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FRANCHISING USA VOLUME 8, ISSUE 9, 2020 president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com
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from the p u blisher & editor
Publisher: Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com
managing editor: Diana Cikes. editor@cgbpublishing.com
Welcome to our August issue of Franchising USA
advertising: Leslye Fisher. National Advertising Manager leslye@franchisingusamagazine.com
Editorial team: Hayley Drew Gina Gill Rob Swystun
Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com
DESIGN: Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com
COVER IMAGE: Office Evolution
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This issue we bring our reader’s articles from franchising experts, George Knauf – Senior Franchise Business Advisor at FranChoice, Jill Abrahamsen - Editorial Director at
International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), and Jeff Brazier - Chief Development Officer at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, plus many more.
Office Evolution grace our front cover this month. Flexible, on-demand office space has exploded in popularity recently and Office Evolution, founded in 2003 by CEO Mark
Hemmeter, is enjoying this surge in popularity. Now the largest coworking franchisor is
moving fast so its franchisees can take advantage of the trend, too. Read our cover story on page 10.
Surprisingly, one of the most powerful consumer markets in America today is those
who are under the age of eighteen. Parents want the absolute best for their children and are willing to pay for top of the line products and services to get them what they need,
and desire. Our special feature this month is all about Children’s Products and Services
Canadian Office:
franchises, read all about this huge franchise sector in our feature starting on page 31.
Sidney B.C Canada
Make sure you check out our veterans’ section this month, Bryan Kingsley - owner of
U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 Sales: 847 607 8407 Editorial: 778 426 2446 www.franchisingusamagazine.com Proud member of the IFA:
Image360 of Lewis Center, Ohio has four must read tips for veterans thinking of opening a new franchise, find the article on page 50.
As always, there is plenty of franchising news, expert advice articles from our professional contributors, useful information for franchisors and franchisees alike and our A-Z franchise listing directory with the latest franchise opportunities available. Take care and enjoy the read! Vikki Bradbury & Diana Cikes
SUPPLIER FORUM International Franchise Association 1501 K Street, N.W., Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 628-8000 Fax: (202) 628-0812 www.franchise.org
“Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.” ~ Elizabeth Edwards
The information and contents in this publication are believed by the publisher to be true, correct and accurate but no independent investigation has been undertaken. Accordingly the publisher does not represent or warrant that the information and contents are true, correct or accurate and recommends that each reader seek appropriate professional advice, guidance and direction before acting or relying on all information contained herein. Opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publication is sold subject to the terms and conditions that it shall not be copied in whole or part, resold, hired out, without the express permission of the publisher.
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contents
august 2020
On the Cover 10 Cover Story: Office Evolution – Open for Business 31 Special Feature: Children’s Products & Services
10
18 Expert Advice: Survival of the Most Creative – Innovation and Fast Action were Key in Making COVID-Proof Franchises a Reality
In Every Issue 6
Franchising News Announcements from the Industry
31 Special Feature: Children’s Products & Services 55 A-Z Franchise and Services Directory
14
Expert Advice 14 5 Reasons to Launch a Home Service Franchise Business — Yes, Even Now Brad Stevenson | Chief Development Officer | Neighborly 16 Buying an Existing Franchise George Knauf | Senior Franchise Business Advisor | FranChoice
16
18 Survival of the Most Creative Jill Abrahamsen | Editorial Director | International Franchise
Professionals Group (IFPG)
22 How to Navigate Uncertainty in the Workplace Karen Gately | Founder | Corporate Dojo 26 Franchisees Need to Make Big Impressions, VoIP Phone Systems Can Help Ken Narita | Vice President of Business Marketing | Ooma 28 How COVID-19 Changed Franchise Development Dennis Mulgannon | Founder/Principal Member | Franchise Scale
22 Franchising USA
Feature: Children’s Product Servicces
26
on the cover 31 Special Feature: Big Business – Children’s Products and Services 34 Why NOW is the Best Time to Start a Franchise! Faizun Kamal | CEO | The Franchise Pros 42 Why You Should Consider Multiple-Concept Franchising Jeff Brazier | Chief Development Officer | Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
36
in every issue 31 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry 36 Special Feature: Big Business – Children’s Products and Services Gina Gill | Franchising USA Expert Advice 34 Why NOW is the Best Time to Start a Franchise!
Faizun Kamal | CEO | The Franchise Pros
42
42 Why You Should Consider Multiple-Concept Franchising Jeff Brazier | Chief Development Officer | Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care 44 For Many, Entrepreneurship is the Solution to the Struggle for Work-Life Balance Jo Kirchner | CEO | Primrose Schools
Veterans supplement 48 Profile: Spotlight on JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Franchisee Bryan Lindley: Setting the Standard for Franchise Success
44
50 Expert Advice: Four Tips for Veterans Opening a New Franchise Bryan Kingsley | Owner | Image360 of Lewis Center, OH 52 Profile: America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) Blending– Navy Experiences to Boost Success in Franchising
50 Franchising USA
f ra nchising usa
what’s new!
Yogurtland’s Latest Plant-Based Addition Is A Summer Favorite If you like piña coladas, Yogurtland wants to transport your taste buds to the tropics as they add a delicious dairy-free flavor to the mix. The leader in premium frozen yogurt brings variety to their flavor roster just in time for summer that vegans and non-vegans will love: Plant-Based Piña Colada. This summer, Yogurtland wants fans to enjoy a rich blend of real pineapple and coconuts, infused with creamy coconut milk, for a refreshing spoonful of yum in every bite. Yogurtland’s Plant-Based Piña Colada flavor is fortified with Vitamin C and is also gluten-free, making this treat simply irresistible. Yogurtland is committed to creating original, scratch-made, handcrafted flavors and offering tasty flavors made for every lifestyle and taste. To elevate your cup, Yogurtland invites fans to top off their Plant-Based Piña Colada swirl with a multitude of options from the brand’s signature topping selections for a unique and sweet experience. The company’s premium frozen yogurt and delicious toppings are also available through catering or third party delivery, giving customers more flexibility to enjoy dessert for any occasion wherever they are. Presently Yogurtland has more than 300 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Myanmar, Oman, Indonesia, and Thailand. For more information, visit www.yogurt-land.com
Oxi Fresh Expanding Arkansas Footprint Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, is continuing to expand its presence in Arkansas. Oxi Fresh announced that it has signed a new franchisee that will bring the brand’s unique eco-friendly carpet cleaning service to Fort Smith, Arkansas. The newest Oxi Fresh location is owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Luke and Mandi Erickson. The Erickson’s location opened on July 1. “We were looking to get involved in a business where we could work for ourselves while also providing a necessary service to our community,” stated Luke. “After learning more about Oxi Fresh’s eco-friendly carpet cleaning process, its franchisee support, and its proven business model, we knew that we wanted to bring Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning to Fort Smith.”
Franchising USA
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Oxi Fresh has been providing important services in markets across the country, such as their carpet sanitizing service or their hard surface disinfecting service that meets the EPA’s benchmark for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. While providing these important services, Oxi Fresh operators are required to maintain social distancing guidelines, wear the proper personal protective equipment, and follow the CDC’s guidelines for cleanliness and hygiene. “We are thrilled to add Luke and Mandi to the Oxi Fresh family,” stated Oxi Fresh CEO and founder Jonathan Barnett. “As demand for our cleaning and sanitizing services continues to rise, dedicated franchisees like the Erickson’s help us continue to grow and provide customers with a high quality carpet cleaning
experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that their Oxi Fresh location will have on their community.” To contact Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning of Fort Smith, visit: www.oxifresh.com
Conserva Irrigation Adds 14 New Territories in First Half Of 2020 Conserva Irrigation, the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the concept of water conservation, announced the company added 14 new territories to the system in the first half of 2020. Partnering with seven new franchisees, Conserva Irrigation has eclipsed more than 90 territories nationwide and debuted in four new states including Utah, California, South Carolina and Indiana. Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Conserva Irrigation also achieved a 25% increase in YOY sales through Q1 and Q2 and is on track for continued growth. “Thanks to our dedicated employees and franchisees, we’ve been able to weather the coronavirus pandemic and continue our expansion across the U.S., while building sales in our existing territories. Our team has never wavered from our values to provide the best product and service within our industry,” said Russ Jundt, founder of Conserva Irrigation. “The pandemic has adjusted our operations and training protocol, but our strong company culture
has kept us together. We’ve built the momentum needed to attract new franchisees looking to take control of their destiny underneath a proven recession-resistant franchise model.” In addition to Conserva’s recession-resistant model, strong consumer demand and the introduction of contactless services has allowed the water conversation leader to continue to excel. With that success, the company has continued to hire technicians across various territories and offer employment opportunities during a time when unemployment is reaching all-time highs. www.conservairrigation.com
RADIANCE HOLDINGS ACQUIRES THE WOODHOUSE DAY SPA Since its inception in 2004, Sola Salon Studios has become the world’s largest and fastest growing salon studios franchise with 515+ locations. Through the newly formed Radiance Holdings, Sola Salon Studios’ leadership acquired The Woodhouse Day Spa, a high-end day spa franchise that brings a resort experience to a neighborhood setting. Radiance Holdings plans to represent a collection of premier brands in the beauty, wellness and self-care sector. Founded in Victoria, Texas in 2001, The Woodhouse Day Spa prides itself on providing its guests with a tranquil and transformational spa experience with well-appointed amenities, luxurious relaxation spaces, high-end retail and several signature services. “Like the rest of the world, we have experienced extraordinary times over the past several months, but we are glad to be emerging strong and ready to greet the opportunities ahead. With the support of our investors, and their resources behind us, we have been able to pursue several important strategic initiatives that are a major step forward and will help to bolster our company and create many new opportunities for our franchisees,” said Christina
Russell, CEO of Radiance Holdings. “The formation of Radiance and the acquisition of The Woodhouse Day Spa represents an important milestone in the growth of our company. We’re thrilled to have Woodhouse and its franchisees join Sola in our collection of premier concepts.” Woodhouse Day Spa currently has over 60 franchise locations open in 21 states. For more information, please visit www.woodhousespas.com
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what’s new!
Farmer Boys, has announced 3 impressive promotions and new talent acquisitions in the last month
Farmer Boys®, the farm fresh fast casual chain known for its awardwinning burgers and exceptional service, has announced two internal team member promotions and a new talent acquisition. The brand promoted David Wetzel, the senior vice president of operations and a quick-service industry veteran, to President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Wetzel is responsible for driving overall brand strategy, corporate and franchised development, and restaurant performance. Farmer Boys also promoted their Director of Franchise Operations, John Lucas, to Vice President of Brand Consistency where he will be responsible for ensuring consistent brand standards and delivering a high quality, reliable guest experience in
David Wetzel
John Lucas
every restaurant across the system. The concept hired restaurant industry and finance veteran, Joseph Ortiz, to serve as the Vice President of Finance and Accounting. In this position, Ortiz is responsible for leading the finance and accounting teams through proactive coaching and mentorship, creative
Joseph Ortiz
strategies, and improved workflow. Ortiz
brings with him over 14 years of finance, strategy and organizational leadership experience.
For more information about Farmer Boys and its growing 90+ locations, please visit www.farmerboys.com
Office Evolution Opens Nine Locations in First Six Months of 2020 Office Evolution – the nation’s largest and fastest-growing coworking franchisor – ended the first half of 2020 with an expanding network, a growing member base, and an optimistic outlook for the rest of the year.
has opened a total of nine new business centers, six of which have opened since the start of the pandemic. Covering regions across the U.S., Office Evolution added:
“Our continued growth despite the Covid19 pandemic is a testament to our strong business model, the rising demand for our nationwide network of locally owned suburban locations, and the power of our Ohana – which is Hawaiian for ‘family’– culture,” stated Office Evolution CEO and founder Mark Hemmeter.
• One new location in Houston, Texas
Since the start of 2020, Office Evolution
Franchising USA
• Two new locations in Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs) • Three new locations in Florida (Tampa, Plantation and Jacksonville)
• One new location in Flowood, Mississippi • One in Fishers, Indiana
• One in Bellevue, Washington
“Even during a pandemic, our members have been able to continue getting work
done at our centers with the support and assistance of the Office Evolution community. We are seeing significant demand for our franchising opportunity and we continue to fill the niche for suburban workspace,” said Chief Marketing and Development Officer Andrea Pirrotti-Dranchak. Today, Office Evolution has 72 locations open and operating throughout 25 states, as well as an extensive pipeline of 140 franchise locations sold and in various stages of development. Visit www.officeevolution.com
Slim Chickens Expanding into Montana with Fresh Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement
BELFOR FRANCHISE GROUP ACQUIRES ‘THE PATCH BOYS®’
BELFOR Franchise Group (BFG), the world’s largest residential and commercial services franchise group recently acquired The Patch Boys®, America’s first and most-trusted drywall repair company. Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, has announced that it is expanding into Montana. Mike Sartwell, who is an existing multi-unit franchisee with Slim Chickens, is bringing four new restaurants to Montana. The first location, which is a conversion, will be located at 1450 Prospect Ave. in Helena. An experienced multi-brand restaurant operator, Sartwell has an extensive portfolio of restaurants across North Dakota, Montana, Missouri and Illinois. His portfolio consists of quick-service and fast-casual brands. “Our group has developed Slim Chickens restaurants in North Dakota, and with the breathtaking success of our first opening last year, we knew we wanted to quickly expand our agreement with the brand,” said Sartwell. The franchise agreement signed in Montana is one of six multi-unit agreements the brand has inked during the coronavirus pandemic. Since February, Slim Chickens has added 38 restaurants to its development pipeline. “Mike is the ideal franchise partner for Slim Chickens. As an experienced operator, he understands that now is the time to expand with a brand like ours,” said Jackie Lobdell, executive director of franchise development at Slim Chickens. The better-chicken brand has opened 100 locations across the United States, the United Kingdom and Kuwait, and is known for its passionate group of followers. With more than 400 units in development, the fast-growing brand is well on its way to reaching its goal of 600 restaurants. To learn more about Slim Chickens, visit www.slimchickens.com
The Patch Boys® was started by founder and CEO Leo Goldberger in 2006 and began franchising in 2015. In five years, they’ve grown to 96 units across 20 states in the U.S. Their core services include drywall repair and installation, ceiling and plaster repair, and popcorn ceiling removal. Their strong reputation in the construction industry, fast-yet-reliable response, high-quality work and exceptional customer service make their services perfectly complementary to the services that other BFG’s brands offer. “We are so glad The Patch Boys are now part of the BELFOR Family of brands.” said Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR. “This business model provides a unique opportunity for franchisees and entrepreneurs to continue to grow their businesses all while helping customers in their time of need.” The acquisition of The Patch Boys® makes it the ninth franchise brand within BFG along with the following growing franchise brands in the home and commercial services industry: • 1-800 WATER DAMAGE • Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Delta Restoration Services • DUCTZ International • HOODZ International • N-Hance Wood Refinishing • PACKOUTZ • Z PLUMBERZ For more information, please visit www.belforfranchisegroup.com. “Like” BELFOR Franchise Group on Facebook or “Follow” @BELFORFranchise on Twitter and BELFOR Franchise Group on LinkedIn.
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O ff i c e E vo lu t i o n
open for business
New Ways of Working, Signals Opportunity in Flex Office Space Market Flexible, on-demand office space has exploded in popularity recently, but one Boulder, CO franchise got a head start on the industry nearly two decades ago. Office Evolution, founded in 2003 by CEO Mark Hemmeter, is enjoying the surge in popularity of flexible, on-demand office space. Now the largest coworking franchisor is moving fast so its franchisees can take advantage of the trend, too. At the core of the brand is “Ohana”, meaning extended family in Hawaiian. Office Evolution commits to supporting every franchise owner with the resources and support they need to thrive and have a rewarding career as a business owner.
One Employee Model One of the many benefits of becoming an Office Evolution franchisee is that you only have one, professional employee to manage. Luke Conner jumping on behalf of Window World “It’s ideal for entrepreneurs who are with the All Veteran Group Parachute Team looking for a part-time business to run that
Franchising USA
won’t take over their lives,” Hemmeter said during a recent interview. To enable this one employee model, the corporate office helps out with a lot of the administrative work. “We do all of the onboarding, billing and all of the collections for all the members,” Hemmeter said. “We have a call center to answer phone calls. We do an enormous amount of marketing and lead generation for them, probably generating more than half of their leads. We provide all their tech support. It’s a broad list of services we provide for the franchisees, enabling them to only have one employee.” Most of Office Evolution’s franchisees are entrepreneurs themselves, the CEO explained. As experienced business people, they realized the unique opportunity an Office Evolution provided. They are basically active investors, meaning they’ve invested in the business and they are active in the management of the business, but they don’t need to be there for the dayto-day running of the business, like they would in some other types of franchises.
Hemmeter explained that more than 93% of the income is recurring due to Office Evolution’s subscription-based revenue model. Deemed an essential service, all Office Evolution locations remained open during
“Most of Office Evolution’s franchisees are entrepreneurs themselves. As experienced business people, they realized the unique opportunity an Office Evolution provided.”
throughout the office, a face-mask policy along with temperature checks. This is a business to business offering, so hours of operation of the coworking locations are standard business hours, Monday through Friday, allowing franchisees to keep lifestyle hours balancing work and leisure time. “They want a franchise that fits into their life,” Hemmeter noted. Currently, Office Evolution has sold 140 locations. The brand has 72 open locations the balance in various stages of development.
the stay-at-home orders and were able to
support clients. with the health and safety of its members and staff in mind, all
centers have taken numerous coronavirus precautions and are following CDC
guidelines, including social distancing
That development involves the company helping franchisees to find office space to lease (although some franchisees opt to buy their buildings) and then configuring that space into an optimal combination of private offices, conference rooms, shared facilities and coworking spaces. To be an Office Evolution franchisee, you really just need to know how to manage a
business and empower your one employee, Hemmeter noted.
Plenty of Opportunity To help franchisees start their business off on the right foot, Office Evolution assigns a Franchise Business Consultant to each Franchisee. New franchisees are also invited, with their employee, to Denver for five days of comprehensive training. After that, there is ongoing training available online. Office Evolution also has its own intranet for franchisees where they can collaborate and share best practices. As the franchise also shares numbers on how each location is doing, franchisees can get competitive and motivate each other as they meet virtually, foster relationships and generate new ideas. So far, Office Evolution is active in 26 states across the United States and Hemmeter is looking to expand into the Canadian market soon.
Franchising USA
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cov er sto ry
O ff i c e E vo lu t i o n
“The days of the traditional corporate office are dying, people increasingly want to have options for how and where they work. While there are other shared workspace businesses out there, Office Evolution has some distinct advantages over their competition.” Right now, there is a lot of rapid growth going on in the southeast, Texas and the west coast. “There’s good availability from Seattle right down to San Diego,” Hemmeter said. This growth is spurred on by the recent boom in interest for flexible workspaces in suburban markets and has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With people more hesitant to be in large groups in confined spaces, the idea of a flexible work environment, close to home, with a shorter commute, is more attractive than ever. “The days of the traditional corporate office are dying,” Hemmeter stated. “People increasingly want to have options for how and where they work.” While there are other shared workspace businesses out there, Office Evolution has some distinct advantages over their competition. First, they’re a franchise, which is unique in this industry. They also primarily target small business
Franchising USA
owners rather than employees of larger companies as members. And Office Evolution also makes a conscious effort to have their spaces close to where people live. That means they’re in the suburbs and smaller towns. They’re not in city centers, where people are more reluctant to go now with the COVID-19 pandemic. Office Evolution was already ahead of the trend for flexible, on-demand office space with smaller, locally owned and operated locations in suburban markets, the CEO noted, but now with the pandemic putting a spotlight on just how unnecessary fixed corporate office space is, the demand is exploding. People want a cost-effective place to work where they can find inspiration and be surrounded by other professionals, while at the same time knowing the environment is safe. In addition to their LMS modules, Office Evolution runs monthly owner and manager calls and an annual convention. This has Hemmeter excited about the future prospects for growth.
Originally from Honolulu, HI, Hemmeter comes from a real estate development family that built large hotel resorts in Hawaii. He moved to Colorado and became a client of an on-demand office space company in 2000-01 and loved the concept so much that he left the family business to start Office Evolution in 2003. For anyone who wants a simple, singleemployee business to run part-time with 93% recurring income, Office Evolution is a good fit, Hemmeter said. Veterans receive a $5,000 discount on their first location and veterans are some of the company’s best franchisees, he added. What started as a novelty has become a trend spurred on by the realization that office space is long overdue for a transformation to match the ever-evolving workplace. As a B2B business, franchisees are able to help solopreneurs and small businesses thrive by providing them with the space, community and support they need. For anyone looking for a business with exponential growth potential and a product that will not expire, Office Evolution is a golden opportunity. Fore more information visit: www.officeevolution.com
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OPEN FOR BUSINESS
COV ER STO RY
COV ER STO RY
O F F I C E E VO LU T I O N
NEW WAYS OF WORKING, SIGNALS OPPORTUNITY IN FLEX OFFICE SPACE MARKET FLEXIBLE, ON-DEMAND OFFICE SPACE HAS EXPLODED IN POPULARITY RECENTLY, BUT ONE BOULDER, CO FRANCHISE GOT A HEAD START ON THE INDUSTRY NEARLY TWO DECADES AGO. Office Evolution, founded in 2003 by CEO Mark Hemmeter, is enjoying the surge in popularity of flexible, on-demand office space. Now the largest coworking franchisor is moving fast so its franchisees can take advantage of the trend, too. At the core of the brand is “Ohana”, meaning extended family in Hawaiian. Office Evolution commits to supporting every franchise owner with the resources and support they need to thrive and have a rewarding career as a business owner.
One Employee Model One of the many benefits of becoming an Office Evolution franchisee is that you only have one, professional employee to manage. Luke Conner jumping on behalf of Window World “It’s ideal for entrepreneurs who are with the All Veteran Group Parachute Team looking for a part-time business to run that
“Most of Office Evolution’s franchisees are entrepreneurs themselves. As experienced business people, they realized the unique opportunity an Office Evolution provided.”
won’t take over their lives,” Hemmeter said during a recent interview. To enable this one employee model, the corporate office helps out with a lot of the administrative work.
throughout the office, a face-mask policy along with temperature checks. This is a business to business offering, so hours of operation of the coworking locations are standard business hours, Monday through Friday, allowing franchisees to keep lifestyle hours balancing work and leisure time.
“We do all of the onboarding, billing and all of the collections for all the members,” Hemmeter said. “We have a call center to answer phone calls. We do an enormous amount of marketing and lead generation for them, probably generating more than half of their leads. We provide all their tech support. It’s a broad list of services we provide for the franchisees, enabling them to only have one employee.” Most of Office Evolution’s franchisees are entrepreneurs themselves, the CEO explained. As experienced business people, they realized the unique opportunity an Office Evolution provided. They are basically active investors, meaning they’ve invested in the business and they are active in the management of the business, but they don’t need to be there for the dayto-day running of the business, like they would in some other types of franchises.
“They want a franchise that fits into their life,” Hemmeter noted. Currently, Office Evolution has sold 140 locations. The brand has 72 open locations the balance in various stages of development.
Hemmeter explained that more than 93% of the income is recurring due to Office Evolution’s subscription-based revenue model.
the stay-at-home orders and were able to
Deemed an essential service, all Office Evolution locations remained open during
precautions and are following CDC
support clients. with the health and safety of its members and staff in mind, all
centers have taken numerous coronavirus guidelines, including social distancing
That development involves the company helping franchisees to find office space to lease (although some franchisees opt to buy their buildings) and then configuring that space into an optimal combination of private offices, conference rooms, shared facilities and coworking spaces. To be an Office Evolution franchisee, you really just need to know how to manage a
Franchising USA
business and empower your one employee, Hemmeter noted.
Plenty of Opportunity
OFFICE EVOLUTION
To help franchisees start their business off on the right foot, Office Evolution assigns a Franchise Business Consultant to each Franchisee. New franchisees are also invited, with their employee, to Denver for five days of comprehensive training. After that, there is ongoing training available online. Office Evolution also has its own intranet for franchisees where they can collaborate and share best practices.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
As the franchise also shares numbers on how each location is doing, franchisees can get competitive and motivate each other as they meet virtually, foster relationships and generate new ideas.
SPECIAL FEATURE
CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS & SERVICES
So far, Office Evolution is active in 26 states across the United States and Hemmeter is looking to expand into the Canadian market soon.
Franchising USA
SURVIVAL OF THE MOST CREATIVE
INNOVATION AND FAST ACTION WERE KEY IN MAKING COVID-PROOF FRANCHISES A REALITY LATEST NEWS
FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS
TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE
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ex per t advice
Brad Stevenson | Chief Development Officer | Neighborly ®
5 Reasons to Launch a Home Service Franchise Business — Yes, Even Now The global pandemic has muscled its way into our lives, but it’s also uncovered opportunities. Spending months indoors means more time for home improvement projects, from simple organization tasks to total room renovations. Individuals are embracing their DIY spirit to the point that some home improvement
“More than 65 percent of Americans own homes, and while many of those individuals have DIY goals, the reality is they have little training or skills in areas like woodworking or mechanics.”
brands are seeing same-store increases of
issues, replacing HVAC systems, and much more.
But for every home improvement project
No doubt we’re living in unprecedented, uncertain times, but that also means new opportunities will emerge. For individuals with entrepreneurial goals, here are five reasons why investing in a home service franchise makes smart business sense.
six percent to 11 percent.
successfully completed, there’s plenty
more that remain undone without the help
of a skilled professional. This is why, even
during a global pandemic, our Neighborly®
franchise brands have been busy
landscaping lawns, resolving plumbing
No. 1: It’s Good to Be the Boss People are out of work. Businesses have shuttered. Life is decidedly different. The live-work climate is so different than it was just a few months ago that ambiguity needs to be replaced with certainty. Owning an essential business in a relatively agile and economic cycle-resistant industry like the home service space is a way to establish your new normal — a firm foundation for growth and stability.
No. 2: We Live in the Golden Age of Service More than 65 percent of Americans own homes, and while many of those individuals have DIY goals, the reality is they have little training or skills in areas like woodworking or mechanics. A lack of
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Brad Stevenson
basic maintenance expertise contributes to the increased demand for professionals to tackle household projects. As a result, we’re living in what the industry today refers to as “the golden age of service.”
No. 3: Homeowners Don’t Want to Do It All Lack of skills isn’t the only reason homeowners have grown dependent on professional service providers. Our experts save homeowners time and ensure the job will be done right the first time. As homes age, they require ongoing upkeep. Whether the homeowner is a busy millennial or a baby boomer in retirement, it’s beneficial to have help. That’s why our franchise business owners have stayed busy. Homeowners rely on Molly Maid to clean their spaces, Mr. Appliance or Mr. Electric to fix their smart devices, and The Grounds Guys to mow their lawns.
No. 4: Homeowners Prioritize (and Will Pay for) Convenience Before the pandemic, homeowners generally had more disposable income but less spare time to spend on home improvement projects. In today’s environment, that ratio has flipped. Despite the shift, our brands demonstrate that if homeowners can afford professional services, they’re much more likely to pay for the convenience rather than tackle various household projects themselves. Franchisors recognize this push for convenience and have made innovative strides to ensure homeowners can connect
“Before the pandemic, homeowners generally had more disposable income but less spare time to spend on home improvement projects. In today’s environment, that ratio has flipped.” with the right providers. For Neighborly specifically, our franchise brands leverage our Neighborly.com cross-marketing platform that offers a convenient “onestop-shop” for all of a homeowner’s service needs.
No. 5: Franchise Systems Empower Businesses to Keep Up with Changing Demand While traditional mom-and-pop providers are certainly still capable of quality service, they rarely have the resources to support increased demand and expectations of the modern consumer. By contrast, franchised business owners have access to technology, training, group pricing discounts, and comprehensive support — all of which are designed to give them a competitive edge.
Launching a Business in this Unique Climate While homeowners continue to rely on professional providers for their home maintenance needs, they now expect those providers to follow enhanced safety protocols at all times. Our brands have put comprehensive measures in place to communicate their compliance
to customers and employees. The result has instilled a confidence that translates into increased service calls and business activity. As long as people prioritize home improvement, there will be a need for home service professionals to help them. This is why franchise ownership in the home services industry is the career path for anyone seeking stability and a promising future, even in a time of unprecedented uncertainty. Brad Stevenson is Chief Development Officer for Neighborly. In this role as a key member of the organization’s growth team, Brad is a driving force behind developing and implementing Neighborly’s aggressive strategic initiatives for North American franchise development. Brad works closely with franchise development and brand leadership across Neighborly’s numerous home service brands. Brad is an accomplished executive with 23+ years of experience in a variety of sales, marketing, strategy and management roles in both the adult beverage industry and in franchising. www.neighborlybrands.com
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George Knauf | Senior Franchise Business Advisor | FranChoice
Buying an Existing Franchise There are a few reasons that I get asked about buying existing businesses frequently. The first is a fear motivation, buyers may want to go into business but because it is their first venture, they want something that someone has already gotten settled in and producing acceptable numbers removing perceived risks. The second is a strategic buyer that is building a portfolio and does not mind the acquisition taking a while to return on their investment to get a predictable addition. The third is a buyer wanting to get into a brand that has sold all the locations in the area they want to operate in and the only way they can get in is to buy one from one of those original buyers. Let’s look at resales and figure out what your best strategy would be. But first, let’s talk about how businesses often get sold. Imagine there is a very successful franchise location that has spent years winning over customers and growing their brand. As they operate their business people in their community are appreciating what how they operate and the asset they have built. Customers appreciate the experience they have and also want to
Franchising USA
“Becoming part of a franchise system you will have a built-in relationship with other local owners and probably access at some level to how they are performing.” provide that to their community. Business owners and investors appreciate the asset the owner has built and want to add it to their portfolio. So, where is the first opportunity for that owner to sell? It is when a customer, business owner or investor whispers in the ear of the owner BEFORE the business is for sale that they want to owner to contact them when they are ready to sell. This happens more than you may think and we rarely realize that this sale is happening until it is done. For various reasons not every business
attracts offers before they are ready to sell. If a seller has not had someone approach them and they want to take their business to market they may call a local business broker. That broker will often start reaching out to their select list of known buyers in the market to start testing how fast they could move it. If those buyers pass on the acquisition, the business may be listed on the broker’s website and through other resources for sale. Some say it is far better to be at the front of that line and whisper in the seller’s ear before they decide to sell.
“Building a portfolio is a process, it will almost inevitably include a combination or resale and new locations. Start where you are, make good choices and build your empire.”
The challenge can be that if you have identified a particular brand, and there are none for sale, you will have to decide if you wait for the business you have targeted or start looking at new options in the resale market. And here is one of the risks most people do not anticipate. If their first choice is not available, then they start scrambling and making bad choices out of a search for speed simply because they already decided to buy a business. The first lesson of resales is that it happens when it happens, getting it right is better than getting it done fast. If you have been looking online and can’t find a great franchise resale to buy, what is your best strategy? Well there are a couple options here. You could start talking to owners of the businesses that you believe would be a perfect fit for you and seeing if they would be open to selling. Alternatively, you may want to consider buying new licenses for the brand you have identified. Why, you ask? Access and information… Becoming part of a franchise system you will have a built-in relationship with other local owners and probably access
at some level to how they are performing. Approved franchise owners are also a great buyer for sellers in that system to consider, they won’t go through all the discovery of a sale process just to have it fall apart if the buyer can’t get approved by the franchise brand. Along the same lines is that growth capital may be easier for a buyer from the same system to get than new funding for a buyer not yet in the system. While you may want resales, your plan may be best focused on starting with new licenses and then adding to your portfolio. I have seen this plan executed well many times. You may even find that risks can be mitigated and ramp up speed can be positively impacted by a good owner following the system you buy into, so new licenses may carry all the benefits you would expect from a resale. This approach also helps overcome the tendency to go into that bad frantic buying mode and scrambling to buy the first good, or bad, business you can find. Building a portfolio is a process, it will almost inevitably include a combination or resale and new locations. Start where you are, make good choices and build your empire.
George Knauf
Let’s go find your success story! George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many of the top franchise ownership groups in the world. With over 25 years of experience in both start-up and mature business franchise operations he is uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of Building their own empires. Whether you have an existing portfolio or searching for your first franchise, he can help you to pursue your dreams. Contact the Franchising USA Expert, George’s Hotline: 703-424-2980. www.MyPerfectFranchise.com
Franchising USA
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Jill Abrahamsen | Editorial Director | International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)
Survival of the most
Creative
Innovation and fast action were key in making COVID-proof franchises a reality.
Franchising USA
I
have been so impressed with the innovations I have seen from the franchise industry these last few months. COVID has been an unprecedented and significant threat to our industry. That threat has fueled creativity.
From small pivots to major changes, franchisors have put on their thinking caps and made swift moves to protect their systems. It has been exciting to watch and has created permanent improvements for the long haul. Steve Jobs said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” From what I can see, franchising is full of quickthinking leaders. In talking to dozens of franchisors, I have learned about some creative moves they made to stay afloat. Here are just a few:
Offering new services and products The pandemic created a need for products and services that stop the spread of COVID-19. Commercial cleaning and restoration franchises were at the ready to help. With the equipment and training already in place to conduct these services, franchisors made small pivots to market the services toward COVID-cleanup. Once implemented, local franchisees were quickly inundated with sanitizing requests. “These services will be in demand for the long term,” said Todd Hopkins, CEO of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning. Helping businesses reopen and stay socially distant, signage franchises launched several new products like sneeze guards and floor decals. “We became a go-to resource for businesses that were reopening,” said Sarosh Nayar owner of FASTSIGNS in Northeast Dallas, Texas.
Delivering products and services in a new way Many food franchisors had already embraced technology with apps and curbside pickup before the pandemic, but franchise brands from other sectors quickly changed the way they delivered services. Fitness franchisor, The MAX Challenge, pivoted to virtual classes. “We immediately jumped into action and created a nationwide virtual class with more than 2,000 people participating,” said Bryan Klein, the fitness brand’s CEO. “With our #maxfromhome initiative, franchisees have continued leading live, interactive virtual classes.” Even some unlikely franchised businesses began offering curbside pickup such as Unity Road, a cannabis dispensary franchise. Deemed essential in states where cannabis is legal, the company began offering curbside pickup and delivery services. “We were able to stay open and comply with social distancing regulations,” said Mike Weinberger, Unity Road’s founder and COO.
Using all resources With an all-hands-on-deck mindset, smart franchise systems pooled every resource possible for the best outcomes—and that included input from franchisees. Using video conferencing, many brainstormed through Zoom and similar platforms. With Washington state having some of the first cases of COVID, Seattle-based PuroClean franchisee, Bob Jordan, was at ground zero
when the pandemic hit. He contributed significantly to the restoration company’s COVID operations plan. “We are all working toward the greater good. I am happy to add value where I can,” he adds. To instill a positive mindset through his franchise system, City Wide CEO, Jeff Oddo created an initiative called “Project Lemonade.” “We are on a mission to make the most of the pandemic and come out stronger in the end,” he said about his building maintenance franchise. With feedback from franchisees, the company added commercial truck cleaning to their arsenal of services. “COVID created a need for the service, and we implemented it system-wide,” Oddo added. Instead of laying off or furloughing employees, many corporate franchise teams were utilized in different ways. For example, sales teams shifted focus to support. Instead of working to bring in new franchise partners, efforts were moved to supporting current franchisees.
Showing their human side Countless franchisors rallied their systems in creative ways towards the greater good. In doing so, they strengthened their brands and created a stronger sense of community at the local level. In response to COVID19, Teriyaki Madness created a “pay it forward” program where customers gave donations of catered food to healthcare facilities. “Our franchisees love giving back and it has done a lot to boost morale,” said Michael Haith, CEO of the fast-casual food brand.
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Jill Abrahamsen | Editorial Director | International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)
“One key ingredient to keeping franchising going through COVID has been the collaboration between industry leaders. People in franchising—even competitors—have been bonding together and sharing best practices.” Junk removal and moving franchisor College Hunks offered no-cost moves to victims of domestic violence through the pandemic. “With service as one of our core values, we felt that it was especially important to give back when people needed it most,” said Nick Friedman the company’s co-founder. “Sheltering at home put some women in a vulnerable situation. We were happy to make a difference for them.”
everything was reopened,” said CEO Tom Wood about the mobile flooring brand’s strategy.
Adapting for efficiency
Supporting the industry
What started out as short-term solutions to get through COVID, ended up as permanent SOPs for many franchise systems. In everything from sales processes to franchisee training, franchise brands have created new and more efficient ways of doing things. Among these, virtual training and discovery days have kept the franchise sales process moving and allowed new franchise owners to open doors without disruption. Even in the heat of COVID, some new franchise owners opened for business. “I had all of my employees in place by March 30 and was open for business on April 2, 2020,” says Douglasville, Georgia, College Hunks franchisee Jarid Ison. In many systems, initiatives that were intended for later in the year were moved up to make use of a down turn in business. At Floor Coverings International, the company implemented a new CRM system and had franchisees train during the shutdown. “We wanted franchisees up and running with no distractions once
Franchising USA
Seminars that were planned for Fibrenew franchisees later in the year were moved to a virtual platform and were conducting in the heat of the pandemic. “The seminars took everyone’s minds off the crisis and made good use of our time,” said West Central New Jersey franchisee Scott Neal about the fabric restoration franchise.
One key ingredient to keeping franchising going through COVID has been the collaboration between industry leaders. People in franchising—even competitors— have been bonding together and sharing best practices. Throughout the industry, franchising folks have met in fun and unique platforms including virtual happy hours, “Whiskey Wednesdays,” and mastermind sessions for mutual support. Creating hashtags like #franchisingstrongertogether, the unity in the industry has never been stronger. Franchise consultants have played a huge role in supporting the industry by serving as matchmakers for franchisors and aspiring business owners. With the onset of COVID, that has meant attending and leading virtual presentations, shows, and meetings rather than traveling to industry events. With an influx of candidates due to unemployment, they have used their creativity and soft skills to help find the right opportunities for the recently furloughed and laid off. With innovative
Jill Abrahamsen
methods like personality profiles and business matching tools, they have been able to help people embark on new careers while helping franchisors grow their brands with the right franchisees. Because of the pandemic, the value of the franchise consultant has been elevated, with their services in more demand than ever. Collaboration is part of what makes franchising innovative. Creativity flows when you can brainstorm as a group. One of my favorite quotes is from franchise leader Catherine Monson, who is the current chair of The International Franchise Association and the CEO of FASTSIGNS. She summed it all up when she said, “None of us is as strong as all of us.” Jill Abrahamsen is Editorial Director at the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG), a franchise broker network that helps hopeful entrepreneurs identify and invest in franchise businesses. As Editor of Franchise Consultant Magazine and FranchiseWire, Jill Abrahamsen writes and edits articles about success through franchise ownership.
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NOBODY GETS TO THE TOP BY ACCIDENT! We advise many of the top franchise owners in the world. You can get acces to the very same resources that build their empires at no cost!
Contact George Knauf to Start Building Your Empire TODAY! www.MyPerfectFranchise.com Franchising USA
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Karen Gately | Founder | Corporate Dojo
How to navigate uncertainty in the workplace As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the simple reality is there is no roadmap from where we are now to where we would rather be.
Karen Gately
Franchising USA
We have neither experience nor clear predictive indicators of the future upon which to draw and make decisions with confidence. For most communities and businesses, life has dramatically changed
and its very unclear when, if ever, things will return to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.
The key to any organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to
successfully adapt and survive these times, is an engaged and confident team who are willing to give new things a go and strive
to succeed. While there may be little you can do to provide your team with greater certainty there are steps you can take
to support each individual to maintain
mental health and achieve the standards of performance you need from them.
“Start by understanding who your people are and what they are personally dealing with. For example, it may be that their partner has been laid off and now they’re facing extreme financial pressures. Or perhaps isolation and social distancing rules are keeping them apart from loved ones.” Threats to physical, psychological, and financial security are likely to be the most common fears people hold. Through one to one conversations and team discussions, identify specifically what your team are worried about and why. Acknowledge the discomfort people are feeling and commit through words and actions to keep them informed as the future becomes clearer to you.
Purpose, priorities, and progress Psychological impacts of uncertainty The simple truth is none of us are a position to know with absolute certainty what will happen in the future. Irrespective of whether we are battling a global pandemic or not, life is always uncertain and yet most of us struggle in unpredictable circumstances with fear of the unknown. Research shows that uncertainty is a major cause of stress in life including at work. Most people prefer a degree of predictability, so when the future is unknown, worry begins to set in and take a toll. On the most fundamental level our fears are designed to keep us safe. Therefore, unconscious reactions when people are faced with threat can be to fight, freeze, or flee.
is an “unprecedented international medical and social emergency with widespread consequences on all groups of society”.
Understand your team Trust, earned in part through understanding and empathy, will have a big impact on your ability to influence how people are thinking, feeling and behaving. Start by understanding who your people are and what they are personally dealing with. For example, it may be that their partner has been laid off and now they’re facing extreme financial pressures. Or perhaps isolation and social distancing rules are keeping them apart from loved ones.
Create a clear and consistent picture of what your primary objectives are. For example, do you need to be innovative and come up with new ways of working to maintain relevance or market position? Do you need to cut costs to be financially viable until revenue lifts again? When people know exactly what the most important goals are, they are more likely to understand how they can contribute to shoring up the future. The sense of purpose and power this can give people makes a very big difference to how energized and in turn motivated they feel. Set and maintain clear priorities through regular interactions with individuals and the whole team. Be sure also to maintain
To feel safe and comfortable about our future, most of us will think about, if not plan for, what might eventuate down the track. We draw on our past experiences and make decisions about what we will do today to influence the tomorrow we want. When we have no experience or facts to pin our hopes on however, it can be overwhelmingly stressful for some people. As Associate Professor Kate Hoy, the Head of Interventional Neuropsychology at Monash University and Deputy Director of the Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, said this CoVid19 pandemic
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Karen Gately | Founder | Corporate Dojo
“Threats to physical, psychological, and financial security are likely to be the most common fears people hold. Through one to one conversations and team discussions, identify specifically what your team are worried about and why.”
visibility of the progress you are making toward achieving set goals. Feeling hopeful and successful are important energizers of the human spirit. Look for big and small wins to help your team focus on what is working well.
Be open and authentic When you don’t have the answers that your team are looking for, the best you can do is tell them what you do know. Avoid the all too common leadership mistake of withholding information because you’re not yet in a position to make a decision or provide all of the insights people are asking for. Recognize also if you are hesitating to speak the truth because you assume people don’t want to hear it. Take for example, the likelihood of job redundancies becoming necessary. Most reasonable human beings would rather be told the truth, delivered with respect and sensitivity, than be blindsided by a reality they were in no way prepared for. People are entirely more likely to trust, respect and work hard for a leader who is willing to tell them exactly how things are, over one who holds their cards close to their chest and avoids honest conversations. So, if you don’t know what your current
Franchising USA
circumstances mean for job security, be upfront about that and help your team to understand the steps you are taking to avoid having to let people go.
Think long term It can be tempting to jump to short term solutions to fix your immediate challenges, but never underestimate the impact the decisions you reach now will have on the engagement of your team over time. If people perceive that the decisions you are making lack fairness or integrity, the engagement and cultural ramifications are likely to be severe. For example, the leader who unexpectedly let 40 percent of his sales team go, stating the need to “right size to survive”, all while proceeding with the purchase of an expensive new car, is likely to struggle to inspire the rest of his team to give their best. While it may be more challenging to find a new job right now, when things start to improve, unfair or disrespectful leaders will struggle to keep people on board. While many people will be able to ‘bounce back’ from the stress or hardships they have experienced through these times, others will continue to struggle. As The Black Dog Institute point out, as
restrictions begin to ease, while many of us will be able to move on reasonably quickly “there will be a significant minority who will be affected by long-term anxiety as a result”. The most important thing you can do to navigate your team through times of uncertainty is to step firmly into a coaching role. Guide each person on your team to recognize the steps they can take to manage stress, keep fears of the unknown in check and be a part of creating both your new normal and a successful future. Working as a coach you’re also more likely to recognize mental illness and offer the support people need to recover. Karen Gately, founder of Corporate Dojo, is a leadership and peoplemanagement specialist. Karen works with leaders and HR teams to drive business results through the talent and energy of people. She is the author of The People Manager’s Toolkit: A Practical guide to getting the best from people (Wiley) and the host of Ticker TV’s Black Belt Leader. For more information visit www.corporatedojo.com or contact info@corporatedojo.com
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Franchise Opportunities Available. Partner With A PROVEN Brand.
OWN YOUR TUFFY TODAY! Helping our franchisees to operate successfully and meet the challenges of today’s marketplace is the top priority for the Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Centers Franchise and Operations Team. We provide our franchisees with a proven operating system, and as a result, our franchisees have played a key role in the ongoing success of Tuffy. Our value proposition includes (but is not limited to) the following: • Over 45 Years in Business. • State of the Art Management, Sales & Technical Training. • Comprehensive Marketing & Advertising Programs. • National Vendor Partnerships. • National & Local Support. • Powerful Brand Proposition. • Strong Business Model. • On-going Research & Development.
AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE NOT REQUIRED! Tuffy is looking for customer focused, ethical business owners. Our franchisees come from many different walks of life. A background in auto repair is not needed to run a successful Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center, but can be helpful.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:
800-228-8339 www.TuffyFranchising.com
Franchising USA
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Ken Narita | Vice President of Business Marketing | Ooma
Franchisees Need to Make Big Impressions, VoIP Phone Systems Can Help
Ken Narita
Franchising USA
Franchisees today face numerous challenges. Missing calls from customers and prospects shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be one of them.
This article aims to help franchisees sort through the VoIP noise, get concise answers, and feel confident about switching to a VoIP system. For an even deeper dive, you can download a free VoIP guidebook at https://www.ooma.com/business/voipphone-system/
Many franchisees have switched to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) systems from traditional landlines because of significant cost savings; the ability to work from anywhere (and still use your office phone number); and the numerous features VoIP provides.
1
What are VoIP phone systems?
Voice over Internet Protocol phones, as the name implies, use the internet to make and receive calls. Some service providers enable you to use analog phones, but the
majority provide IP (Internet Protocol) phones that can be plugged into any Ethernet jack. Once connected, you can make and receive calls. Using a web portal and login, you can customize features such as a virtual receptionist welcome message or adding new users.
VoIP versus traditional landline phones The most significant difference between VoIP and landline phones, in a word, is technology. Landline phones haven’t changed much since the beginning of the 20th Century and require an infrastructure of wiring and exchange hardware. By today’s standards, landline phone technology is limited, allowing users to only make and receive voice calls. VoIP technology has changed how businesses communicate. While IP capabilities have been around several decades, VoIP services have advanced in recent years, thanks to innovation and faster internet speeds. Unlike landline phones that require addons for features at additional costs, VoIP systems come with an array of popular communication features already built-in.
2
How VoIP systems work
VoIP phones work by turning your voice into data which is then transmitted over the internet, similar to sending emails. If you’ve used Skype, you’ve used VoIP. VoIP calls are made on your phone, connected to the internet with a network cable or adapter, or via a computer’s microphone and speakers using an app. When making calls, the VoIP service provider routes the voice data between you and the other caller – all within a split second.
3
VoIP systems transform business communications
As businesses grow, having a phone system that aligns with customers’ expectations is critical. Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP systems come with powerful features to help small businesses make big impressions, such as:
“Once connected, you can make and receive calls. Using a web portal and login, you can customize features such as a virtual receptionist welcome message or adding new users.” Virtual Receptionist Missing new business because your phone is busy or your greeting is unprofessional is easily resolved by a Virtual Receptionist. When a live person can’t take a call, the Virtual Receptionist takes over. Instead of hearing a busy signal or being put on hold, callers listen to a message and can be given options on how to proceed.
Ring Groups To ensure every caller has a positive experience, you can program Ring Groups to ring simultaneously - so everyone in a department, like sales, receives the call; or ring sequentially - to ring from person to person until someone picks up.
Mobility Staying connected to customers when away from the office is critical today. It’s not practical or professional for employees to use their personal number for business. VoIP systems, unlike landlines, support working remotely through mobile and desktop apps, as well as voice messages forwarded as email attachments —allowing employees to make and receive calls from anywhere in much the same way they would from their work site.
Keep Existing Phone Number Keeping your business phone number, your lifeline, makes the transition to an IP system seamless. The moment you plug in your phones, you’ll be able to make and receive calls. No need to change business cards, letterhead and website information. Your VoIP service provider can take care of moving your number to your new system.
4
Key advantages of VoIP systems
Big impression How customers perceive your business often depends on their initial phone
interaction. Will they hear a welcome message with easy directions, or be put on hold immediately? Whether your business has two or 200 employees, your business will sound professional with a VoIP phone system.
Excellent call quality With technology advances and increased internet speeds, your VoIP phones will provide the call quality you need.
Reduced costs Lower costs are one of the most appealing benefits for switching to VoIP systems. Those with landlines understand the significant expense – setup fees, monthly costs, per-line expenses, etc. – all add up, including IT support. To calculate how much you could save by switching to a VoIP system, use the VoIP Savings Calculator.
Connect with remote teams Employees today are working everywhere. A VoIP system provides the tools to communicate with staff effortlessly – no matter where employees are. Ken Narita’s marketing career spans two decades of helping businesses large and small grow. Whether advising emerging startups, guiding clients from the agency side or now leading SMB marketing at Ooma, Ken takes an empathetic approach to addressing goals, gaps, and opportunities. At TriNet from 2011 to 2017, he led the revenue marketing team through a period of rapid change where net service revenue grew 15 to 20 percent per year and reached $650 million. Ken has led demand generation, field marketing, customer marketing, and marketing operations teams, integrating campaigns across all functions to drive results. www.ooma.com
Franchising USA
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Dennis Mulgannon | Founder/Principal Member | Franchise Scale
How COVID-19 Changed Franchise Development
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discovery Days, where the prospect typically visits our company headquarters and meets the corporate team, are now replicated via Zoom calls, whereby all prospective franchisees and our corporate team are live on video.â&#x20AC;?
Franchising USA
These are unprecedented times in the franchise space. I’ve been in the franchise industry for the last 25 years and I have never experienced anything like the COVID -19 pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to alter our everyday lives, we are forced to make changes and adapt to the new circumstances. Franchise development specifically has had to go through a lot of changes in order to adapt to the everchanging environment. My company, Franchise Scale, has managed to keep our franchise development processes the same with the exception of remote working (i.e. no personal meetings or contact for the most part). Discovery Days for each of my brands have gone completely virtual. Many of the brands I manage are service brands, so usually for a Discovery Day, we would go out into the field with a technician from one of the brands so the prospective franchisee gets to experience what a day in the life of a franchisee is like and how our brand interacts with customers. Due to COVID -19 that is just not practical, so we have pivoted to virtual Discovery Days. We will film a field visit to a customer’s home or business to provide the prospective franchisee with an understanding of how our business works and what they can expect when interacting with customers. Our in-person “Discovery Days,” where the prospect typically visits our company headquarters and meets the corporate team, are now replicated via Zoom calls, whereby all prospective franchisees and our corporate team are live on video. I think it is very important to establish a connection between prospects and corporate during these virtual Discovery Days, and the best way to do that is to see how you engage with each other on a video call. That way, when the franchisee comes in for training, there is already a level of familiarity that can start the relationship off successfully.
“People right now are looking for ways they can diversify their income, and by owning a business where you only have to manage it for four to eight hours a week.” In addition to adapting your discovery day process, it is also incredibly important during this time to showcase your brand’s success and resiliency during a pandemic and a recession. Prospective franchisees want to see how the business model of the brand they are interested in holds up during these rapidly changing circumstances. Prospects are also looking to learn how adaptable your model is and want to see how the leadership team is able to pivot and push forward. With my brands WaveMAX Laundry, The Flying Locksmiths, Surface Experts, and Nerds To Go (all of which have been deemed essential services by the government), our development initiatives continue to move forward. We have shown our prospects that our development and expansion plans have not slowed down due to the pandemic by constantly engaging with our pipeline and updating them about new deals being signed, new territories being available, etc. It is of paramount importance that brands continue to showcase their success throughout the pandemic. If you want to bring prospects in the door, you need to show them why they should buy into your system (i.e. Amazon-proof concept, essential service, etc.). During this time, we also have seen increased interest for semi-passive ownership models. I manage WaveMAX Laundry – a laundromat franchise chain founded in 2012 – one of the hottest franchise concepts in the country. Prior to the pandemic, we were closing five to six deals per month, but once deemed an essential business by the government, we resonate with doctors, attorneys, and multiunit franchisees who own other brands. The reason? People right now are looking for ways they can diversify their income, and by owning a business where you only have to manage it for four to eight hours a week, professionals are able to continue on with their regular jobs while having passive income as well. Concepts that can offer this to their prospective franchisees are going
to do well moving forward, especially if they are an essential business. Another key focus during this time is to show your differentiation from other concepts. People ask me all the time “what type of business I should buy?” I always tell them, “one that can’t get off-shored, run off by Amazon, or done on the Internet”. If you look at commercial locksmithing/ security integration, check the box. If you look at small business IT support and service, check the box. If you look at hard surface repairs as a maintenance function, check the box. Again, I feel very lucky to be in these service channels that will never go away. Sexy businesses? No. Pandemic and recession-proof? Absolutely. Showcasing your concept’s utility to a prospective franchisee is paramount, and this pandemic has provided an opportunity for brands to show why franchisees should invest in your business. Dennis Mulgannon is a 25 year franchise industry veteran and is the founder/ principal member of Franchise Scale – a franchise development firm that helps start-up franchise concepts expand their networks. In the past decade, Dennis has grown six brands to national acclaim, including Home Care Assistance, Junk King, The Flying Locksmiths, Nerds to Go, Surface Experts, and now, WaveMAX Laundry.
Dennis Mulgannon
Franchising USA
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The public and policymakers need to understand franchising. Our purpose
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FranchisingFeature Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products & services
big business
Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products and services
why now is the best time to start a franchise why you should
consider multipleconcept franchising
au g u st 2020
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what’s new!
Abrakadoodle Mobile Art Programs Shift Imaginations into High Gear
Art benefits all kids with its ability to accelerate learning and build visual connections, and thanks to Abrakadoodle’s mobile art education program, schools don’t have to put the brakes on creativity education due to lack of staffing, supplies or travel constraints. Abrakadoodle delivers award-winning, creative solutions with well-trained art teachers, abundant art materials and supplies, as well as comprehensive lesson plans. During this Covid-19 era, Abrakadoodle rapidly responded with a whole new online ‘model’ of learning programs. Depending upon the area and circumstances for Abrakadoodle franchise owners, they can avail themselves of complete online learning programs with art kits and materials that can be dropped off or mailed to students. Owners received instruction in Zoom learning and many
franchisees now provide online classes, camps and parties.
From preschools and public elementary, charter and private schools to parks
programs, community centers and other sites, Abrakadoodle franchise owners/
educational directors enjoy the relational
aspects of this moveable concept and cite
the strong desire to make a positive impact
in their respective communities. With an HQ team that supports franchise owners in all business aspects, franchise owners can build a strong community presence. Abrakadoodle sets up, cleans up and leaves behind confident, happy kids with their own original art to enjoy. Visit: www.abrakadoodle.com
The Dan Collins Scholarship 2020 Award Announces Three Winning Students For a third year, NaturaLawn® of America offered high school seniors and college undergraduates across the country the opportunity to win scholarship money towards their higher education by entering an essay contest. The scholarship,named The Dan Collins Scholarship Award, was established in 2017 in memory of former franchise owner, Dan Collins, who passed away from cancer in 2005. The scholarship currently offers three award prizes: $4,000 for the grandprize, $1,000 for the first runner-up, and $500 for the second runner-up. This year’s winners are Derrick W. Webb, Carlton Avery Robinson, and Lily Sweet King, respectively.
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The Grand-Prizewinner is Derrick W. Webb, from Alabama. Derrick currently attends Dillard University in New Orleans. He is a Pre-Med student with a minor in Chemistry. First runner-up, Carlton Avery Robinson, a high school graduate, is planning on majoring in Bioengineering at the University of Louisville. Lily Sweet King, from Florida, is the second runner-up. She is a freshman at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Journalism and New Media. “We would like to sincerely thank all the young adults who took the time to apply for The Dan Collins Scholarship,”said Phil Catron, NaturaLawn President, and
Founder. “…Dan Collins’ family will be pleased knowing his legacy continues to impact so many. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.NaturaLawn.com
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our students remain our number one priority,” said founder Hansel Lynn. “We know the positive impact learning to code can have on students and families, which is why we were quick to offer AppStream and are permanently keeping virtual coding classes in our business model with the goal of giving kids the opportunity to learn valuable skills while allowing them to create their projects and become self-starters.”
National Kid’s Coding School Franchise Unveils Affordable Subscription Service theCoderSchool – whose motto is “Learn to code. Change the world.” – is unveiling an affordable subscription service giving parents another option to help keep kids engaged and learning during the pandemic. theCoderSchool’s new AppStream provides a video lesson presented by a Code Coach from one of the brand’s nationwide locations every Tuesday morning. AppStream is a great way to expose
beginners aged 6-11 to coding basics with video lessons. Each week there is a brand new video with an experienced coder who will guide your kids to create a mini-app on their own. In addition to AppStream program, theCoderSchool implemented personalized virtual coding lessons at the beginning of the pandemic to ensure the tech leaders of the future weren’t missing a beat, while locations were temporarily closed.
theCoderSchool transformed their business model due to the COVID-19 pandemic to support remote coding lessons and the company is moving forward with opening new locations as they keep up with the demand from parents around the country. As summer draws closer and parts of America reopen, additional locations are planning to add in-person classes and day camps for students too. theCoderSchool is prioritizing safety over everything else and have implemented protocols to protect all campers and employees. Visit www.thecoderschool.com
CELEBREE SCHOOL WELCOMES MULTI-UNIT FRANCHISEE IN VIRGINIA Faculty and staff at Celebree School believe success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection that extends beyond the classroom and into the homes and neighborhoods of the students. The Celebree approach is not simply about educating the “whole child” but the “whole family.” Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education with 43 open or under development school locations in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, has awarded Josephine and Edward Johnson two franchises. They will own and operate Celebree School locations in Loudoun County, Arlington or Fairfax, Virginia. As first time business owners, the unwavering support they received from the Celebree team helped solidify their decision to franchise with the company. “The Celebree School franchise model seemed like the ideal way to help us succeed with our goal of owning a business and getting to market quickly, said Josephine Johnson, an economist who previously worked as a teacher in Kenya. “The pros of going with a franchise far outweighed trying to open a business on our own.”
“As parents, we saw firsthand the vital role preschool played in our son’s life and we want to have that type of impact on other families,” said Josephine Johnson. As franchisees, the Johnson family is investing in their financial future and their local community. “From the moment we met Josephine and Edward, our entire leadership team knew we were destined to work together,” said Richard Huffman, founder and CEO of Celebree. “Their passion for community and education mixed with the drive to succeed is precisely what we look for when awarding franchises.” For more information on franchise opportunities, visit the website www.celebree.com or contact Jim DiRugeris, Chief Development Officer, at jdirugeris@celebree.com or 443-391-6533.
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Peterbrooke Chocolatier Offers Summer Day Camp Options
Peterbrooke Chocolatier (Peterbrooke), the premiere Florida-based confectioner, announced today that it will help busy parents by offering its popular summertime day camps for kids of all ages in select stores. Adhering to local and state health guidelines, camp sizes will be limited in the number of children attending based on spacing in each respective shop and some shops will offer virtual camps as an alternative to in-shop camps. Peterbrooke’s summer camp this year will feature an “It’s Out of This World” theme that lets kids have a blast learning to make outer space confections. Camp times and activities vary by location, so interested parties should phone their neighborhood Peterbrooke. Similarly, ages for campers vary by shop, with some beginning as young as 6 years old,
while other shops require children to be at least 8. One shop in Fernandina Beach is offering a special Mommy and Me opportunity for children between ages 2 and 6 with an accompanying adult. “We are so happy to be able to host our camps again this summer,” said Peterbrooke Chocolatier Chief Operating Officer Jeff Smith. “Over the years, kids and parents have really looked forward to crafting chocolate in our neighborhood shops when school lets out. Especially this year, in light of everything we’re going through, we wanted to offer local families a fun, educational and delicious day camp. Each shop owner and manager is significantly limiting camp sizes while going above and beyond local and state health guidelines to ensure the safest experience possible while making sure everyone still has fun.”
For more information about summer camp, activities and costs, interested families should call their local Peterbrooke shop. Contact information can be found at peterbrooke.com
Tommy’s Express Car Wash Announces Scholarship Award Winners leaders and receive $1,000 for the current academic year. Previous winners may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements and choose to apply.
National car wash brand Tommy’s
Hudsonville, MI, and Tyler English of
Express has announced the winners of
Wichita, KS.
its first annual TEACHES (Tommy’s
The TEACHES scholarship program helps
Express Assistance with College and Higher Education Scholarship) Award. This year’s scholarships were awarded
to Eli Shaner of Fremont, NE, Phylicia
Talbott of Macon, GA, Robert Parker of
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Tommy’s Express team members who want to pursue an undergraduate or graduate
degree at an accredited two- or four-year
college or vocational school of their choice. Award recipients are chosen by their site
TEACHES was launched in 2019 and is part of the charitable arm of Tommy’s Express. “Integrity, high standards, entrepreneurial spirit, good citizenship, and education are the values that have defined Tommy’s since my grandfather Jun Essenburg started the business over 50 years ago”, said Ryan Essenburg, President and CIO of Tommy’s Express. “Those same values are at the core of the TEACHES program, which will continue to build on that legacy and commitment to education. www.tommycarwash.com
Celebrity-Favorite The Whimsy Cookie Company Partners with Memphis Businesses to Bring New Items to the Menu
Huntington Learning Center Helps Families Fight the Summer Slide Every summer break students face a risk of significant learning loss. Studies show that on average, students lose up to 30% of their previous year’s reading progress and 50% of their previous year’s math progress. With COVID-19 interrupting traditional classroom learning, students are dealing with a risk of academic decline that is compounded by social and emotional stressors. Therefore, it’s extremely important that we invest in our children’s education over the summer, which can be fun and engaging with Huntington’s help. In response to the pandemic forcing school closures earlier this year, Huntington launched a virtual, live and individualized tutoring and test prep platform called HuntingtonHelps LIVE, enabling us to keep our doors open online, even if our brick-andmortar centers closed temporarily due to state mandates. Since the platform’s launch in March, Huntington’s certified teachers and accredited programs have provided hundreds of thousands of hours of personalized online tutoring to students across the country. In an effort to further support families this summer, Huntington now offers free supplemental learning resources online. Families can enjoy programs like Huntington’s Reading Adventure and weekly Reading Live sessions on Youtube, as well as our free weekly webinars covering topics like how to build skills outside the classroom, how to write a great college essay, how to support your child’s mental health during the pandemic, and how to navigate the challenges of remote learning for students with ADHD and other learning disabilities. To learn more about how Huntington can help your family, visit HuntingtonHelps.com
The Whimsy Cookie Company, known for its secret sugar cookie recipe, is now adding coffee and caramel to their menu. Whimsy, alongside Memphis based J. Brooks Coffee Roasters have developed two roasts exclusive to the cookie company. In addition, the cookie franchise is partnering with Memphis famed Shotwell Candy Co. in an effort to propel all the brands forward across the USA. Whimsy will be selling their two blends by the cup and in 12 oz. ground coffee bags in stores and online. The blends include Morning Whimsy, a light breakfast blend that has bright, citrus notes in a velvety body, and Magic Roast, a medium bean with pleasant stone fruit notes and a smooth milk chocolate finish. Both blends consisting of 100% specialty beans from Costa Rica and Peru. “As a quality coffee roaster in the same hometown as Whimsy’s headquarters, we know our product will help Whimsy fans enjoy their treats even more,” Said John Pitman. Shotwell Candy Co, known for its addicting and gourmet caramel and toffee candies, is a national award-winning and acclaimed Memphis business. “One of the most important things to our brand is staying true to who we are, and we’re excited to partner with Whimsy because they also reflect these values,” said Shotwell founder Jerrod Smith. “They are dedicated to their products and devoted to their customers, and this is a great opportunity for us to work together with one common goal.” Capturing the hearts of all who take a bite of their famous cookies, Whimsy has become well-loved by people nationwide. Visit whimsycookieco.com
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G i n a G i l l Fr a n c h i s i n g U S A
big business Children’s products and services
One of the most powerful consumer markets in America is those who are under the age of eighteen. Surprisingly, youth, who do not possess any income, have enormous buying power. Parents want the absolute best for their children and are willing to pay for top of the line products and services to get them what they need, and want. For example, baby care products alone have a worldwide market of over 73 billion US dollars - and they are only a small portion of the children’s industry (source). The wide range of children products begins with babies’ clothes and diapers and continues into video games, sporting goods, diapers, daycare services and beyond.
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While some children’s products and services require strict protocols and safety measures, a franchise would provide up to date standards to follow and ensure all franchisees create a safe and reputable business. Ensure that a franchisee will provide guidelines and support before investing. Another bonus to franchises in the children’s market is the branding and reputational factor. Franchises carry well-recognized products to appeal to all consumers and have already established an outward-facing reputation that is well recognized and trusted.
Pregnancy and baby products and services The economic buying power of children starts before they even enter the world. Pregnancy products and services are a huge market and one that is wellestablished in the franchising industry. Women are invested in a healthy and
“Franchises carry well-recognized products to appeal to all consumers and have already established an outward-facing reputation that is well recognized and trusted.” comfortable pregnancy more than ever before - which includes maternity clothing, creams, pillows, books and many other products. At the same time, there are also pregnancy and ovulation kits to determine and plan for pregnancy and even services that help pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant. The pregnancy care market is estimated to reach over $34 million US by 2026 - that is an expected growth of 5.5 percent (source). This is another form of business in which the consumers are willing to drop big bucks for great results. They want to ensure that they provide the best space for mother and child during this short period in their life. Something that personal can not only pull on the heartstrings but also have a significant effect on the purse strings as well. There is one birth every eight seconds in the US, and in 2018, children aged four
and under accounted for 27 percent of the population. That is a lot of customers to consider. When parents are willing to put their kids’ needs above their own, it’s a good chance; it’s also where they are putting their money. The baby product industry is huge the range of options to choose from is enormous, but selling all of them in one place is also a consideration. You would be competing with other industries, including supermarkets and small businesses. Take note of what services a franchise offers within their store, ask what products are being offered and whether or not other products are being sold within the franchise. Baby services include daycares, birthday parties, baby groups and recreational activities and more. Nowadays, it’s not enough to provide babies with just love and attention - they need the best of the best. And as research continues around how to keep babies safe, there are more products needed to keep baby in the safest situations at all time. The more we know, the more products are made, and the more profit to gain.
“When parents are willing to put their kids’ needs above their own, it’s a good chance; it’s also where they are putting their money.”
Recreational and Educational activities With both parents working in the majority of households, the everyday family needs a little support to help keep their kids involved in physical activity, as well as after school care. With kids having a lot more to do, as well as a lot more options for entertainment - there are numerous franchise options out there. Those interested in running a children’s service business could tune in with their inner child and pursue a passion. Recreational franchises include entertainment facilities, like arcades, mini putt, glow in the dark bowling and sometimes all three. There is fun for the whole family, as well as services for birthday parties and events. Some recreational facilities offer after school programs and summer camps. It depends on your level of interest. Some franchisees would like to stay focused on one area that specializes in a particular activity. In contrast, other business owners are interested in tackling all activities possible. For those young at heart - this is an excellent opportunity with so many options. On the other hand, a popular franchising choice for kids is the tutorial and educational franchise. Parents across the country sometimes need help assisting their kids with school work and studies. There are a variety of options: some
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“Recreational franchises include entertainment facilities, like arcades, mini putt, glow in the dark bowling and sometimes all three. There is fun for the whole family, as well as services for birthday parties and events.” streamlined processes to gain the most profit. Some companies rely mainly on online sales to generate huge profit, giving franchisees less hands-on work.
address kids of all ages, others specialize in high school studies. There are options for learning centers, with a range of services of mobile franchises, with tutors teaching children at their own home. Depending on the start-up costs and interest, a franchisee has a lot of different opportunities to help support kids throughout their academic career.
“A lot of retail options offer children’s clothing alongside men and women, while other retail outlets specialize in just children’s clothing.”
Clothing In 2017, the global children’s wear market was worth nearly 203.4 billion US dollars, and in 2019 the US baby and young children’s apparel market was valued at 27 billion US dollars (source). With such a vast industry, there is a lot of opportunity for franchises. A lot of retail options offer children’s clothing alongside men and women, while other retail outlets specialize in just children’s clothing. With the online shopping industry booming, it’s essential to consider a franchise that offers both services and has
On the other hand, with concerns about the environment and overconsumption of clothing leading to a greater ozone footprint, franchisees have responded to consumer’s environmental demands. A lot of franchises specialize in used clothing and used baby products (that are safe), which appeals to many parents nowadays. For those interested in the children’s franchising business, but also do not want to contribute to the 25 million tons of textiles that end up in landfills per year in North America - an environmentally friendly franchise might be the best-suited option. The children’s products and services franchising industry are full of options - no matter what your interest, there are plenty of great and highly profitable franchise options that suit everyone’s needs. Parents have big pockets when it comes to their kid’s interests and passions, and it’s an excellent opportunity to run a reputable business, while also giving back to the community. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina Gill became a freelance journalist in 2008. She has worked as a reporter and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.
Look out for our next special feature:
pet friendly franchises
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Expert Advice: Faizun Kamal | CEO | The Franchise Pros
Why NOW is the Best Time to Start a Franchise! person who lost their job, one family’s future was jeopardized. If this is you or you are in fear of getting laid off, this may be just the right time for you to start exploring business ownership. Don’t allow the vagaries of the economy or a virus dictate your future. As a franchisee, you own your own business and cannot be laid off or furloughed from it.
Use your time in quarantine wisely
Starting a business is tough in any climate. So why would anyone think about starting a business in the midst of a global pandemic?
balancing act – containing and minimizing the risks while leveraging all of the possible rewards. And franchise ownership is unique in that through its proven business model, it reduces financial risk considerably while increasing the potential upside for its franchisees. It is a way to get into entrepreneurship with minimal risk and greater efficiency.
Over the past few months, I have seen many people become frozen with fear allowing uncertainty to rule their lives. I have also seen many others who are taking bold and calculated risks because they understand that fundamentally the bigger the disruption, the greater the potential opportunities that will arise from the disruption.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, don’t shy away now. This may be the best time to start your own franchise. Here are some of the compelling reasons why my clients are deciding to begin their business now.
As a business owner myself, I understand that entrepreneurship encompasses two sides of the same coin: risk and reward. In many ways, entrepreneurship is a
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“Recession proof” your career 40 million. That’s the number of people who have lost their jobs since the pandemic was declared on March 6. While the number itself is astounding, it masks the true toll of these numbers. For every
As the world paused, many people also paused in their lives. They took a deep introspective look at their careers and asked themselves the hard question: am I living the life I want to? The answer that came back to many of my clients was: no. Professionals around the country are starting to realize that they want to escape the 9-5, generate wealth, and finally live life on their own terms. Many are realizing that franchise business ownership could be the opportunity they have been looking for, to reinvent their careers and take back control of their destiny.
Take advantage of funding opportunities On March 27, 2020, the president signed the CARES Act, which provided billions in relief to American workers and small businesses. As part of this program, the Small Business Administration is offering various funding options that make it easier than ever before to get funding to begin a business. Coupled with lower interest rates that we have not seen in a very long time, business ownership has become a viable option for many people.
Faizun Kamal
“Professionals around the country are starting to realize that they want to escape the 9-5, generate wealth, and finally live life on their own terms. Many are realizing that franchise business ownership could be the opportunity they have been looking for, to reinvent their careers and take back control of their destiny.”
Vet how “pandemic resistant” a brand really is Franchises represent some of the most successful businesses in the world. Now, more than ever, franchises have been put to the test. In the face of great disruption and threat, they have had to nimbly adapt their business model to not only survive but thrive at a time when most other businesses have suffered. Many of the brands I work with have changed their operational and marketing tactics. Through pricing and vendor management strategies, these brands have pivoted to continue to grow through the pandemic. Some have had the best quarters they have ever had in their history.
able to continue to grow and make money? Did they have to shut down their location? As businesses reopen, what support did they receive from their franchisors? This is the perfect time to understand whether a franchise is truly recession- and pandemicresistant.
Leverage a softening real estate market
finding your perfect fit franchise? The time is now. Faizun Kamal is an award-winning franchise coach, nationally renowned public speaker, and best selling author. As CEO of The Franchise Pros, Faizun coaches people nationwide on making the transition from employee to entrepreneur. Her best selling book, “The Right Franchise for You: Escape the 9 to 5, Generate Wealth, & Live Life on Your Terms”, is the guide that thousands of clients have used to find their “perfect fit” franchise!
Good franchisors communicated daily with their franchisees as they pivoted their business models in real time to minimize store closures, reduce employee layoffs, implement new initiatives to keep customers, help franchisees obtain PPP funding and renegotiate leases with landlords.
Unfortunately, many businesses will not be able to survive the pandemic. They will vacate their storefronts and offices. Commercial landlords will have real estate available for which they may be willing to negotiate more favorable terms. Many franchisors are negotiating such favorable real estate deals for their franchisees. These cost savings can be considerable.
As you explore whether franchising is the right option for your career, you will be able to speak directly to franchisees to understand how their brands supported them through the pandemic. Were they
As Meister Eckhart said, “And suddenly, you know… it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings.”
Faizun received her BA in Women’s Studies and Environmental Studies from Mount Holyoke College. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University. She is also a graduate of Stanford University’s acclaimed Social Entrepreneurship Program.
Are you ready to begin the journey of
www.linkedin.com/in/faizunkamal
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Expert Advice: Jeff Brazier | Chief Development Officer | Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Why You Should Consider
MultipleConcept Franchising
Diversification, a recommended strategy in designing an investment portfolio, aims to reduce risk while maximizing return, which is why diversification is poised to become the latest trend in franchising. In fact, of the 450,000+ franchise units in the United States, 53 percent are currently owned by either multi-unit or multi-brand franchisees. As multi-unit franchisees seek new avenues for growth, increasing numbers of them are adding new concepts to their franchise brand portfolios, because savvy business owners know that it’s best not to put all your eggs in one basket. Below are a handful of reasons why all aspiring or current franchise owners should consider diversifying: • Industry Change – Sometimes an industry can change due to market forces, technology or unseen events such as COVID-19. If you have all of your investment in one brand and that brand is impacted, it may be a challenge to
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“Our franchisees at Kiddie Academy come from various backgrounds, but all have this in common: a desire for work-life harmony, financial independence and building something valuable for their community.”
quickly pivot to another industry if you were not already invested into it. • Best Practices – You can learn and implement best practices that could be used across industries and brands. That experience can help to elevate your entire portfolio. • Staff – We know that hiring quality staff can be a challenge, especially when there is limited upward mobility. When you have growth opportunities within your portfolio, it can provide incentive and a future path for your staff to want to stay and grow within your franchises. • Complimentary Brands – Acquiring customers is a focus every day for a business owner. But just as important is maintaining that customer. If you have complimentary brands or can extend the life cycle of a consumer through a different brand, it helps to drive down the cost of obtaining those customers. Our franchisees at Kiddie Academy come from various backgrounds, but all have this
in common: a desire for work-life harmony, financial independence and building something valuable for their community. Many of our franchisees became multiconcept franchise owners when they opened their Kiddie Academy, while others expanded their portfolios after joining our community. Rakesh Patel became a Kiddie Academy franchisee after a decade of franchising experience in tutoring. He owns two Kumon Math and Reading Centers, which run mostly in the evenings after school lets out. “As my kids got older and their activities multiplied, we needed a business that was symbiotic with our new schedules,” Patel says. Along with noticing a need in their community for quality educational child care, Patel saw promise in Kiddie Academy’s Monday-Friday, normal business hours schedule. Patel says his previous franchising experience made his transition to a Kiddie Academy Franchisee much easier – understanding the Franchisee/Franchisor relationship, having gone through the site
“Sometimes an industry can change due to market forces, technology or unseen events such as COVID19. If you have all of your investment in one brand and that brand is impacted, it may be a challenge to quickly pivot to another industry if you were not already invested into it.”
selection process previously, and even the fundamentals of small business ownership, such as accounting and customer service. Patel also urges others to bring their own experiences to their new franchise – and look for a franchisor who appreciates and welcomes it. “In my experience, Kiddie Academy has been more helpful and flexible than our experiences with other franchises.” Franchisees Katie and Larry Moore own and operate two very successful Kiddie Academy locations in Chicago’s suburbs, with plans to continue expanding. After experiencing success in the educational child care industry, the Moores decided to expand their portfolio to include a senior care franchise. As Katie Moore says, “My husband was looking for other work options and looked into senior home care and we wanted to franchise due to our success with Kiddie Academy.” Being involved in another franchise concept gave Katie and Larry a leg up in the new industry. “The business knowledge and knowing the support that you get from a franchise – knowing to choose a franchise rather than just attempt it on our own.” Katie says she and Larry chose to break into a new industry because she
doesn’t like to have all of her eggs in one basket. “I would not feel comfortable if my husband and I were in the same industry and that was all we had going for us. At any given moment, an industry can change.” Aleem Hasham had a diverse portfolio of franchises before he signed on as a franchisee with Kiddie Academy and opened his first location in North Albuquerque. Hasham was previously involved with Cendant (now Wyndham) and Holiday Inn (IHG). He is also currently involved with Chevron through a licensing agreement. “The decision to expand our franchise portfolio was for a multitude of reasons – the primary being, working within an industry that positively contributes to the quality of the life of the community within which we reside and that is considered essential, even in the midst of a global shutdown,” he says. “Diversification is key in long term investments and planning. Often, we view different industries as challenges as opposed to opportunities. Expansion into a different industry should be viewed as an opportunity learn and grow.”
Jeff Brazier
Jeff Brazier joined the Kiddie Academy franchise development team in 2016. In his role as Chief Development Officer, he works closely with franchise candidates to guide them through our franchise discovery process. Jeff has over 16 years of business development experience. Brazier began his career in the sports industry, with an emphasis on baseball, where he transitioned into business development. Jeff holds a BS from Towson University and MS from California University of PA. www.franchising.kiddieacademy.com
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Expert Advice: Jo Kirchner | CEO | Primrose Schools
For many, entrepreneurship is the solution to the struggle for work-life balance Franchising can offer the freedom, flexibility, and family time Americans crave.
“In running their business, franchise owners have the opportunity to pursue a full-time career or choose to be an active investor and have a partner lead the day-to-day operations with a strong managerial team in place.” While they come from all walks of life, many have been parents that left demanding careers in corporate America in search of a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
Jo Kirchner
Throughout my nearly 30 years in franchising, I’ve had the pleasure of talking with countless franchise owners about their goals for their business — and themselves. Franchising USA
In many ways, the rising costs associated with housing, childcare, education, health insurance, and other essentials have pitted work against family. Even when people are not on the job, the ability to disconnect seems impossible. And the growth of teleworking has blurred the lines between work and home. Despite proof that worklife balance leads to higher employee morale, better job satisfaction, and more productivity, it seems as our society is moving in the opposite direction. In recent years, I’ve noticed work-life balance as an ever-present topic in our society, and there is a heated debate over
whether it is attainable. Particularly, work-life balance becomes increasingly challenging when working professionals become a parent and are determining if they have to make sacrifices in their careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, two-fifths of American families have children under 18 (approximately 33.6 million families), and, among marriedcouple families with children, 63% have both parents employed. A growing number of parents and caregivers are looking for more flexible career paths. Entrepreneurship, particularly franchising — where you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself — is a solution to many. It’s given them the freedom, flexibility, and the family time they crave. What’s more, franchising
“A growing number of parents and caregivers are looking for more flexible career paths. Entrepreneurship, particularly franchising — where you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself — is a solution to many. It’s given them the freedom, flexibility, and the family time they crave.”
provides people the opportunity to mold their new career as an entrepreneur into whatever they want it to be. There are thousands of franchise opportunities with some of America’s most beloved brands across a variety of industries, from retail and restaurants to education, service, travel, and more. These opportunities come in many forms, including traditional brickand-mortar business, mobile franchises, and home-based franchises. In running their business, franchise owners have the opportunity to pursue a full-time career or choose to be an active investor and have a partner lead the day-to-day operations with a strong managerial team in place. Through my experience as CEO of Primrose Schools, I’ve seen successful franchisees who have scaled their business while raising young children, as well as those who have decided to grow only after their young children got older or left the house all together. I value that franchising allows franchisees the opportunity to make business decisions that enable them to have the work-life balance they desire. When researching franchise opportunities, consider these things:
Your passion(s) Unfortunately, many people feel stuck in jobs they don’t personally care about. But entrepreneurship allows you to follow your passion and do something that is emotionally and financially rewarding. Learn what’s available by reviewing awards and rankings, like the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, an annual ranking of the franchises with the greatest brand strength.
The support you need Investing in a franchise enables you to tap into the network of resources and tools that an established model provides. When you’re researching potential franchises, be sure to find out how involved the franchisor is and what type of support they provide throughout every phase of your franchising journey. Find a franchisor that has designed a franchise program to make the most of the effort owners put into their business.
The cost of entry Investment costs for franchises run the gamut, from a few thousand dollars to several million. Consider your budget and the minimum net worth and liquidity
required in order to narrow down your options. Forbes’ ranking of America’s Best and Worst Franchises breaks down its ranking by initial investment. From there, you can review each brand’s franchising website to find additional details pertaining to whether or not it’s a good fit for you. As a mother and grandmother, I am a passionate advocate for franchising because of the opportunities the industry provides for parents and non-parents searching for their ideal level of work-life balance. We know through recent studies that as parents evaluate how best to manage their careers with the responsibility of parenting, they often struggle with feelings of guilt. Parents should not feel guilty daily for the decisions they make in order to care for their families. While corporate America is aware of these challenges, and many companies are making progress, it’s not there yet. In the meantime, there is a viable option for better quality of life awaiting through franchising. Jo Kirchner is CEO of Primrose Schools, the leader in providing premier early education and care to children and families in the United States. www.primroseschools.com
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feat ure : ch i l dr en’s products & serv ices
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Veterans in Franchising august 2020
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
Spotlight on JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchisee
Bryan Lindley
Blending Navy Experiences to Boost Success in Franchising
Four Tips for Veterans
Opening a New Franchise Franchising USA
V e t er a ns i n Fr a nch isi ng
profile: JDog Junk Removal & Hauling
Spotlight on JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchisee Bryan Lindley:
Setting the standard for franchise success What it takes to be a model franchisee Bryan Lindley opened his JDog Junk Removal & Hauling franchise in 2015 in Central Rhode Island with one employee (his daughter Jesse), one truck, one trailer, and big dreams. His goals: Never get a negative review, and put the competition out of business. In the five years since, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplished that and so much more.
Respect. Integrity. Trust. For JDog Brands, these three words are more than a company motto. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the very foundation of our organization. The basic tenets that guide our business model and motivate our franchisees across the country. Franchising USA
And so each year, we look for franchisees who have gone above and beyond in conducting themselves with Respect, Integrity, and Trust, and select one to receive the JDog of the Year award. We look for franchisees who have kept a positive demeanor in the face of hardship, exhibited outstanding work ethic and passion, and exceeded expectations in helping their fellow franchise owners. This year, we were honored to present the award to Bryan Lindley, a 10-year Air Force Veteran and JDog Junk Removal & Hauling owner who exemplifies the attributes of a model franchisee and fully embodies what it is to be a JDog.
In early 2020, after adding to his fleet (gaining two trucks and two trailers), increasing his workforce (to three Veterans and two military family members; his daughter continues to grow the business with him), and building a reputation for service (as of this writing, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling Rhode Island has yet to receive anything less than a 5-star review), Bryan decided to expand. He purchased two additional territories in Rhode Island, becoming the first JDog franchisee to take ownership of an entire state. Things were looking good. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, sending the economy into a tailspin and crippling many small businesses. But as a Veteran, Bryan was trained to rise in the face of adversity. With perseverance, a commitment to Veteran values, and a whole lot of grit, Bryan has been able to keep his entire workforce employed and maintain relationships with the communities he serves. And while the coronavirus will continue to
influence economies and communities for months to come, or any number of other challenges may arise in the future, Bryan is well positioned to succeed.
A recipe for success What sets successful franchise owners like Bryan apart? Here are a few attributes that any franchise owner can rely on to control their destiny and create their own success. • Risk tolerance. Starting a business, becoming your own boss, and taking responsibility for employees requires courage. You need to be willing to make yourself vulnerable. It’s what Bryan did when he left the Air Force after 10 years to join the tech industry, and what he did again 20 years later when he left that field to become a junk removal specialist and JDog franchisee. Successful business owners don’t run from risk. They analyze and plan for it. • Adaptability. In the military, servicemen and servicewomen are trained to assess a situation and act quickly under pressure. Business owners can draw on that same focus and discipline to react to environmental pressures, threats, or other changes. For instance, the uncertainty, disorder, and rapid pace of change during those early weeks of the pandemic could easily have paralyzed business owners. Instead, we saw franchisees innovating to offer curbside junk pickups, nocontact payments, and even new services to respond to customer demand and help keep communities safe. The most successful franchisees were the ones who kept a cool head and took the changes in stride. • Modesty. In the face of his franchise’s growth and success, and even in winning the JDog of the Year award, Bryan has remained humble. He’s always expressed a willingness to learn from others, and a true appreciation for the people -- employees, Veterans, customers, and fellow franchise owners -- he’s encountered along the way. Remembering those who helped you get to where you are will make you a better leader and owner.
“In early 2020, after adding to his fleet (gaining two trucks and two trailers), increasing his workforce (to three Veterans and two military family members; his daughter continues to grow the business with him), and building a reputation for service.” • Loyalty. One of the things that drew Bryan to JDog was our focus on Veteran employment and camaraderie. He’d grown up in a military family, and was missing the lifestyle. He had -- and continues to have -- a deep respect for Veterans and wanted to create jobs for the younger generations leaving the service. This spring, when thousands of Americans were laid off because of COVID-19, Bryan reinforced his commitment to his employees and was able to keep all of them on the payroll. He runs his business in a way that lets his employees know they are valued, and his efforts have given opportunity to multiple Veterans over the years Bryan embodies these attributes, and has been a steady force in the JDog family
since he joined five years ago. They’ve helped earn him an award, but more importantly, they’ve made him a successful franchise owner. While there are admittedly still a few junk removal competitors in Rhode Island, Bryan notes that over the years, he’s seen less of their trucks on the road and more of them parked, inactive, at their facility. On top of the growth and everything else he’s achieved, I’d say that’s a win. Tracy Flanagan is the senior vice president and co-founder of JDog Brands, the umbrella for an array of home and commercial services franchise organizations owned and operated by Veterans and Military family members. www.jdogbrands.com
Franchising USA
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V e t er a ns i n Fr a nch isi ng
expert advice: Bryan Kingsley | Owner | Image360 of Lewis Center, OH
Four Tips for Veterans Opening a New Franchise I handle operations for my franchise business, so my focus when counseling other small business owners, especially veterans, tends to focus on the logistics. Lots of the advice I have for new business owners can apply to all entrepreneurs, but veterans in particular may experience additional challenges as they transition
Franchising USA
to civilians. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially important for veterans to have clear expectations of the franchise process, so they can launch with momentum and establish themselves in their communities. I served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2001, and when my wife Veronica and I recently opened our Image360 center in Lewis Center, Ohio, I discovered many of the skills I learned in the military were useful when launching a small business. One of them was planning, doing my best foresee complications, and anticipate challenges as we worked to open our franchise location.
With that experience in mind, below are some things I think all new franchisees should keep in mind when opening a
franchise business, especially veterans:
1
The SBA process may take longer than you expect
In the Air Force we pride ourselves in
working smarter, not harder. However,
when it came to the SBA loan process, there was no replacement for grinding it out. In our case, obtaining the SBA
loan was a marathon that we had to push
through. This was a challenging ordeal as
hunting for the perfect property for your business is not to be rushed. We worked hard with both the Image360 corporate team and our local networks to find the right facility, and while at times it made us throw our hands in the air, it ended with us finding the perfect location for our business.
Bryan Kingsley
our purchase of the franchise, the lease for our location, the timing of the builder, and finally the date we wanted to open our doors was all on the line. It even got to the point where we were not sure if the funds would come in time and our plans were at risk. It was a challenge and something I make sure all new franchisees I meet are aware of is a possibility.
Similar to the SBA process, take your anticipated timeline for finding and signing for a location, and try to make an alternate plan for what will happen if the lease signing is delayed. How might you need to adjust other components of your opening plan? Take the time to plan for a worst-case scenario. Even if your location-scouting process ends up going off without a hitch, it’s never wasted time to plan for the alternative.
3
Use your networks wherever you can
Finding and settling on the right location takes a long time
All new franchisees, but especially veterans who may be familiarizing themselves with the local business community for the first time, should lean on the people they know to make their new business launch as effective as possible. Chambers of commerce, local BNI groups and other community business organizations are all essential for building local buzz and awareness for your new business.
Much like the SBA process, if your franchise is a brick-and-mortar concept,
As a veteran, even if you haven’t leaned on them before, now is also the time to
If you can anticipate and plan for a potential delay caused by the SBA process, you may be able to build a little padding into your opening timeline. With a little worst-case planning, you can potentially save yourself a major headache.
2
take advantage of any local veterans networks in your community. See what kind of resources or word-of-mouth support they might offer entrepreneurs. Many veterans are also business leaders in their communities (as you will soon be too!) and make a point of supporting other veteran-owned organizations. Tap into those networks to give your new business a leg up.
4
You should expect to be extroverted
To effectively launch a franchise, you have to be sales-focused. If you do not think you can do sales, you will have to reconcile that in your head, because selling is a major part of running nearly any successful franchise. A business needs someone who can sell and someone who can produce and, as a franchisee, both those people may be you, especially early on when you won’t have a huge staff. In my case, I’ve been lucky enough to lean on my wife’s skills for marketing and sales, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t had to learn to push myself to be more outgoing and personable with customers than I ever thought possible. Over time, you will develop those extroverted muscles, to the ongoing benefit of your business. Even with the tips above in mind, opening is a hectic time for any new franchisee, no matter your background. You may be working long hours and doing what needs to be done. Eventually you will find efficiencies as you grow your new business, but in the beginning, it will take energy and commitment to see it forward. Owning any small business is not for the faint of heart, but it’s also what makes franchising such a good fit for so many veterans. We’re able to overcome challenges to do what needs to be done, and your background as a veteran will likely help you better plan ahead and smooth out a path for a successful launch of your new franchise business. To learn more about products and services offered at Image360, visit www.image360lewiscenter.com or call 614-438-7446.
Franchising USA
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profile: America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP)
Blending Navy Experiences to Boost Success in Franchising St. Lucie, Florida as a new place to call home. There, both himself and his wife, Mary, started their business with America’s Swimming Pool Company after stumbling upon the brand through the VetFran program. Through ASP’s nationally recognized pool service training program, they became Certified Pool Operators and learned everything they need to know to grow their business.
As a Navy veteran, Brandon Grigsby yearned to find a new career that provided flexibility for a work-life balance. Becoming his own boss was an easy transition, as he works under a brand that fits his lifestyle and allows him to weave in skill sets that he adopted from his time serving in the United States Navy. Carrying over his training has positively impacted his success as he recently acquired a new career path as an owner and operator of an America’s Swimming Pool Company (ASP) franchise.
Franchising USA
From Serving to Swimming Pools Grigsby recently retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer from the United States Navy after serving 23 years. During that time, he had earned a Humanitarian Aid Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and continues to focus on community and giving back. With 23 years in the books and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Colombia Southern University and an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Grantham University, Brandon was eager to seek out his next career venture. As it came time to plant roots to grow his family and a business, Grigsby and his wife chose Port
The Navy’s key to professional growth is to push you outside of your comfort zone until you develop the skills and experience that make you comfortable, then step up to the next level and repeat. Brandon was ready for just that as he transitioned to the pool service industry. Calling the shots became appealing even with long hours invested in getting his business up and running, but being his own boss meant granting himself permission to take an afternoon off and get ice cream with his wife and daughter.
Incorporating Naval Experience or Skills into Franchising Purchased in 2016 with expectation to retire from the Navy, the Grigsby’s owned their very own ASP location. After seeking out a promotion for seven years, the offer to move up in the ranks from Chief Petty Officer (E-7) to E-8 was presented and was an opportunity he could not pass up. Working out a plan with America’s Swimming Pool Company to hold the contract made both dreams possible. Brandon and Mary opened their doors to service the Port St. Lucie community with their location in February of 2020. Something that drew Grigsby to own an ASP franchise was the 99% success
“Franchising allows leadership roles to emerge while teaming up with the brand for structure and support. This allows for the franchisee and brand to lean on each other to grow a successful pool service location.”
rate. With a high-income potential and low startup costs, America’s Swimming Pool Company was the only option he considered. Some might say it is the Veteran in him, but he would rather be up and active than stationed behind a cubicle all day. It is a job he felt gave him the responsibility to lead employees, but still have a strong company that could support him. Keeping an on-the-go lifestyle is not the only parallel between the Navy and franchising with ASP. Focusing on the team mentality of building out a family rather than a business made franchising with ASP seem familiar. Franchising allows leadership roles to emerge while teaming up with the brand for structure and support. This allows for the franchisee
and brand to lean on each other to grow a successful pool service location. Similar to achieving any goal, it takes time and training to succeed. Starting off with ASP, Brandon took a liking to the in-depth pool school training that prepared him and his wife to get the ball rolling as they took action on their next career. Brandon recognized the potential with ASP back in 2016 when purchasing his location and continues to be impressed by their ongoing efforts to support franchisees. He believes the corporate staff has been such a great asset to the success of his business. The three years after purchasing the location was beneficial, as ASP incorporated new tools that assisted franchisees even further. Still in the beginning months of their location opening, Grigsby is looking to the future as he plans to grow the business
and seeks out plenty of room for expansion both north and south of his current location. As one career door closed, another opened, and Brandon found a new passion - pools. The opportunity not only provides a fast lifestyle, which enticed Brandon to the industry, but also allows him to be his own boss and allocate time to grow his family. While the Port St. Lucie location has only been open for a short period of time, Brandon was already able to bring in impressive revenue and hire his first employee. He knew America’s Swimming Pool Company was the right choice for him when he picked up the phone and received fantastic support in every aspect from the business. www.asppoolco.com
Franchising USA
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Leadership. Teamwork. Executing SOPs. Connecting veterans with education, resources and opportunities at vetfran.org
Franchising USA
Assisted Living Locators Assisted Living Locators provides the vital function to seniors and their families of identifying their ideal alternative living solutions and other related services – all at no cost to them. Our proprietary evaluation system results in free residential referrals that enable our clients to make the best possible decisions for their loved ones. Our elder care advisors are trained to find solutions that meet our clients’ needs and to personally accompany them on guided tours of facilities that match their individual preferences. Ours is a truly turn-key program that puts our owners on the path to success through a proven executive business model with high profit margins, low overhead, minimum employees,
Business Finance Depot
repeat referrals, and residual income. Even more importantly, many of the industry’s most desired areas of the country remain available for new development. If you’re aware of the unsurpassed value of the assisted living market, if you’ve always dreamed about the freedom and independence that business ownership could bring you, and if you’ve been waiting for the perfect, local, affordable opportunity to carve out your piece of the industry, Assisted Living Locators may be just the match you’ve been seeking. For more information please contact Mary Ann Russo or Tom Ingle at: Phone: 800-267-7816 Email: franchise@assistedlivinglocators.com Website: www.assistedlivinglocators.com
Business Finance Depot specializes in packaging equipment leases and SBA Express Working Capital loans for start-up and existing businesses.
Our company also works with SBA 7(a) lenders, alternate financing sources, crowd funding financing sources and companies that specialize in using retirement funds to capitalize a new business. Please visit our website for more information.
Our main clients are franchisors seeking financing for their new franchisees and manufacturers seeking financing for their equipment purchases.
Website: www.businessfinancedepot.com Email: paul@businessfinancedepot.com Phone: (800) 788-3884 Contact: Paul Bosley
caring transitions
with the hassles or laws that involve elderly medical care, though you might want to invest in knowing the companies that do supply such services in your area. Many times our services are needed in order to fulfill the lifestyle changes recommended by healthcare professionals, so putting your leads into contact with upstanding medical professionals can create a favorable impression that causes them to return to you for help with non-medical side of their changing circumstances.
Caring Transitions is a solution-oriented company, and we accomplish this by bringing three services under one roof that are normally all accomplished by separate companies. The three services we combine to provide unique solutions for our customers are: • Senior Relocation • Estate Sales • Downsizing & Decluttering One final thing – we are NOT a medical service company. As a franchisee, you will not be dealing
Clayton Kendall Clayton Kendall provides comprehensive branded merchandise programs for franchise communities nationwide, resulting in greater brand exposure, cost-savings, streamlined operations and brand compliance.
Phone: 1-800-647-0766 Email: CaringTransitionsFranchising@gmail.com Website: https://caringtransitionsfranchise.com
We provide marketing collateral, signage, POP displays, printed materials, promotional products and apparel. Our services include graphic design, merchandising, sourcing, warehousing and fulfillment, kitting and proprietary technology with advanced management reports. All programs are scalable and can be customized to the unique needs of your community. Customer service is our forte.
With a customized online store as the organizing principle, our websites give users the ability to purchase their advertising and marketing tools in one easy to use program.
Contact: Dan Broudy CFE, Chief Executive Officer Phone:412-798-7120 Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Website: www.claytonkendall.com
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Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
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
Franchising USA
fr a nch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry
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fr a nch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry
FirstLight Home Care FirstLight Home Care offers comprehensive, inhome, non-medical and personal care services to seniors, new mothers, disabled adults and others needing assistance. FirstLight’s team brings more than 170 years of collaborative experience in health care, franchising and senior services, creating FirstLight’s Culture of Care foundation. The last 10 years, we’ve received numerous awards, most recently including ranking among Entrepreneur Top 500 Franchises, Forbes’ Best Franchises to Buy,
FranFund, Inc. An IFA supplier forum member and recognized as the #1 franchise funding supplier by Entrepreneur, FranFund, designs smart all-in-one funding plans that grow with franchise businesses. No matter where you are in your journey of business ownership – whether you are considering leaving your current job to start a new venture or if you are looking to expand your existing operation – we are here to help. Through a personal and painless process, FranFund helps solidify your dreams of franchise ownership while positioning you for long-term success. We offer ongoing support and make sure you know all of your options for funding single units through multi-unit expansions
Fresh Coat The average Fresh Coat on average earns 41.22% gross profit and $507,883.18 in revenue!* (*See Item 19 of our April 1, 2018 Franchise Disclosure Document for details. Based on data reported by franchisees that were open and operating full-time for at least 1 year for the period ending December 31, 2017 and that reported Gross Revenues and income statements. A new franchise owner’s results may differ. Our owners continually testify about the amazing amount of help they receive from our company. From coaching and onboarding, to marketing and operational support, we guide you every step of the way. Marketing Support & Operation Support – At Fresh Coat, our franchisees are constantly surrounded by support from both
Home Technology Handyman As you know by now, the Home Automation industry is growing at record rates. All around the world, people are beginning view Connected Home products as an essential component of their lifestyle. They’re looking to integrate technology into their homes to make their lives easier, safer and more convenient. There’s no doubt that this industry will continue to grow. In effect, the need for connected home professionals to install and integrate this technology will grow right along with it. If owning your own Smart Home Franchise through Home Technology Handyman has piqued your interest, there’s never been a better time to see what we’re all about! What exactly does a Home Technology Handyman do?
International Franchise Professionals Group
Franchising USA
& Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises for franchisee satisfaction. In the $80 billion home care, demand for our services already exceeds market supply in many areas. In 2015, the babyboomers turning age 65 in the U.S. reached 10,000 per day! By 2025, it will grow to nearly 72 million. We’re looking for people who are passionate and strive to provide exceptional service. If you want to make a difference in people’s lives while building a powerful business, THIS is this franchise for you. Phone: 866-985-4031 Email: jdavis@firstlighthomecare.com Website: Firstlightfranchise.com
including SBA loans, conventional lending, and retirement plan funding with a risk-free SafetyNet® option. By utilizing our franchise-specific pre-qualification tool and cultivating an extensive network of lenders who are franchise and small business-friendly, clients pre-approved by FranFund have a loan approval rate of 99%. We believe delivering an exceptional customer experience is just as important as providing high-quality products and services and are proud of our high level of customer satisfaction. Contact: Tim Seiber, CFE Phone: 817-730-4500 Email: info@franfund.com Website: www.franfund.com
our Marketing Department and our Operations Team. We have national and local marketing initiatives and resources to drive customers to your place of business, and experts to guide and coach you for as long as you own your Fresh Coat franchise. Fresh Coat is committed to leading the painting industry by driving platinum level customer service delivered by a team of professionals and painting experts. To do this, our franchisees only hire the most skilled and experienced painters, allowing their franchise businesses to offer 6 unique services. Your painters provide positive experiences from the initial quote to final touch-ups. Phone: (513) 605-4877 Email: freshcoatpaintersfranchise@gmail.com Website: www.freshcoatfranchise.com
We’re a home service provider, just like a plumber or electrician. Our technicians are the trusted resource for sales, service and installation of home technology products to customers of all income brackets. From basic service calls to turn-key projects, Home Technology Handyman can handle it all. Our most popular services include: • Connected Home Devices & Systems • Home Networking • Audio/Video Systems • Home Theater • Surveillance Cameras • TV Mounting • Remote Control Systems • Basic Lighting Control • Security Systems We want you to Take Control of Your Future! Contact Jack Beeckman at: Ph: 888-303-4191 Email: franchise@hometechnologyone.com Website: hometechnologyhandyman.com/franchise
IFPG to power their business. All of these individuals understand the value of being associated with IFPG.
The International Franchise Professionals Group (also known as IFPG) is a membership based organization that has over 700 members. Our members consist of Franchisors, Franchisor Brokers, Lenders, and other Franchise Professionals that help potential candidates in the process of buying a franchise.
The IFPG is a strictly membership based organization that does not participate in any referral fees from our franchisor members or our brokers, thereby allowing all of our members to work freely together. Our long-term success is predicated on retaining our members and providing all the tools needed to help you sell more franchises, and close more deals.
Hundreds of nationally recognized franchise companies have chosen the IFPG and its members to represent their brand; hundreds of experienced franchise consultants and brokers have chosen the
If you’re a franchisor, franchisor broker, or another profession that serves the franchising industry call us today at (888) 977-IFPG to learn about membership opportunities.
Lifted Lifted, An Elevated Experience is a Hemp/CBD shopping experience. Stepping into the retail environment at Lifted, it only takes a few seconds to realize why the consumer’s needs are so readily met, as this is not the typical Hemp/CBD shopping experience. The space is laid out in such a way that the flow lends itself to making the most of the square footage - which is modest, by some retail standards and yet, is comfortable and inviting; creating ease and efficiency for hemp/CBD consumers of every experience level. This design also reinforces Lifted’s respect for the consumer’s time, as well as their own.
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. NEW YORK IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA, which is why - after over 100 years as one of New York’s most famous restaurant brands - anyone can walk into a Nathan’s Famous Restaurant anywhere in the world and experience the best of the New York Casual Food scene. Universally regarded as the “Flavor of New York”, Nathan’s Famous’ menu focuses on four food pillars: World-Famous Hot Dogs & Fries; Premium Subs, including Angus Ribeye New York Cheesesteaks by Pat LaFrieda; Best-in-class, cooked-to-order burger with our proprietary Best Burger Pledge™, and Hand-Breaded Chicken and Onion Rings. Our restaurant system includes over 250 restaurants
Office Evolution Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2012, the Colorado-based company is the largest and fastest growing coworking franchisor in the United States. Office Evolution currently has 70 locations open with a projected 80 open by year end. The brand has nearly 140 units sold in markets across the country and is poised for further growth as the demand for suburban workspace continues to rise. The brand’s model fills a niche for suburban-based workers looking for a professional environment to get their work done.
pet wants Pet Wants creates fresh and all-natural pet food and delivers it to our customers on a monthly, subscription basis...that ensures the food is fresh for the pets and that you generate consistent and ongoing revenue streams. As a franchise owner, you will need to share this love of pets and their well-being. But no experience is needed. No matter if you start in your home, a small office or store, we teach you everything you need to know about operating and growing a successful pet food business.
PropertyGuys.com INC. PropertyGuys.com has created a marketing system that is transparent and includes a community of real estate professionals who are empowered through technology – providing the customer with a true endto-end experience. We have reconstructed how real estate is bought and sold. We’re NOT real estate agents or brokers, we’re something very different, something we believe is much better. We provide sellers with all the tools required to successfully and confidently sell their property on
Lifted’s inventory exemplifies the brand’s serious commitment to quality products; but not without playful elements such as, the Lifted Candy Bar, where customers can choose from an array of CBD-infused sweets, treats and edibles. Lifted has an educational shopping experience where the sales team does not follow like a shadow, they lead as a guide. The aesthetics of the brand further lend themselves to the name with a sleek, modern FFE package and colors that are fresh and crisp. In every way, Lifted is truly an elevated experience. Contact: Gary Gale Norris Phone: 336-477-3693 Email: admin1@liftedclt.com Website: www.Liftedclt.com
worldwide, with adaptable, locally sourced menus and prototypes. Nathan’s Famous branded products are currently distributed globally, including packaged hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, onion rings and more. Our world-famous hot dogs are served in a multitude of outlets, including movie theatres, bowling centers, cruise ships, and casinos. And with more than 28 billion views worldwide of our cult-favorite Hot Dog Eating contest last Fourth of July, Nathan’s Famous’ claim to the cuisine and culture of New York isn’t just authentic, it’s proprietary. Contact: James Walker Phone: 516-338-8500 Email: jwalker@nathansfamous.com Website: www.nathansfamous.com
Office Evolution is helping thousands of business owners be dreamers, risk-takers, and doers by providing them with access to professional services that will help them drive their business forward. Office Evolution continues to lead the workplace transformation that is projected to see nearly 30 percent of all office space become shared office space by 2030, according to a JLL report. Office Evolution is currently operating in more than 24 states across the nation. For more information about Office Evolution, please visit www.OfficeEvolution.com and www.OfficeEvolutionFranchise.com
You just need a passion for pets, the drive for success and the ability to follow our proven operating system. In return, you will be rewarded with the great benefits of being a business owner. Bottom line, this is a fulfilling, financially rewarding and enjoyable “people and pets” business. Contact: Beth Boecker Phone: 513-331-3647 Email: bbboecker@strategicfranchising.com Website: www.petwantsfranchise.com
their own at a fixed rate, not a percentage of the value of the home. Ultimately, we help buyers and sellers avoid the high cost of commission by connecting directly. We have experience two decades of franchise success and along the way, have been honored with many awards and acclamations. Franchisees benefit from the knowledge and skill of our award-winning franchise system. Contact: Franchising Team Phone: 844-333-7017 Email: opportunities@propertyguys.com Website: www.propertyguys.com
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fr a nch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry
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fr a nch ise & serv ices di r ecto ry
Re-Bath In an industry of independent home remodeling contractors, Re-Bath stands out as a unified, trusted national brand. Re-Bath is known for providing expert, affordable and effortless bathroom remodeling solutions that transform homeowners’ bathrooms in days, not weeks. We offer a spirit of innovation and an alternative to cover-up or overpriced remodeling. We handle both the design and the installation – it’s a branded, one-stop customer experience that the industry sorely needs. We are the go-to resource for bathroom remodeling in the markets our franchisees currently serve, and our national reputation strengthens as we continue to connect the dots across the country.
SOCi SOCi is an all-in-one localized marketing platform built for multilocation businesses that allows them to post to social media networks, manage reviews, update online listings and deploy social media ads at scale, down to each location.
StretchLab Founded in 2015, StretchLab is the first boutique health and wellness franchise that offers one-on-one assisted stretching services in a fun, energetic and communal environment. It is designed to increase mobility and flexibility, helping to reduce pain, decrease muscle aches, improve posture, reduce recovery time and enhance quality of life. Guided by highly-trained Flexologists™ in a one-on-one or group atmosphere, StretchLab is
Veterans Business Services Veterans Business Services provides the most advantageous franchise acquisition terms for Veterans and provides innovative entrepreneurial training for qualified Veterans seeking grants under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Veterans Business Services (“VBS”) specializes in entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and has an extensive reach into the Veterans community and can generate significant interest from qualified Veterans who wish to start a franchise or small business. VBS offers multiple marketing methods that have proven effective with helping franchise organizations with their expansion plans. Utilizing custom email marketing
Window World Window World is the largest window replacement and exterior home remodeling franchise in the United States, with over 18 million windows sold to date. Window World’s commitment to industry-backed, energy-efficient products and services is a determining factor when consumers choose Window World to improve their homes.
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Of course, it helps to have the trust of renowned companies like Home Depot. Re-Bath is the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise with presence in more than 150 cities and 43 states. The ideal candidate for Re-Bath should have sales, marketing, and/or management experience and be extremely results oriented. Construction knowledge is not required. You must have a minimum of $100,000 in liquid capital, and be ready to make a full-time commitment. Contact: Samantha Wilson Phone: 866-721-7761 Email: swilson@sfdpros.com Website: www.rebathfranchise.com
In times of crisis and changing business dynamics, SOCi empowers businesses to reach customers locally with urgent messaging that is relevant to current operations, offers, and opportunities. www.meetsoci.com
revolutionizing the stretching industry through its approach to help clients of all ages, fitness levels, genders and sizes achieve deeper stretches that allow them to reach individual wellness goals. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, StretchLab is backed by Xponential Fitness, a curator of popular boutique fitness brands. Contact: Martin Balcaitis Phone: (949) 326-9765 Email: martin@stretchlab.com Website: https://stretchlab.com
campaigns, news press releases, and online franchising e-magazine articles, VBS gets the message to qualified Veterans who are invested in starting a franchise. VBS supports service disabled Veterans who are enrolled in the self-employment track within the Veterans Administration and provides outreach efforts to transitioning military through TAP and ACAP programs. As a graduate business of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (“EBV”), we also assist other graduates of EBV and provide coaching support through mentoring programs. VBS is where Veterans turn to make their franchise dreams a reality. Contact: James Mingey Phone: 202-349-0860 Email: info@veteransbusinessservices.us Website: www.veteransbusinessservices.us
Operating from the corporate headquarters in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and in markets across the country at over 200 franchise locations, Window World is poised to provide next-level window installation and home remodeling services to Americans nationwide. For more information contact Zach Luffman, Director of Franchising at: Phone: 1-866-740-2100 Email: ZLuffman@WindowWorld.com Website: www.windowworldfranchise.com
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A-Z LISTINGS ARE A GREAT WAY TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS e ser vice
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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
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