Game Changers: Brands that make a difference, Part 4

Huntington Learning Center

Back in 1977, founder Eileen Huntington gave up her safe, tenure-track career as a teacher to start a tutoring business. She saw how kids struggled with basic writing, reading, and math skills and knew she could make a difference. The company continues her mission to give every student the best education possible. “We have created an industry that changes lives every day. We have created multimillionaire franchisees, who are leaders in their communities. We helped improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of students and families,” says Huntington. Learn more at www.huntingtonhelps.com

Kona Ice

Shaved ice is their business, but fundraising is Kona Ice's mission. Every year, franchisees raise millions for community organizations across the nation. Among Kona's many programs is CANS FOR KONA, a canned food drive that helps schools raise money and TEAM UP, a program that helps local sports teams purchase items like new jerseys and equipment. Find out more at www.kona-ice.com

LearningRx

Learning RX helps struggling students with reading, memory, attention, and learning with their innovative “brain training” programs. Through a series of intense—but fun—mental exercises, the program works on the way the brain thinks, learns, reads, and remembers. Find out more at www.learningrx.com

Big Blue Swim School

With the goal to encourage transformations in kids, Big Blue Swim Schools teaches basic swim skills and helps children develop important life skills like courage, perseverance and hard work. Learn more at www.bigblueswimschool.com

SOLDIERFIT

The goal for the team behind SOLDIERFIT is to create a sense of family and community with workout programs that incorporate strength, cardiovascular, endurance and core training. Members get unlimited access to the gym and body assessments every 30 days. Founder Danny Farrar encourages franchisees to help the community. A veteran himself, he created www.platoon22.org to raise awareness about the suicide epidemic facing our Veterans and First Responders. Learn more at www.soldierfit.com

Sport Clips

While this niche hair cutter is all about sports and treating their customers like MVPs, community servce is at the core of Sport Clips. Through their Haircuts with Heart programs, Sport Clips’ Team Members embrace charitable endeavors. Sport Clips stores across the nation have worked together to raise nearly $5 million for the VFW Foundation through their annual “Help A Hero” fundraiser. Learn more at www.sportclips.com

ComForCare Home Care

With a mission to help people live their best life possible, ComForCare helps people stay in their homes longer. They assist with everyday activities while maintaining one’s sense of freedom, dignity and connections to friends and family. Their DementiaWise® program engages and enhances the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and gives support and education to the family. Find out more at www.comforcare.com

Office Pride

Committed to a high level of customer service, this faith-based commercial cleaning service honors God first in all they do. Their core values include respect, honesty, integrity, loyalty, accountability and doing the right thing. The company prides itself in growing people and has a high employee retention rate as well as a loyal customer base. Learn more at www.officepride.com

i9 Sports

With a goal to instill a love of sports in children, this homebased franchise offers youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics that are more fun than competitive with a focus on sportsmanship. Kids develop athletic ability, a love of team sports, and an understanding that how you play a game is as important as the score. This is a feel-good business for anyone who likes to be around children and develop relationships. Learn more at www.i9sportsfranchise.com

Mosquito Joe

With a motto of “making outside fun again,” Mosquito Joe provides a service that improves the quality of life. Customers are grateful to enjoy time together outside without the concern of being bitten or exposed to diseases. Franchisees get extensive training and support with a low-cost franchise fee that has a fast start-up and recurring revenue. Learn more at www.mosquitojoe.com

911 Driving School

If you're a parent, you probably know that kids will listen to other adults before they listen to you. And when it comes to teens and driving safety, you want your kids to listen—very carefully. That is the premise behind 911 Driving School.® Every instructor at 911 Driving School® is a police officer, firefighter or EMT. 911 Driving School® was founded by a police officer and designed to be staffed by public safety personnel. Learn more at www.911drivingschool.com

FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS® attracts veterans and first responders by offering 50 percent off the franchise fee and reduced royalties for the first year. With a commitment to serving the community, franchisees participate in philanthropic efforts, including providing free or discounted signs and graphics, volunteering time, and hosting events. The company recognizes these efforts through the FASTSIGNS® CARES program. Exceptional customer service and high-quality products have earned the company a loyal base of business clients and an excellent reputation. Learn more at www.fastsigns.com

Rush Bowls

Rush Bowls is all about helping others. They are big supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and There With Care (therewithcare.org). Both are great organizations that help sick children. Customers get a quick and complete meal-in-a-bowl made of fresh fruit topped with granola and honey and blended with protein, vitamins, and other nutritious ingredients. This is an easy business to run in a high-growth industry with hours that make for a nice work-life balance. Learn more at www.rushbowls.com

Kitchen Tune-Up

The folks at Kitchen Tune-Up help people renovate their kitchens without spending a fortune or being displaced from their homes for weeks. Offering four service options at different price points, many projects can be completed in a few days. Learn more at www.ktufranchise.com