Veterans in Franchising November 2022

s tellaR s e RVI ce B R ands Names Caleb Ward Vice President of Finance

Stellar Service Brands (“Stellar”), a multibrand residential and commercial service organization that includes Restoration 1, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, The Driveway Company and Softroc, has named Caleb Ward its Vice President of Finance. As a key member of the finance team, Ward will be integral in setting the strategy for and overseeing financial planning and analysis across all the brands.

“ i am pleased to welcome c aleb to our leadership team; he will play a pivotal role

in driving strategic growth and innovation for stellar s ervice Brands,” said sherry r ose, chief executive officer of stellar s ervice Brands. “Our recent relocation to Dallas has allowed us to attract top talent as we continue to expand. c aleb has a wealth of experience in the finance industry and his leadership skills will be a tremendous asset to the company as he joins the finance team under Jessica Wescott, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.”

Prior to joining stellar s ervice Brands, Ward

worked as a director of retail production and finance at c ardinal Financial corp. Throughout his career, Ward has worked in various roles for supreme Lending, g old Medal Pools, and r each r estaurant g roup. Ward is a native Texan who received his Bachelor of s cience in Finance, cum laude, from the University of Texas.

“ i am excited to join a company that not only possesses a number of reputable brands, but also has the potential for substantial growth over the course of many years,” said Ward. “ i look forward to working with sherry, Jessica and the team to move stellar s ervice Brands forward in its financial, operational, and cultural transformation.”

To learn more about Stellar Service Brands, visit Stellarservicebrands.com

Bac H to Roc K M Us I c s c H ool Recognized as a Top Franchise for Veterans

Bach to Rock, America’s music school for students of all ages, proudly announces it is recognized in the October/November 2022 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine on its prestigious list of the Top 150 Franchises for Veterans, attaining a ranking of number 33.

The Top 150 Franchises for Veterans ranking considers each company’s veteran incentive, how veteran franchisees are attracted to and supported by the company, and how each company scored in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2022 Franchise 500® ranking. Bach to r ock has been named to the Franchise 500® ranking consecutively since 2017.

Bach to r ock waives 50% of the initial franchise fee and 100% percent of the royalty fee for the first six months of operation for all qualifying veterans honorably discharged on or after the year 2000. “ i hope more veterans take advantage of our program as a way to become business owners and part of the Bach to r ock family.”

r ick Wilson, owner of Bach to r ock Virginia Beach, participated in the veteran’s incentive program. h e served four active years in the United states navy as an operations specialist and an additional two years in reserve. “The veteran’s program was awesome. Very informative and helpful. The Bach to r ock corporate team was outstanding and continues to provide any assistance i need,” said Wilson.

Island FI n Po KÉ co. Is Bringing the Taste and Culture of Hawaii To Salt Lake City, Utah for The First Time Ever

National franchise, Island Fin Poké Co. is expanding its fastgrowing Ohana for the very first time to the community of Utah, bringing its Hawaiian custom poké bowls to Salt Lake City with a new location set to open on October 24.

To welcome guests into their Ohana, prior to opening day, on October 22, island Fin is treating its new community members to a free regular bowl of delicious poké from 11:30am to 1pm. This marks its first ever location in Utah, with plans to expand and two more scheduled locations to open in the state.

The expansion to a new market is reflective of island Fin Poké co.’s incredible growth. The brand is accelerating its national expansion, recently entering into four new markets, with 24 locations open, 58 sold, with multiple franchise areas under development.

From the curated music to the friendly service at each counter, the smiling team members carrying food to each table and the genuine farewell each guest receives upon leaving, island Fin

Poké co. offers a full-service experience to every guest that walks through its doors, treating everyone like family.

“This expansion is very exciting for our brand,” says Mark s etterington, cEO and co-owner. “a s the poké industry continues to grow, we want people to not only taste great food, but experience an environment that is welcoming and a place where guests can leave feeling like they belong to our Ohana.”

For more information, https://www.islandfinpoke.com/

s lIM cHI c K ens Continues to Expand Globally with Opening in Wolverhampton, UK

Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise, that features dine-in and drive-thru services in the better-chicken segment, announced today its new restaurant opening in Wolverhampton’s Sainsbury’s Supermarket. Reputable multi-unit operating group, Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) has partnered with the Sainsbury’s team to open the location within its Restaurant Hub concept.

The better-chicken brand has opened more than 190 locations in the United states and across the United Kingdom, and is known for its passionate group of followers and consistent service in the markets in which it operates. With more than 1,100 locations in development, the brand’s momentum proves its position in its category.

“Boparan r estaurant g roup’s commitment to the slim chickens brand and its continuous effort in helping to grow our global footprint across the UK is huge for us. chicken lovers can now further divulge in our warm and savory chicken

paired with a variety of our house-made dipping sauces,” said Jackie Lobdell, Vice President of Franchise Development at slim chickens. “ i am always so gracious to have a team like the Boparan r estaurant g roup and the s ainsbury team, who are as passionate about the brand’s growth into new communities like i am. Both groups are the classic example of the type of operating groups we look to connect

with in our ongoing expansion efforts nationally as well as globally.”

slim chickens’ franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and worldclass franchisee support system.

For more information on the Slim Chickens franchise opportunity, visit slimchickensfranchise.com.

The business model of franchising is one that continues to be relevant no matter the time or challenge. Franchising allows the prospective business owner the opportunity to get into business for themselves, but not by themselves.

The franchisor develops a brand with systems and procedures to operate the franchise; the franchisor provides the model, marketing, advertising, training, tools, and operating system to successfully operate the business. And, as an added benefit, the brainpower of the entire network, including everyone at the corporate office and all of the franchisees, works together to find the best ways to keep and get more customers than the competition. The beauty of this model is that it helps anyone who is willing to work hard and follow the system to become a successful franchisee. If franchising is something you’re considering but are still not sure whether you should take the leap,

wH y f ran CH isin G is s till tH e b est C H oi C e

here are a few helpful things to consider: a Proven Path to Business ownership

The franchising path affords the potential business owner lower risk than opening an independent business. By joining an established brand, one is able to take advantage of and build on the existing brand’s success. It’s similar to standing on the shoulders of giants who have already paved the way for your success. When we talk to existing franchise owners, they share with us to “just follow the system.” It takes trust at first, but over time, franchisees begin to see the value that the system provides and utilize the many resources at their disposal.

training and Business support

Many franchisees have shared that the reason they chose a franchise business is the extensive training and support they knew they would receive from the team at the franchisor. A reputable franchisor will provide excellent training, operations support, sales and marketing advice, and supply chain savings. Small business owners have the daily challenge of wearing many different hats, and oftentimes, they struggle to run all parts of their business effectively. By purchasing a franchise business, someone not only purchases the business but, in addition, they benefit from an entire support team (from marketing to sales management and technology to

c AtHerIne Monson, cfe, Propelled Brands, ceo Immediate Past chair of the International franchising Association, IfA Catherine Monson brings 30 years of franchising and management experience to her role as CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., and Propelled Brands, the multi-unit franchisor that includes FASTSIGNS®; SIGNWAVE® in Australia where FASTSIGNS centers operate under the SIGNWAVE brand; NerdsToGo® and Suite Management Franchising, LLC, the parent company of MY SALON Suite® and Salon Plaza®.

operations and more) who are merely a video call, phone call or email away. Franchising gives franchisees many tools and business training needed to leverage their growth.

At FASTSIGNS International, Inc., we have an entire training team focused on educating future franchisees by bringing them up-to-speed on business and financial management, sales and marketing management, production management, the industry, and more in three weeks of initial training followed by training in their own center. In addition, our inhouse team hosts webinars and has built and maintained various resource sites that house a plethora of educational, business and marketing assets. One of our core tenants is franchisee satisfaction, and we live that every day from our corporate office.

a strong and Vetted Group of Vendors and Partnerships

With the power of size and scale, the opportunities available to franchise owners can also include things such as more affordable health insurance options or access to better vendor discounts across the supply chain. A larger franchisor is better positioned to leverage benefits from vendors and assists with the heavy lifting for negotiating better prices for franchisees, which they can then negotiate further on their own. The larger franchise network is also what enables the franchisees to tap into better cost savings that they would not normally have access to as a single business owner. In addition, the support team with the franchisor is daily working on behalf of all franchisees to find reputable vendors, new sources of supply, and create partnerships that help business owners increase their profitability, educate their employees and keep them on the cutting-edge of technology and trends.

creates opportunities and Generational Wealth

Those who are turning to franchising are able to gain success and build generational wealth for their families. Franchising is the most democratic form of wealth creation, providing the franchisee the opportunity to generate economic output, create jobs, and build wealth for themselves and their

families. In our brands, we focus first on franchisee profitability, as we truly believe it is the foundation of franchising best practices. But, it’s important to remember that not all franchisors are created the same. Before you buy a franchise, you’ll need to be diligent in your research. This must always include reading their Franchise Disclosure Document, paying special attention to their Item 19 Financial Performance Representation. If they do not show results down to profit, you need to be wary. Another aspect of doing your due diligence is to speak with at least 25 or more of their current franchisees, inquiring about satisfaction, support, and profitability. We highly encourage that you ask existing franchisees, “If given the chance to do it all over again, would you?”

an adaptable and Resilient Model

Franchising is a carefully and wisely constructed model of support that enables a franchise owner to better position themselves for continued success, no matter what is happening in the economic landscape. While it provides stability and support, it also provides flexibility for growth and positive change. During

the COVID pandemic, the FASTSIGNS corporate team and all of the franchise network worked together to support each other, develop and refine new products and services, and share success stories to help every member successfully “weather the storm.” This model allows for more peace of mind to navigate challenges through a supportive and collaborative approach. Franchising removes and reduces many risks, as long as you are dealing with a reputable franchisor with extensive franchising experience, a focus on franchising best practices, and a brand with proven success. This incredibly effective model truly assists people on the path to reaching their business ownership success goals.

Is Franchising a Fit for You?

Aspiring business owners see the value in buying into a system that has been successful for others. This specific model truly assists people on the path to reaching their business ownership success goals and establishing generational wealth.

I feel incredibly blessed to be able to help people on the path to achieving their lifelong dreams of business ownership!

batteries Plus l an D s on e ntre Preneur’s 2022 to P f ran CH ises for v eterans list

Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb, key fob and repair franchise, has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top Franchise for Veterans for the ninth year in-a-row. Coming in at No. 41, the brand has climbed 26 spots since its ranking in 2019.

Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchises for Veterans list ranks 150 franchises offering incentives and other programs

to help veterans become franchisees. This list is one of Entrepreneur’s most popular rankings, and highly valued in the franchise industry. To create the list, the magazine invited companies to participate in a survey designed to help them learn more about their Veteran’s programs. From there, they developed the ranking of the top 150 franchises for Veterans, taking into account each company’s Veteran incentive, how Veteran franchisees are attracted to and supported by the company, and how each company scored in the 2021 Franchise 500.

Batteries Plus is IFA VetFran member and

Nation’s Leading Battery Retailer Ranks No. 41, Graces List for Ninth Year In-a-Row

offers a $10,000 discount off the franchise fee for military veterans. With 10.5 percent of franchise-owned stores being veteranowned, Batteries Plus offers extensive training both online and at the store level for the life of the business. The company has also launched an internal resource group to support and uplift veterans. This group highlights opportunities and education surrounding the veteran community.

“It is our mission to provide opportunities for our hard-working heroes who are often looking for ways to transition their skills from the military into entrepreneurship,” said Joe Malmuth, Chief Franchising Officer for Batteries Plus. “Being recognized on this prestigious list for the fact that we offer them the freedom they want in a career while providing the ability to help them achieve their personal and professional goals is very exciting.”

Over the years, Batteries Plus has seen many military veterans become highly successful as franchisees in the specialty

retailer sector due to their strong work ethic and motivation to succeed.

“The business opportunity that Batteries Plus offers was exactly what I was looking for as a next step in my post-military career,” said U.S. Marine Sergeant and Batteries Plus franchisee Robert Roskowski. “It allows me to strike the perfect balance of providing a service to my local community and utilizing the skills garnered during my time in the military to help grow my business and provide for my family.”

Batteries Plus has been on a steady path of growth which can be attributed to the multi-billion-dollar markets that the franchise model is based on. (Batteries, $110B; Bulbs, $118.3B, Device Repair, $4B, Key Fobs, $4.82B, Smart Home Technology $28.86M). Multi-unit owners can especially benefit from this, allowing them to open locations quickly and making business even more efficient. As well as the brand’s stable, lucrative business model being a determinant of the continued interest from prospective franchisees who want to make these resources more available in their communities.

With over 800 store locations in operation and development nationwide, Batteries Plus franchise owners are passionate about providing essential products and services for their local communities. Batteries Plus has also carved out a unique niche in the industry with its ‘plus’ services – including

cell phone repair and key fob replacement – capitalizing on both its knowledge and service offerings. Positioned for the battery-powered future, Batteries Plus supplies fundamental products that power people’s lives – boats, automobiles, golf carts, motorcycles, mobility scooters, thermometers, etc.

Batteries Plus was ranked on Franchise Times Top 400 list, coming in at #130 and for the 29th year in a row, the brand ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list, climbing 69 spots over last year’s rank.

To learn more about Batteries Plus, including information on the franchise opportunity or tour a store virtually, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

aBoUt Batteries Plus

Batteries Plus, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omnichannel retailer of batteries, specialty light bulbs and phone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels.

The retailer also offers key programming, replacement and cutting services. Through a nationwide network of stores, the company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service. Batteries Plus is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City.

To learn more about one of Forbes®’ Best Franchises to Buy in America, visit https:// www.batteriesplusfranchise.com.

For more than 20 years, the award-winning Woodhouse Spa has offered guests a variety of luxury treatments that are fully customized to meet their guests’ unique needs in a calming environment that is rich with warm earth tones and textures, sounds of nature, soothing aromatherapy for skin treatments, massage therapies, facials and other exquisite services, such as waxing and nails.

Every treatment, detail, space, and feature has been carefully crafted by the Woodhouse masters of mood care. In this issue we sit down with Franchisee Elvis Matkovic to discuss his journey to franchising.

When did you buy your franchise?

After my wife (Dawn) and I had successful and respective careers in corporate industries , we decided to open our first Woodhouse Spa location in November 2018. Now, we have plans to soon open two more locations in the Cleveland area.

How did you find about the franchise and why did you choose that franchise?

A new retail complex was built in Cleveland in 2018 and featured stores like West Elm and Williams-Sonoma. We found the perfect location within this center to open a franchise business and the property management team actually presented the initial idea for us to open a Woodhouse Spa. It was exactly what consumers were seeking and rounded out the complex’s retail offerings.

What was your working background?

My wife has a Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University and prior to joining Woodhouse, she was an IT manager at a large insurance agency for 24 years. I have an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College and I’m also an Army Veteran.

What was the turning point that made you realize you wanted to change your career path?

When our twins were born, my wife and I decided we wanted to pursue new careers that offered greater work-life balance so we could spend more time with our children. We love being our own bosses and we make a great team, both personally and professionally.

What type of training/ support was (still is) provided to you?

Every year, the brand hosts an annual reunion, where franchisee owners and corporate employees from across the country come together to participate in breakout sessions with CEO Christina Russell; learn about crisis management techniques; talk about industry trends, educate on best practices for recruiting and retention; among many other seminars.

aBoUt Woodhouse

The Woodhouse team made it extremely easy to streamline all the openings and management processes, and helped guide us on how to succesfully open a new spa. Thanks to their support, we’ve achieved a top ten ranking company-wide in terms of revenue.

We are opening a second location and during the initial lease / location process, Ben Jones - Chief Development Officer and Legal Counsel was a great partner to work with. He reviewed the initial lease and assisted us with questions and offered suggestions. The COO Of Woodhouse, Susan Hern has been a great partner to work with. She has been extremely friendly and always went the extra mile when we had questions.

The brand reported a 19% sales increase year over year and is currently experiencing its highest growth rate since its 2001 inception. Woodhouse Spa continues to employ an aggressive 2022 growth plan to expand its domestic U.S. presence while concurrently signing new franchise agreements in Canada. At the close of this year, the company will have 82 open locations with many new properties imminent in 2023.

With over 900 thousand people visiting the Woodhouse Spa each year, there’s no mistaking the fact that guests coming through the doors are dealing with more than ever, especially as they find normalcy and a need for self-care postpandemic. Following The Woodhouse Spa’s acquisition by Radiance Holdings in July of 2020, the brand has been aggressively targeting key markets throughout the U.S. for franchise development.

Woodhouse Spa is revered for providing professionals with unrivaled mentorship, proprietary educational programs, and events like the 2022 fall summit. The brand recently celebrated the opening of its 76th location in Atlanta, Georgia, and will close out 2022 with five new locations.

Looking ahead to 2023, Woodhouse Spa will open location doors in Raleigh, NC; Savannah, GA; and Odessa, TX, among others. Woodhouse Spa is part of Radiance Holdings, a global company representing a collection of premier brands in the beauty, wellness and self-care sectors.

The rapid expansion has solidified Woodhouse as a premier spa franchise and the unequivocal leader in mood care, pioneering a new category of wellness services in the approachable luxury space.

What was the process like once you signed the franchise agreement? as far as training, site selection, fit out, etc.

“ The Woodhouse team made it extremely easy to streamline all the openings and management processes, and helped guide us on how to succesfully open a new spa.”

a ir for C e v eteran

t ransitions to n ew Career wit H C H ilD ren’s

sP orts f ran CH ise

Levi is a nine-year Air Force veteran who with his wife, Jordan, have united their love of sports and kids with their incredible work ethic to follow their entrepreneurial dreams.

When Levi left the Air Force, he was looking for a business he and Jordan were passionate about and would serve the community. For Levi, that was integral to the person he’d become serving in the Air Force, “we live by a code in the military of service before self, and that’s how I would like to live our lives moving forward, finding ways to give back.”

Turning that passion into a profession-, they landed on a brand that they were both familiar with since they were kids. They are enjoying franchise ownership with Skyhawks Sports Academy, the country’s leader in providing a safe, fun, and skill-based sports experience for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. In addition, Skyhawks’s sister brand,

There is an impressive skillset that develops from experience in both the military and team sports, and Levi and Jordan Hewitt are the proof of that. This married couple is uniquely equipped for success in franchise ownership with combined accomplishments to prove it.

Athletes themselves, the Hewitts recently opened a Skyhawks franchise in Boise, Idaho. They run a territory encompassing Treasure Valley out to Idaho City along the western border of Idaho and up through Parma. Being a former Airman, Levi was sure to include Mountain Home Air Force Base in their territory as well.

Levi, like many veterans, is part of a growing trend in veteran-owned businesses. Based on data from the U.S. Census, there are about 2.5 million businesses in the U.S. owned in part, by those who served in the military, accounting for about $1.4 trillion in annual sales. The International

“ I only wanted to own and run a business that was effortbased, I wanted to know that whatever I achieved in business was earned through hard work.”

the military, they are setting down roots in a community they love while doing something they love.

“Everywhere we’ve worked, we’ve seemed to kind of rise to the top of whatever job we’ve been working,” he said. “We are poised and ready for this challenge.”

These franchisees appreciate the principle of the franchise model because it allows them the leadership component to be their own boss while providing the structure necessary to adhere to brand guidelines clearly spelled out in the Skyhawks franchise playbook.

Skyhawks is one of many franchises that provides a discount of 30% of their franchise fee to honor those men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Franchise Association (IFA) reports that U.S. veterans own about 14 percent, or one out of every seven, franchises in the United States.

Leadership, structure, and discipline are a few of the characteristics that may attribute to the success of veteran business owners like Levi, who says he can definitely see his military experience as a factor in the accomplishments.

“I only wanted to own and run a business that was effort-based,” said Levi. “I wanted to know that whatever I achieved in business was earned through hard work.”

Levi and wife Jordan are doing just that. After being away from their home state of Idaho for nine years due to Levi’s time in

During his time in the service, Levi was stationed in Texas, North Carolina, England, and Idaho as well as temporarily serving in various other locations throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Now, he’s glad to be settled back in his home state, enjoying this next chapter.

“I feel well prepared for this next adventure thanks not only to my military influence but sports as well,” he said. “Being part of a team whether as an Airman or in athletics you know you have a job to do for the greater good. It builds integrity, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Now I have a chance to share those lessons with kids in our community and help them love sports as much as I do.”

SuperTots, features game-based classes and enrichment programs for children starting at 18 months old.

“ Being part of a team whether as an Airman or in athletics you know you have a job to do for the greater good. It builds integrity, responsibility, and sportsmanship.”

“ everywhere we’ve worked, we’ve seemed to kind of rise to the top of whatever job we’ve been working, we are poised and ready for this challenge.”

o ffi C e Pri D e r an K s a mon G e ntre P reneur an D

f ran CH ise b usiness r eview’s to P

f ran CH ises for v eterans

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services has been listed among the nation’s best franchises for military veterans on two prestigious lists, published by Entrepreneur magazine and Franchise Business Review (FBR).

“We are so proud to once again be listed among the nation’s top franchise opportunities for veterans,” said Office Pride CEO Josh Weis. “We are pleased to recognize the many Office Pride franchisees and team members who have served our country. As we approach Veterans Day, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to them and to all veterans for their service.”

About 10% of Office Pride franchisees and corporate headquarters team members are veterans.

Veterans are highly sought-after franchisees. Office Pride offers a 25% discount off the franchise fee to those who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Office Pride is a five-star participant in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, a strategic initiative designed to offer incentives and support to veterans who are interested in franchise ownership. Annually, Entrepreneur ranks the 150 best franchise opportunities for veterans based on factors such as incentives, support and other programs offered to veterans by franchisors. Franchise Business Review’s annual list names 80 franchises that scored highly on satisfaction surveys of veteran franchise owners on their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend the brands to others.

A respected national franchise system, Office Pride is consistently ranked among the nation’s top franchises on Entrepreneur

magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500, Top Franchises for Veterans and Top 100 Franchises for Less Than $100,000. Office Pride is a member of FBR’s Hall of Fame and has been listed on its Top 200 Franchises to Buy for 15 years, as well as on the Best Franchises for Veterans, Top Franchises for Women and Top Low-Cost Franchises.

aBoUt office Pride:

Based in Palm Harbor, Florida, Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services is an award-winning, faith-based franchisor and a respected leader in the commercial cleaning industry.

The company was founded in 1992 on strong core values that ensure business is conducted with integrity and a commitment to service excellence. Office Pride is one of the fastest-growing commercial cleaning franchisors in the nation, with over 150 locations in 27 states.

For services near you, visit OfficePride.com. For franchise opportunities, visit OfficePrideFranchise.com.

“ Annually, entrepreneur ranks the 150 best franchise opportunities for veterans based on factors such as incentives, support and other programs offered to veterans by franchisors.”

veterans: it’s time to mar CH to your own D rum

Why is that?

There are many theories out there. However, as a franchise system with eight current veteran owners and the wife, sister, granddaughter, sister-in-law, aunt, and cousin of veterans, I believe there are three characteristics that make veterans and franchising a winning combination.

First, veterans are committed to a cause

In their military service, the cause was protecting and defending their country.

In the case of franchise ownership, the cause is the Brand and its goals. When they sign a franchise agreement, they have every intention of following the process so that the goal (the cause) is achieved and the brand is protected. The clarity of the vision supplied by the franchise brand will provide the drive needed to keep moving them forward and in the right direction.

the second characteristic is that veterans are team players

Being a part of a team inspires and fuels them. If the brand makes a concerted effort to operate the network as a team, as we do

“ Franchise systems like PIRTeK uSA provide veterans with the opportunity to regain some of that normalcy by becoming part of a new team.”

Anyone who has been around franchising for any length of time knows that historically, veterans are good franchise owners.

Kim g ubera - PIRTEK USA CEo

at PIRTEK USA…franchisees, franchisee employees, and franchisor employees are all part of the same team, and there is an unstoppable synergy. Over the last five years, our franchise network has grown by 76% or 53 units. In addition, our systemwide sales have increased by 82.4%. We are not just growing in the number of units. The individual franchise businesses have grown exponentially. We attribute this growth to what we call THE POWER OF PIRTEK. The synergy that has been created by uniting all our stakeholders has been unstoppable!

I would imagine for a veteran, this team atmosphere feels familiar to them, and they find it comforting. You sometimes hear how those who served long-term in the military really struggle when they come out of the service. This is no different than any of us who leave long-term employment. It is a major adjustment. Life is turned somewhat upside down. Franchise systems like PIRTEK USA provide veterans with the opportunity to regain some of that normalcy by becoming part of a new team.

Veterans are committed to the cause, they are team players, and finally, veterans are resilient

These are the people who signed up to go fight in a foreign country if necessary. The ones that say we will ‘protect and defend’ up to the point of giving the ultimate sacrifice. Having business challenges will not break them. They will persevere and almost always be successful. Since the pandemic, resiliency has been on the wane, but business owners MUST be resilient. Owning your own business is not easy, and being a leader is difficult. However, when you are part of a franchise system, you receive support and direction that independent business owners do not have. There are several great advantages to being part of something bigger than you. Veterans thrive in these types of environments.

I have seen these characteristics in action from our franchise owners and personally. One thing that always impresses me about those who have served in the military is

their instant camaraderie with each other. It is almost like a secret language. Veterans connect with veterans. In a franchise system, and I am sure in all businesses, veteran owners seem to attract employees who are veterans. There is a level of trust that exists instantly, and that is important. Since these employees will embody the same characteristics as all other veterans, they are normally high-performing and loyal team members.

Employee or franchise owner. We all want veterans on our teams. PIRTEK USA is proud of our commitment to veterans, offering a $5,000 reduction of the franchise fee to encourage veterans to join our team as a franchise owner. We have participated in the VetFran Program for many years. Just over 11% of our ownership groups contain one or more veterans, and we are anxious to increase that number.

If you are a veteran and looking for the next step after retirement or fulfilling your service commitment, look to franchising and look at PIRTEK USA. Come be a part of THE POWER OF PIRTEK. In franchising, you will find a vision, a cause, and a team. Concepts that you can immediately relate to with required commitments that are easy for you to because you were trained well and prepared for success. You will also gain a community (a team) with which you can instantly connect.

In addition, you are given the opportunity to create wealth and a legacy for your family. All while contributing to the greater cause…the Brand. Veterans, it could be time for you to march to your own drum as a franchise business owner. Consider joining the dynamic and growing TEAM PIRTEK. We would love to have you join our winning team.

“ veterans connect with veterans. In a franchise system, and I am sure in all businesses, veteran owners seem to attract employees who are veterans.”

Steve Marullo

PIRTEK Beltway North

Carl and Carol Jones PIRTEK NorthValley-SouthValley

q& a

with t erry wallaC e of v enture x

those men that from the age of 15, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

I grew up in a military family. My father served in the U.S. Army, and I spent my school age years moving every few years. When I was in high school, my father was working at the U.S. Embassy in Australia where I would see Marines at the front gates. I remember being so blown away by

I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a young man and served for four years. It was a formative period of my life, and I firmly believe that I learned more from the Marine Corps than I did in all my schooling.

After I left the Marine Corps, I gravitated toward what I knew – a uniform. I became a police officer in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. To this day, those I worked alongside are among the finest and most admirable people I have ever worked with. While a noble position, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, so I went back to school and took night courses to earn my MBA. From there, I transitioned my career to management consulting. I spent four years with Deloitte, a phenomenal firm with brilliant people who worked endless hours. I learned a great deal during my time there. From there, I worked at Pfizer, an exceptional Fortune 50 company. I spent 13 years with Pfizer, the last five of which I had the honor and privilege of leading its global HR operations function.

Following my time Pfizer, I then transitioned to Lead Global HR Operations

can you tell us a little bit about your military background and career in the U. s. Marine corps?

What was your career after leaving the military?

“ I was ready for another career change and this time I had two criteria: I wanted to own my own business and I wanted to be anchored in my local community. That’s what led me to coworking.”

at WeWork where I enjoyed three years with the company during its rapid growth before going public.

What led you to coworking and Venture x?

Through my experiences at WeWork but even more so at Pfizer and Deloitte, I experienced the challenges and opportunities that came with managing highly integrated global teams, which leaned into coworking. I had people spread all over the country and world; in different time zones; some working from home, some working in offices.

Even for me, my career was based in New York City while my home was in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. I would stay at a rented apartment in the city during the week and then visit home on the weekends. That being said, I know better than most the cost of a long commute – not just from a financial standpoint, but also the time spent, and all the lost opportunities to have dinner with your family, coach your kids’ sports teams and be an active part of your community.

When I left WeWork, I decided I was done traveling. I was ready for another career change and this time I had two criteria: I wanted to own my own business and I wanted to be anchored in my local community. That’s what led me to coworking.

Pre-COVID, the Lehigh Valley was a major commuter area with residents working in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. The commuter traffic in and out of the area was extreme. And so my mission with Venture X was to cut the commute for my community; to build a network of connections and give them access to world-class space, amenities and services no further than 15 minutes from their homes. It was bringing the finest of Fifth Avenue to their backyards. I opened my first Venture X in Bethlehem in 2020 and have every intention to open additional locations in Easton and Allentown in the coming years.

As a veteran myself, I have profound respect and admiration for fellow veterans and their service. Last year, I opened my doors to veterans the entire month of November and allowed them and their spouses to come use space at will. It is my sincerest desire to help veteran entrepreneurs and businesses in any way I can.

This is an initiative I will be doing again this November, this time alongside the Venture X brand, who I am thankful took notice of the idea, adopted it, and scaled it into a brand-wide national promotion. This year, all veterans will receive a free community membership for the month of November at participating Venture X locations. This will give them access to all shared office amenities and workspaces, access to the business member community, invites to all member events, free highspeed internet, and free coffee and refreshments.

reduce the risks often associated with start-ups.

When I was deciding on my new career path, I was seeking expertise that I didn’t have – in areas like commercial real estate, marketing, and IT. It was my expectation that franchising could offer me this kind of support and a turnkey business opportunity with existing processes and systems built in.

This is what can make franchising a great option for veterans, especially those just transitioning back into civilian life. It can provide the structure that we appreciate having been in the military, along with a proven methodology and model that can

Whether you’re looking to invest in a Venture X or another franchise concept, it’s important to proceed with caution and do your due diligence. Take time to thoroughly review the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document; ensure that the legalese is well-defined and understood, and that the text matches statements made by the franchise representatives. You should also take the time to speak with other franchisees – both current and former. These are the people who are in the field, boots on the ground. Franchisee validation should be an integral step in your vetting process.

It’s also important the brand has a proven track record of resilience and success. How long has it been in business? How did it fare during the last economic downturn? How has the business grown in recent years?

Finally, you should ensure there’s a clear and strong alignment of incentive that is based on profitability, not just revenue. It should be a win-win for both franchisor and franchisee.

To connect with Terry on LinkedIn, visit www.linkedin.com/in/-terry-wallace.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Venture X, visit www.venturexfranchise.com.

as a business owner, how do you help to support fellow veterans?

What appealed to you about franchising? What makes franchising a great option for veterans?

What advice do you have for veterans who might be interested in becoming a Venture x franchisee or are interested in franchising in general?

Kumon n ort H a meri C a f ran CH isee eDwar D loflan D

When Edward Lofland crossed the border with his U.S. Marine Corps unit into Iraq in 2003, their mission was to secure the oil fields from Saddam Hussein’s troops. He hadn’t begun to contemplate post-military life.

Driving into a hail of gunfire, his only thoughts were about staying alive.

But nearly two decades later, after a highly decorated military career that taught him innumerable skills, he can see that making the transition from U.S Marine to Kumon Instructor in Virginia Beach was a natural educational journey for him.

Veterans like Lofland are prevalent throughout the franchising industry. The skills military veterans gain while in the service are a valued asset to the business world.

Kumon North America actively recruits and provides additional financial incentives for veterans. Lofland is one of many veterans who became a Kumon Instructor following his military service and took advantage of the company’s veteran incentive program, which provides $10,000 in extra incentives for those who qualify.

Just like others who are leaving their jobs to open their own small businesses, veterans want to have more control over their schedules, cut out bureaucracy and be their own boss.

From his engineering degree at the University of Delaware to his master’s degree in global business, along with the slew of graduate courses he took in the Marine Corps, Lofland always had his eye on continuing education. As his military career was ending, he began debating what he wanted to do and researching business opportunities that fit his skills and personality. Kumon was the perfect fit.

“ I wanted to start a business. I just needed to pick which one. Kumon, to me, was a nobrainer.”

“I didn’t really want to work for anyone else,” he says, laughing. “I’ve been in the Marine Corps and served, so I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to start a business. I just needed to pick which one. Kumon, to me, was a no-brainer. I loved it and wanted to invest in my kids.”

Now, as a Kumon Instructor, he’s continuing that tradition with his own children and those at the center he opened at the onset of the pandemic, in March 2020.

“I really love the benefits it provides the community,” he says. “Getting kids that are behind and getting their confidence up so they are advancing is really, really exciting.”

Beans & B R e Ws co FFee H o U se

Beans & Brews coffeehouse has been around since 1993, when the Laramie family opened shop next to s alt Lake city’s beloved hangout, Liberty Park.

The family refined the process of high-altitude roasting™, which required special tweaks just like high-altitude baking. They soon got the process just right, and they built a reputation for uniquely smooth coffee in a friendly neighborhood setting. Beans & Brews—or “Beans,” as friends call us for short—is now a staple around Utah and its friends, idaho and nevada.

The Laramie family still owns and operates our headquarters, and many baristas from our earlier days have grown into senior roles as managers, directors, and VPs. They carry on our best

B IG FR o G cU sto M t sHIR ts & Mo R e

Big Frog custom T-shirts & More is locally owned and operated and specializes in Direct-to- garment (DTg) printing, a clean and green apparel printing technology. Big Frog is a onestop-shop for “un-frog-ettable” custom apparel with a wide selection of services including screen printing, embroidery, vinyl, and Ultra Print (heat press). Established in 2008 by co-founders Leeward Bean, Tina Bacon-DeFrece and ron DeFrece, the franchise brand has since expanded to nearly 100 locations in 25 states and c anada offering free 15-minute, inperson design help, no minimums, and fast turnaround (often 24-hours) on DTg printing.

B U s I ness F I nance d e P ot

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

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

traditions and work to create new ones too. Meanwhile, around the region, locally owned franchises brew up our beloved recipes for their own neighbors. Our guests are our reason for getting up in the morning. We love greeting regulars with their favorite drinks, made just the way they like ‘em. and we dig getting to know newcomers and welcoming them to the Beans community.

come in for a cup, alone or with a friend, and make yourself at home. and let us know how we can make your day a little brighter—whether it’s adding extra whipped cream or it’s donating a gift basket to your little-league fundraiser. cheers, and stop by soon.

contact: Kim Falk Email: kfalk@beansandbrews.com

a proud member of VetFran and named “Top Franchise 500 for Veterans” by Entrepreneur Magazine, Big Frog has set its sights on arizona, Florida and Texas for expansion but is offering a nationwide incentive for veterans and first responders now through september 2023. The incentive program includes a 20% discount on the initial investment at the time of franchise agreement and waived annual royalty fees for one year. The financial incentives could add up to more than $15,000 for qualified veterans or first responders, depending on the location of the shop. Big Frog launched the veteran-focused initiative to help veterans and first responders fulfill their dreams of owning a small business. To learn more about Big Frog and our veteran-exclusive incentive, visit https:// bigfrogfranchise.com/franchise-for-active-duty-military/.

Our company also works with sBa 7(a) lenders, alternate financing sources, crowd funding financing sources and companies that specialize in using retirement funds to capitalize a new business. Please visit our website for more information. Website: www.businessfinancedepot.com Email: paul@businessfinancedepot.com Phone: (800) 788-3884 contact: Paul Bosley

c laY ton Kendall

clayton Kendall provides a simple, easy to use e-store platform that connects your franchisees to our integrated front-to-back inventory management system.

Our system controls the creation, production, fulfillment, distribution and shipping of all your marketing and sales

materials including uniforms, signage, branded merchandise and print collateral.

clayton Kendal is the single source marketing solution for dozens of national franchises.

contact: Dan Broudy, cEO Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Phone: 412-798-7120 (1-888-799-4757) Website: claytonkendall.com

e xec U t IV e Ho M e c a R e

in-home care is, simply put, everyday assistance for your loved one provided by a kind, compassionate, and well-trained person.

This assistance can come in the form of help getting dressed, preparing meals, doing some light housework, or just relaxing and enjoying a friendly conversation.

Executive home care places screened, qualified caregivers with people who need a helping hand with common tasks that many of us take for granted.

The goal is to maintain a comfortable, safe, and happy living environment while providing for as much independence as possible.

www.executivehomecare.com Email: jason@executivehomecare.com

Fasts IG ns®

now more than ever, businesses look to Fas Tsigns® for innovative ways to connect with customers in a highly competitive marketplace.

Our high standards for quality and customer service have made Fas Tsigns the most recognized brand in the industry, driving significantly more traffic to the web than any other sign company.

We also lead in these important areas:

• #1 Ranked Sign Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 three years in a row

• Franchise Business Review FBR50 Franchisee Satisfaction award 2006-2015

• Franchise Research Institute World Class Franchise 20112015

• Franchise Research Institute #1 Rated Sign & Graphics Franchise 2014-2015

• CFA Franchisees’ Choice Designation 2004-2015

• FASTSIGNS is one of only a handful of franchises approved for $21 million in sBa financing for approved franchise candidates

FasTsigns has over 400 markets approved for development in the Us and canada and is also seeking Master or area Developer expansion in markets worldwide.

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

FR eddo

We started with company-operated gelaterias in 1969 and in 1980 we began offering franchises. currently, we have about 160 franchised and 7 owned stores in 7 countries: 114 in argentina, 21 in Uruguay, 15 in Brazil, 5 in chile, 2 in Mexico, 2 in Panama and 8 in Usa

We produce the world’s best gelato, using nothing but the highest-quality and natural ingredients. Managing a Freddo store is extremely simple,

it can be operated by franchisees with no experience in gelato and/or F&B operations.

We build a close relationship with all our franchisees, that helps us grow our business together. Freddo’s scalable solutions has always been a key differential and we see that proposition only getting better as consumers learn to love real g elato.

For mor information on franchise opportunities, please contact Emiliano Deambrosi at: franchise@freddo.com

GR ease M on K e Y

Founded in 1978 and part of the Fullspeed automotive® family of brands, grease Monkey® has grown to more than 500 centers internationally with operations in the United states, china, colombia, Mexico, and saudi arabia. The brand has flourished, thanks to a commitment to customer service, innovation, and driving strong rOi for franchisees.

One reason grease Monkey is a great business opportunity is because nearly everyone in america drives, and more than 99% of the vehicles on U. s roads need regular oil changes. americans cumulatively drive about 3.2 trillion miles per year, and americans are keeping their

I M aG e o ne U sa

image One Usa is a commercial cleaning services business. The image One franchising model was formed on the principles of transparency, training, and top-notch financial and customer service support. it is regularly recognized as a top franchise by third-party franchise and business publications, including cnBc.com, Entrepreneur. com and Franchise Business review.

image One franchisees work for themselves in a unique relationship with the franchise company. image One provides them with customer support for their business, ongoing training, along with assistance with billing, equipment and sales training. image One

vehicles longer than ever before. according to research conducted by s &P g lobal Mobility, the average age of light vehicles in the U. s. rose to an all-time high of 12.2 years in 2022. This is the fifth straight year the average vehicle age in the U. s. has risen. Drivers understand that to extend the life of their vehicles, routine maintenance is a must.

Even if you don’t have automotive repair experience and are simply exploring the industry because of its stability and strong margins, you can be assured that you will be backed by a large franchise support team dedicated to your success. We provide training, marketing support, and a wide range of tools to help you find customers and serve them well!

provides necessary training, tools and support to help franchise affiliates build their business, including teaching franchisees the latest cleaning techniques and empowering them with insights on best-in-class equipment and technology. Ongoing training is delivered both at image One’s corporate headquarters and onsite at existing client locations to ensure that franchisees continue to grow their own businesses.

image One has commercial cleaning franchise locations covering chicago, cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, nashville and Orlando. Franchise territories are available nationwide.

For information on the franchise, visit http:// imageOneUsa .com

K UM on n o R t H aM e RI ca Inc.

high school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic.

realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.

With daily practice, Kumon’s son gradually expanded his mastery of mathematical skills and by sixth grade was able to solve differential equations and integral calculus problems.

Today, at locations throughout north america, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills.

Phone: 201-928-0444

Website: Kumonfranchise.com

mind C hamp S uSa

here’s your unique opportunity to own a brand that is transforming education globally and kick start your dream business!

hailed as the education movement of the 21st century by new York Times & Wall street Journal Bestselling author, Dr Joseph Michelli, Mindchamps started as an education research centre in sydney.

Based on over two decades of research, our unique 3-Mind approach forms the foundation of our educational programs in over 80 Mindchamps Early Learning and Preschool centers across australia, singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, indonesia and now the Us!

a s the only early learning organization to develop its own unique, research-based curriculum, Mindchamps’ programs are backed by the work of world-renowned experts in Education, neuroscience,

m uSE um O f i lluS i O n S

rP illusions corp. is a U. s.-based corporation that develops and franchises Museums of illusions across the world. The company’s primary goal is to provide memorable and exciting educational opportunities while evolving its approach to creativity, art, and entertainment. Founded in 2015. in Zagreb, croatia, the Museum of illusions quickly became a global leader in the “edutainment” sector and the largest chain of private museums worldwide.

The original concept offers an interactive, immersive, and fun experience for all age groups while teaching about science, vision, and perception through mind-bending illusions and tricks. The Museum of illusions is thus globally recognized for its inventive way of combining entertaining and educational activities, as well as countless amazing photo opportunities for visitors to create unforgettable memories.

n e R ds toGo

Build a future with the computer service industry pioneers and accomplish your business dreams with NerdsToGo!

computers, handheld devices, tablets, and mobile phones are all things that only continue to grow and change the landscape of the technology industry in the 21st century. That is why nerdsTo g o is such a lucrative concept. With businesses, homeowners, and individuals continuing to rely

Psychology and Theatre. We are also the only organization worldwide to have Emeritus Professor allan snyder, Fellow of the royal society and founder of the centre for the Mind at the University of sydney and the australian national University as our chair of research.

a s a multi-award-winning international Early Learning franchisor, Mindchamps is committed to your success. This commitment is backed by years of experience, research and development, and a powerful, global brand that is hailed as a 21st century Early Learning Movement. We are keen to find the right business partners who want to contribute to their community while creating prosperity for their own family in the Us

To discover more about why Mindchamps international Preschool is your dream business, visit https://franchise.mindchamps.org/usa/

Each state-of-the-art museum is designed to create a mentally stimulating journey through the human mind for all generations with fascinating exhibits including 3D holograms, astonishing art pieces, and brain-puzzling optical illusions.

at this time the Museum of illusions has locations in 37 cities, 25 countries, and 4 continents, including franchises in tourist capitals such as new York, Paris, Madrid, shanghai, and Dubai, where they are continually ranked among the top city attractions.

The Museum of illusions team plans to continue expanding globally by providing unique educational, visual, and entertaining experiences for visitors, as well as ongoing support and guidance to franchising partners at every step of the way.

For more information about the Museum of illusions or franchising opportunities please visit www.museumofillusions.com or email at info@museumofillusions.com.

on technology, handling the repairs, computer service and support, and other computer services that can accompany a technologically based society seems like second nature. This means franchise owners can tend to the high demands of a reliable customer base and reap the financial benefits by taking advantage of a constantly innovative, inventive, and lucrative industry.

contact us today to learn why nerdsTo g o is one of the fastest growing computer service and technology franchises in the United states!

Re M edY sPa & salon sUI tes

remedy spa & s alon suites first opened its doors in atlanta, g eorgia in 2018. a s an attempt to enter the highly profitable health and beauty industries, remedy spa & s alon suites came equipped with 22 fully leased salon suites. To date, they have opened three locations through Metro-atlanta.

amenities and perks to leasing include: 24/7 access, private upscale studios, spacious single/double suites, private parking, valet parking and premium fixtures, finishes and appliances.

Franchisees will obtain access to the brand, tested and proven processes and support, purchasing power and distribution

chains, cooperative marketing, new product research, development and roll-out, experienced training staff, and continuing training and education.

Franchising opportunities are available to entrepreneurs and investors in all industries but will be particularly appealing to health and beauty enthusiasts.

remedy spa & s alon suites already has an established market presence and substantial market penetration in atlanta. From this successful platform, the company is looking to expand the brand in select key areas domestically.

www.remedysalonsuites.com/franchise remedysalonsuites@gmail.com

The camp is a community of people who treat fellow members like family. The camp Transformation center is an industry leader in the weight loss and wellness niche. The franchise currently has nearly 150 locations in more than a dozen states.

Founded by alejandra Font, Luis Font and sam Bakhtiar in 2010,

The camp Transformation center (The camp) was born out of the realization that despite universal knowledge of how to lose weight — eat healthier and work out regularly — millions of people still struggle to get results.

During an era of skyrocketing obesity, The camp created a proven system to help this massively underserved audience achieve their goals. home of the free “20-Pound Weight Loss challenge,” The camp Transformation center’s flagship program consists of group training with dynamic interval workouts, nutrition and supplement plans, highly qualified trainers, and a ton of positive emotional support.

The fitness brand’s goal is to provide its outstanding services to people who wish to lose weight and improve their health in 500 communities by 2030. Each camp employs the company’s signature challenge, a six-week initial entry point for members, that aims to be a transformative moment in the lives of those who join and a launching pad for long-term membership. The camp Transformation center is known for its enthusiastic staff members, a clean environment, an open, spacious, and colorful design, supplement plans, and fitness training that is motivating and affordable.

To learn more about the camp Transformation center, visit www.thecamptc.com.

T h E C amp TR an S fOR maT i O n CE n TER

tH e R ed cHI c KZ

We’ve Done the heavy Lifting for You

We know the restaurant business and have done our homework. From the homestyle kitchens of nashville to The red chickz restaurants that will be popping up everywhere, we’ve created something really special in an untapped, sizzling market.

We make it simple. Our team has worked our tails off to create a superior business model that is streamlined and simple to operate. We designed

this with systems and growth in mind, so you can become the next proud owner of a The red chickz restaurant franchise with ease.

an investment in a restaurant franchise like The red chickz is an excellent way to break into the foodservice business or expand your already existing restaurant portfolio. We seek qualified business owners who understand or appreciate the restaurant industry and are fired up about our brand.

www.theredchickz.com

s l IM cHI c K ens

slim chickens, a leading fast casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the better-chicken segment, opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, arkansas.

Offering high-quality food with a focus on fresh, delicious ingredients, the brand prides itself on its southern flair and commitment to hospitality, all in a fast-casual setting. Food is cooked to order, and the differentiated menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items, alongside 17 house-made dipping sauces.

Today, there are more than 145 slim chickens locations open and 700 restaurants in development. The brand, which recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 700 units in

V ETER an S ERV i CE bR and S

Veteran service Brands (VsB) is the umbrella organization for four distinct, but affiliated service brands - all of which are exclusive to military veterans.

capitalizing on our success with g -FOrcE (the first franchise brand exclusive to veterans), we are adding Mach OnE Epoxy Floors, FiELD OPs athletic Field Markings, and Pain T cOrPs (like Marine “corps”) franchise systems to the VsB family of veteran-only franchises. initial investment starts as low as $20,000 for FiELD OPs (assuming possession of a suitable pickup truck) and runs as high as $150,000 depending upon which brand, size of territory, truck choice, and equipment package.

Franchise Fees are deeply discounted for the first five franchise partners of our new brands (some are already spoken for).

Z ip S

ZiPs is the leading low-cost player in a $10.5 billion laundry and drycleaning industry, caring for items our customers use every day, and others they reserve for special occasions. We offer five concepts in one, in a compact footprint, including: pressed laundry, dry cleaning, Wash n Fold laundry, alterations and caring for household items. Our business was founded when eight of the Baltimore -Washington, D.c area’s premier dry cleaners banded together to pool their expertise and resources to create a powerhouse brand. They established an “in by 9, out by 5,” one-low-price-to-dry-clean-anygarment approach that is affordable and convenient for customers to use and easy for operators to sell. We have nearly 70 locations open across the United states, commitments to open more than 100 more, and many territories available immediately for multi-unit development. We’re ready to help you get set up with full-service processing locations, satellite “drop” stores, sophisticated locker systems and processing of items for commercial organizations and

fR an C hi S ing uSa

a-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising Usa website.

Each detailed, full colour a-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.

10 years, is targeting qualified and experienced multi-unit groups to develop in dynamic markets across the country.

The brand prides itself on its cooked-to-order fresh food and strong devoted fanbase, also known as “ slimthusiasts.” Fans also resonate with the southern contemporary look and feel and open and inviting layout of slim chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

The slim chickens franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and world-class franchisee support system. a s slim chickens expands, it is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced and passionate multi-unit groups looking to add a dynamic segment to their portfolio.

For more information on the slim chickens franchise opportunity, visit slimchickensfranchise.com

Mach OnE and Pain T cOrPs normally have a $25,000 Franchise Fee (some of the lowest in their industries), but offer the first five a steep $15,000 discount.

FiELD OPs, already a low $10,000 Fee, offers a 50% discount for the first five takers.

Veterans joining the Veteran service Brands family enjoy instant camaraderie, proven systems in high demand businesses, group discounts, and more.

VsB is actively recruiting qualified veterans across the country to join our team.

VsB is already the largest veteran-only franchise system and expects to triple its size in the next 12-18 months.

For more information, visit www.VeteranserviceBrands.com

even other garment care businesses. and we’ll support you every step of the way, from getting up and running to keeping things going strong for years to come.

at ZiPs we’re committed to being an environmentally responsible organization: Every location accepts hangers for recycling, is illuminated by energy-efficient LED lights, uses 100% biodegradable plastic bags and an odor-free hydrocarbon solvent, and captures by-product in clay filters that are disposed of through a third-party government compliance specialist. We also avoid individually wrapping using each garment or adding tissue paper in the sleeves, which cuts down not only on waste but on cost as well.

independent garment care operators and growth-minded, entrepreneurial investors alike can capitalize on our systems, buying power, investment in innovation and improvement, and our brand. contact our Director of Business Development, abhi Parikh, at aparikh@321zips.com or (717) 495-7995 today to learn how you can look your best with a ZiPs franchise opportunity.

Excellent for branding and recognition. choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the a-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or ad!

To learn about the a-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446

ZIPS didn’t invent the consumer garment care business; we perfected it. Garment care is a $10.5 billion a year business in a highly fragmented market where 98% of the competitors are mom-and-pop shops. The industry is primed for a national brand offering comprehensive services and a solid value proposition to consumers.

ZIPS is here to deliver.

• 5 Businesses in One! Pressed Laundry, Wash N Fold, Dry Cleaning, Alterations, Household Item Care

• Nearly 70 units strong, with 100+ commitments in the pipeline

• $1.1M AUV annually for mature fullservice and drop (satellite) locations*

• 3-Store Minimum; markets available nationwide

• 2:1 sales-to-capital ratio for drop/fullservice store

• Over 20 million items cleaned last year