Canadian Franchising Magazine Summer 2015, Volume 2 Issue 2 - Veterans in Franchising Feature

Veterans ISSUE 2#2

in Franchising

Canadian Franchise Magazine

w w w. c a n a d i a n f r a n c h i s e m a g a z i n e . c o m

Driverseat CANADA

Making the move

FROM Veteran to Franchise Why Veterans

MAKE THE BEST FRANCHISEES Page 47

vetera ns in f ra nchising

D r i ve r s e at

T u r n i n g t h e d e s i g n at e d d r i

into a successful business In a relatively short period of time, Driverseat has become a successful franchise operating in hundreds of communities across Canada.

“Where there are people and cars, there is a need for our service,” states Cofounder Brian Bazely. “We have created a truly scalable home-based franchise model.”

Driverseat is a unique home-based franchise. The company provides ‘Coachmen’ (drivers) to chauffeur a customer’s vehicle when the customer is unable to or using better judgement, unwilling to drive their own vehicle.

Brian and his brother Luke co-founded the business after they experienced real life scenarios where they saw the need for someone else to drive their vehicle.

Driverseat was the result of many hours of planning and researching the idea and it launched in Ontario in 2012. The business started franchising in 2013 and

now has 17 franchise sites across Canada servicing more than 200 communities.

“It has been such a rewarding experience to see our idea take off like it has. We’re going to launch in the United States this summer, which is really exciting,” Brian said.

The four main services of the business are:

1

Designated Driving:

This allows customers to designate a driver if they have had medical care, are impaired by drugs or alcohol, or if they choose not to drive themselves. An example of this service might be that a person is at a venue and is unable to drive his/her car home due to having consumed alcoholic drinks. Driverseat’s Designated Driving service is a cost effective alternative to leaving the person’s vehicle behind. The service will send a ‘Coachman’ (driver) and ‘chaser’ to the location, and the coachman will drive the customer home in their own vehicle.

2

Assisted Transport:

A Coachman can be called to help the elderly and vulnerable who need to

be driven somewhere, and who need assistance - for example walking into the doctor’s office, or getting groceries, or picking up pharmacy items. This service goes beyond transportation as Coachmen become the personal assistant for the day.

3

Airport Chauffeur:

A customer can be driven to the airport in their own vehicle by a Coachman, who can then return the customer’s car home. This allows the customer’s family to use the vehicle while they are gone. It is more convenient than parking and is less expensive than the costly airport carparks. The Coachman can also pick the customer up.

4

Vehicle Chauffeur:

A driver can transport a vehicle for a customer when they are not in the car. This includes, but is not limited to, car relocation, valet parking, taking the vehicle for oil changes, or picking up fleet vehicles for car lots.

The service is proving to be popular.

“We don’t have any direct competition,”

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iver

“Where there are people and cars, there is a need for our service.” said Brian. “There are some smaller companies that provide designated driving but our service is unique in that our coachmen are uniformed, we use a mobile App, and our vehicles are all marked.”

To succeed as a franchisee in this business, Brian believes that an operator needs to be a fantastic communicator and someone who is passionate about the customer. Franchisees are well supported if they decide this is the business investment for them.

“We are very engaged with our franchise partners. We provide an initial one-week extensive classroom training session at our corporate office in Ontario. After that, our franchise partners attend educational sessions remotely every other week. We are also available every day for coaching and assistance by phone and we

hold an annual conference as well,” said Brian.

The brothers also support Veterans and see their business as a community service that is about more than simply making a dollar. “Our business model is one that is based on respect and social responsibility. We focus on the four ‘P’s – profit, play, purpose and people. We want to continue to give opportunities to great people who deserve to live a great life and control their destiny. Our franchise is just that.

“We focus on purpose, which is tied to the fact that we do great things for the community – it is not just about profit.

Our Vets have done the same thing: they have given to their country not just for a paycheque, but for purpose,” said Brian.

The business is currently in locations across Ontario and Quebec and will soon

launch in California. There are locations available in cities across North America as well as in Canada.

For more information visit: driverseatcanada.com

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vetera ns in f ra nchising

Lo r i K a r p m a n, Lo r i K a r p m a n a n d C o m p a ny

Why Veterans Make the Best Franchisees

Military veterans are one of the largest target markets for franchisors recruiting franchisees and for good reason.

Veterans possess a unique skill set that makes them the ideal franchisee; they have the right blend of traits to run a business including leadership, hard work, dedication and an understanding of the necessity of following rules and procedures.

As the ideal franchisee, a veteran can implement programs and make decisions quickly, all while leading and managing a team within the framework of the franchisor’s business model.

Let’s examine some of the reason why veterans should be part of your franchise system.

Commitment, leadership and teamwork Much like in a franchise, veterans are used to operating in an extremely

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“They are masters at absorbing the low points of their business and maneuvering through the obstacles.” structured and team-oriented environment that often functions under pressure. They are leaders and team players who know how to supervise, give orders and delegate. In the military every aspect of training; from how to walk and talk, to how to fly an F-18 fighter jet is in the “Standard Operating Procedures”.

Veterans are trained to execute assignments and to solve problems. A system of hierarchy and rank ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities and obligations towards their teammates. A commitment to the brand and a passion for success are essential to the success of a franchise and for veterans loyalty, hard work and commitment are a part of the job description. Veterans find starting a business much easier than boot camp! They do not see it as being insurmountable as many non military prospects do. To them, there is a “plan” and they just have to follow the plan; that is their way of life. You are not likely to find someone more dedicated to their business than a person who has sacrificed for their country.

Adept at following systems The franchise model is perfect for veterans who are used to following procedures, for them it is the norm. A

franchisor’s responsibility is to provide its franchisees with all the tools it needs for success, and the franchisee’s responsibility is to implement them.

Veterans understand the need to follow procedures precisely since in their case the result of not doing so can literally mean life and death. Veterans are used to wearing uniforms with pride and understand that a commitment to a “brand” stands for the goodwill of all locations and they represent the entire brand and not just their location. This is something that non military franchisees almost never consider. Additionally, veterans are often in circumstances that require that decisions be made quickly and often without all the necessary information. Veterans are used to this pressure and can make good decisions quickly and effectively without second guessing their choices. Being decisive is an important trait in a business owner.

Veterans are skilled at taking orders and getting things done and they create short and long term plans to ensure they reach their goals. They are masters at absorbing the low points of their business and maneuvering through the obstacles.

In fact, it is in these times that veterans put in even more effort, whereas other franchisees give up and fail. All of these factors explain why franchises owned by

Canadian Franchise Magazine

veterans consistently perform better than non veteran owners.

They bring essential skills to the table • Veterans are well trained and train well – veterans have less of a learning curve than non veterans since they are used to assimilating large amounts of information at quickly and at one time, and then being able to turn around and teach that material to others. The franchisor’s investment in these franchisees is much less.

• They have the respect, communication and interpersonal skills required to properly deal with customers, especially to handle a customer complaint.

• Veterans are internally motivated and used to being held accountable. They have their own drive to succeed as failure is not an option.

• Veterans understand the concept of risk versus reward and will often

take more risk than a non military franchisee. There is no greater risk than your own life so veterans have a higher tolerance for it and are more likely to make it through harder times.

• There is goodwill associated to a brand that honors veterans and has veteran franchisees. Veterans can benefit from special financing programs and other forms of assistance that is not available to the non military. Additionally, franchisors often offer special rates and discounts on franchise fees for veterans in acknowledgment of the service that they have offered their country. This makes it easier for veterans to buy franchises.

Research has shown that veterans who own franchises are happier overall with their franchise experience than non military owners in general. This is no surprise when you consider that a successful franchise is based on a strict following of rules and procedures, a business model that veterans are

extremely comfortable with. It is no secret either then why the most successful franchises are owned by veterans. I guess if you can run a war, you can run a business!

Lori Karpman, considered one of Canada’s leading experts on franchising and multi-unit business development models, is also the President/CEO of the multi-award winning consulting and legal services firm, Lori Karpman & Company (www.lorikarpman.com ). During her esteemed Lori has been a franchisor twice and the Master Franchisee of the Pizza Hut brand for the Province of Quebec.

The firm’s clients range from the Fortune 500 brands to the local start ups. Lori is a prolific writer and sought after guest speaker and has been featured on television, YouTube and radio.

Lori can be reached at lori@lorikarpman.com, (514) 481-2722.

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vetera ns in f ra nchising

To p p e r ’s Pi z z a

Canadian Franchise Association’s Military Veterans Program enrols

Topper’s Pizza

“Not only do Military Veterans have a great sense of discipline and exceptional leadership skills, they also often have strong family ties.”

By becoming a member of this program, Topper’s Pizza will now offer Military Veterans transitioning to civilian life, the opportunity to purchase a Topper’s franchise at an exclusive Military Veterans rate.

Recognizing the difficulties Veterans can face when transitioning out of service into civilian life, Military Veterans interested in becoming Topper’s Pizza franchise partners are eligible for a reduced licencing fee of $12,500 as part of the program – a 50% reduction from the standard franchising fee of $25,000.

Also, during the first year of operation, Military Veterans are eligible for a financial marketing incentive which is used to help launch, market and promote the Topper’s Brand and the new pizzeria within the community, done so through an assortment of proven marketing tactics.

“We are honored to be a part of this program and we look forward to being able to give back through business ownership to those who have given us so

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Canadian Franchise Magazine

much with their service,” said Topper’s Pizza Co-CEO Kelly Toppazzini.

“Continuing on in the Topper’s Pizza tradition of family, we are excited to introduce dedicated franchise partners from the military into our system and build lasting relationships with the Veteran community.”

Military Veterans are ideal for the Topper’s Pizza system for a number of reasons. With their extensive training to handle any number of situations and the ability to lead by example, this sector is the perfect fit for the brand. Not only do Military Veterans have a great sense of discipline and exceptional leadership skills, they also often have strong family ties, something that Topper’s Pizza holds in high regard.

The history of Topper’s Pizza dates back more than 100 years, to when Co-CEOs Kelly and Keith Toppazzini’s great grandfather, Giuseppe Toppazzini immigrated from San Daniele, Italy to Canada.

As part of his journey, Giuseppe brought his family’s secret Italian bread recipe, which has been passed down for four generations - the foundation of the brand’s success. The fourth generation of the Toppazzini family has continued to use the original bread crust recipe, now known as Authentic ItalianBread™, as a staple for unique recipes and specialty pizzas. The resulting success has made the brand one of the most popular pizzerias in Canada and a premiere franchising option for entrepreneurs across the country.

Founded in 1982, Topper’s Pizza is one of Canada’s most popular pizza brands.

The company began franchising in 1992 and currently has 37 pizzerias throughout

“We are honored to be a part of this program and we look forward to being able to give back through business ownership to those who have given us so much with their service.”

Ontario. The recipe for Topper’s success includes quality ingredients, an unbeatable crust, a proven system and first-class franchise partners.

Topper’s Pizza has plans to add new locations in key markets throughout Ontario under an ambitious expansion plan that will increase the amount of pizzerias from 37 to 140 by 2018.

Topper’s Pizza is looking for people who want to jump into the highly competitive pizza business with a growing partner that has a track record of success. An industry with a high level experimentation and a multitude of growth opportunities, it is difficult to have success without a strong partner like Topper’s Pizza.

The recent hires of veteran franchising executive Jeff Dillon to serve as Executive Vice President of Topper’s Pizza, overseeing daily operations and strategic growth initiatives, and former A&W and Boston Pizza developer Andrew Diveky as the company’s new Director of Franchise Development, have proven to be extremely beneficial. With their development expertise, Topper’s has become a force in the franchising community.

“Jeff and Andrew are consummate professionals with successful track records. Together, they have developed a carefully crafted growth plan that will continue to yield impressive results,” Topper’s Pizza Co-CEO Keith Toppazzini said in a news release announcing the expansion.

The first phase of growth included a brand new location for Topper’s Pizza in Lively, Ontario and a signed threepizzeria deal in the Richmond Hill area. Additional plans include pizzerias in prime growth markets like Ottawa, Kitchener, London and Mississauga.

After expansion throughout Ontario, Topper’s will continue to grow the brand, targeting the Western provinces of Canada. The initiative will be the largest expansion in the company’s history.

Through the brands focus on strengthening its system with key hires and bringing on strong franchise partners, the brand is primed for exceptional growth throughout 2015 and the coming years.

For information about Topper’s Pizza franchising opportunities, visit www.toppersfranchise.ca or call 1-877-558-5581

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vetera ns in f ra nchising

G i n a G ill, Ca n a di a n Fra n c h is e M ag a z i n e

Veterans and Franchising:

Starting your own Business Once a member of the Canadian Forces retires or steps down from their position, the transition into every day life can be daunting. A lot of veterans are unsure if they want to work again or if they have the ability to fully retire.

The military always takes care of their own, by providing housing, money, food and insurance. However, once a solider steps down, it can be difficult to reconnect with everyday life and find a way to provide for their family that reflects their abilities and everything they have learned during their time in the service.

Canada has recognized a need to help Veterans through the transition from soldier to civilian by implanting and offering a wide variety of programs to help ease this significant change for all Veterans.

“Canada has recognized a need to help Veterans through the transition from soldier to civilian by implanting and offering a wide variety of programs to help ease this significant change for all Veterans.”

CFA The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) has established a program in recognition of all Canadian veterans and their sacrifice for this country. The CFA and the Department of National Defence created a program to help the honourably discharged transition from the forces and look at the possibility of franchising.

This program offers special deals and opportunities exclusive to those who were honorably discharged.

If a military personal is not interested in owning their own business, the program has arranged access to employment for veterans at either franchise head offices or at the locations in their area.

The CFA and Department of National Defence recognized a Veteran’s needs and understands that their questions may differ from others when it comes to franchising. Therefore, this program offers research materials and resource articles to help Military veterans achieve success in the franchising industry.

Veterans Transition network The Veterans Transition Network offers a two month long course exclusive to military vets who are transitioning back into society as civilians. Veterans work together to help recognize issues each of them may face, while also finding support in one another to overcome newly developed struggles.

The sessions are private and held by clinicians and other returning veterans who work with personal to help them successfully return to civilian life. The program focuses on typical adjustments that most military personal would face including family life, career opportunities and understanding one’s experience in the military.

The Veterans Transitions Network focuses on gaining strength from experience and using it to help support people after they return home.

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Canadian Franchise Magazine

Canada Company This establishment helps families of soldiers in transition through a Military Employment Program. A charitable non-partisan company, the initiative helps connect Canadian Armed Forces with businesses. They offer scholarships to families of fallen soldiers and educational initiatives surrounding the military.

Military Employment Transition Program (MET) This program works alongside The Canadian Company 10,000 Jobs Coalition, which asked Corporations within Canada to hire 10,000 veterans by 2023.

There are currently over 100 companies dedicated to helping achieve this success.

MET helps veterans recognize and access companies that are seeking military personal. This helps veterans gain access to employment within their range of experience and those who have programs specific to their needs.

MET recognizes the skills and education soldiers received during their training and service and helps veterans display those skills properly to the appropriate employer.

A lot of skills and responsibilities of veterans can go unrecognized in the work force and MET and Canada Company helps veterans access jobs that adhere to their experience and abilities.

They also educate the public, including companies about the skillsets military personal have to offer.

Second Career Assistance Network National Defence and The Canadian Armed Forces are behind the unique set of skills that military personal develops.

They also recognize the men and women who served in the forces and understand they are highly-trained individuals who will return to civilian life.

They offer a transition program that prepares personal for a second career and connect them with possible employers, as well as training.

The Second Career Assistance Network offers career and educational training, workshops, seminars, as well as session

for veterans and their partners, for example:

The Prince’s Charities (Operation of Entrepreneurs) Recognizing a veterans potential to start their own business, this operation focuses on training Canadian Forces members to become their own boss. For those interested, CAF personal can receive training, as well as mentoring to help set them up for entrepreneurial success in the future.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program CAF members who are facing medical release are presented with an opportunity for training in different fields through onthe-job training, and rehabilitation. This is a transitional activity to help serving members receive training prior to their release.

Integrated Transition Plan When a veteran has a suggested permanent medical leave, a plan to help them readjust and begin to live independently needs to be put in place.

This program is offered to those seeking help entering back into civilian life.

This program is available from six months to three years, dependent on the veteran’s individual needs. It is set in place to help CAF members achieve a proposed release goal and then considers job related organizations, if applicable to the member.

Franchise Options A lot of franchises have special offers and discounts available exclusively to veterans. Franchises are an ideal opportunity for a lot of military personal.

It allows them the freedom to run their own business, while experiencing a good work life balance, which is needed to readjust.

Veterans can obtain control of their career and their future while being a part of a great business opportunity.

Some examples of stores with veteran friendly franchises are Drivers Seat Canada who you can read more about in our Veterans in Franchising Cover story,

The UPS Store, Midas, Two Men and a Truck, and BeaverTails to name just a few.

UPS Store The UPS store recognizes the services the Canadian forces have made for this country and created a veteran opportunity to show their appreciation for all they have done.

The franchise believes military returning home can use their experience directly as a franchisee with UPS. The company offers a $10,000 discount rate on franchise fees and 50 per cent off the application fee.

BeaverTails BeaverTails is a fast-growing franchise within Canada that has become a well-known pastry in the country. The snack food restaurant has a lot to offer, including an opportunity to all Canadian Military Veterans with a $10,000 discount in purchasing fees.

With over 59 stores country-wide, a veteran can become a part of something else that is truly Canadian and using their military skills to execute a business with precision and pride.

MIDAS Midas is a trusted and globally recognized leader in the automotive industry. There are several ways for qualified candidates to enter the Midas franchise program, including the development of a new shop, purchase of an existing shop, conversion of your existing auto business or the purchase of a company owned Midas location.

Two Men and A Truck TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise opportunity is best described as a “Professional Moving Business for the Business Professional”. As a proud member of the Canadian Military Veteran Program, Veterans who qualify and are awarded a TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchise will receive a 10% discount on the initial franchise fee.

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M r M i ke s

Doing our part

M eals bring people together no matter the occasion Sometimes it’s in celebration — birthdays, weddings, or for no reason at all except to enjoy the company of friends. Sometimes in reflection. An occasion for observance and contemplation.

Remembrance Day has become that special occasion at the MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual restaurants in Yorkton, Prince Albert and Regina.

The Yorkton location opened three years ago and the Prince Albert and Regina locations are each just a year old, but already they’re getting involved in their communities. All Saskatchewan stores invite military veterans and active servicemen and women to receive a free meal on Remembrance Day. “We thought it would be an important gesture to give our active servicemen and veterans a complimentary meal,” says Dave Nussbaumer, spokesperson for Original Six Steakholders, a group of six Yorkton business partners that have opened three Saskatchewan Mr Mikes Steakhouse Casual locations.

“Community service is a pillar of MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual. Giving back is really important to us.”

All that servicemen and women need to do is show up at MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual on Remembrance Day in their uniform, and they get a free meal.

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“We don’t actively see people in uniform other than on Remembrance Day,” says Nussbaumer. “But if someone doesn’t have military identification we instructed our restaurant managers to give them a free meal anyway. We were very open with it,” he says. “I think they’ve done enough for us over their lifetimes, so we thought that providing a free meal was the least we could do to show our appreciation.”

At least 25 servicemen and women come in for the meal at the Yorkton and Regina stores, and Prince Albert is not far behind.

In Yorkton, they come in the early afternoon after the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

“Everyone is wearing their poppy and all of our staff wear poppies too,” says Nussbaumer, who was in the Yorkton last year during the occasion. “We all make sure to start wearing them a few days before.”

“In Yorkton our kitchen manager is actually a former military serviceman, so he has a lot of friends still active in the military,” says Nussbaumer. For this reason, the location often gets more current military officers than veterans.

“There are fewer veterans out there and they’re getting older,” he explains.

The active military personnel are either reservists or have served overseas and likely experienced the casualties of war first-hand. Nussbaumer and his team wanted to honour them too.

There’s a certain camaraderie noticeable during the occasion. “They all come from the same division and we put together

a bunch of chairs and tables for them and they all sit together, eat a meal and appreciate each other’s company,” says Nussbaumer. “It’s about enjoying their meal in fellowship.”

When military personnel come, the manager or server always makes sure to thank the officers for their service, “from us and the country,” Nussbaumer says.

The servicemen and women are always very thankful, and many can’t believe the MR MIKES staff would do this for them.

“I think we live the life we live because of the actions and bravery of our veterans. Canadians could do a better job of recognizing the sacrifices our veterans made. The free lunch doesn’t cost the restaurant a lot of money at the end of the day,” says Nussbaumer. “I just think it’s an important thing for us to do for the community.” www.mrmikes.ca/about-us/steakhousecasual/

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