profile.
Magic Johnson: A Business Mogul
Magic Johnson, an NBA legend, has built a diverse business empire that includes numerous franchise investments. His Magic Johnson Enterprises has owned
Starbucks, Burger King, and TGI Fridays franchises. Johnson’s business acumen and commitment to urban development have made him a successful franchise owner and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
the impact of celebrity Franchise ownership
Boosting Brand Visibility
Celebrities bring instant recognition and credibility to the franchises they own. Their involvement often attracts media attention and consumer interest, providing a competitive edge in a crowded market. For instance, Shaquille O'Neal’s endorsement of Papa John's helped the brand recover from a series of public relations setbacks, demonstrating the power of celebrity influence.
Enhancing Marketing and Promotion
Celebrities can leverage their social media following and public appearances to promote their franchises. LeBron James’s social media posts about Blaze Pizza generated significant buzz and drove foot traffic to the locations. Similarly, Mark Wahlberg’s appearances at Wahlburgers openings and events have helped maintain the brand’s popularity.
Setting Trends and Inspiring Others
Celebrity franchise ownership can inspire other high-net-worth individuals to consider franchising as a viable investment. The visibility and success of these ventures can demystify the franchising process and highlight its potential for wealth creation and business growth. Additionally,
celebrities’ involvement in franchising can encourage fans and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore similar opportunities.
the Future of celebrity Franchise ownership
The trend of celebrity franchise ownership shows no signs of slowing down. As more athletes and entertainers recognize the benefits of diversifying their income and investing in established brands, the franchise industry is likely to see continued growth in celebrity involvement. This trend is beneficial not only for the celebrities themselves but also for the franchising industry, which gains increased visibility and credibility.
e xpanding Beyond Food and Beverage
While many celebrity-owned franchises are in the food and beverage sector, there is potential for diversification into other industries. Celebrities are increasingly exploring franchises in fitness, health and wellness, and retail. This diversification can open up new opportunities for growth and innovation within the franchising sector
conclusion
Celebrity franchise ownership is a growing trend that offers mutual benefits for both the celebrities and the franchising industry. From boosting brand visibility and enhancing marketing efforts to creating economic and social impacts, the involvement of sports and entertainment figures in franchising is reshaping the business landscape. As this trend continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how celebrities leverage their star power to drive innovation and growth in the franchising sector.
By understanding the motivations, challenges, and impacts of celebrity franchise ownership, aspiring entrepreneurs and investors can gain valuable insights into this dynamic and evolving business model. Whether you’re a fan looking to support your favorite star’s business venture or an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, the rise of celebrity franchise ownership is a compelling narrative of success, diversification, and opportunity. v
christian brothers automotive honors essential workers during parts driver appreciation month
people-First Automotive Repair Franchise Celebrates the Heart of its operation
Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), leading automotive repair franchise, is honoring its vital partners in celebration of their second annual Parts Driver Appreciation Month.
Throughout July, CBA locations nationwide are expressing their gratitude by participating in special activities and events designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of these extended team members.
“Our Parts Drivers are the backbone of our operations, ensuring timely delivery of parts and enabling us to complete repairs for guests efficiently,” said Donnie Carr, President and CEO, Christian Brothers Automotive. “We wouldn’t be able to function as a business without them, so this is a small way we can thank them.”
To help jumpstart the celebration, CBA’s most recent Joy Box – a quarterly initiative
brought to fruition by Carr – was filled with fun and thoughtful Parts Driver Appreciation Month supplies and sent to each franchise location. The box included blank thank you notes, goody bags, banners, free oil change vouchers, and other items for franchise owners to show drivers just how much they are valued. Franchisees were encouraged to add personal touches to their tributes, ranging from customized buffets of smoked meats to bespoke t-shirts and fun-filled snack bags. The goal was to show those who work behind the scenes how much the company appreciates their efforts, and many franchisees have already expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative.
“{Our Team} had a blast putting some joy on our Parts Drivers,” said Cal Pascanu, Franchise Owner, Christian Brothers Automotive Peoria-Thunderbird and Surprise. “By far one of the best initiatives lately.”
Mike Brown, Franchise Owner, Christian Brothers Automotive Forney, added, “The drivers absolutely love them! It’s hard to hear that they don’t often receive any recognition.”
Founded in Mission Bend, Texas in 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive has redefined the auto care experience. Ranked #1 by J.D. Power for Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket FullService Maintenance and Repair Providers five times in a row*, the brand’s priority is to create a positive experience for every guest. From oil changes to complex engine diagnostics, Christian Brothers Automotive adheres to the principle, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and showcases this commitment through its people-first approach to car care.
For more information, please visit cbac.com. Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and trends.
Christian Covington - McKenzie Coleman
Christian Brothers The woodlands - Operator, Alex Lara
Christian Brothers gift giving
GLOBAL E xp ANSION
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.
fro M corporaTe
T o c ulinary
h ow T his for M er aTT orney is
Bringing Vie T na M ese c uisine in T o The Mains Trea M
Like many franchisors, my career path couldn’t have started further from the world of franchising. I was an attorney before I founded Bun Mee and at that point in time, I thought law was where I would stay. I was content with being an attorney and quite good at it.
It was a storm of several whirlwind circumstances that gave me what I believe was a wake-up call and made me realize I wanted to do something different. My father passed away and I was on the partnership track at a law firm in Seattle. It was a crazy time for me to begin with. He only had seven months to live and I’ve always been very close to him, so his dying was truly the catalyst and the life-changing moment that made me reconsider my career path. I wanted to be intentional about what I wanted to do–this intentionality made me realize I no longer wanted to practice law, but do something to reconnect with my father’s memory and my culture.
The idea for Bun Mee flourished from a trip I took to Vietnam to spread my dad’s ashes back in 2008. I had these incredibly versatile street food experiences and was able to venture into people’s homes and kitchens to see how they cooked. Having them show me their recipes and telling me their stories planted the seed for what Bun Mee would ultimately become. To be frank, it was a culmination of this kind of Eat, Pray, Love trip back to Vietnam
that shifted my perspective on life. I loved the hustle and bustle of the night markets and obviously it was a surreal, full-circle moment to be reconnecting with me and my dad’s culture. All the sights, sounds and smells were so captivating. You walk down the street and see vendors each specializing in one dish, utilizing recipes that have been closely guarded for generations. One of my fondest memories was getting to eat different banh mi sandwiches and noting the interpretive differences that each vendor had. I came back to the U.S. inspired to create a fast casual restaurant where Vietnamese street food staple was the star of the menu. A few years later, Bun Mee was born.
In the first 3-4 years of our opening in 2011, whenever I would tell people about Bun Mee, the first thing they would ask me is, “What is that?” The banh mi is Asia’s proud contribution to the modern sandwich world—yet hardly anyone outside of Vietnamese heritage is likely to know what it is unless they’ve been clued in. I’ve always said if you aren’t actively seeking it out or already aware of it, you won’t know banh mi exists. There is so much fantastic, traditional Vietnamese food being served throughout the U.S. that people will never get to try, simply because they aren’t aware it’s here.
The wonderful thing about America is that we are known for a versatile culinary landscape, where cultural fusion and awareness grows more commonplace each day. I grew up in New Orleans with a robust Vietnamese immigrant community and a mother who is a fantastic cook. I
was raised on traditional Vietnamese food while also enjoying the magic of Cajun Creole Southern cooking. My perspective of the food at Bun Mee comes from these references. Bun Mee combines the best of Vietnamese food with a fresh, fun American twist. You can walk into any of our locations and get a trendy, healthy protein bowl to enjoy on the beach just as easily as you could get authentic, gourmet banh mi, pho, or eggrolls. Vietnamese food deserves to have its time in the spotlight because it is versatile and has something to offer everyone. Everything at Bun Mee
is intentional—the music, art, and décor take it a step further in getting customers acquainted with Vietnamese food and culture. It brings forth a cumulative culinary experience, not just a meal. Bun Mee is one of many gems sparkling in the Asian and fusion cuisine space, meeting the ever-growing demand for fresh Asian ingredients and an overall “better for you” dining option. I hope that with our recent franchising announcement, we can build up a remarkable network of franchisees to bring our food and culture to communities everywhere.
According to the National Restaurant Association, Asian cuisine has been a remarkable trend in recent years. This is hardly surprising considering that Asia as a whole possesses one of the most diverse cultural landscapes in the world and is home to more than 2,300 distinct languages. Consequently, Asian flavors are among the fastest-growing in the United States, with Vietnamese cuisine standing out for its bold balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. This surge in popularity reflects a widespread appreciation for the complexity and richness of Asian dishes, as well as a desire for healthier, flavorful alternatives to traditional fast food. It’s healthy, bursting with flavor, and keeps you fueled and full.
As one of the only fast-casual gourmet restaurant franchises to feature innovative banh mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese-
inspired fare, Bun Mee is positioned to fill a significant gap in the market. With an increased popularity of Southeast Asian food worldwide and the global fast-casual market projected to grow from $124.5 billion in 2022 to $337.8 billion by 2032, Bun Mee offers a fresh opportunity for single and multi-unit franchisees to enter a rapidly expanding industry on the groundfloor. Currently, there’s no national name dominating the banh mi space; Bun Mee has a clear opportunity to become that household name and fill a significant gap in the market through franchising. This provides a compelling case for potential franchisees looking to invest in a concept with minimal direct competition in an unsaturated market. Our commitment to a chef-driven and food-forward experience has garnered a loyal following throughout San Francisco, and we’re excited to introduce this cuisine to the rest of the U.S.
By
t he m elting p ot l ife c ycle: h ow a c ulture of c are and connection h as fueled o ngoing s uccess
delivering a great experience every time, Melting pot holds a place in guests’ hearts, often becoming a family-favorite restaurant or prized business opportunity and creating a positive feedback loop to drive the legacy forward.
As a legacy brand, Melting Pot has spent decades building and perfecting its brand identity, guest experience and loyal fan base. Now, we have reached two million active Club Fondue loyalty subscribers, and we’re observing a truly beautiful life cycle of sorts with our guests. Melting Pot is dedicated to providing the perfect night out for its guests, regardless of the event or occasion. Many people turn to Melting Pot for family outings, prom or homecoming dinners, dates, engagements, anniversaries and other milestone celebrations, and having those fond memories so strongly associated with a trip to Melting Pot allows us to cultivate a deep emotional connection with our guests.
At the corporate level, we consistently work to lead system-wide initiatives that enable us to tap into that special connection.
For example, this year, we had a special
event for Leap Day. We asked guests to submit their love stories, and a team selected four couples with especially moving stories to have a special “Leapposal” dinner at their local Melting Pot. The partner who submitted information for the contest was aware of what was going on, but the other simply thought they were going out to enjoy an Ultimate 5-Course Experience before they were surprised with a proposal.
I just love when we have an opportunity to do something like this for our guests, and they do, too. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get engaged at Melting Pot on Leap Day!
Whether it’s a big event like Leap-posal or something that’s more accessible, like weekly date nights or connecting on a special holiday like Valentine’s Day to celebrate all of the types of love guests have in their lives, Melting Pot’s consistent attention to those special moments helps us to stand out and truly does keep guests coming back.
While putting forth the time and effort to recognize important milestones and help guests celebrate builds our connections with them, it also provides our local owners and team members a great sense of fulfillment.
For the majority of our franchise partners, Melting Pot ownership is something that they worked toward after experiencing the brand as a guest or team member. Our owners have the same vivid memories — either of their own visits or instances where they have successfully created a magical night for a guest — and they bring that deep emotional connection to the work day in and day out. In the ownership role, they are able to provide the same enriching dining experience they know and love to members of their own communities, and they are committed to the delicious food just as much as they are committed to creating and maintaining the ambiance.
It’s the hard work of our teams, on all levels, that creates the space and opportunity for these memories, and as guests continue to have great Melting Pot experiences, brand affinity grows, and the cycle of joy, connection and fulfillment continues. v
exploring the growing market for child and family family focused franchises
pioneering youth enrichment: how unleashed brands is expanding the power of play
latest news in children’s franchises
louisville k umon c enter e mpowers u nder- s erved s tudents in g rant program whats
What’s New
34 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry
Franchisee in Action
36 Kumon: Louisville kumon center Empowers Under-served students in grant Program
Franchisor in Depth
42 Urban Air: Pioneering Youth Enrichment: how Unleashed Brands is Expanding the ode to reinvigorating rowing Market for hild and Family-Focused
Women in Franchising
Brooklyn Robot Foundry: ommitment M Education pen new across new
t he Goddard s chool Introduces Innovative wonder of Learning Education program
The Goddard School®, the nation’s leading premium early childhood education provider, recently introduced its exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning™. Backed by expert knowledge, data-driven insight and unwavering compassion for growing minds, this innovative program embraces how children learn best - through their innate curiosity.
o perating a g oddard s chool enables franchisees to provide a vital resource for their communities and support the development and well-being of young children through Wonder of Learning. The program’s cutting-edge curriculum is unique to the market, focusing on building age-appropriate academic, social and emotional skills through curiosity, collaboration, and discovery. With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions.
“Wonder of Learning is an integrated program that meaningfully
impacts everyone in the g oddard ecosystem,” said d ennis r Maple, chairman and cEo of g oddard systems, LLc . “ it provides a world-class education for children and enhanced communication and reporting for families, while also offering exceptional training for teachers and a point of difference for our franchisees.”
To encourage all families to practice inquiry-based learning at home, The g oddard s chool published a children’s book, “curious Blueberry the c arousel h orse,” written by award-winning author steve Metzger and illustrated by Bruno r obert. This interactive story explores the power of curiosity and offers tips and activities for caregivers to foster a lifelong love of learning in their children. For more information about Wonder of Learning, visit GoddardSchool.com/Wonder-of-Learning, and to learn about franchise opportunities, go to GoddardSchoolFranchise.com.
tierra e ncantada Appoints Jeremy Alinder as Chief Financial officer and Lauren
Tierra Encantada, the leader in Spanish Immersion early education, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Alinder as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Lauren Halgerson as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Jeremy alinder, who joins Tierra Encantada with over 25 years of financial leadership experience, will spearhead the company’s financial strategy during this pivotal period of expansion. Mr. alinder previously led finance at g oodier as the Managing d irector of Blue o ps Partners where he facilitated expanding operating margins. a s the chief Financial o fficer at Ulteig, he strengthened the employee ownership culture and significantly increased their enterprise value. his impressive career includes executing growth and acquisition strategies through executive roles at Fluence corporation, Pentair and various Private Equity firms. “My mission this year
Halgerson as Chief operating officer
has been to build a world-class leadership team, and Jeremy is an exceptional financial leader that has proven experience fostering positive culture while driving transformational results,” d enzer shared.
Lauren halgerson brings a wealth of expertise to Tierra Encantada, having driven innovation and operational excellence at some of the nation’s largest and fastest growing brands. h er impressive career includes developing and launching a new restaurant venture, private label product development and expansion to 5k+ locations, and creating the operational infrastructure to scale an emerging franchisor from 11 locations in 4 states to 47 locations in 20+ states in less than 3 years. “Lauren’s profound expertise, drive, and enthusiasm will be an asset for Tierra as we enter this next stage of growth, and i ’m thrilled to welcome such a high caliber leader to our team,” said d enzer.
louis V ille
Ku M on c enTer eM powers u nder-s er V ed sT udenT s in g ranT progra M
When Ayisha Hayes-Taylor opened her Kumon of Louisville-Wellington Center a year ago, it was students like Jaylin, Cameron and Muhammed she wanted to help most.
While they faced challenges both in and out of the classroom, she knew they had the ability to excel academically if given a chance with individualized instruction. It’s why she opened her own Kumon Center and sought a partnership with the Louisville Urban League to fund Kumon services for under-served students from urban areas. She wanted to reduce the education gap that continues to plague education systems throughout the U.S. and Canada.
That partnership has been a booming success for students across Louisville. In her center alone, she has more than 300 students enrolled in both math and reading services.
“This is making a difference in my community,” she said. “What’s great about Kumon is that it can teach to any child, whether they are behind, on grade level or just want enrichment. People don’t find systems like that. That’s why I wanted to open my center here.”
student Growth
When Hayes-Taylor met Jaylin at the end of his sixth-grade year, she knew he was a likable kid, but he faced several challenges.
He attended an all-boys middle school for under-served communities, had a severe ADHD diagnosis, many outside activities, transportation issues and school disruptions.
“We worked with his mom to find the perfect seat in the center, the best time for him to attend Kumon, timers and rewards for homework completion,” Hayes-Taylor said. “It turned out the perfect seat for him had to constantly change.”
It took some time, but Hayes-Taylor relied on her faith in the Kumon Method to see positive results emerge from Jaylin’s hard work.
“After two months, he was able to settle in and his results have been tremendous,” she said. “And after eight months, he had grown seven levels in math. He’s not at 7th grade level yet but he’s building on what he’s learned and making the right strides.”
Hayes-Taylor has had the same success with other students, too.
Two other students, Muhammed and Cameron, have both excelled in her Kumon Center and been beneficiaries of the Urban League’s grant program.
Muhammed was heading into fourth grade behind in math. After he took a placement exam, Hayes-Taylor began working with him on skills to build his confidence – starting with one- and two-digit horizontal addition.
He also faced challenges. He was from a different culture, and at the time, his mother was pregnant and spoke little English. His father had been deployed with the military and he had to become the primary communicator. But in eight months, he grew six levels in math – the equivalent of being six months ahead of his grade level.
For Cameron, who is autistic, the results were just as positive and drastic. He was heading into first grade, but his skills were still at the preschool level. He had not yet mastered counting and filling in missing numbers in a sequence. He had an ADHD diagnosis, coparenting situation and had a school IEP for time consideration.
“When he came to us, he moved fairly quickly through reading and math,” Hayes-Taylor said.
She said Cameron and his father made it a point to stay on top of
his work, complete his homework and attend the in-person sessions each week.
“If he missed a day, it was because he was sick,” she said. “He keeps moving up and it’s great to see.”
In eight months, Cameron mastered five levels in math, which is six months above his grade level.
“Now, as they are both heading into the summer, we have Kumon Connect and they are able to keep up with their work while they travel,” she said. “A lot of our students are starting to use that now.”
the Program
Hayes-Taylor knows her location differs from the traditional Kumon business model. But she’s OK with that because it’s helping her community and isn’t exclusive to her location.
“Any families who meet the Urban League’s requirements can go to any Kumon Center in Louisville,” she said. “This is not just here.”
When her center opened, it was closest to an urban area, she said. There were bus lines that came by her location, which would run closer to some of the urban neighborhoods. The location made it easier for parents to access.
She had to teach parents what Kumon is and what it isn’t.
“Probably 60% to 70% who have come through the grant never had interaction with Kumon before,” she said.
As the grant program grew over the course of the year, HayesTaylor also conducted a pilot program in one of the schools in the Jefferson County School district to bring worksheet learning into traditional classrooms. She has plans to expand that program into more Louisville classrooms in the coming school year.
“A year later and we are still going great, the partnership with the Urban League is continuing, and we have been able to fund students and search for and get grants that fit under the umbrella of what the partnership serves,” she said. “I want to serve my families, to give them what I could and give them Kumon, which is the right atmosphere and right environment.”
The market for businesses and franchises that cater to children and families is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for services and products that enhance the lives of young people and their families. This conversation will explore why this market segment is flourishing, provide examples of successful franchise brands in this space, and discuss the data supporting this trend.
the
e
xpanding Market for child- and FamilyFocused services
In recent years, the child- and family-focused market has seen robust expansion. Several factors contribute to this growth, including rising disposable income, greater awareness of the importance of early childhood education and development, and the desire among parents to provide enriching experiences for their children. As parents continue to seek out high-quality products and services for their children, businesses that meet these needs are thriving.
One of the key drivers of this market is the increasing emphasis on early childhood education. Studies have shown that early learning experiences significantly impact a child’s cognitive and social development. As a result, parents are investing more in educational services that promise to give their children a head start. This trend has spurred the growth of franchises that offer educational programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities.
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
Another factor contributing to the growth of this market is the growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles for children. With concerns about childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles on the rise, parents are more motivated than ever to enroll their children in sports programs, fitness classes, and other activities that promote physical health.
Moreover, the demand for convenience and time-saving services is also driving growth in this segment. Busy parents are seeking out businesses that provide reliable, high-quality services that cater to their children’s needs while also fitting into their hectic schedules. This demand has led to the expansion of franchises that offer childcare, after-school programs, and other family-oriented services.
The bottom line is that more and more families are spending more and more money on their kids. Many of these dollars are discretionary, but a large portion of the influx of spending is also required spending, like daycare services. This statistic through
the IFA is pretty astounding, “A Harvard Business Review report found that 57 percent of working families in the U.S. spend over $10,000 on daycare annually.” (read more: https://www.franchise. org/franchise-information/franchising-world/industry-spotlightchildren-services)
successful Franchise Brands in the child- and Family-Focused Market
Several franchise brands have capitalized on the growing demand for child- and family-focused services and have experienced remarkable success. These brands offer a variety of products and services that cater to different aspects of children’s lives, from education and entertainment to health and wellness.
1. Lil Athletes
The Lil Athletes franchise is a prime example of a franchise that has found success in the child-focused market by offering a unique program that offers young children the opportunity to experience a variety of sports at a young age. Our classes teach children sports specific skills, fitness concepts, and provide structure in a fun group setting. Young children get to interact with their peers, learning how to follow directions and routines while developing their social and cognitive functions. There are 2 different franchise options with Lil Athletes:
Option #1: Flagship Store + Off-Site Lil Athletes offers weekly single and multi-sport class options at our flagship store in East Northport, NY as well as off-site programs at various schools, libraries, and other recreational facilities. Our hybrid business model allows our program to empower thousands of children in our local market.
Option #2: Mobile Off-Site that gives financial flexibility while growing your company without the monthly storefront lease cost. Franchisees would build off-site awareness by teaching in daycares, libraries, fitness/sports facilities. This option is recommended for future franchisees that want to scale their business on their own time, with a very low upfront start-up cost.
Both options utilize a single and multi-sport model, Lil Athletes gives children the opportunity to experience a variety of sports, including Soccer, Baseball, Lacrosse, Basketball, Football, and Hockey. Teaching robust skills in each sport helps children decide where their personal sports journey will take them. Because young children thrive on repetition and routine, the Lil Athletes program is structured to allow for maximum benefit. Additionally, we offer birthday parties and holiday/summer camps. This provides an opportunity for children of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy exposure to athletic activities, while generating multiple revenue streams.
2. Kumon
Kumon is another franchise that has achieved significant success by focusing on education and tutoring services for children. Founded in Japan in 1958, Kumon has expanded to over 50 countries, with thousands of locations worldwide. The franchise offers math and reading programs designed to help children develop strong foundational skills and foster a love for learning. Kumon’s success is driven by its proven methodology, which emphasizes self-learning and individualized instruction. The franchise’s approach allows children to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they master each concept before moving on to the next. As parents continue to prioritize education and seek out effective tutoring services, Kumon has positioned itself as a leader in the supplemental education market.
The demand for educational services, particularly tutoring, is supported by data. The global private tutoring market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report by Grand View Research. This growth is fueled by increasing competition for academic success and the desire among parents to provide their children with additional educational support.
3. Four Seasons Preschool Franchise
Through a laser focus on customer service while streamlining operations, Four Seasons Preschool brings simplicity and value to the early childhood education industry, without compromising quality. The franchise model is opened in smaller, converted homes or commercial buildings making the cost to open one much less than similar franchise systems like Primrose.
Through years of industry experience, the Four Seasons Preschool management team has developed a highly successful operational model. Leveraging that expertise, we provide a platform for profitability and ease of operation via superior training and support.
Four Seasons Preschool is successful because Karen, Tracey and their team have been aggressive and consistent in refining their operational model, striving for industry excellence, and serving their customers with dedication.
The number one quality for a successful Four Seasons Preschool franchisee is commitment to early childhood education, and the ability to recognize and hire staff that exhibit this dedication as well. Aside from previous education, childcare, or administrative experience, our ideal candidate will exhibit the following qualities: empathy, consistency, a love for children, a passion for education.
4. Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is a franchise that has gained traction by offering soccer programs specifically designed for young children. Founded in 1999, Soccer Shots has grown to over 200 franchises across North America. The franchise offers age-appropriate soccer classes that focus on skill development, teamwork, and positive character building for children aged 2 to 8. The success of Soccer Shots is driven by its focus on providing a fun, engaging, and non-competitive environment for young
children to learn soccer. The franchise’s emphasis on character development and physical activity resonates with parents who want their children to develop both athletic skills and positive values.
As interest in youth sports continues to grow, Soccer Shots has positioned itself as a leader in the market for children’s sports programs.
The growth of youth sports is supported by data from the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, which reports that participation in organized sports among children aged 6 to 12 has increased in recent years. This trend reflects the growing demand for youth sports programs that prioritize skill development, teamwork, and character building.
5. Christmas House / Halloween House
Christmas House and Halloween House are everything kids love about the holidays wrapped into a great, fun and incredible experience. All of your favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells come to life in Christmas House/Halloween House! Almost a dozen unique experiences including the first ever Snow Room, the North Pole Movie Theater, the Indoor Light Show, and many more. Locations are in high traffic mall locations with low rent and operated in the right markets. The business model creates an Unforgettable Experience with an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive Christmas experience. A wondrous 45+ minute walkthrough of all things Christmas and Halloween!
Christmas House Franchising, Inc. has created two unique, immersive walk-through experiences for all ages that harness the power of these profitable industries in the U.S. — Christmas and Halloween. The business model first launched in 2020, with Halloween House soon to follow the next year. Due to overwhelming demand and success, we expanded to 12 fully indoor attractions covering three states in 2022. By 2023, we beat out more than 3,000 companies to make the top 60 in Pepperdine’s Most Fundable Companies competition.
The Christmas House/Halloween House founding team, which includes Michael Dessart who hails from decades of experience with HBO, has worked our magic to create some serious fun
within a lucrative business model! It’s easy to see why our 3 unique concepts make sense for ownership:
Strong Profit-Driven Markets: Did you know that Christmas spending reached upwards of $7 trillion dollars in 2022?
Halloween spending topped over $12 billion in 2023, while general entertainment-related spending has reached $681.19 billion globally.
There’s Nothing Like It: Our concepts are simply one-of-a-kind. We reach a massive audience of all ages and give families an experience not found anywhere else! Unlike our competitors, our visitors return again and again thanks to the value we offer. Our model has been proven to work in all population sizes.
Standout Profit Margins: Low upfront costs, seasonal demand, high volume, and quick ROI make for a fantastic investment! Once your location is set up, you can begin earning revenue fast. As an added profit driver, we offer our locations for private events and ample sponsorship opportunities!
Seasonal Flexibility: Experience the work-life balance you have always dreamed of. Christmas House and Halloween House are seasonal pop-up events, so you have the rest of the year for everything else.
data supporting the Growth of child- and Family-Focused Franchises
The success of franchise brands like The Little Gym, Kumon, Primrose Schools, Soccer Shots, and Code Ninjas is supported by broader market trends and data that indicate growing demand for child- and family-focused services.
increasing Parental spending
One of the key factors driving the growth of this market is the increasing amount of money that parents are willing to spend
on their children’s education, activities, and overall well-being. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 in the United States is approximately $233,610. This figure includes expenses for housing, food, education, and extracurricular activities, highlighting the significant financial commitment that parents make to their children’s development.
Growing Focus on education and development
Education and development are top priorities for many parents, which has led to increased spending on educational services and enrichment programs. A report by Technavio predicts that the global education market will grow by $3.08 trillion from 2020 to 2024, driven by factors such as the rising demand for early childhood education, the increasing adoption of e-learning, and the growing popularity of STEM education.
Read more on the growing market for children’s services and products: https://franchisingmagazineusa.com/expert_advice/ unlocking-the-world-of-childrens-products-and-servicesfranchises-a-path-to-entrepreneurial-success-through-franchising/
demand for convenience and Quality
Busy parents are seeking out convenient and high-quality services that cater to their children’s needs. Franchises that offer reliable and well-regarded services, such as childcare, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, are well-positioned to capture this demand. According to a report by IBISWorld, the child care industry in the United States is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 3.9% from 2021 to 2026, driven by rising employment rates among parents and increased spending on childcare services.
the Future of child- and Family-Focused Franchises
The market for businesses and franchises that cater to children and families is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing parental spending, a growing focus on education and development, and the demand for convenient and high-quality services.
Franchise brands that have successfully tapped into this market, such as The Little Gym, Kumon, Primrose Schools, Soccer Shots, and Code Ninjas, offer compelling examples of how businesses can thrive by meeting the needs of children and their families.
As this market continues to expand, new opportunities will arise for entrepreneurs and franchisees who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Whether through education, physical activity, or technology, child- and familyfocused franchises have the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of the next generation.
For more information on how to franchise your children’s business, contact Chris Conner with Franchise Marketing Systems: Chris.Conner@FMSFranchise.com or visit the FMS Franchise Site: www.FMSFranchise.com
For more information on how to find a children’s Franchise, visit Franchise Conduit: www.FranchiseConduit.com
pioneering you Th e nrich M enT: h ow u nleashed Brands is e xpanding T he p ower of play
Urban air: Where adventure takes Flight and Families Unite
At the heart of Unleashed Brands is a mission driven by one man’s unwavering dedication to creating enriching experiences for children and their families. Michael Browning, CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, embarked on this journey, motivated by his desire to provide the best opportunities for his own children. What began as a quest to find top-tier dance, theater, music, and sports programs soon revealed a significant gap in the market—one that Browning, with his entrepreneurial acumen, was determined to fill.
In 2011, at just 26 years old, Browning founded Urban Air Adventure Park, a cutting-edge indoor adventure park concept that redefined family entertainment. Urban Air is now a popular place for children and families alike, offering attractions like
Go-Karting, Ninja Warrior courses, and trampolines, which have captivated guests and spurred rapid growth, expanding its reach to hundreds of locations across the nation.
Unleashed Brands: crafting a Unified World of youth e xcellence
Browning’s ambition didn’t stop with Urban Air. As a father, he recognized the need for a more comprehensive solution—a single, consolidated platform where families could find the best in children’s activities. This realization culminated in the founding of Unleashed Brands in 2021, a platform company that now includes the world’s best youth enrichment brands: Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning Center, Snapology, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101, and XP League.
During the pandemic, when many businesses were scaling back, Browning doubled down on his vision, creating the
world’s first youth enrichment platform. Unleashed Brands rapidly become the fastest-growing children’s platform company, boasting over 1,300 open locations. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about impact. Unleashed Brands now serves over 25 million children annually, providing them with opportunities to develop critical life skills, explore new interests, and build lasting memories.
Building a youth empowerment ecosystem
Each brand under the Unleashed umbrella serves a distinct purpose, yet together they form a cohesive ecosystem that supports holistic child development. For example, Urban Air provides physical activity and entertainment, while Snapology focuses on STEAM education through hands-on learning experiences. Premier Martial Arts instills discipline and confidence, and The Little Gym fosters early childhood
development through movement-based learning. Class 101 helps high school students prepare for college, and XP League offers an avenue for competitive gaming and team-building skills.
The platform’s most recent acquisition of Sylvan Learning, a leader in personalized tutoring and supplemental education, further solidifies Unleashed Brands’ commitment to educational excellence. This acquisition expands Unleashed’s reach into the academic realm, adding a robust “Learn” pillar to its portfolio and enabling cross-brand synergies that enhance the overall value proposition for families.
innovating tomorrow: Unleashed Brands’ Journey to the cutting edge
Innovation continues to drive Unleashed Brands forward. In the first half of 2024 alone, the company has seen
significant achievements, including the launch of WingmanAI, an advanced artificial intelligence tool designed to enhance business interactions across all platform brands. This technology enables franchisees and staff to streamline operations, improve communication, and ultimately deliver better experiences to customers.
Additionally, Unleashed Brands has rolled out new initiatives across its portfolio, such as Urban Air’s new Adventure Slides, Snapology’s integration of STEAM classes within Sylvan Learning centers, and The Little Gym’s partnership with DreamWorks to offer Trolls-themed birthday parties. These innovations keep the brands fresh and exciting and demonstrate Unleashed Brands’ commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and meeting the evolving needs of families.
In 2023, Unleashed Brands took its commitment to youth enrichment a step further by establishing the Unleashed Brands Foundation. Although the company has been supporting youth and youthfocused charities since 2011, the creation of this foundation marked a significant milestone in their mission to empower at-risk youth. The foundation focuses on providing resources necessary for children to transition successfully into adulthood, offering educational support, financial assistance, and volunteerism.
One of the foundation’s most heartwarming initiatives occurred in June 2024, when they partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to grant a weeklong trip to Samuel, a young leukemia fighter, and his family. Samuel’s adventure, which included visits to iconic San Diego attractions and a special 1-on-1 experience with the San Diego Padres, exemplified the foundation’s dedication to creating joy and lasting memories for children facing significant health challenges.
a Bright horizon: the Unleashed Brands legacy and What lies ahead
As Unleashed Brands looks to the future, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With ongoing franchise growth, strategic acquisitions, and a relentless focus on innovation, Browning’s vision for a comprehensive youth enrichment platform continues to materialize. Unleashed Brands is more than just a collection of franchises; it’s a movement that is redefining what it means to support children’s development in a holistic and meaningful way.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, franchisees, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, Unleashed Brands offers a unique and compelling opportunity. With Michael Browning at the helm, the future of youth enrichment—and the future of franchising—looks brighter than ever. v
c rac K ing The code T o r ein V igoraTing a Brand
CEO O f CO d E Ni N jas W E ighs i N ON LE ad E rship a mid Bra N d Ev OLuti ON
My career path has spanned three continents, many big brand names and, along the way, has provided me with learning experiences that have helped me grow as a person and a leader.
I stepped into my first leadership role in 2000 as the Director of Operations for Domino’s Pizza in the European market, then moved to Starbucks where I worked my way up to Regional Director of Licensed Stores, followed by leadership positions at Office Depot and C2. Most recently, I was the Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks India then Tim Hortons in India.
While each experience has been vastly different, they have each guided me to my current role as Chief Executive Officer of Code Ninjas. Stepping into this new role has provided a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the team from franchisees up to the leadership level. I am thrilled to be a part of a brand
that I truly believe in, from the brand ethos to the business model.
The goal coming in was to trickle that belief down to the rest of the system to lead all franchisees toward success while expanding our footprint. As a brand, Code Ninjas cannot be successful without our franchisees being ‘all in’ on the brand. We have the opportunity to introduce kids to STEM and prepare them for their future, and it is incredibly gratifying and something I take seriously.
Everything I have learned throughout my career fuels the ability to take the necessary steps to lead Code Ninjas to its full potential as a leader in children’s education. Here’s how we’re cracking the code and finding success:
teamwork
As I took on the CEO role, my first step was to make sure we had the right team in place to guide Code Ninjas to its next era of growth and strong performance. It is imperative that the people on board have the same, unified vision for the future of the brand. As the CEO, it is not necessarily my job to be an expert in the domain of coding, but rather, understand what our team is up against and how to put the right people in place to face any impending challenges while embracing endless opportunities.
We also moved our headquarters to Atlanta so we could all be in the office together. We’ve seen that being together creates a strong sense of teamwork and openness as we build those relationships to strengthen productivity for us as a leadership team. This has resulted in tremendous collaboration, unlocking immense creativity to guide us into the future.
strategize
My next step was to build the strategy with my team. It was important, as a leadership team, to ensure we were all on the same page. If a brand’s leaders are not on the same page, then it is not reasonable to expect the franchisees to know how to move forward.
Additionally, an unclear strategy represents dysfunction and confusion for a brand, ultimately not yielding positive results. With a clear direction in place of where we want to see Code Ninjas go, I was able to take the next step in reinvigorating the brand from the top down, making it exceptionally clear that everyone –regardless of position – had a crucial and unique role in actualizing our brand goals.
listen
From there I put boots on the ground, visited the dojos and spoke face-to-face to the franchisees to truly learn and understand what they think and feel about the brand in its current state. This is an important step to help guide the direction
of Code Ninjas, or any brand. It shows that the C-level executives care and that franchisees have full support in their entrepreneurial journey.
We added regular conference calls and town halls for the franchisees, making our team approachable through frequent and open communication. We also created a newsletter to keep our franchisees informed of what is happening internally at the brand.
I have a very participative leadership style
where everyone’s opinion matters in terms of how our company operates. It helps remind franchisees that my door is open and that they are valued as stakeholders in the growing Code Ninjas. Those opinions lead to us making the most informed decisions possible.
At the end of the day, the franchisees are the ones who are involved on a daily basis with the consumers, and have the most passion for the business and the kids. They understand what we need to have in place
to generate long-term success so it is important to have their uninhibited insights.
action
With the right team and strategy in place, after hearing the input from the franchisees, the final step is to take action. It was my job to bring all the feedback to the rest of the team and see how we can effectively put the words into actions as we set our franchisees up for success to become fabrics within their communities.
The various leadership roles have taught me that being decisive and learning how to embrace change and innovation when leading a company is essential.
These steps have led to a positive response from the franchisees as many have raised their hands to expand the footprint of Code Ninjas to new kids to help push the brand’s growth forward.
Despite being early on in my tenure with Code Ninjas, the fresh energy throughout the system has truly reinvigorated the company and put us on a track for continued success. v
Broo K lyn r o B o T foundry d ou Bles d own on
co MM iTM en T T o d i V ersi T y in s T ea M e ducaT ion as They prepare T o o pen
These new additions mark a significant milestone towards the brand’s overarching mission of bringing accessible and inspiring robot-building programs to children of all backgrounds.
Brooklyn Robot Foundry already has two successful franchises in New York (Rochester and Manhattan East) in addition to their corporate location in Brooklyn. They also have franchisees in Fairfield County, CT and Philadelphia, PA. The new New York locations, all owned and operated by women, underscore the Foundry’s commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality in the tech and education spaces. The importance of representation is not lost on the brand, having been created by and led by an almost all-woman team, they have truly embodied their dedication to creating a more equitable STEAM environment, starting with their franchisees who are all minorities and/or women themselves. The Foundry’s expansion is a testament to its goal of ensuring every child, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, feels valued, inspired, and empowered to explore the world of robotics and STEAM.
Starting this Fall, Caroline Crilly will lead the charge in Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint, Maspeth, Bed-Stuy, Oceanhill, Glendale, Ridgewood, Middle Village, and Elmhurst. Living in New York for the last 15 years, she has a personal connection to the community as a parent and is eager to bring Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s programs to locals.
“It's important that students have access to programs like The Foundry, so that they get exposed to STEAM concepts through joyful play experiences,” Crilly said. Reflecting on her own childhood, she added, “Growing up, I was very curious about math, science, and engineering, but because I was a girl, it wasn’t as fully embraced as it might have been if I was a boy. I hope to provide the space for little girls to explore STEAM in a way that I didn’t.”
As we continue to see the conversation around the importance of STEAM education grow, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, an inclusive STEAM education brand dedicated to prioritizing diversity and empowerment, is thrilled to expand their offerings to new students as they announce the addition of three new franchisees in New York this year.
Alison Khalaf launched her franchise in Brownstone Brooklyn, covering areas like Park Slope, Greenwood, and DUMBO this summer. Khalaf, whose son had attended Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s camps and birthday parties, is bringing years of experience managing an early childhood center to her new role as a franchisee.
“I love working with kids, and I feel like running the childcare center definitely prepared me for my first foray into franchising,” Khalaf said. “Robots and AI are here to stay, so kids might as
well get comfortable with them and learn how they work from an early age. I’m excited to combine the fun of robots with inspiring creativity and learning how to build out of everyday objects.”
This Fall, Carmen Tsang will open the doors to her Brooklyn Robot Foundry franchise in Downtown Manhattan. With over 20 years of corporate experience and a deep-rooted connection to her community, Tsang is excited to make an impact locally.
Carmen spoke on her entrepreneurial dreams with The Foundry, “I hope to bring my community jobs, a sense of purpose, and most importantly, something for the kids to learn and have fun with. Downtown Manhattan is a great market with high-value audiences searching for an educational program like Brooklyn Robot Foundry. One day, I hope to bring The Foundry international, but for now, I’m happy to be making a difference in the community I’ve known and loved for 15 years.”
With the addition of these three new franchises, Brooklyn Robot Foundry is well on its way to achieving its goal of operating 12 franchises by the end of 2024. The brand is eager to continue expanding, introducing the power of STEAM to more children across the country, starting with their home-state, New York.
“Not only is there a huge need for access to this kind of education and tech on a community-wide level, but there is a huge need for intersectionality in these spaces as it relates to women and minority-owned businesses in robotics and engineering in general,” said Jenny Young, CEO and founder of Brooklyn Robot Foundry. “Alison, Caroline, and Carmen have vastly different life experiences and career paths, all of which will serve them well in providing crucial, hands-on STEAM experiences to local students. These women will serve as examples to the students and show them that they can accomplish and be anything they want to be.”
The urgency of Brooklyn Robot Foundry’s mission is underscored by findings from the State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2022 report, which revealed a lack of improvement in math scores from 2007 to 2019 in New York. Despite the state’s status as one of the most educated in the nation, this lack of progress in math proficiency highlights the ongoing need to prioritize comprehensive STEAM education. Brooklyn Robot Foundry is dedicated to equipping students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Founded by Jenny Young, a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur, Brooklyn Robot Foundry has been offering creative robot-building programs for children and adults in New York City since 2011. The brand launched its franchise opportunities in late 2022 and currently operates one corporate-owned location in Brooklyn, NY, and five franchise locations across Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. The Foundry is committed to doing their part to ensure that children throughout the country have the representation in STEAM classes that inspire and encourage them to pursue their passions. The addition of Carmen, Alison and Caroline to the Brooklyn Robot Foundry team are invaluable assets as the brand fights to create a more equitable and diverse STEAM space.
Caroline Crilly
Alison Khalaf
Carmen Tsang
confused aBouT ai?
here’s how you can learn To loVe
iT
Artificial intelligence is being used in most industries now, and many companies – including mine – have enthusiastically adopted it and are benefiting from it. But many others are hesitating out of uncertainty and even fear.
Change can be challenging, and new technology can feel overwhelming to those who aren’t comfortable with it. If you’re one of them, you’ll feel more confident after reading All In on AI: How Smart Companies Win Big with Artificial Intelligence by Thomas H. Davenport and Nitin Mittal.
This is one of the best AI books I’ve read. I consider myself knowledgeable about
Ray Titus United Franchise g roup CEO and a uthor
the subject, and we were early adopters because of the high value we place on learning new skills and embracing technology. But I found a lot of new insights and information. I was intrigued by the authors’ case studies of major companies that are “AIfueled,” explaining how each company creates value with AI and how they came to be “all in.” Davenport and Mittal take a broad, complicated subject and distill it clearly for AI, novices and veterans alike.
here are three insights i took away from the book:
TAKEAWAY 1: Powered by People, Not Technology
Our company has been transformed by AI, which has made everyone better at their current jobs. It helps us do more with less and gives us new ways of tackling the big-picture items. It hasn’t replaced anyone or their jobs, although it has removed some routine tasks they probably don’t miss.
AI can do some incredible things at lightning speed, but like any other business tool, it can’t do anything without people driving it. With all its power to transform, AI needs to be managed by people who can think creatively and drive innovation – who don’t just accept change but embrace it.
TAKEAWAY 2: The Whole Organization Must Embrace It
There’s a temptation to leave technology in the hands of the IT department, but that’s a mistake. Davenport and Mittal found about 30 large companies are “A.I.-fueled,” meaning they use the technology to power their entire organization. Your teams are the best judge on how AI can help them. Your tech experts know how it works but don’t know about your products or what you need AI to do. The entire organization must be involved in implementation and learn all they can about it to decide which technologies will work for their business and get their teams on board.
At my company, United Franchise Group, we’re introducing AI apps and showing our franchisees how to use them to improve their business.
Takeaway 3: Question Everything
Leaders must explore ways AI can improve business processes, product innovation and profitability. The best way to do that, Davenport and Mittal say, is to ask questions – lots of them.
At our company, we’ve learned to ask the right questions to get the information we need. It’s like peeling an onion – each question leads to another that takes you deeper into the issue. Questions are the key to AI. The more questions you ask, the smarter this thing gets. I truly believe that old saying, “There are no dumb questions,” to which I would add, “only people who are afraid to ask about what they don’t know.”
ai is here to help Us, not hurt Us
So much has been written that feeds fear about AI, likening it to a network of robots that will not only replace us in the workforce
Bonus read:
I was excited to read Davenport and Mittal’s recommendation about asking questions because I’ve always felt that asking questions is one of the secrets to success. I decided to write The Power of Questions to help people understand its importance and learn how to question effectively.
Three is the bare minimum number of questions that will help you start to understand a situation. Each question will lead to another... And one important question that will usually get you there is “Why?”
And remember, this is a conversation, not an interrogation. Take a moment to digest what you’ve heard. You might learn something.
but make our jobs obsolete. No wonder people approach it with dread, resisting it or “accepting” it grudgingly. But as Davenport and Mittal show, AI is nothing more than another tool that can help people – yes, people – do their jobs better.
It’s up to you to decide how your business can benefit from this incredible technology. If you’re contemplating adopting it, reading All In on AI should be the first step in mapping your path.
The BenefiT s of collaB oraTi V e learning: e nhancing franchise g row Th and innoVaTion
In the dynamic world of franchising, the ability to learn and adapt quickly is more crucial than ever. For franchisors, facilitating collaborative learning among franchisees, especially those who are new or launching new programs, can drive significant growth and innovation.
Let's explore how this method can be particularly beneficial for franchisors and how to implement it effectively.
skill development through Peer learning
Collaborative learning allows new and experienced franchisees to learn from
each other's diverse experiences and expertise. This peer-to-peer interaction not only enhances the practical knowledge of franchisees but also fosters a sense of community and support. When franchisees share insights on overcoming common challenges, they collectively build a stronger skill set, leading to more efficient and successful operations.
Simple examples of this are franchisees visiting neighbors or talking to other franchisees at conventions or by a friendly phone call. More advanced versions are professionally designed mentor programs, regional meetings, and peer/performance groups. New franchisees can be grouped with other new franchisees as they go through the opening process together.
Schedule time for collaborative learning
at your annual conferences and meetings. Instead of just expecting attending franchisees to connect and share ideas, build time for collaborative learning into your daily schedule.
resource sharing for enhanced learning
One of the key advantages of collaborative learning is the pooling of resources. Franchisees can share their tools, information, and best practices, creating a rich repository of knowledge and learning materials. This collective approach ensures that all participants benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the franchise system and its operations, leading to improved performance across the board.
One key is to have a well-thought-out
place on your intranet site where people can reference and add materials. The more advanced version of this is visiting franchisees and documenting best practices. Sometimes, this knowledge updates an operations manual, and other times, it supplements information that is on your intranet.
create and support Franchise advisory councils
Create a main council with a rotating membership to share ideas and solutions. If you have enough franchisees, consider starting secondary councils about marketing, buying, systems and other vital activities.
increased Motivation and engagement
Learning in a group setting can significantly boost motivation and engagement among franchisees. The support and accountability from peers encourage active participation and commitment. Franchisees are more likely to stay engaged and motivated when they feel their contributions are valued and they are part of a collaborative community. This heightened engagement can lead to better understanding and thus adherence to franchise standards and greater overall satisfaction.
There is nothing like live in-person learning. The pandemic moved us away from this, and economics and costs can discourage it now. But now that the pandemic has passed, it is time to make inperson learning and real experiences part of your learning process.
accelerating Growth and Fostering innovation
By creating groups of new franchisees or groups of current franchisees who are launching new programs, franchisors can accelerate growth and foster a culture of innovation. Collaborative learning encourages continuous improvement and the sharing of innovative ideas. Franchisors can harness this collective creativity to enhance their business models, improve
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
customer experiences, and stay ahead of the competition.
integrating collaborative learning with e- learning
Combining collaborative learning with e-learning can be particularly powerful for franchisors. Franchisee groups can engage in the same e-learning modules and then meet to discuss their learnings. This blended learning approach maximizes the strengths of both methods, reinforcing key concepts and deepening understanding.
how to implement
collaborative e- learning
1. Schedule e-learning sessions for franchisee groups to ensure everyone is on the same page.
2. Organize regular meetings where franchisees can discuss and reflect on their e-learning experiences.
3. Collect feedback from participants to continuously improve the collaborative learning process.
conclusion
Collaborative learning offers a myriad of benefits for franchisors, enhancing the growth and innovation of their franchise systems. By leveraging the diverse experiences of franchisees, fostering a supportive learning environment, and integrating e-learning, franchisors can create a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. This approach not only drives individual franchisee success but also strengthens the overall franchise network, ensuring long-term success and competitive advantage.
By embracing the benefits of collaborative learning, franchisors can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. Whether you are onboarding new franchisees or launching new programs, a collaborative approach to learning can help your franchise system thrive and achieve its goals more effectively. v
oddfellows ice crea M: a s Tand
- ou T, innoVaTi V e ice crea M franchise
The birth story of oddFellows began with a pregnancy.
In 2011, Mohan Kumar’s wife Holiday was pregnant with twins and craving something different. Grocery store ice creams were not cutting it. She wanted something a bit more savory and nuanced.
Mohan brought up this request to his friend Sam Mason, a James Beard-nominated pastry chef famous for creating skirt steak on Iron Chef. Sam brought over a tub of homemade pretzel ice cream the next day. Suffice to say, it didn’t last long. Holiday devoured it and pitched the idea to the guys of opening their own ice cream shop.
In 2013, not long after the birth of their twins, Mohan and Holiday alongside Sam debuted the first OddFellows Ice Cream in the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg. The store opened to immediate acclaim with Yahoo adding OddFellows to its “Best Ice Cream in the Country” list and The Village Voice awarding the brand “Best Ice Cream in New York City.” Media attention rolled in with name-drops in The New York Times, Vogue Magazine, Time Out, and Thrillist, among others. The brand became a favorite among foodie celebrities like David Chang and Christina Tosi. Stephen Colbert swooned as well over his pint on his talk show, calling it “a sucker punch to your taste buds.”
To date, OddFellows Ice Cream has opened five (corporate-owned) locations (four in New York City, one in Tampa, FL) along with operating license deals in Queens, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, and South Korea. The successful model for the brand is poised for growth.
exPertly craFted ice creaM
Produced in New York City and crafted by an acclaimed pastry chef who has worked the world’s finest kitchens, OddFellow’s shops offer a wide variety of flavors ranging from classic renditions like Sprinkles and Cookies & Cream to unique standouts like Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Miso Peanut Butter, and Raspberry Rocky Road. It all starts with the base: the highquality dairy from nearby farms in eastern Pennsylvania, which is brought to the ice cream factory and mixed with the finest quality ingredients to create a superbly textured and top-notch flavor experience. According to Martha Stewart Magazine, “This is the place to go for both quirky flavors and creative takes on classics.”
the Brand
In addition to artisanal ice cream, OddFellows takes pride in delivering an experience of the senses in every shop as far as creative direction and presentation. The circus-themed design and brand
visuals and expertly curated music are as central to the brand as the aroma of waffle cones welcoming guests upon arrival. OddFellows’ aesthetic style of a whimsical nostalgia of carnivals and an accessible old-school Brooklyn urbanity allow the brand to stand out from your typical ice cream shop. The brand’s mascot is Clyde, a vintage monkey with cymbals that carries significance to its co-founders Sam and Mohan: Sam gifted one of the toy monkeys by his father when he was a child; Mohan who once had an ice cream cone snatched from a mischievous monkey while visiting India with his parents!
laUnchinG FranchisinG
The brand recently launched its franchising program a few months ago and has sold two franchises. The first franchise will open in The Woodlands, outside of Houston. A second is expected in Tampa, FL in 2025. OddFellows is currently offering a $30,000 franchise fee with 6% royalty. In an odd twist, no marketing fees will be incurred by the franchisee – a way to build trust between both parties. OddFellows is currently seeking locations in the Sun Belt and New York City tristate area, with particular focus on Florida and Texas. The franchisor is heavily involved in all steps of the process and first and foremost finding the right location. “We are happy doing a lot of hand holding in
the process; it is all worth it to make this a success for the franchisee, and eventually us as the franchisor,” said OddFellows cofounder Mohan Kumar.
siMPliFyinG the Franchise Model
In order to maintain this consistency, the brand has simplified the typical model. All of the ice cream comes from the franchisor’s New York City factory. This allows franchisees to save on expensive production and kitchen equipment, and keeps the quality of ice cream consistent across all locations. That’s the same ice cream being licked in Brooklyn, Florida and Texas.
PeoPle talkinG
Oddfellows is not just franchising ice cream; they are franchising an experience and a brand that includes smart collaboration with cool celebrities/ influencers like Desus & Mero – a collab that sold out in the first 24 hours of its release. OddFellows has also collaborated with world renowned and hip brands such as SEGA (Sonic), LCD Soundsystem, Graza Olive Oil, Sweetgreen, Red Bull, Marc Jacobs, J. Crew, Kellog’s, Christian Louboutin, and more. This is a brand that stands out from the rest of the franchised ice creams; it looks and tastes like the cream of the crop.
Potential franchisees can learn more about OddFellows on their websites, oddfellowsicecream.com and oddfellowsfranchise.com.
ury 21 real es TaTe announces Third annual glo Bal gi V ing iniTiaTi V e
CENTuRY 21 Network participates in Brand’s International week of Giving to Benefit Communities in Markets Across the Globe
Century 21 Real Estate LLC today announced the CENTURY 21® System’s third annual fundraising effort in support of local communities served by the brand’s global network of independent agents and brokers.
In 2022 Century 21 Real Estate reimagined its brand anniversary date as the first-ever International Day of Giving dedicated to showcasing the community giving efforts of the CENTURY 21 Network members around the world. Based on its success, the initiative was expanded to a full week in 2023.
This year, companies affiliated with the CENTURY 21 Brand around the globe
once again hosted philanthropic activities during the week of July 21-26 to support causes important to the agents and communities including homelessness, food insecurity, disaster relief, education, health, the environment and more.
“People often remark that, as a profession, real estate is local and focused on supporting homeownership which is true. But this expression also describes the CENTURY 21 Network’s allencompassing commitment to elevating the individual communities they serve,” said Mike Miedler, President and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Brokers and agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21 Brand don’t just serve their cities and towns, they live there, too, and work tirelessly to make them better places for everyone. Time and
again we see our CENTURY 21 family step up to help their neighbors, friends and those underrepresented communities who are most in need.”
In addition to local brokerage efforts, the CENTURY 21 Brand as well as many of its independent brokerages have supported the Easterseals charitable organization for more than four decades.
“For the CENTURY 21 Brand, support of the communities we serve is part of our DNA and our 45-year-long commitment to Easterseals is a true testament to that,” said Greg Sexton, COO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC who was appointed to the Easterseals National Board of Directors in 2023. “I am so proud of the relentless efforts of the brokers and agents within the CENTURY 21 Network as they not only raise money but drive awareness for the important work of this remarkable organization. Over the last year, I have had the privilege of working more closely with Kendra Davenport and her extended leadership team to create synergies that elevate the organization’s impact to more than 1.5 million people served by Easterseals each year.”
In 2023 the CENTURY 21® System raised nearly $3.1 million for Easterseals, to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education and employment for people with disabilities, including veterans and senior citizens, bringing its lifetime fundraising total to $138.5 million.
“As our longest-serving legacy philanthropic partner, the CENTURY 21® brand and its network have been stalwart supporters of Easterseals since 1979,” said Easterseals President and CEO Kendra Davenport. “Forty-five
years later, we continue to be amazed by the extraordinary efforts of the local brokerages affiliated with the CENTURY 21 brand across North America– from annual fundraising campaigns to the unique charity events they put together. With the brand’s long-standing support, Easterseals is able to make great strides toward fulfilling its mission of enhancing quality of life and expanding local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities to the more than 1.5 million people it serves each year. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society.”
Throughout the year, companies affiliated with the C21® brand host a variety of events to engage community members in support of Easterseals and other local charity organizations including:
centUry 21 novus “reels for seals”
In its ninth year, the CENTURY 21 Novus Reels for Seals is an annual fishing tournament held at Lake Wedowee in Alabama. This year was the event’s best yet, pulling in $27,000 in support for Easterseals North Georgia. In fact, in recognition of the brokerage’s commitment, the Easterseals affiliate dedicated the auditorium in its local facility to CENTURY 21 Novus.
According to CENTURY 21 Novus broker/ owner Rett Harmon, “We designed Reels for Seals to resonate with parents and kids
and create a fun way for families to give back while enjoying time together.”
centUry 21 affiliated Golf classic
The brokerage’s fourth annual charity golf tournament in support of Homes Giving Hope, a non-profit organization providing independent living support for adults with unique abilities, raised $45,344 this year! The Affiliated Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private charity which was created to encourage generous agents and brokers affiliated with CENTURY 21 Affiliated to give back to local communities in a meaningful and coordinated manner.
According to CENTURY 21 Affiliated CEO and owner Dan Kruse, “CENTURY 21 Affiliated is not only dedicated to helping clients with all their real estate transactions, but we are also committed to helping our communities thrive. We provide multiple charitable contributions and do our part to take care of those around us.”
centUry 21 Bryanston, south africa
Staring earlier this year, agents affiliated with CENTURY 21 Bryanston have hosted a monthly charity drive at the Hobart Grove Center benefitting multiple local philanthropic organizations including the Miracle Mission, whose main purpose and function is to provide a home for children in distress, and the SPCA Sandton, an organization committed to ending animal cruelty in South Africa.
The CENTURY 21 global network’s events and volunteer efforts during the International Week of Giving will be highlighted via a #C21WithYou social media campaign across the brand’s owned channels and those of its franchisees throughout the week of July 21 – 26, 2024. Those looking to support the CENTURY 21 Brand’s mission of giving, can donate directly to the Easterseals organization at Easterseals.com/C21Giving.
aBoUt
centUry 21 r eal estate llc:
The approximately 132,000 independent sales professionals in over 11,000 offices spanning 80 countries and territories in the CENTURY 21® System live their mission every day: to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences. By consistently chasing excellence, giving 121% and always elevating, the CENTURY 21 brand is helping its affiliated brokers/agents to be the first choice for real estate consumers and industry professionals worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21.com/global, century21.com/commercial, century21.com/ finehomes and century21.com/espanol.
Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services.
aBoUt e asterseals:
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Trusted by families for more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won’t rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through our national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-theground supports to millions of individuals and their families each year—from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, transportation services, medical rehabilitation and employment programs, veterans’ services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. To learn more, visit www.easterseals.com.
whaT T o Know
Before purchasing a franchise r esale
When it comes to franchising, prospective business owners often face a pivotal decision: should they launch a new unit from scratch or purchase an existing one?
While opening a brand-new location offers the excitement of building something from the ground up, buying a franchise resale provides unique advantages that can make the transition into business ownership much smoother, mitigating risks and financial hardships.
the resale Process: From discovery to ownership
Purchasing a franchise resale is a comprehensive process that involves several critical steps. First and foremost, it’s important to ensure the franchise is
one that is worth the investment. Before investing in a franchise, resale or not, take the time to meet the franchisor to get a better understanding of the franchise’s operations, expectations, and values. This initial introduction is crucial as it allows prospective buyers an opportunity to understand what it means to join this franchise system, including what is needed to take over an existing office. Take time to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), as this details essential information about the franchise system, such as financial performance, obligations, and other pertinent information.
If the prospective franchise owner determines the brand aligns with their skillset and goals, they’ll then begin due diligence into the local resale opportunity that’s of interest to them. Meeting the local franchise owner is invaluable as it
provides insights into the resale business's history, current status, and future potential. Transparency from both the franchisor and the franchisee is vital to help the buyer understand the business's assets, risks, and market trends. Purchasing a resale means acquiring a business with an established history and operations, making it important to have a thorough understanding of where the business currently stands.
One of the unique aspects of buying a resale franchise is the ability to examine the business's performance and client base in detail. This process provides a clear picture of what the new owner is inheriting, including both positive aspects and potential challenges. Understanding the business's history helps set realistic expectations and facilitates a smoother transition into ownership.
advantages of a resale Franchise: a head start on success
One of the primary reasons prospective franchisees opt for a resale is the potential of a faster return on their initial investment. Unlike starting a new franchise from scratch, a resale comes with an established foundation. This foundation includes existing customers, proven business processes, and often, experienced staff. For the buyer, this often means a quicker path to profitability. Building upon an existing business can reduce the initial risks sometimes associated with starting a new business and can allow the new owner to focus on enhancing and expanding the existing operations.
Moreover, the infrastructure is already in place with a resale, saving time and money. This includes everything from office space and equipment to established systems and processes. The new owner doesn't have to invest in setting up an office, installing necessary equipment, or establishing initial operations. This setup accelerates the business's growth trajectory and allows the new owner to concentrate on strategic initiatives from day one.
Aracely Melendez’s road from higher education to franchising stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Through her endeavors with Express, she has not only been able to fulfill her entrepreneurial aspirations but has also made a profound and meaningful impact on the lives of individuals within her community. As she continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of franchising, Melendez stands as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring female entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
real estate considerations and challenges
Real estate is a crucial factor in the success of a franchise resale. The location, lease terms, and physical space can considerably impact the business's operations and growth potential.
Location is a critical element in the valuation and success of any business, especially in service-oriented industries like staffing. A prime location can enhance visibility and accessibility, which are vital for attracting clients and employees. Having a location close to clients and associates is most ideal.
When purchasing a resale, examining the existing lease agreement is fundamental. The new owner must ensure the lease can be transferred smoothly, with favorable
terms that support the business's longterm goals. It’s important to understand the terms and price of the lease, as it’s recommended to choose a lease that provides the option to extend so owners don’t run the risk of losing their business location. Before purchasing a resale, engage in a transparent conversation with the landlord for a seamless transition, and have a legal team review any contracts before committing.
Purchasing a franchise resale offers numerous advantages, including an established customer base, existing infrastructure, and a faster route to profitability. However, it also comes with its set of challenges, such as addressing any neglect from the previous owner and managing the limitations of the existing business setup. Before purchasing, prospective owners should also consider the brand’s existing presence, or lack of presence, in the community, and determine a marketing budget and strategy for brand development.
Prospective buyers should conduct comprehensive due diligence into both the Franchisor and local business being sold, seeking professional advice as they carefully evaluate all aspects of the business and its real estate. With the right approach and preparation, purchasing a franchise resale can be a rewarding and profitable venture, providing a solid foundation for future growth and success. v
h ow franchise Brands c an aTTrac T n ew c us T o M ers and
s us Tain
In today's hyper-competitive franchising market, many brands face the dual challenge of attracting new customers while sustaining satisfaction among an existing customer base.
Where can brands find the most effective strategies that allow for continuous innovation while maintaining a best-inclass experience? As the Head of Data at Tandem Theory, I've had the privilege of working with numerous franchise brands to achieve their business goals, and the answer is simple. Data. And while data
fuels every decision we make at Tandem, I'll share the three key insights into how franchises can effectively use marketing to not only bring in new customers but also keep them coming back.
leveraging data for targeted Marketing
Understanding your customer base and the local trade area each franchise location serves is the foundation of any successful marketing strategy. Using data to gain deep insights into customer behavior, preferences and demographics allows for the creation of highly targeted, local marketing campaigns that resonate with specific customer segments. It’s not only
important to establish these campaigns for the brand, but to provide business owners the opportunity to utilize and understand the data themselves.
For example, in the case of a brand known for its rental solutions to the underserved customer, Tandem developed a custom field marketing tool for franchisees. This allowed direct access to marketing materials and the ability to run local data-driven campaigns. By utilizing geotargeted paid media ads and lookalike targeting based on top customers in their market, the client was able to attract a new wave of customers who were previously unaware of their offerings.
Another key aspect of targeted marketing is personalization. For one personal care services client, we conducted customer segmentation to better understand the salon visit motivations and lifestyle behaviors of different customer types. This empowered franchisees and their team members to tailor service and product recommendations one-to-one, resulting in a more personalized and effective sales process.
optimizing customer e xperience to drive loyalty
Attracting customers is only half the battle; sustaining their satisfaction is crucial for long-term success. Consistency across all customer touchpoints is essential to creating a positive experience that keeps customers coming back.
Tandem's experience with strategic planning led to enhanced customer satisfaction for a brand with a 100% franchisee model through the development of a POP (Point of Purchase) strategy that ensured consistent and impactful signage across all locations. By analyzing competitors, performance results data and conducting secret shopper audits, we identified the most effective signage placements and messages along the customer journey. This not only improved the in-store experience but also provided valuable information to franchisees specific to their unique store layout, ensuring that customers received a consistent message, regardless of which location they visited.
Building loyalty Programs that Work
Businesses are seeing consumers reduce spending and brand loyalty as they adjust to the impact of inflation and face more options than ever before. Loyalty programs are one way that franchisees can partner with their corporate office to build a customer database that can then drive people back into their location. But only if they are well-designed and data-driven.
Franchisees, understandably, might be hesitant to promote a program that is underperforming, which in turn reduces
the brand’s ability to acquire customer information for continued marketing. When one client experienced a high volume of customers signing up for an immediate discount and then disengaging, we conducted an in-depth financial analysis. Now we are partnering with franchisees for pilot testing to ensure a revamped program will truly work for both the customers and the business. This due diligence is key to ensure a loyalty program is designed to not only attract new members but also keep them engaged — driving retention, repeat visits, and increasing customer spend.
Once a program is launched, using data to make sure both discounting and content is relevant, timely, and financially beneficial never stops. You don’t just want to offer a discount that drives transactional behavior. You want to identify the right person for the right offer that drives incremental transactional behavior. And we use data to do that.
We’ve seen success in using data to reimagine CRM programs for targeted emails and text messages to customers. Franchisees who send targeted offers as well as content have seen significantly better results, with higher revenue, more visits, and nearly double the sales per location compared to those who do not participate.
data- driven success: the Future of Franchise Marketing
For franchise brands looking to take their marketing to the next level, the key is to stay flexible, stay informed, and stay committed to delivering value at every customer touchpoint. Attracting new customers and sustaining satisfaction requires a data-driven approach that prioritizes personalization, consistency, and financial validation. By leveraging data to understand your customers, optimize their experience, and build loyalty, franchise brands can thrive in today’s competitive market.
about
dave Mansfield:
Dave Mansfield is a seasoned data scientist with over three decades of experience transforming raw information into actionable insights. As head of Data Science and Analytics at Tandem Theory, he specializes in crafting innovative measurement and analytical solutions for top-tier brands across retail, restaurant, telecommunications, and utilities.
With a deep passion for unraveling the complexities of consumer behavior, Dave has led data-driven initiatives for industry giants such as Rent-A-Center, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, and 7-Eleven. His ability to extract meaningful patterns from seemingly disparate data sets, coupled with his enthusiasm for turning raw data into valuable assets, makes him a soughtafter expert in the field.
When not immersed in the world of analytics, Dave channels his energy into aspiring to be Rush’s next drummer.
h ounds town usa s et to o pen m arana location
Business partner Duo Elevate pet Care in Marana, Arizona
Hounds Town USA, the daycare and boarding concept where everything they do is for the dogs, announced the opening of its newest location in the local Marana area.
Conveniently situated at 7061 N Camino Martin Ste 130, the new facility will serve as an additional leading source of trusted pet care for the community and their furry friends. The new location will be owned and operated by Jennie Bragdon and her business partner, Lance, and is set to open Summer of 2024.
The duo brings various skills from dynamic professional experiences and years of customer service expertise to their venture with Hounds Town. Lance, who has worked in the Insurance Industry for the past couple of decades, specializes in front-line management, sales and IT services. Jennie recently retired after working for 29 years at a major insurance company. She is passionate about meeting customer's concerns and offers experience in managing teams as well as business growth opportunities. Having a father
in the Navy, Jennie grew up frequently moving and often being stationed in unique places like Barbados and Hawaii.
“Change was a constant for me through my childhood,” said Franchise Co-Owner of Hounds Town Tucson, Jennie Bragdon.
“The one constant I had no matter where my father was stationed were animals. I grew up with many cats and dogs, which ultimately kickstarted my passion for caring for animals,” she added. “Living in Marana for over 17 years, I’ve struggled to find reliable and affordable pet care. I decided to turn my passion into a career and Hounds Town seemed like the perfect opportunity to make my dreams a reality.”
The duo will oversee the development of the location and day-to-day operations, as Jennie and Lance both believe in playing an active role in their community. The new facility will help enhance exceptional pet care through interactive daycare, allday play and spa services. Through their newest Hounds Town location, they will be committed to this and plan to partner with local rescues and shelters as well.
"When Jennie came to me with this
business venture there was no doubt in my mind that this would be an amazing opportunity,” stated Lance. “She is a resilient business partner and I look forward to working with her and furthering the growth of Hounds Town. Pets are like family, and it’s important that customers feel safe leaving their beloved furry friends in the hands of someone else,” he adds. “I’m excited to offer a fun and safe space for pets in addition to introducing our unique approach to the community of Marana.”
In 2023, Hounds Town experienced tremendous growth, solidifying its position as a leader in the pet care industry. With a commitment to providing exceptional care and services for dogs, Hounds Town has captured the trust and loyalty of pet owners nationwide. As Hounds Town continues to expand its footprint across the country, it remains dedicated to fostering strong relationships with franchisees and maintaining its position as the leading daycare and boarding facility.
Visit: www.houndstownusa.com/ franchising.
VETE rans s UPPLEME n T
Cover Story
66 PJ’S Coffee: commitment to supporting Veterans With an annual Franchise License giveaway What’s New
64 Franchising News
Latest News from Veterans in Franchising Have Your Say
74 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & SteakBurgers: Veterans at the heart of the Freddy’s
Fully Promoted: elebrates Mid-Year success ighlighted by robust growth
Franchisee
in Action
Color Me Mine: ervice to studios
usider to Empowering
Kitchen Solvers: ess-White combines Entrepreneurship and Veteran advocacy
Franchisor in Depth
1 800 Packouts: estoration Franchisors ompassion to ompetitive
epair Franchise Leading ustainable home repair
Thomas A. Wolfe: Empowering Veterans Through
Post n et celebrates its franchise owners at annual conference in Austin, Texas
PostNet, a global leader in high-quality printing and shipping solutions, celebrated their most outstanding franchise owners and exchanged ideas for growth at its annual conference at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas.
“o ur franchise owners consistently exhibit tenacity and the ability to prosper no matter the circumstance,” said Bill McPherson, vice president of retail network development. “o ur annual conference provides us with the opportunity to recognize these accomplishments, exchange concepts and engage in the kind of fellowship that makes Postn et one of the nation’s premier franchise families. We’re proud of all our franchisee and their ability to continuously amaze us.”
s everal franchisees received awards during the conference, including:
• Franchisee of the Year: Mike Bannoara, Denver, Colorado
• Franchisees’ Choice: Zac Smith, West Valley City, Utah
• Cranston Coogle Mentorship Award: Shelly Whyland, Syracuse, n ew York
• Community Involvement Award: Nimesh Dayal, Tigard, Oregon
• Team Member of the Year Award: Dama Lobos, Atascocita, humble, h ouston and summerwood, Texas, and Lafayette, colorado
• Great Start: Melissa Center, Atlanta; and David Lute, Tucson, arizona
• Top Performer: Allen Elks, Lumberton, N.C.; Tim Browning, Lacey and centralia, Washington; Todd s eidle, r odgers, arizona; and Jerry k ahn, Lake Forest, illinois
• Core Values Award: Brenda and Rodrigo Zaffari, Sarasota, Florida; d eanna k ing, Leland, n orth c arolina; c alvin Thomas, Bronx and suffern, n ew York and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Linda s chiele, d raper, Utah; shawna hicks- cranston, Lakewood r anch, Florida; and Eric d olan, Tomball, Texas
o ther awards included honors for vendors, franchisee members and for milestone anniversaries.
To learn more about PostNet franchise opportunities, please visit https://postnetfranchise.com/.
Fi V e s tar Franchisin G Ranks No. 157 in prestigious Inc. 5000
Five Star Franchising, an innovative, growing platform of home services franchise brands, has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies ranking No. 157 in the prestigious annual Inc. 5000. This is the fourth time Five Star Franchising has appeared on the list.
a s part of the inc. 5000, Five star Franchising ranked n o. 3 in Provo- o rem, Utah, n o. 8 in business products and services and n o. 6 in Utah.
“Being named to the inc. 5000 is a testament to Five star’s ability to adapt, evolve and create great opportunities for both our current franchise owners and those aspiring to be business owners,” said s cott abbott, cEo and cofounder of Five star Franchising. “Being ranked n o. 157 of 5,000 private companies is a direct reflection of the hard work of our driven team members and the dedication of our franchise owners as champions of our brands.
Being named to the inc. 5000 comes during a time of exponential growth for Five star Franchising. Throughout the year, the franchise platform has invested in the growth and success of its franchise owners through several multiple key hires.
• Colt Florence, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development (Five star Franchising)
• Missy Wright, Vice President of Franchise Development (Five Star Franchising)
• Tyson Bills, Vice President of Marketing (Five Star Franchising)
• Ric Peeler, Vice President of Marketing (Five Star Franchising)
• Wanda Hoegren, Vice President of Operations (Gotcha Covered)
• David Dunsmuir, Brand President (Gotcha Covered)
in april, Five star also acquired c ard My Yard, the premier yard greeting franchise for all occasions, adding 400+ new franchise owners and increasing the platform’s footprint to over 1,500 total locations across its six franchise brands.
fivestarfranchising.com.
Fastsi G ns® Recognized as a Best of the Best Franchise opportunity by Entrepreneur Magazine for the Eighth Consecutive Year
FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, was recognized as one of the Best of the Best Franchises in 2024 by Entrepreneur. This year marks the eighth consecutive time FASTSIGNS has ranked #1 in its category.
Based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability, the franchises selected by Entrepreneur as 2024’s Best of the Best are ranked not only in the increasingly competitive Franchise 500 list this year but also at the top of their respective industry categories.
“Fas T signs has been in the business of providing exceptional signs, graphics and
visual solutions for more than 40 years, and this recognition further cements us as the leading sign franchise in n orth america,” said Mark Jameson, chief development officer of Propelled Brands.
Fas T signs has also been recognized by Entrepreneur as #73 overall on this year’s Franchise 500.
“co-branding with Fas T signs has changed my business. a s an independent entrepreneur in the photo business, coming into the sign business and seeing
what Fas T signs has provided for us is completely game changing,” said g aby Mullinax, franchisee at Fas T signs of Fullerton, ca and Fas T signs of Brea, ca
a s a member of VetFran, the brand offers a special incentive for veterans and first responders, which includes a 50% reduction on the franchise fee – a savings of $24,875.
https://www.fsfastsigns.com/
Supporting veterans in Franchising: How hot Worx Honors our
HOTWORX® – a thriving fitness franchise that offers members unlimited, 24-hour access to a variety of virtually instructed infrared sauna workouts – is deeply committed to supporting veterans, recognizing the sacrifices made by all who serve our country. As part of this commitment, the brand has forged a longstanding partnership with Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (SMRC), a nonprofit that offers military veterans, first responders, and their families a peaceful retreat to their facility in South Dakota to heal from trauma and PTSD.
This year, hoTWor X employees, franchisees, and members raised over $70,000 for s acred Mountain r etreat center through a series of auctions at its annual franchising convention. ahead of the convention, hoTWor X franchise owners and members raised an additional $30,000 for sMrc through the brand’s Virtual instructor competition. These funds
Heroes
directly support the healing programs offered by sMrc, providing veterans with essential resources for recovery and growth.
Furthering the brand’s dedication to supporting veterans, hoTWor X offers a discount on its franchise fee for veterans looking to own and operate a hoTWor X franchise. This initiative provides veterans with an opportunity to transition smoothly into business ownership, empowering them to achieve success in their postservice careers.
in addition to financial contributions, hoTWor X donates its infrared saunas to sMrc and fire stations across the country. These saunas offer relaxation and detoxification benefits, aiding firefighters in their recovery from the physical demands of their work. By providing these resources, hoTWor X contributes to the well-being of those who protect and serve our communities.
pJ’s coffee of new o rleans:
co MM iTM en T T o
s
uppor T ing
Ve T erans wiT h an annual franchise license g i V eaway
Since 1978, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has been dedicated to small-batch roasting and coffee craftsmanship. With over 180 locations currently operating across 14 states, the brand has earned the trust of the communities it serves and has become a prominent presence in the coffee industry while brewing small business opportunities for its franchisees — particularly for veterans.
At PJ’s Coffee, the belief in veterans’ potential to excel as franchise partners is unwavering. Veterans are natural leaders, a trait developed through military
training and experience. This ability to lead by example and motivate their teams mirrors the essential skills of successful business owners. Veterans’ resilience, honed through overcoming adversity during their service, uniquely equips them to navigate the challenges of business ownership. Discipline, a fundamental aspect of military life, translates into the efficient execution of tasks and adherence to procedures, crucial for running a successful franchise. Attention to detail ensures operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, key elements in the franchise business.
Veterans, with their uncommon experiences, qualities and commitment to service, are natural fits for the brand’s franchise system. PJ’s Coffee also emphasizes community involvement as a cornerstone of its operating model, resonating with veterans and civilians alike. By harnessing these shared values, veterans thrive as franchise partners, contributing to the brand’s success while honoring their service to the country.
At PJ’s Coffee, the commitment to veteran leadership and supporting veterans starts
2023
at the top. Peter Boylan, President of PJ’s Coffee since 2016, previously served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. David Mesa, Chief Development Officer since 2016, served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Their impactful leadership embodies the strength, discipline and dedication that America’s military members exemplify every day — and underscores the depth to which PJ’s Coffee’s belief in veteran leadership is ingrained in the company.
commitment to supporting Veterans
Recognized as a “Top Franchise for Veterans” by Entrepreneur in 2023, PJ’s Coffee’s dedication to honoring U.S. veterans and military members is profound. As a longtime five-star member of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran, the brand offers qualified veterans a 20% discount on their initial franchise fee year-round. Additionally, PJ’s Coffee hosts an annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway — which is now open for 2024 — to help provide deserving veterans with the opportunity to own their own PJ’s Coffee franchise.
To be eligible for the brand’s eighth annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, candidates must meet PJ’s minimum financial requirements and submit a two-minute video sharing more about themselves and how their military
experience will make them a dedicated franchisee. For more details and to enter, visit pjsfranchise.com/veterans. The deadline for entries is Monday, Sept. 30. The winner will be announced on Monday, Nov. 11 — fittingly for Veterans Day — and will receive a waived $35,000 franchise fee.
success stories of Veteran Franchisees
The PJ’s Coffee team takes immense pride in its veteran franchisees who have contributed their dedication, leadership and sense of community to the brand. Among the standout stories is Bobby Mounts, a Marine Corps veteran and former police officer who opened his first PJ’s Coffee in Ruston, Louisiana, with his wife, Kristy. They received the Rookie Franchisee of the Year award in 2022 for their professional growth and community engagement, which consistently has elevated their store’s success. The following year, Bobby and Kristy were honored with the PJ’s Coffee Franchisees of the Year award.
Other notable veterans include Rob Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran and the 2023 giveaway recipient set to open his PJ’s Coffee franchise in Clinton, Maryland, whose leadership and commitment to a service-oriented environment reflect his military background. Wayne Heaton, along with his wife Jean, has transformed their PJ’s Coffee in Linwood, New Jersey, into a community hub by offering complimentary
beverages and beignets to veterans. Ennis Weber, a newly awarded franchisee, is also in the process of bringing the PJ’s Coffee experience to his Texas community and showcasing the values that make veterans like him ideal franchisees.
a legacy Brewed to rise
PJ’s Coffee, founded by industry pioneer Phyllis Jordan, created a concept with an emphasis on quality products, memorable guest experiences and an environment for the community to gather. These core values contributed to a 19.8% increase in samestore sales over the last four years.
Phyllis’ vision of using better beans, superior roasting techniques and pure passion for coffeemaking set the foundation for PJ’s enduring excellence. Acquired in 2008 by New Orleans natives Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard, PJ’s Coffee has expanded its legacy, serving a diverse range of hot, iced and frozen beverages crafted from the finest Arabica beans, alongside New Orleans-style beignets and fresh pastries. The signature PJ’s Original Cold Brew™, which uses a unique cold-drip process, preserves the flavor and strength of the beans while reducing acidity — a technique perfected by Phyllis and maintained for over 45 years.
With a proven business model and vast appeal to coffee consumers and aspiring entrepreneurs, the New Orleans-born coffeehouse is rapidly expanding and focusing on new and existing markets throughout the Southeast and up the Northeastern corridors.
embracing Passion and community
At PJ’s Coffee, the skills, integrity and leadership that veterans bring to the franchise family are immensely valued. However, one does not have to be a veteran to be a franchisee. The brand looks for franchise candidates who are passionate, community-oriented and committed to upholding its values. Together, PJ’s Coffee and its franchisees can continue to honor the nation’s heroes while building successful cafes across the country and celebrating the vibrant flavors and rich history of New Orleans. v
Veteran Franchise giveaway Recipient, Rob smith
eM powering Ve Terans Through franchising
There are few higher honors than choosing to enter the U.S. military and serve your country. And while that commitment requires a great amount of bravery and leadership, perhaps an even tougher challenge comes after the homecoming pomp and circumstance; the moment that has dedicated men and women who sacrificed so much wonder, “What’s next?”
The transition from military service to civilian life presents its own challenges. For many veterans, finding a new career path that not only utilizes their skills, but also offers stability and opportunities for growth is crucial. And while it’s sometimes
easy to overlook how skillsets acquired during active duty can translate into life after the military, veterans often possess a distinct set of professional attributions positioning them as prime candidates for entrepreneurship by way of franchising. In fact, franchising is regularly ranked as a top business endeavor for veterans. That’s why Ziebart – the automotive appearance and protection franchise – has set out on a mission to support our veterans, not just in word, but in action.
the Value Veterans Bring to Franchising
Franchising offers a unique avenue where veterans can thrive, with a structured environment and clear operational procedures that closely mirror their military experience. From the moment a person enlists in the armed forces, service
members are trained on a rare set of skills – like leadership, discipline, and a strong understanding of important processes and procedures – that can seamlessly translate into a post-military career in franchising. Veterans are accustomed to working within a structured framework, following established protocols, and leading teams to achieve common goals, precisely what a franchisor often looks for in their franchise owners. With a clear understanding of the significance of following a proven system instilled early on in their career, veterans are less likely to deviate from established guidelines, ensuring consistency and reliability in their business operations. A veteran’s driven loyalty and commitment, as well as their ability to manage stress and make decisions under pressure only further enhances their suitability for franchise ownership.
honoring service with opportunity
While many companies recognize the value our veterans can bring to the franchising space and offer various incentives, Ziebart takes it a bold step further to ease that transition into civilian life. We proudly waive 100-percent of the franchising fee for our U.S. veterans, offering our retired service members a jumpstart as they set out on their next venture. This discount removes a significant financial barrier that often prevents veterans from pursuing entrepreneurship, and allows them to invest in more resources to help grow their business – from hiring staff to upgrading equipment.
Ultimately, our goal is to make the path to franchise ownership as accessible as possible for veterans, giving them the proper tools and support they need to succeed from the start. This program has proven to be invaluable for many veterans in Ziebart’s franchise system, with 11-percent of our owners coming with a background in the U.S. military. That same commitment to our brand also carries over to the corporate team, with 9-percent of our employees at our corporate headquarters being veterans.
the impact on Veterans and the community
The impact of supporting a veteran’s success in business ripples through their families and their communities with job creation and contributions to the local economy. Veterans have an ornate ability to create a special bond of trust and loyalty amongst their customers, thanks in large part to their sense of discipline and the integrity to their business. We’ve seen this sentiment hold true across our own network of veteran franchise owners accomplishing success, not only in their stores but in the communities around them as well.
e xtending our commitment
Ziebart’s strong dedication to supporting our veterans extends beyond franchising opportunities. As we celebrated our 65th anniversary this year, we proudly partnered
with Mission 22, a veteran-founded and run non-profit organization that provides extensive, personalized support and resources to veterans and their families.
Our decision to partner with Mission 22 came at the recommendation of one of our successful veteran franchise owners, as it’s an organization that personally resonates with him. The above and beyond support this organization brings to veterans as well as their families, truly makes it the perfect partner for us on a national level.
creating a support system
When we support our veterans, not only
are we investing in the long-term success of our franchise with a strong network of highly-motivated and goal-oriented individuals, but we’re also fostering a powerful community of veterans within the Ziebart system. Their shared experiences create a support system where they can rely on each other, whether it’s setting up their businesses for success or discussing their time in the military and how those skills have translated to their new careers. We’re proud of our veterans and are honored to have a part in helping our service members find success in business ownership. v
t homas a . Wolfe, p resident & CEO of Ziebart
fro M s er V ice T o sT udios: Jason sT uc K y’s paT h as a Ve Teran, lg BTQ+ e n T repreneur, and MulT iuniT franchise o wner
At just 19 years old, Jason Stucky enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed at the China Lake Naval Base in California. It was here that he learned discipline, resilience, and adaptability— qualities that would shape his future.
During his service, Jason met his life partner, but this was during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, a time when LGBTQ+ service members had to keep their identities hidden. After years of service, Jason was honorably discharged.
Transitioning to civilian life, Jason embarked on a 13-year career with Petco in San Diego. Starting in retail, he swiftly advanced to a corporate role, gaining invaluable experience in operations, customer service, and management. Despite his success, Jason yearned for more autonomy, especially as he and his partner began raising their two children.
“Working at Petco gave me a solid business foundation, but I needed a change,” Jason reflects. “I wanted to be more present for my kids and have the freedom to make decisions that aligned with my values.”
That change came when Jason’s family relocated to Geneva, Illinois. There, they frequently visited Color Me Mine, a paintyour-own-pottery (PYOP) studio. The blend of creativity and business intrigued Jason, and he saw potential in the brand’s unique model. He started as a co-manager at the Geneva location, immersing himself in the day-to-day operations and learning the business.
Soon after, an opportunity to purchase the Geneva studio arose. Jason seized the chance, rolling his 401(k) into the investment. It was a bold move that allowed him to realize his dream of running a business on his terms.
“Buying the Geneva studio was pivotal,” Jason recalls. “It was an opportunity to apply everything I’d learned in the Navy and at Petco, with the added benefit of creative freedom.”
Under Jason’s ownership, the Geneva studio flourished. He introduced innovative events like BYOB nights and Painting with a sloth while creating pottery. These unique offerings quickly gained popularity, drawing a diverse clientele and setting his studio apart. Jason’s hands-on approach, combined with support from Color Me Mine’s corporate team, ensured the studio’s success.
“ I’ve
always believed in treating people with respect and understanding, whether it’s my employees or my customers, I aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued.”
As the Geneva studio thrived, so did Jason’s ambitions. In 2021, he expanded by purchasing a second Color Me Mine studio in Glenview, IL. The Glenview location, with its higher volume and steady customer flow, presented new challenges and growth opportunities. Jason applied the same principles that had worked in Geneva: focusing on customer experience, experimenting with new ideas, and deeply committing to his employees.
Managing two studios is no small feat, but Jason handles it with the calm, disciplined approach he developed in the Navy. He stays connected to both locations, visiting regularly and holding weekly meetings with his management teams to ensure smooth operations.
“I’ve always believed in treating people with respect and understanding,” Jason says. “Whether it’s my employees or my customers, I aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jason acknowledges the unexpected twists that led him here. From his Navy days to his success as a multiunit franchise owner, Jason’s path has been shaped by his willingness to take risks, his commitment to family, and his desire to build something meaningful.
“Every step of the way, I’ve learned something new,” Jason shares. “Whether in the military, at Petco, or now with Color Me Mine, each experience has contributed to my growth as a person and business owner. I’m proud of the journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.” v
con T en T s res T oraT ion franchisors M us T
T rain for co M passion T o re M ain co M pe T iT i V e
Increasing consumer awareness and demand is creating a prime opportunity for contents and personal property restoration franchisors to grow their business.
With extreme weather events on the rise and an aging stock of housing and infrastructure, the need for contents restoration services is expected to grow sharply over the next several years. Franchisors and franchise owners can strategically leverage demand to reach new customers and expand into new locations and territories.
As the industry grows, however, it will become more competitive. How can franchisors stand out from other providers so they can successfully tap into these favorable trends?
It’s helpful to remember one of the key
elements driving sustained success in this business: empathy.
We often meet our clients in the immediate aftermath of a challenging or even traumatic event. After the catastrophic impact of a fire, flood or storm, they may experience intense emotions and may not know what to do next.
Skill and expertise are necessary in these situations. Homeowners and business owners look to their contents teams for insights and guidance to help them get started on the journey back. Teams that can consistently connect with clients on a deeper level, with compassion and empathy, are in a position to establish trust and build lasting relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals, which are critical in this industry.
That’s why it’s essential for contents and property restoration franchisors to create a culture of caring and equip them to
train their teams to exhibit empathy and compassion in the field, on every single job. Empathy and caring are the most effective ways for restoration companies to distinguish themselves as the market continues to grow.
Those characteristics can’t just be turned on when team members arrive on the job site, however. It’s necessary to instill those crucial values into your company through culture and training to ensure that your team delivers the care and expertise that help customers get through trying times. Franchisors must commit to truly empowering franchise owners with training, support, technology and other resources that allow them to fully engage with clients.
You can’t train franchise owners once and expect them to serve as an effective ambassador for the brand. It takes continuous communication
about best practices, processes and technology to ensure each owner is the best representative of your company.
Franchisors must also have tools to keep their team members up to date with the latest skills, best practices and technology to successfully meet customer needs.
Training, therefore, must be an ongoing process involving not only traditional expert-led classroom learning but also frequent informal touchpoints and flexible digital training opportunities.
Each of these moments is a useful time to remind franchisors and their teams of the company’s culture and focus on the needs of customers.
Implementing training as an ongoing process requires an investment in 24/7 support for franchise owners and their teams. Coaching, accessible training content, digital resources and other tools provide a foundation for team members to address urgent situations as they arise and to upskill. Such resources can also help franchise owners recruit and retain the top available talent and become an employer of choice – an important distinction in a competitive market. Many digital resources also allow managers and leadership to track training and performance so they can immediately target areas of concern and focus training on skills specific to their market.
As the contents restoration industry evolves, we must all remain engaged and alert to the impact of trends and evolving technology. Anticipating and adapting to innovation is essential. That means periodic ongoing training, whether that is systematic, structured learning in a classroom environment or informal oneon-one or small group sessions. These days, it could mean making flexible e-learning options available.
Digital learning platforms serve a wide variety of functions in the modern workplace — technical support on a job site, onboarding for new employees, career advancement for existing team members, updates to processes and systems. An easily accessible online platform that works with desktop computers, tablets and smartphones not only enables productivity and efficiency on the job, it can streamline training and ensure continuity.
A strong franchise culture can reinforce a company’s commitment to training. The franchise model allows each franchise owner to connect with an existing system of shared values and a common mission. When the franchisor has built a culture with a commitment to training, franchise owners have both the tools they need to implement effective training and a model for prioritizing ongoing training. Ultimately, the power of a common vision
stefan Figley is president of 1-800-Packouts, a leader in the contents and personal property restoration franchise industry since 2016 and part of the Five Star Franchising platform of home service brands. Figley has nearly 30 years of experience in the franchise and marketing industries, with a focus on brand growth. He has held executive and leadership positions with nationally recognized companies such as Terminix, Steamatic, Merry Maids and Jani-King International, as well as prominent international roles in the marketing industry.
and culture will unlock value across the franchise brand.
By taking a holistic approach to training, franchise owners and their teams can streamline and simplify operations, ensuring they can focus on connecting compassionately with customers. The necessary investment in training is a foundation for empathetic service that will make a real difference as your business and the industry grow. v
Ve Terans aT The hear T of The freddy’s franchise
Honoring our U.S. veterans is a value instilled in Americans from a young age, deepening as we forge personal connections with those who have served our country. But perhaps what’s even more rare is when an entire franchise brand is built upon the legacy of a veteran, whose values of service, family and hard work have shaped every aspect of the business.
For Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (Freddy’s), these values are more than just a part of the business model; they’re the foundation of our brand.
a legacy of service
Freddy’s was named for Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran who served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Rim region. A humble and self-proclaimed “regular guy,” he earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during service and a Bronze Star for valor. After returning home to Kansas, Freddy built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. He spent the next 56 years working tirelessly in the hospitality industry, bringing to work the same dedication and perseverance that served him well in the military. When his sons, Bill and Randy Simon, along with their business partner Scott Redler, founded the first Freddy’s restaurant in 2002, they had their father’s
vision in mind. Every decision they made, from naming the restaurant after him to embedding his core values of quality, cleanliness and genuine hospitality into the brand, was a tribute to Freddy Simon’s life and legacy. His experience from decades in the hospitality industry, along with his familial values and patriotic service to his country, is at the heart of Freddy’s and serves as the inspiration behind “The Freddy’s Way,” a training philosophy that underscores the brand’s internal culture.
In every Freddy’s location, the spirit of Freddy Simon lives on. Photos capturing moments of his time in the military and his life growing up line the walls of our restaurants. These images are more than just decoration; they serve as a constant reminder of the resilient and dedicated man behind the brand.
supporting Veterans as Franchisees
Freddy Simon’s transition from the military to civilian life appeared to be seamless, but the reality for many veterans is that this significant change can be a challenge. Finding a new path that aligns with the unique skills and values
developed during their service can be daunting. However, franchising presents a unique opportunity for veterans, offering a structured business model and an established support system that often helps them to apply their military experience in an alternate career.
The fast-casual restaurant industry, in particular, is often recognized as one of the top franchise brands for veterans due to their strong work ethic, disciplined background, and ability to lead and motivate a team. Known for its efficiency and high-quality offerings, this segment of the restaurant world requires the same attention to detail and driven attitude
instilled in veterans from the moment they enlist.
As a part of our commitment to veterans and helping ease the transition to civilian life, Freddy’s offers the Freddy Simon Salute to Veterans Program initiative explicitly designed to make franchise ownership an attainable goal for veterans. This program provides a 25% reduction in the initial franchise fee for the first unit for honorably discharged veterans. By reducing this financial barrier, we aim to offer retired service members an opportunity to build a future for themselves and their families.
Valuing Veterans in the community
Freddy’s recognizes veterans as valued guests beyond those who choose to become franchise owners. Each year, on November 11, we give every veteran or active-duty military member who stops by one of our restaurants a card redeemable for a free combo meal anytime throughout the month of November. This small token of gratitude is a way for our brand to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for each of us.
Additionally, Freddy’s is proud to have a longstanding partnership with Folds of Honor. This nonprofit organization helps provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. Since the partnership began in 2022, our restaurants have supported the Folds of Honor mission by raising more than $560,000 for the organization through Guest Giveback campaigns.
Whether as franchisees or guests, veterans are at the heart of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. From honoring the legacy of our namesake to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life and giving back to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders, Freddy’s is dedicated to continuing to build upon this foundation of service, commitment, and care for the community. v
preser Van w ood r o T r epair franchise: leading T he way in s us TainaBle h o M e r epair
Founded out of necessity and grown into a multimarket phenomenon, the wood rot repair franchise uses a unique, better-for-the-planet epoxy-based repair technique to preserve local gems.
Preservan Wood Rot Repair started out of necessity as I began restoring wood windows in my garage. My house is over 100 years old, so we need restorations and repairs at times, and I wanted to do it in a more eco-friendly way. I got turned on to some awesome repair methods that the National Park Service uses, like epoxy resins, and it took off from there.
The more I worked on my own home, and as I began talking with neighbors who were facing similar challenges, I began to realize just how valuable efficient, affordable wood rot repair services would be. With this, we opened Preservan Wood Rot Repair in Oklahoma City. In the following five years, we began expanding into Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina.
While there are other wood rot repair options out there, Preservan has really created its own category — one where our customers don’t have to spend
exorbitant amounts of time and money hiring contractors, coordinating schedules and dealing with the all-too-common disappointing outcome of unreliable service and high costs.
What We do
Preservan takes all of the hassle out of the process. Our four-step system was carefully designed to guarantee a result that is both long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. First, we apply a targeted treatment to areas affected by wood rot and decay, then we inject a structural consolidant into softened wood. From here, a moldable epoxy is applied and formed into a rough shape, which is then carefully sculpted into an invisible repair once hardened. Everything necessary to complete the process is always stocked in our Preservan vehicles, creating a shorter lead time and
ensuring our techs are always ready to begin a repair.
These techniques have saved our customers a combined millions of dollars, but the impact we’ve had — and will continue to have — on the planet is another exciting aspect of our brand. Our mission is deeply rooted in sustainability and community service. It seems quite clear to me — why would we replace something when we have the tools available to repair it? We’re actively reducing resource consumption and minimizing our own waste production, and through a partnership with 1% for the Planet, we also contribute revenue to environmental causes.
For franchise owners, this model is a strong investment that represents an affordable, impactful, scalable business opportunity. A well-calculated training and onboarding plan helps owners to launch quickly, reducing the amount of time to be cash-flow-positive, and a dedicated, connected team ensures everyone throughout the system has access to any ongoing support or guidance necessary to grow successfully.
What’s next for Preservan?
Just this year, we opened new territories in Nashville, Tennessee; Athens, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida. Due to these recent developments, we’ve grown from five to 10 territories in about six months, and we only plan to continue along this exponential growth trajectory.
As we look toward the future, we’re focused on two major aspects of our growth: where and with whom.
Our strategic growth plan includes targeted attention on markets that are most prone to wood rot and decay. With the help of the American Wood Protection Association’s wood deterioration map, Preservan has been able to identify markets that are at either “high” or “severe” risk of deterioration, and this is where we are looking to grow most immediately.
Hot, humid environments increase the risk of wood deterioration, so states like Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida and Missouri are all prime markets for us to grow.
We are also focused on establishing territories in markets where there is a high concentration of older homes. Houses built before 1939 and cities that have great historic preservation communities already create favorable conditions for franchise owners to find early success. These people are fans of what we do, and they quickly become champions of our brand. However, wood begins to noticeably deteriorate after about 25 years, so even communities with a high concentration of homes built before 2000 can be great starting points.
In addition to the strategic aspect of our expansion plans, we’re also focused intently on who is growing with us. Preservan is a revolutionary brand with a revolutionary mission, and it’s crucial for our franchise owners to be just as passionate about what we’re doing as we are.
This is a service business. Owners will be bringing much-needed solutions to their own neighbors and communities and making a measurable impact on customers’ finances and the larger environment with each and every service completed. This cannot be overlooked. We need people who are crazy-excited about what we’re doing, and if they’re already ingrained in their communities, they’ll be well-positioned to spread the word about the valuable work they’re doing.
Preservan’s Growing impact
As this journey continues, we’re building a snowball of impact. I have a goal to save American homeowners half a billion dollars by 2030, and seeing our recent growth is like watching that plan come to fruition.
Preservan isn’t just a business; it’s a commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue growing our footprint and impact with owners who are dedicated to their neighbors, communities and the planet, building a brighter, more sustainable future for wood preservation, one repair at a time. v
ty Mc b ride
fully pro M o Ted cele BraTes M id -year success highlighTed
By ro Bus T grow Th
with solid sales performance, a steady stream of new locations, and expanding markets, the promotional products distributor positions itself for a remarkable 2024.
Fully Promoted®, a leading full-service promotional products franchise, is reporting impressive results for the first half of 2024, where it achieved strong unit growth as well as sales increases both systemwide and at a unit level.
The brand opened eight new locations nationwide in the first two quarters in markets including Scottsdale, Ariz.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Wyckoff, N.J.; Calabasas, Calif.; Lawrence, Kan.; and three in its home state of Florida in Winter Park, Palmetto Bay, and Pembroke Pines. Fully Promoted is continuing to propel its domestic expansion, with 12 additional locations in the pipeline slated to open before the end of the year.
Adding to the brand’s notable performance this year, Fully Promoted also signed 15 franchise agreements in the first six months, signifying the brand’s staying power within both the promotional products and franchising industries. These agreements will result in 12 new units to be opened soon, adding to the brand’s growing worldwide footprint.
“Over the past 19+ months, our team has worked tirelessly to deploy strategies and integrate innovations that would better tell our brand story, benefit our franchise owners, improve operational efficiencies, and enhance our customers’ experience. We are thrilled to see that those initiatives are translating to wins across the board,” said Andrew Titus, President of Fully Promoted. “We are proud to share these outstanding results and use them as a benchmark for our continued success for the remainder of this year and most certainly in the years to come.”
Fully Promoted is feeling its success systemwide with several high-performing locations having their best year ever, and the brand on pace to have a record number of million-dollar locations. Fully Promoted locations in Ohio have grown a stunning 25.8% in sales year-to-date. Additionally, the Minnesota locations are up 46.6% in sales year-to-date.
“A brand’s growth and success are fueled by its ability to innovate, adapt, and stay true to its core values, while continuously exceeding customer expectations. Fully Promoted is a testament to that,” said Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group™ (UFG), of which Fully Promoted is an affiliated brand. “The Fully Promoted team and franchise owners are among the most talented and dedicated I’ve seen, and that’s what makes this brand so great. It was fantastic to celebrate all their achievements at our World Expo in Nashville last week.”
Fully Promoted honored outstanding franchise owners at UFG’s 2024 World
Expo for their significant contributions and hitting sales milestones.
AWA rd WinnErS inClUdEd:
• Millionaire Club Inductees: Robert Steffek and Michelle Monhollen (Centerville, OH); Rick & Stephanie Troncin (Altoona, IA); Bill Reilly and Jocelyn Hechtl (Mendota Heights, MN); Kim Goodwin, Pat Wright, and Toni Waldschmidt (Peoria, IL)
• Rookie of the Year: Mike Holm (Mankato, MN)
• Most Improved: Vicente Rojas (Grand Rapids, MI); Bill Reilly and Jocelyn Hechtl (Mendota Heights, MN)
• President’s Award: Jeff Moffett (Overland Park, KS); Robert Steffek and Michelle Monhollen (Centerville, OH)
• MVP Award: Garrick Jacobi (Boise, ID)
• Hall of Fame: Liz Luisi (Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia); Jeff & Dina Slain (Fishers, IN)
• Team Player: Jessica Joyce (Towson, MD); Alex Taggard (Newton, MA); Todd Diskin (Olathe, KS); Miguel Leal (McAllen, TX)
• Master License Partner of the Year: Yousuf Sandeela (Canada)
• Humanitarian of the Year: Michelle Bottino (St. Charles, IL)
• Mentor of the Year: Robert Pouliot (Raritan, NJ)
Since its inception 24 years ago, Fully Promoted has established itself as a leader
in the promotional products industry and is consistently recognized by leading organizations. In addition to ranking on Promotional Products Association International’s PPAI 100 for the second year in a row earlier this year, the brand was recently named a Top 40 Distributor for the 19th consecutive year by the Advertising Specialty Institute’s Counselor magazine.
Fully Promoted is part of the United Franchise Group™ family of affiliated brands and consultants, giving franchise owners unparalleled access to a global network and more than three decades of experience in the franchising industry. v
aBoUt FUlly ProMoted:
Fully Promoted® operates a full-service branded apparel, promotional products, and marketing service business with approximately 270 individually owned and operated locations around the world. It is an affiliated brand of United Franchise Group™, the global leader for entrepreneurs. Fully Promoted has established its reputation as a one-stop-shop for branded swag, merchandise, and apparel, perfect for business conferences, tradeshows, incentives, recognition and award programs, corporate gifts, and company stores, building brand recognition that can take your organization to the next level. To find the Fully Promoted nearest you, visit www. fullypromoted.com, and for franchising opportunities, visit www.fullypromotedfranchise.com.
aBoUt United Franchise GroUP:
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group™ (UFG) is home to an affiliated family of brands and consultants including Signarama®, Fully Promoted®, Transworld Business Advisors®, Exit Factor™, Accurate Franchising Inc.™, Franchise Real Estate™, the Vast Coworking Group™ division comprised of Venture X®, Office Evolution®, Intelligent Office®, and Big Flavor Brands™ with The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill®, Graze Craze® and Cannoli Kitchen Pizza®. UFG affiliated brands include over 1600 franchises in more than 60 countries, with consultants that have helped develop over 350 brands into franchises, in over 60 countries with more than 2500 franchisees. With over three decades in the franchising industry United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
fro M o u T sider T o
eM powering MenT or:
h ow xp league franchise o wner
g lenn h oward is c reaTing a s afe
h aV en for T he n ex T g eneraTion of g a M ers
Growing up, I was the quintessential nerdy kid. I loved video games and spent hours glued to the computer screen playing on my Commodore 64 system. But back in those days, gaming wasn’t as cool as it is now.
It would set me apart from my peers, and because of that, I was bullied in school and picked on for being different and not fitting into the “usual” mold. The teasing and harassment could be relentless and I would often escape from reality to the virtual worlds my games offered.
Those school-boy experiences stayed with me as I started my career path as a young adult and tried to find my own footing after being labeled an outsider. But rather than letting those experiences hold me
back, they taught me empathy and led me to the desire to one day help others who might be going through the same struggles. I dreamed of owning my own business where I could create a space where individuals could come together, feel safe, and be themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule. But opening a business doesn’t happen overnight, and my career took a different path before I could make that dream a reality.
For 21 years, I served as a cybersecurity officer in the Air Force. After retiring from the military, I became a college professor, teaching cybersecurity to the next generation of digital defenders. The dream of helping kids through gaming remained close to my heart throughout the years. Finally, in the fall of 2023, I made it a reality by opening an XP League franchise in San Antonio.
XP League is an esports franchise, part of the youth enrichment-focused platform Unleashed Brands, that allows kids to play in competitive video gaming leagues. But it’s so much more than just the games. It’s about fostering a community where kids can learn important life skills like confidence and teamwork, make friends and overall, just feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. I saw XP League as the perfect opportunity to not only give kids an avenue to pursue their passions but also to offer them guidance, mentorship and a sense of belonging… things I wish I had access to when I was their age.
Given my background in cybersecurity and my life-long love for video games, the transition into running an esports business felt natural. However, I still experienced growing pains as a first-time owner. My time in the Air Force taught me a lot about discipline, strategic thinking and the importance of building strong, cohesive teams. One of the things I’m most proud of is the team members I’ve assembled. We have professional esports athletes from local colleges who work with the kids, not just on improving their gameplay, but also as role models the children can look-up who embody the values we want to instill.
“ Given my background in cybersecurity and my life-long love for video games, the transition into running an esports business felt natural. However, I still experienced growing pains as a first-time owner.”
For me, XP League is about more than just running a successful business. It’s about being a mentor, not just to the kids, but to the entire community that’s formed around our league. I talk to the children about my own experiences with bullying and how I overcame them. I try to be the person I needed when I was their age… a supportive, understanding adult who gets what they’re going through. I know firsthand how isolating it can feel to be labeled as different, and I want to make sure that no kid who walks through our doors ever feels that way.
I’ve already seen the program’s impact less than one year in. I’ve watched children who were shy and withdrawn blossom into confident leaders. I’ve seen friendships form between kids who might never have crossed paths if it weren’t for XP League. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve seen these children develop a sense of pride in who they are and believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
“ For me, XP League is about more than just running a successful business. It’s about being a mentor, not just to the kids, but to the entire community that’s formed around our league.”
Owning an XP League franchise has certainly been a full-circle moment for me. Looking back, I realize that everything I went through - the bullying, the struggles to find my place, and even my careers serving in the Air Force and in cyber security - has led me to this point. It’s given me the tools and the perspective to create something truly special… something that I hope will make a difference in these kids’ lives. XP League is my way of paying it forward, of making sure that the next generation of nerdy, gamers are not afraid to be unapologetically themselves and to have a safe space to learn, play and grow into the best versions of themselves. v
KiTchen s olV ers’ Mar T y ness- whiTe co MBines e nTrepreneurship and Ve Teran adVocacy
Kitchen Solvers is proud to shine a spotlight on Marty Ness-White, the co-owner of Kitchen Solvers of Spring Hill, TN. Marty’s life story is one of service, resilience, and unwavering dedication to supporting veterans. Her journey, which began in the United States Air Force, has led her to become not only a successful entrepreneur but also a passionate advocate for her fellow veterans.
a Journey rooted in service
Marty Ness-White’s life of service began at the age of 18 when she enlisted in the Air Force. Eager to serve her country and experience new challenges, she chose the role of a jet mechanic, a position that took her to an Air Force base in Alaska during the Gulf War. For nearly three years, she maintained aircrafts and contributed to the nation’s defense. However, her military journey was not without its difficulties. Marty faced significant challenges during her service, which ultimately led to her honorable discharge. This experience left her with PTSD and status as a permanently disabled veteran.
Despite these challenges, Marty’s determination to help others never wavered. After spending 20 years in New York postservice, Marty found herself feeling disconnected from the veteran community. The state’s limited support for veterans left her searching for a place where she could make a meaningful difference. That search led her to Tennessee, where she found the connection and purpose she had been longing for.
Building a new life in tennessee
Three years ago, Marty and her husband, Andy, made the move to Tennessee, a decision that would change their lives in profound ways. It was here that Marty reconnected with her sense of community by engaging with other veterans. What started as a desire to build relationships with fellow veterans quickly grew into something much larger. Marty began attending weekly meetings, where she found the camaraderie and support, she had missed since leaving the military. These meetings became a driving force in her life.
Over time, her involvement deepened. Marty was invited to join the board of Vet 2 Vet Middle TN, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans in the region. In November 2021, she became
actively involved in the organization, and by May 2022, she had taken on the role of outreach coordinator. In this capacity, Marty launched a variety of initiatives, including Wednesday evening meetups aimed at engaging younger veterans. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach, increasing membership, and organizing community events.
One of Marty’s most notable achievements has been her work in organizing the annual Veterans Celebration event. Under her guidance, the event has grown to attract over 2,000 veterans each year. Her advocacy doesn’t stop at events; Marty is also dedicated to securing financial contributions, fostering media partnerships, and creating platforms to provide vital resources for veterans.
a Veteran- centered approach to Business
Marty’s commitment to veterans extends into her professional life as well. As co-owner of Kitchen Solvers of Spring Hill, Marty has integrated her passion for service into her business operations. Every time a new client contacts Kitchen Solvers, Marty makes it a priority to ask if either homeowner is a veteran. If so, she offers a discount of 2%, up to $1,000, as a way to give back to those who have served. This practice not only supports veterans financially but also helps strengthen the bond between her business and the veteran community.
Kitchen Solvers, America’s premier kitchen remodeling franchise, is a trusted name in the kitchen remodeling industry since 1982. Kitchen Solvers has built a reputation for exceptional quality, personalized service, and a commitment to the ‘Pleasant Remodeling Experience’ for over 50,000 satisfied homeowners. Their continued franchise success and growth are due to their latest cutting-edge implementations and client focused franchisees like Marty. Kitchen Solvers also offers veteran discounts to new franchisees looking to start their business.
Marty’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to build something meaningful alongside her husband, Andy,
who had spent 30 years in corporate America. Together, they bring over years of experience in home remodeling and engineering. Their combined expertise in precision, organization, and client satisfaction has made Kitchen Solvers of Spring Hill a trusted name in the industry.
For Marty and Andy, business is more than just about profits; it’s about community. They prioritize hiring veterans and supporting other veteran-owned businesses, believing in the importance of veterans helping veterans. Their efforts have not only made a difference in the lives of their clients but have also strengthened the veteran community in Tennessee.
leadership rooted in Military Values
Marty’s leadership style is deeply influenced by her military background. The discipline, structure, and focus on putting others first that she learned in the Air Force have carried over into her approach to business. She believes in leading by example and creating a supportive environment where everyone can succeed. This leadership philosophy has been a key factor in the success of Kitchen Solvers of Spring Hill.
In reflecting on her journey, Marty notes that veterans are often so focused on the mission that they don’t take time to acknowledge their own contributions. She sees her work, both in business and in her advocacy, as a way to honor those contributions and continue serving her community. Her husband Andy, who shares her commitment to veterans, has also become deeply involved in the veteran community, working alongside Marty to support their shared mission.
looking Forward: continuing the Mission
As Marty and Andy look to the future, their commitment to veterans remains as strong as ever. Through Kitchen Solvers, they continue to offer discounts and support to veterans seeking to remodel their kitchens. Beyond their business, they are dedicated to raising awareness and securing resources for veterans in need.
Kitchen Solvers is actively seeking franchise partners who share Marty and Andy’s values and commitment to community service. For those interested in joining a franchise that prioritizes both business success and giving back, Kitchen Solvers offers a compelling opportunity.
To learn more about Kitchen Solvers Franchise opportunities, visit www.kitchensolversfranchise.com
a ro M a Joe’s
Founded in 2000, aroma Joe’s is a local destination for handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, unique flavor infusions, signature a J’s rUsh ® Energy drinks and all-day food offerings served with positivity, in a friendly and upbeat environment. headquartered in scarborough, Maine with more than 100 locations across Maine, new hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, rhode island, connecticut and new York, aroma Joe’s is actively expanding.
Beans & Bre Ws co FFee ho U se
Beans & Brews coffee h ouse has been around since 1993, when the Laramie family opened shop next to s alt 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
JU nkco +
Founded on an unwavering commitment to quick and convenient solutions, JUnkco+ delivers a full range of professional junk removal, property cleanout and demolition services, including furniture and appliance removal, hoarding and estate cleanouts, shed demolition and more. JUnkco+ is offering a gateway to a fulfilling business opportunity in the junk removal and demolition service industry. Both new and established JUnkco+ franchisees enjoy the advantages of a proven business model,
B ody Bar Pilates
Founded on the principles of strength, community, and balance, BodYBar Pilates has been redefining fitness with its innovative approach to Pilates since 2012. The brand boasts state-of-the-art studios, equipped with the latest Pilates reformers and apparatus, which provide a comprehensive fitness experience that goes beyond traditional exercise. BodYBar Pilates presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about fitness and community building.
Founded to redefine fitness, BodYBar Pilates’ mission is to cultivate a balanced, athletic and real community. We are committed to providing a fiercely effective workout
aroma Joe’s is positively impacting people with passion, caring and a commitment to excellence throughout every shop and community. Multi-unit franchise opportunities are available. aroma Joe’s advantages include low franchise fee compared to other coffee business opportunities, varying build-out options, community engagement and an opportunity to positively impact people.
Learn more about aroma Joe’s franchising at https://franchising.aromajoes.com/
traditions and work to create new ones too. Meanwhile, around the region, locally owned franchises brew up our beloved recipes for their own neighbors. o ur 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: k im Falk
Email: kfalk@beansandbrews.com
comprehensive training, and ongoing business coaching, setting the stage for an exciting entrepreneurial journey in an industry full of profit potential.
investing in a JUnkco+ franchise provides you with the backing and support of BELFor Franchise group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. With this, JUnkco+ owners gain access to a wealth of resources and a vast network of industry professionals, positioning the brand for accelerated growth and expansion.
https://junkcoplusfranchise.com/
experience, powered by Pilates, that helps individuals discover their physical potential and enhance their overall well-being both on and off the reformer. o ur expert-led classes cater to all fitness levels in a welcoming environment, utilizing state-of-the-art Pilates equipment.
a s a growing franchise, BodYBar presents an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs in the fitness industry.
Joining the BodYBar family means becoming part of a movement that empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals while building a thriving, community-centric business. This opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful impact in the fitness world with a reputable, innovative brand.
https://bodybarpilates.com/franchise
FR an C h I s I ng Usa
a-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising Usa website.
Each detailed, full colour a-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Excellent for branding and recognition. choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the a-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or ad! To learn about the a-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
B U siness Finance d e P ot
Business Finance depot specializes in packaging equipment leases and sBa Express Working capital loans for start-up and existing businesses.
our main clients are franchisors seeking financing for their new franchisees and manufacturers seeking financing for their equipment purchases.
co M et c leaners
Franchise Gro UP, 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
d estination athlete®
Everything Team, Everything Better® means we have the most comprehensive offering of equipment, apparel, fundraising solutions and performance products and services of any team dealer in the country.
We are proud to provide the best products, services and resources for youth, high school and college athletes and we are fully committed to making sure our customers are
d oner s hack
d oner shack is an innovative and groundbreaking restaurant franchise set to become the number one kebab brand worldwide, by providing unrivalled products with the convenience, quality and taste that customers crave.
The menu offers shawarma and doner kebabs, buttermilk fried chicken tenders, loaded fries, sliders and real ice-cream milkshakes served in contemporary settings with simple to run kitchen operations, providing quick and quality fast food to their customers through dine-in, delivery, online ordering, curbside, and to-go.
Fastsi G ns®
now more than ever, businesses look to Fas Tsigns for innovative ways to connect with customers in a highly competitive marketplace.
o ur high standards for quality and customer service have made Fas Tsigns 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
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.
Website: www.businessfinancedepot.com
Email: paul@businessfinancedepot.com
Phone: (800) 788-3884
contact: Paul Bosley
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 g odfrey Jr.
Phone: 888-461-3555
Email: franchising@cometcleaners.com
Website: cometfranchising.com
100% satisfied. sports families also have the peace of mind knowing they can count on d estination athlete® for superior customer service and a convenient online experience. We have franchised our business model so that those with a passion for sports can be their own boss, get involved on a local level and make a difference in their communities.
Learn more or to apply for franchise ownership at www.destinationathlete.com.
The concept of d oner shack was established in 2018 after the founders experienced the popularity of kebabs in Mainland Europe, where the doner economy is estimated to be worth a staggering €7 billion ($7.6 billion) in g ermany alone. d oner shack offers an exciting and unmatched offering in the Qsr sector, delivering high service levels and support for its franchisees and customers alike.
The brand continues to grow in popularity and has earned several accolades including being listed in the Elite Franchise Top 100 in 2023.
For more information, visit donershack.com or follow d oner shack on instagram and TikTok
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
o r visit our Website: www.fastsigns.com
Free Way i ns U rance
Becoming your own boss is a wish held by many, and franchising makes that possible. The insurance industry is an incredible option with a unique mix of limitless potential and true security: People will always need insurance — no matter the state of the economy.
choosing your insurance franchise partner relies on forming an alliance with a company that shares your values, growth expectations and, most of all, offers you the life you envision. Freeway insurance guarantees a franchise model built with your success
h eart B eat c hristian n e Ws
heartbeat christian news is an independent christian newspaper to help aLL christians by rightly dividing the word of g od. one of the best media outlets to advertise in across the Usa . We do more for our advertisers than any other media outlet; period.
htea o
h Teao, the leading iced tea franchise in the United states, has ascended as a frontrunner within this niche, a growing category within the beverage industry.
With a cost-effective, highly-attractive business model, the brand operates their own supply chain, resulting in significantly reduced costs of goods. o ffering a range of ultra-premium tea, water, and coffee products, h Teao caters to customers both in-store and through convenient drive-thru services.
kUM on n orth aM erica i nc.
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.
May W eather Boxin G + Fitness
after 21 years of being at the top of the boxing world, and winning multiple world titles, Floyd Mayweather has partnered with an industry-leading team to help entrepreneurs become champion business owners.
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness studios have now become the gold standard in boxing group fitness.
d esigned for greatness – With over 100 locations open or in development, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness is connecting with savvy entrepreneurs who want to be a part of the most exciting brand to hit the boutique fitness category in a long, long time.
$22B industry – Fitness is back, and it’s stronger than ever
as top priority. Freeway’s winning culture revolves around people first: You, your customers and your community. simply put, we deliver the best cost, choice and convenience. That’s our customer Trifecta. With Freeway insurance’s established franchise model, focus on diversity and accessibility, and continuous support, we will turn your passion into a winning business.
For more information contact alex Trachtman at: Phone: 214-505-6973; Email: alex.trachtman@confie.com or visit www.freewayfranchise.com
Established: 2012
intitial Fee: $35,000
Minimum investment: $40,000 which includes franchise fee
contact Todd abrahams
Email: info@christianfranchise.net
Phone: 423 381 0925
Website: https://ChristianFranchise.net
Each location boasts 20+ meticulously crafted flavors of sweetened and unsweetened tea, made using a proprietary water filtration system and 100% natural ingredients.
hitting a significant milestone of 100 locations in early 2024, h Teao is on the path of continued growth. h Teao believes in fostering an atmosphere where all are welcoming and takes pride in its commitment to giving back to its local communities.
For more information on franchise opportunities, please visit https://HTeaO.com/franchise/.
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
before. While gym memberships are up all across the country, it’s group fitness that’s really exploding. While the majority of the boutique fitness industry offers a different spin on the same product, one brand stands out as a clear differentiator and an emerging leader of a booming category.
Unprecedented growth – With so much momentum behind the brand, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness is already one of the fastest growing franchise opportunities in the United states, and is continuing to take the market by storm.
contact: r yan reeves
Email: ryan@mayweather.fit
Website: https://mayweatherfranchise.com/
McMillan Pllc
McMillan PLLc is an innovative law firm focusing on commercial real estate law, financial services, and business law.
o ur attorneys are licensed in north carolina, south carolina, g eorgia 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
n erds toGo
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 nerdsTo g o is such a lucrative concept. With businesses, homeowners, and individuals continuing to rely
n ext h ealth
next health is your partner for vitality, longevity, and personalized health. We believe health is not the absence of disease.
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 o xygen
oh M 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.
PJ’s co FFee o F n e W o rleans
PJ’s coffee of new o rleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan, one of the pioneers of gourmet coffee. We continue today what she started over 45 years ago, creating unique coffee blends and roasting beans in small batches to maintain the highest quality.
o ur team hand selects the top 2% of arabica coffee beans from several countries along the equator. PJ’s coffee offers a wide variety of coffee, teas, refreshers, and delicious food items such as our new o rleans inspired beignets.
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
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 nerdsTo g o is one of the fastest growing computer service and technology franchises in the United states!
Therapy, hormone optimization, o zone Therapy, and aesthetics.
a s a one-stop shop of premium wellness services and technology, next health gives you the tools you need to live your healthiest life. o ur 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.
For more information contact Vanessa kekina at: Phone: 310-295-2075
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 hii T 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.
contact: d oug Payne
Phone: (480) 582-2900
Email: franchisees@ohmfitness.com
Website: www.ohmfitness.com
With over 180 locations open and operating in 14 states and 2 international markets today, we are poised to grow with our franchisees over the next 5-7 years with an additional 100 locations already in development! sharing our gourmet coffee & southern hospitality is what creates the PJ’s coffee of new o rleans difference.
For more information please contact our Franchise d evelopment Team at: Phone: 985-792-7999
remedy spa & s alon suites first opened its doors in atlanta, g eorgia in 2018. a s an attempt to enter the highly profitable health and beauty industries, remedy spa & s alon 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.
Franchisees will obtain access to the brand, tested and proven processes and support, purchasing power and distribution
s teri- c lean i nc.
steri- clean inc. is a leading specialist in extreme cleaning services, offering solutions for crime scenes, hoarding situations, meth lab and fentanyl contamination, infection control, and homeless encampments. Founded in 1995, steri- clean has become a trusted name in the industry, now with over 60 locations that have cleaned over 200,000 scenes. The company is recognized for its compassionate and professional approach, making it a top choice for clients facing challenging circumstances.
steri- clean operates a 24-hour corporate call center and uses proprietary software to manage jobs and customer
s UPPly P ointe
sUPPLY Poin Te™ is a home-Based, B2B Logistics Franchise providing professional Transportation services and packaging supplies to industrial america
The sUPPLY Poin Te business model is the culmination of years of industry experience, with a team of specialists providing manufacturers and distributors with a single solution for their shipping needs.
o ver the years, we have developed a network of freightforwarding, trucking, shipping, pallet, and packaging companies in multiple markets, supported by some of the industry’s best technologies and communications strategies.
syner G y h o M e c are
sYnErgY home care is the fastest-growing national franchisor of home care services with over 200 franchises operating in more than 450 territories across the U. s
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
task M aV erick
Taskmaverick Powers Franchising successful multi-unit franchisors and franchisees understand the importance of brand consistency. Every location must deliver the same exceptional quality and service to customers. Taskmaverick provides highly innovative solutions to:
• Automate Business Operations
• Coach staff without disrupting the workflow
• Detect HR and business risks
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 & s alon 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. www.remedysalonsuites.com/franchise remedysalonsuites@gmail.com
interactions, ensuring efficient and reliable service nationwide. The company has national contracts and is prominently featured on the Emmy-nominated TV show “ hoarders,” showcasing its expertise in extreme cleaning.
Franchise partners receive comprehensive training, including classroom and hands-on field experience, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed. stericlean’s dedication to excellence and client satisfaction makes it a leader in the specialized cleaning industry.
For more information contact cory chalmers at: coryc@steri-clean.com https://Steri-Clean.com
With the sUPPLY Poin Te franchise business model at your fingertips, you can leverage this unique opportunity and help manufacturers, service companies, and a range of other enterprises maximize their efficiencies and improve their bottom lines - while you maximize your own potential as an independent business owner in an immense and growing market.
o wning a sUPPLY Poin Te Franchise is the perfect way to own and grow a professional sales and service-focused business.
For more information contact adam cahill at: adam.cahill@supplypointe.com www.supplypointe.com
or developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions or recovering from illness or surgery. no matter what each person’s circumstances are, sYnErgY home care steps in with effective, comforting, life-affirming care that moves people emotionally and physically forward.
For more information please contact Mike steed at: 888-578-5357 mikesteed@synergyhomecare.com sYnErgYhome careFranchise.com
• Manage rest and meal breaks
• Audit and flag business issues
• Make Maintenance requests
• Maintain Health Department standards
Taskmaverick has been adopted by leading national brands. its impact on business is positive and immediate. There is nothing on the market like it.
Visit our website to learn more, or to schedule a live demo. www.taskaverick.com
t he e ntre Prene U r’s s o U rce
Established in 1984, The Entrepreneur’s source® is north america’s leading career o wnership 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
t he Goddard s chool
g oddard systems, LLc, is the manager of The g oddard school® franchise system. The g oddard school is the acknowledged leader in the premium early childcare and education market segment. The g oddard 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 g oddard school has employed
United d e Fense tactical
Founded in 2019 and franchising since 2023, United d efense 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 d efense Tactical as a way to bridge that gap. Members at United d efense Tactical receive a cumulative and educational training experience through an extensive curriculum while eliminating the risk and danger of training with live ammunition.
W ell B iz B rands 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
xP onential
Xponential is the largest global franchisor of health and wellness brands.
Through its mission to make health and wellness accessible to everyone, the company operates a diversified platform of eleven brands spanning across verticals including Pilates, indoor cycling, barre, stretching, rowing, dancing, boxing, running, strength training, metabolic health, and yoga.
in partnership with its franchisees, Xponential offers energetic, accessible, and personalized workout experiences led by highly qualified instructors in studio locations throughout the U. s. and internationally, with
continuously since it started franchising in 1998 and continues to lead the $1.5 billion business coaching franchise market in north america.
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 g oddard school serves more than 90,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 600 g oddard schools in 37 states and Washington, d c
To learn more about The g oddard school, please visit g oddardschool.com.
For more information about The g oddard school franchise system, visit g oddardschoolFranchise.com.
courses range from beginner through police or military level experience. o ur 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.
franchise, master franchise and international expansion agreements in 49 U. s. states and 22 additional countries.
Xponential’s portfolio of brands includes club Pilates, cycleBar, stretchLab, row house, ak T, Yogasix, Pure Barre, s T ridE Fitness, rumble Boxing, BFT, and Lindora. With many of our brands ranked in industry growth awards like Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and the inc. 5000 list each year, our brands continue to lead in the boutique fitness, health and wellness space.
For more information contact rachel Engel at: Phone: 949 346 3000
Email: salesinfo@xponential.com
Website: www.xponential.com/franchising
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
