Franchising usa The magazine for franchisees
VOL 06, ISSUE 2, dec 2017
$5.95 www.franchisingusamagazine.com
Chronic Tacos Aims to Spread Fun Vibe
Rethinking How You Work Over Eggnog LATEST NEWS
FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM THE BANKS
special
retail Franchising Feature TOP LAWYERS’ ADVICE
The public and policymakers need to understand franchising. Our purpose
@OurFranchise is an industry-wide campaign created to spread the word about the value of franchising and share the stories of men and women just like you, who are leading the way as franchisors, franchisees, and franchise employees. The franchise business model has been proven time and time again to work, but it’s threatened when the public and politicians don’t understand how it operates to benefit local, independent franchise establishment owners and their communities. Putting a spotlight on real leaders succeeding with the franchise model is how we’ll ensure franchising is stronger than ever before.
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Since our launch in June 2016, we’ve reached 1.7 million people through outreach efforts, including events in key cities and states, where we spoke directly with business owners, employees, policymakers, and the media. Additionally, we’ve reached people across America through our website and social media channels, digital advertisements, and the promotion of We the Franchisees on Politico – but there is much more work to do. As a franchisor, franchisee, or franchise vendor, you are a leader in your community – and we need your support, now more than ever.
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By joining @OurFranchise, you’ll get access to exclusive stories and resources that can help grow your franchise business, educate employees at all levels about the franchise business model, and share the economic importance of franchising with consumers. You will also have the opportunity to share your franchise success story with your peers. Visit AtOurFranchise.org Contact Erica Farage, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy and Multi-Unit Franchisee Engagement International Franchise Association efarage@franchise.org (202) 662-0760
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Franchising usa The magazine for franchisees
FRANCHISING USA VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2, 2017 president: Colin Bradbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com
Publisher: Vikki Bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com
advertising: Jane Jacob. advertising@cgbpublishing.com
Editorial Department: managing editor: Diana Cikes editor@cgbpublishing.com
Editorial team: Gina Gill Rob Swystun
Production: usaproduction@cgbpublishing.com
DESIGN: Jejak Graphics. jejak@bigpond.com
COVER IMAGE: CHRONIC TACOS
CGB PUBLISHING Canadian Office: Sidney B.C Canada U.S. Office: 800 5th Ave, #101 Seattle, WA 98104-3102 Sales: 847 607 8407 Editorial: 778 426 2446 www.franchisingusamagazine.com Proud member of the IFA:
SUPPLIER FORUM International Franchise Association 1501 K Street, N.W., Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 628-8000 Fax: (202) 628-0812 www.franchise.org
“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” - Winston Churchill
Comments
f r o m t he p u bl i s he r & e d i t or Welcome to the December issue of Franchising USA.
offers advice on How Local Search Can
With the holiday season now in full swing, many of us will be taking some time off to celebrate and spend some time with loved ones. But before you get caught up in the festivities, I invite you to grab a glass of eggnog and a notebook and take a few moments to celebrate your successes for the past year, reflect on the challenges and lessons learned, and jot down some business goals for the fresh new year ahead. Then get back out there and enjoy the holidays!
our Veterans in Franchising Supplement
On the cover is Chronic Tacos, a taco restaurant franchise that aims to set itself apart in the rapidly expanding fast casual Mexican food space by giving people more authenticity in their meals and more atmosphere in their experience. If you’re a franchisee looking to open multiple units of a fun franchise and help export some laid back California cool, turn to page 10 to learn more about the brand’s strategy for rapid expansion.
Serve Those Who Serve’ campaign
While some businesses are slowing down during the holidays, the retail industry is in a frenzy ringing the registers. Our Special Feature examines Retail Franchising, with our Industry Expert Christopher Conner taking a look at how e-commerce has revolutionized the retail market segment and thrown established retailers into a tailspin, and Alex Porter
Make the Register Ring This Holiday Shopping Season.
We’re capping off the year by featuring in the Top Franchises for Veterans for
2017, as ranked by the leading industry publications. Here we also include 10
Resolutions Veterans Should Consider
Before Buying a Franchise in 2018 from Jim Mingey, as well as and Advice on
What to Look for in Your Next Franchise from Air National Guard veteran Philip Palmer. And be sure to read about the recently launched ‘At Outback, We
that recognizes, welcomes, and serves
military families in their communities throughout the year.
Last but not least, we’ve included some great Expert Advice, including Three Ways Franchises Can Build Brand
Credibility, and Five Things to Consider When Buying a Franchise. And to help
you kick-start the holiday season, there’s also advice on Rethinking How You Work Over Eggnog.
I hope you enjoy the stories and advice we’ve put together for this issue. On
behalf of all of us at Franchising USA,
we wish you a wonderful holiday season. Happy reading!
The information and contents in this publication are believed by the publisher to be true, correct and accurate but no independent investigation has been undertaken. Accordingly the publisher does not represent or warrant that the information and contents are true, correct or accurate and recommends that each reader seek appropriate professional advice, guidance and direction before acting or relying on all information contained herein. Opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publication is sold subject to the terms and conditions that it shall not be copied in whole or part, resold, hired out, without the express permission of the publisher.
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contents
DECEMBER 2017
On the Cover 10 Cover Story: Chronic Tacos Aims to Spread Fun Vibe 19 Special Retail Franchising Feature 34 Rethinking How You Work Over Eggnog
10
In Every Issue 6
What’s New! Announcements from the industry
24 Retail Franchising Feature 37 Veterans Supplement - News and Information for
12
Veterans in Franchising
53 A-Z Franchise and Services Directory
Expert Advice 12 Five Things to Consider When Buying a Franchise
16
David Banfield, President, The Interface Financial Group
16 Become Your Own Boss: Start a New Career as a Franchise Owner Bob McQuillan, VP, Hand & Stone Massage and
Facial Spa Franchise Development
32 How to Support Your Franchisees’ Local Marketing Efforts Lora Kellogg, President and CEO, Curious Jane
34 Rethinking How You Work Over Eggnog
George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice
50 Three Ways Franchises Can Build Brand Credibility
24 Franchising USA
Joe Giammona, CEO, 911 Driving School
28 Retail Franchising Feature On the Cover 28 Retail Franchising: Evolution of the Industry 30 How Local Search Can Make the Register Ring
This Holiday Shopping Season
In Every Issue
30
20 Feature News 24 Feature Article Expert Advice 28 Retail Franchising: Evolution of the Industry
Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems
30 How Local Search Can Make the Register Ring
32
This Holiday Shopping Season Alex Porter, CEO, Location3
34
50 Franchising USA
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what’s new!
FAZOLI’S LAUNCHES MOBILE ORDERING AND LOYALTY APP TO ENHANCE BRAND EXPERIENCE - America’s Largest Fast Casual Italian Chain Continues to Capitalize on the Growing Off-Premise Dining Segment -
Fazoli’s, America’s largest fast casual Italian chain, announced the launch of its first app-based loyalty program with mobile ordering capabilities. Users that download and sign up for Fazoli’s Rewards* will get a free Baked Spaghetti and will receive a $5 coupon for every 50 points earned, with one point earned for each dollar spent. In addition, users can conveniently find their nearest Fazoli’s restaurant, as well as place and pay for an online order for pick up inrestaurant. Since the app has gone live, Fazoli’s has seen a customer participation rate growth of 20% each week, with a conversion rate of nearly 60% usage. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first mobile loyalty app to provide
our guests with even greater convenience when eating out,” said Carl Howard, Chief Executive Officer of Fazoli’s. “At Fazoli’s, we’re constantly looking for ways to elevate the brand experience, and this new technology will not only reward Fazoli’s fans and entice them to keep coming back for more, but will also drive long-term profitability for our franchisees.” The launch of the app-based loyalty program allows Fazoli’s to shape personalized offers that attract and engage more meaningfully with loyal guests across multiple markets. Once the app is fully rolled out in all markets, Fazoli’s plans to add additional functionality including gift card purchasing and sharing, among other options.
Visit www.ownafazolis.com for details on development opportunities. *Fazoli’s Rewards is currently available at corporate locations only. Participating franchise locations expect to roll out the loyalty program by Spring 2018.
Sparkle Wash Professional Pressure Washing Opens In Pinellas County, FL
Sparkle Wash International Franchise Division is pleased to announce the grand opening of our eighty-fourth franchise location Sparkle Wash Pinellas County Professional Pressure Washing company. “We are very excited to service Pinellas County including Clearwater, St. Petersburg and surrounding cities” said Jack Walsh, President, Sparkle Wash Pinellas County.
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When asked “What makes Sparkle Wash different?” Jack replied “Our patented pressure washing equipment and the on-going training we receive sets us apart from other companies and allows us to pressure wash a wide variety of surfaces in the Commercial, Residential and Fleet markets.” After attending a week’s training at the Sparkle Wash corporate headquarters in Oakwood Village, OH, Michael Klavora, President of Sparkle Wash International noted that “Jack prides himself on proper cleaning techniques and reliability, and that’s what he promises to deliver. Jack recognizes that every project is different, and he will quickly assess what’s needed from the proper water pressure to which
effective cleaning agents are needed, he caters his services to meet your needs and recommends a customized plan that’s right for you and your budget.” Sparkle Wash Pinellas County opened their doors on October 16, 2017. Sparkle Wash International is a pressure washing franchise organization located in Oakwood Village, OH. Sparkle Wash International has been selling and managing franchises for over 50 years and currently has units operating throughout the United States Canada, Taiwan, Japan and China. For more information regarding franchise opportunities, go to www.sparklewashfranchise.com.
Current Meditation Launches World’s First Meditation Franchise With the vision to inspire millions to cultivate a healthy state of mind, Current Meditation™ is the world’s first meditation franchise. Current Meditation™, which opened its first studio near its corporate headquarters in Phoenix nearly one year ago, anticipates that by the end of the year all available regions will be sold, with 175 franchised locations opening across the country in the next three years. The team behind Current Meditation™ is no novice to the health, wellness, and franchising industries; they bring a combined 60 years of experience to the high growth brand. Ross Weisman, CEO of Current Meditation™ has extensive experience in regional development and
franchise operations for Massage Envy and European Wax Center. COO Matt Robinson has been building and leading retail and franchise organizations for over 20 years.
The classes at Current Meditation™
Using a modern approach to an ancient practice, the brand’s innovative formula blends scientifically backed techniques with a simple format that makes meditation and mindfulness accessible to more people than ever before. Every aspect of the Current Meditation™ experience has been handcrafted for customers, employees and franchise partners.
studio featuring the comfort of both
include scientifically backed techniques
with a format that makes meditation and mindfulness accessible to more people
than ever before. In a beautifully designed aerial silks and seated positions, Current Meditation’s skilled guides create an
optimal meditation experience, in a way no app can offer.
For more information about the Current Meditation franchise, please visit meditationfranchise.com.
Frisch’s® Big Boy® Announces New Vice President of Marketing “We’re pleased to bring Todd onboard to help us tell the fresh and fun brand story of Frisch’s Big Boy. Our founder, Dave Frisch, was a pioneer in the restaurant industry. I refer to him as the original foodie because he brought the doubledecker hamburger to the Midwest and put tartar sauce on it. He penned the recipes we still use today for our homemade vegetable soup and chili. He left us with an incredible legacy and we’re honored to continue it.” Frisch’s® Big Boy® restaurants is proud to announce it has hired Todd Napier as vice president of marketing, effective October 30, 2017. Napier will report to Frisch’s CEO, Jason Vaughn, and he will oversee brand marketing and strategy.
Napier comes to Frisch’s Big Boy with 30 years of experience in marketing strategy across vertical industries including restaurants, CPG and healthcare. In the restaurant category, Napier has worked with casual, fast-casual and QSR brands on a range of marketing activities
including advertising, social media, digital, event promotions and local-store marketing strategies. Brands he has worked with include Applebee’s®, Buffalo Wild Wings®, Chick-fil-A® and Chili’s®, to name a few. “I’m a Cincinnati native and thrilled to be working for an iconic local brand,” Napier said. “Professionally, I believe in making fact-based marketing decisions. I will work with the internal Frisch’s team, franchisees and customers to leverage their insights to help guide the brand moving forward. Personally, I’ve been eating at Frisch’s since its car-hop days and my go-to meal is still the Patty Melt, sub rye for Texas toast, with a side of well-done onion rings.” www.frischs.com
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what’s new!
Burger 21® Recognizes Top Franchisees and Partners at 2017 Reunion
Taking time to reconnect and recharge, Burger 21®, an awardwinning fast casual franchise, celebrated its top performing franchisees and partners at its annual reunion in Clearwater, FL. “Our award winners represent sophisticated operators and outstanding strategic partners that help make Burger 21® deliver the best burger experience,” said Mark Johnston, president of Burger 21®. Individual and team franchisee awards were announced at a private awards dinner. Honorees included: • Top Sales – Corley Steward, Mall of Georgia and Buford, GA • Delicious – Ed Karayanes and Art Schmiel, Orland Park, IL • Spotless – Dennis Saller and Whitney Prieto, Viera, FL
• A Rising Star – David Brown and Corley Steward, Kennesaw, GA • Franchisee of the Year – Ed Karayanes and Art Schmiel, Orland Park, IL
Four additional awards were given recognizing outstanding businesses that partnered with Burger 21®. Recipients included:
• Marketed – Alexis Shanks, Ray Patel and Joseph Yu, Ashburn and Sterling, VA
• Innovative – Monin Gourmet Flavorings
• Restaurant of the Year – Mark Schramm, Westchase-Tampa, FL
• Marketer on the Move- Todd Dennis, Brian Neel, and Dan Argabrite, Ballantyne, NC
• Road Warrior Support – Larry Rivers, Westchase-Tampa, FL
• A Team Player – BizCom Associates • Excellent – EMPAD
• Vendor of the Year – Wolverine For information on franchising opportunities with Burger 21®, visit www.burger21franchise.com.
Franchisors Make The Switch To Naranga In Record Numbers In 2017 - Second-largest Provider of Franchise Operations Software Continues to Attract Top Brands Worldwide Seeking to Simplify and Automate Their Franchise Operations through Innovative Technology Naranga, the second-largest provider of franchise operations software, recently announced that a record number of franchisors — 84 year-to-date — have switched to Naranga’s software in 2017 as some of the top brands domestically and internationally seek to simplify and automate their franchise operations. “We offer our clients the ability to do more, from enhanced lead generation and marketing to field audits and training, because our software gives them the tools and our people help them transform these solutions into success,” said CEO Mark Montini, adding that the company currently serves over 250 brands. “Whether it’s a new franchise brand building an infrastructure or a growing franchisor looking to establish more efficiency and consistency throughout their network, Naranga’s software
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is the difference they’ve been looking for to drive their business forward.” To further demonstrate their commitment to client success, Naranga is offering emerging small-and-medium-sized franchisors (less than 25 locations) complimentary access of its easy-to-use software until they open their 10th location. For more information, visit www.naranga.com.
Titus Center for Franchising Celebrates Opening of First Florida Franchising Center More than 100 of the United States franchising and business elite gathered on Nov. 15, 2017 to officially dedicate the new Titus Center for Franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Rinker School of Business, in West Palm Beach, FL. Ray Titus, founder of United Franchise Group (UFG) and benefactor of the one-of-a-kind incubator, joined Robert Cresanti, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, and University President William B. Fleming, Jr. at the standing-room-only event. Students who are looking to one day own and operate their own business can be educated and trained in franchising and entrepreneurship through the university’s Rinker School of Business. In addition to funding the center, UFG will also provide hands-on internship opportunities at the
company’s 50,000 square foot worldwide headquarters in West Palm Beach. UFG is the Global Leader For Entrepreneurs, with over 1,400 franchise locations spanning 80 countries, “Franchising can open the door to financial independence for entrepreneurs and jobs for hundreds of thousands of employees. It embodies the American
spirit of opportunity and I am both
honored and humbled that my family
and our now 1400-plus organization can help provide opportunities for the next
generation of business men and women,” Titus said.
For more information, visit www.tituscenterforfranchising.com.
1-800 WATER DAMAGE Appoints Mark Hargett as National Accounts Manager 1-800 WATER DAMAGE®, a national leader in the water and flood damage, mold removal and remediation, fire damage restoration and carpet cleaning industry, has announced the appointment of Mark Hargett as National Accounts Manager. In this role, Hargett will focus his efforts on driving national sales for all 1-800 WATER DAMAGE locations. A sales and marketing executive with more than 25 years of professional experience, Hargett has extensive expertise in B2B sales management, business development and business ownership. He joins 1-800 WATER DAMAGE after serving as the Business Development Director for a claims administration company, where he was responsible for increasing business growth from insurance carriers and expanding the company’s footprint to outside markets.
“Mark’s proven track record of success in business development and sales makes him a proven leader and the perfect fit for this position,” said Rusty Amarante, President of BELFOR Franchise Group and 1-800 WATER DAMAGE. “We are very pleased to have Mark join 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to lead our national sales efforts.” “1-800 WATER DAMAGE has a reputation for delivering unparalleled restoration services and exceptional customer care which is why I am honored to be part of this incredible brand,” said Mark Hargett. “Through my knowledge of and passion for sales and business development, I am confident that I will build upon 1-800 WATER DAMAGE’s excellent reputation by helping lead the brand into the premier position in the insurance industry.”
1-800 WATER DAMAGE is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan and owned by BELFOR Franchise Group, a multi-concept franchise system of BELFOR Holdings, Inc. Franchise opportunities are available by calling 734864-9799. 1800waterdamage.com
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Chronic Tacos
Taco Restaurant Aims to Spread Fun Vibe with the Help of MultiUnit Franchisees Chronic Tacos is looking for franchisees that can help the restaurant export its unique California vibe to the rest of the country and beyond.
their meals and more atmosphere in their
Started in Newport Beach, headquartered in Aliso Viejo in Orange County and with a brand new 50th franchise opened on the campus of the University of California Riverside, Chronic Tacos is very much a Golden State brand.
That commitment to keeping a fun
Inspired by traditional taqueria style Mexican food and using third-generation recipes for authentic flavor, Chronic Tacos aims to set itself apart in the rapidly expanding fast casual Mexican food space by giving people more authenticity in
Franchising USA
experience.
“Our vibe is very California inspired,” CEO Michael Mohammed explained
during a recent interview. “We really
incorporate music and art to convey a real laid back atmosphere. It’s fun and playful, but has a bit of an edge to it.”
atmosphere means most of Chronic Tacos’ franchisees have Los Angeles graffiti
artist Tewsr fly out to custom paint their locations with the franchise’s signature Day of the Dead graffiti artwork.
Not only does this keep the brand
consistent, it means every location gets
a unique mural from Tewsr, who usually
works two or three days on the murals for the franchise.
In the Beginning Founder Randy Wyner and his friend Dan Biello opened the first location in 2002 in Newport Beach, followed by the first franchise location in 2006 in San Clemente. Wyner, who grew up on taqueria style Mexican food, couldn’t find that in Newport Beach. He and Biello decided to open a taqueria restaurant, but give it more of a fun vibe than is typical in the restaurant industry. Aside from the graffiti artwork, Wyner and Biello put a focus on music and lots of interaction with guests. Mohammed got involved when the franchise expanded into Canada in 2010. He and his brothers helped finance the franchisee in Vancouver. Through that, he met Wyner and the two had several meetings about how to grow the brand. Eventually, Wyner invited Mohammed and his brothers to become partners in the company and they purchased a controlling stake in Chronic Tacos in 2012. All brothers continue to remain actively involved with the business today. While the core of the business was really strong, the CEO said, the strategy to grow long-term wasn’t there. Mohammed brought to the brand that strategy and mindset for rapid expansion. “When we were at 25 restaurants, we were acting like we were at 100 and now that we’re at 50, we’re going to start acting like we’re at 200 to make sure we provide all
“We want people to take that California vibe — what we call the Taco Life — to their market and really understand our brand and live that lifestyle.”
- Michael Mohammed
the tools and platforms we need to make our franchisees successful,” he outlined. “We’re thinking about this long-term. If we want to get to 500 restaurants, we have to act like we have 500 restaurants. You can’t wait to get to 500 restaurants before you act that way.”
Multi-Unit When they were getting started, the company looked for people with restaurant experience, but their franchisee profile has evolved. Now, they’re looking more for multi-unit operators who can run a group of restaurants. “Our main criteria isn’t so much restaurant experience, it’s operational experience and people who get the brand and get our vibe because that is so important to us when we’re expanding to other markets,” Mohammed explained. “We want people to take that California vibe — what we call the Taco Life — to their market and really understand our brand and live that lifestyle.” To help franchisees really capture the Chronic Tacos ethos, the brand stays hands on with their franchisees from the start. They help new owners find locations and the in-house design team designs their restaurants. The franchise stays actively involved in the design of the restaurant and the build out and once the build out has taken place, new franchisees’ key people come and train in the Chronic Tacos corporate stores for four weeks. “That’s where they learn all the ins and
outs of the franchise, our recipes, running a restaurant, all the daily tasks involved with working with their employees,” Mohammed explained. During training, they maintain a checklist to make sure all employees have been trained on all the necessary skills for running a Chronic Tacos outlet. The new franchisees’ management teams then go back to their locations and hire their employees and as the new franchise locations approach their opening, Chronic Tacos will send two trainers out to those locations and work at the restaurants for three weeks as part of their opening crews to make sure everyone is trained sufficiently. Post opening, the company will supply extra training if necessary and also provide helpful evaluation. Additional support includes working with the brand’s public relations agency to generate local media interest around milestones and Grand Openings.
Continuing Expansion Mohammed said there is plenty of room to grow, right across the continent. Rather than thinking too much about the places they want to expand into, the company concentrates more on the type of person they’re signing because they feel they would be a good fit anywhere and they feel like they could accommodate most regions they’re going into. Chronic Tacos offers their Veteran
Franchisee Program for active military and veterans looking for entrepreneurial opportunities. They have several veteran operators currently in the Franchise System. While the lion’s share of their locations are in California, they also have a presence in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, North Carolina, Utah, Washington and British Columbia. The brand recently signed a Master Franchise agreement with partners in Japan and will open their first location in Tokyo early 2018. In addition to traditional locations, Chronic Tacos has non-traditional franchise opportunities available in food courts and stadiums, such as: T-Mobile Arena, StubHub Center, Angel Stadium, and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The brand has also just launched a mobile app that gives customers access to its loyalty program and allows them to order and pay online. For any franchisee looking to open multiple units of a fun franchise and help export some laid back California cool, Chronic Tacos offers the perfect opportunity. www.chronictacos.com
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ex per t advice
David Banfield, President, The Interface Financial Group
Five Things to Consider When Buying a franchise “Always look for the unusual – an in-demand niche market. It has been proven time and again that a refined proposition is a strong proposition.” success in today’s marketplace. As the marketplace continues to explode with new and diverse opportunities, the scope for an individual’s success becomes unlimited.
David Banfield
Entrepreneurship today comes in many forms. Thanks to the internet, stronger infrastructure, increased awareness and a little disillusionment with the corporate world, more people than ever are turning to self-employment to find fulfilment, challenge and a work-life balance. Zuckerberg, Branson and Jobs are no longer the only pinnacles of business
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For an increasing number, buying a franchise is a compelling opportunity. With a team of supporters at HQ, a proven business plan and clear guidelines on how to succeed, a ‘business-in-a-box’ franchise offers an appealing, wellbalanced challenge for those with drive and ambition. If you’re in the market for a franchise, then it’s essential that you conduct some serious due diligence - here are five things to consider as you browse the market for the right opportunity for you.
1
Longevity
Seek out a franchise that’s been around the block and has some serious history behind it. Look for an established presence - a franchise is after all built on a tried and tested model. The greater the history, the greater the testing. On the other hand, being on the ground floor of a new franchise offering can be enticing and once again due diligence becomes the order of the day.
2
Coverage
When looking at a franchise you need to be part of a large organization and a large network. You’ll benefit from the power of shared experience, advice, and a franchisor who’s genuinely committed to the success of the team. An extensive network also indicates a robust infrastructure and access to vital support – essential for new franchisees. Franchises that have grown beyond their own national borders also bring added perspective with international opportunities.
3
Market share
Make sure the potential business owns a reasonable amount of market share for the industry. As a dominant player in the market, it will be easier to build your franchise. You’ll be able to more readily leverage existing brand awareness, and the strength and support of fellow franchisees will bolster your business.
4
Niche market
Always look for the unusual – an in-demand niche market. It has been
OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING. GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR BEFORE IT CLOSES.
Visit LittleCaesars.com or Call (800) 553-5776 to Join the Fastest Growing Pizza Chain in America *
*Based on 2015 U.S. store growth. © 2017 LCE, Inc. 62622
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ex per t advice
David Banfield, President, The Interface Financial Group
proven time and again that a refined proposition is a strong proposition. The franchise opportunity does not have to be a startup to qualify for the niche market aspect - there are numerous examples of well-established franchises that serve a specific niche market, and they continue to grow in the marketplace. The niche market franchise invariably has limited competition, which is another plus factor.
5
Make sure it really works for you
Are you compatible and is the business compatible to you? A franchise is not for everyone. Be very clear about what you’re looking to achieve from this partnership. Talk to other franchisees and build a realistic picture of life in the field. Talk to your family and loved ones. If this decision impacts them, ensure they fully understand the consequences, and that this
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is the right choice for everyone. There are many myths that continue to surround the world of franchising, not the least of which is the fact that a franchise is a ‘silver bullet’ to success. There might have been a time in franchise development when this was true, but that was probably several decades ago. Today a franchise is definitely a business that has to be worked and managed exactly the same as any other non-franchised business. The franchise element gives you the framework, the support and brand recognition, but it does not give you the dedication and enthusiasm that the franchisee must bring to the table. Thinking that just because you are a franchise owner you will have automatic success is a substantial pitfall, and one to be wary of. If you are not serious about working hard or at least working smart,
then perhaps a franchise is not the best vehicle for you. The more due diligence that you do before you take the plunge, the better the long-term results will be. Buying a franchise can lead to a world of opportunity and success. It’s a wonderful road for those who choose to walk it. Keep these five things in mind and you’ll be on the right path in no time. David Banfield is the President of The Interface Financial Group, a position that he has held for over 20 years. He has been instrumental in starting Interface as a franchise opportunity and building it to its current international status. Prior to his involvement with Interface, he worked extensively in the banking, credit and factoring financial service areas. www.interfacefinancial.com/franchise
Your Golden Opportunity
Page 15
Midas is a globally recognized leader in the tire and automotive service industry for nearly 60 years. We are looking for motivated people to become part of our Midas franchise family! Build your long-term success with a brand name customers know and trust. • Powerful local and national marketing $FFHVV WR QDWLRQDO µHHW DFFRXQWV WR KHOS \RXU EXVLQHVV JURZ • Ongoing training and support • Excellent point of sale and shop management systems
This advertisement does not constitute an offer of a franchise. A franchise offering can be made by us only in a state if we are first registered, excluded, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with an appropriate franchise disclosure document. Franchises may not be available in all states.
midasfranchise.com 800-365-0007
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ex per t advice
Bob McQuillan, VP of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Franchise Development
Become Your Own Boss:
Start a New Career as a Franchise Owner
Before I ventured into franchising, my last corporate job interview was set for 11 AM on 9/11/2001 in New York City directly across the street from the World Trade Center. The night before, I got a call. The man set to interview me rescheduled the appointment because his daughter was sick. The next morning I saw the towers on the news. My knees buckled and I said to my wife Denise, “If not now, when?” in reference to our ongoing discussion on
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switching up our careers and getting into franchising. This was the turning point when we began seriously researching franchise ownership. After years of working in corporate America, I was intrigued by the idea of running my own business. After all, if you don’t change your own path, you’ll just continue down the same dusty road.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Be Your Own Boss? You know it’s time to restart your career if your current job is making you feel used up. Maybe your professional skills aren’t fully utilized or you want a more rewarding career. Whatever the reason, you need to have a passion to go out on your own in business to succeed in franchising. A lot of people hold good jobs in an industry for 20 years and realize they just
don’t have the passion for their career anymore. They may feel like the industry has changed, it’s not what they signed up for, or want to do something different. Some people have a hidden desire to mentor and lead once they’ve gained a set of skills. These are all great reasons to switch up your career. If you’re ready to be your own boss but don’t see the opportunity in your future, franchising may be for you. If you’re experiencing industry groundswells or a lack of opportunity to move forward, it may also be good timing to consider a career change. These types of industry trends are telling factors for when to consider moving on.
Choose Your Own Career Adventure Whether your current job keeps you up at night or puts you to sleep during the day,
“Whether your current job keeps you up at night or puts you to sleep during the day, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re in charge of your own destiny and career.”
it’s important to keep in mind that you’re
in charge of your own destiny and career. If you’re worried about being able to make
it on your own, that’s a valid concern. Half of new American businesses fail within
their first five years. This statistic alone is
reason to consider options like franchising. If you’re used to following rules of a
corporate job, you would certainly be able
Gain Control of Your Career and Future with Franchising The majority of people I talk to who’ve transitioned to franchising from corporate careers worked for large companies where they developed great skill sets. Many worked their entire corporate careers underneath a supervisor while wishing they could lead.
Bob McQuillan
interested in being your own boss, consider franchising. As your own boss you’ll be able to work toward your own personal success instead of toward a corporation’s goal or someone else’s vision.
a financial standpoint, but that the buck
2. Lead teams and mentor people like they’ve been mentored throughout their own careers.
decisions that affect your company and
3. Be able to control what happens to them in the future.
Bob McQuillan got into franchising at age 35. Seventeen years later, Bob brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the franchise industry. He’s not only the VP of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Franchise Development, but also an owner of three Hand & Stone locations. Bob is committed to working with franchise owners to ensure their financial success in the growing health and wellness industry with Hand & Stone’s recurring revenue business model.
of the business.
If you’ve had a successful career but are
handandstonefranchise.com
to follow rules in franchising or succeed on your own as a business leader.
Franchising allows you to become an
entrepreneur while also having the support of a corporate team. In franchising, one of the greatest sources of satisfaction is not
only knowing what you can achieve from stops with you. You can be the one making family’s future while you hold the reigns
The most common reasons people change careers to franchising are that people want to: 1. Commit to a sound investment that will allow them to meet their long and shortterm goals.
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D ECEM B ER 2 0 1 7
Retail Franchising:
Evolution of the Industry How Local Search Can
Make the Register Ring This Holiday Shopping Season
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retail FR A NCH ISI NG FE AT U R E
what’s new!
Malawi’s ‘Pizza with a Purpose’ Delivers 1 Million Meals to Africa
Malawi’s Pizza, the nation’s only gourmet pizza franchise that pairs good food with doing good, today announced it has delivered 1 million meals to children in the impoverished nation of Malawi.
A milestone it is celebrating with plans for a national expansion and launch of a journey to deliver millions more under its founding commitment to donate one meal for every meal sold. Malawi’s Pizza – Pizza with a Purpose ™ was created by Roney in partnership with Chef Kent Andersen after the Utah business man returned from a humanitarian trip to Malawi where 6.5 million people grapple with hunger. Under the Meal-for-Meal Exchange Program, the company delivers nutrientdense meals to children and their families. It buys local maize that is then blended
with vitamins and nutrients and delivered to schools and villages throughout the country in partnership with Feed the Children. “The meals provided through Malawi Pizza have directly benefited our school meals and early childhood development programs in Malawi,” said Scott Killough, PhD., SVP of international operations, Feed the Children. Malawi’s Pizza has three stores in Utah, Texas and Virginia, with a fourth about to open in the Houston-area and more than 20 in the development pipeline, including four more in Virginia. www.malawispizza.com
Touchdown! NFL Stars and Texas Longhorn Legends Set to Open Gigi’s Cupcakes in Austin as Tennessee Titans, where they were first introduced to Gigi’s Cupcakes in Nashville. “When I moved to Nashville in 2015, one of the first things I was introduced to was a dozen of Gigi’s Cupcakes. Once my teammates gave me some, I fell in love,” said Orakpo. “Football players and cupcakes don’t exactly go hand and hand, but that’s what makes this so much fun. We’re family men and we know that everybody loves a good cupcake!”
Gigi’s Cupcakes is expanding in Texas with its first location in Austin set to open in early 2018. The store, located in Bee Cave, will be owned and operated by University of Texas alumni and NFL star football players Brian Orakpo, Michael Griffin and Bryan Hynson.
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Orakpo, Griffin and Hynson forged a lasting friendship when Griffin and Orakpo played football for The University of Texas between 2003 and 2008, helping to bring home a National Championship against University of Southern California in 2005. Orakpo and Griffin went on to play for the NFL and both ended up
“We are excited to bring a piece of Nashville to Austin,” said Griffin. “The city is growing rapidly with students, young professionals and families, which makes it an ideal spot for a dynamic cupcake chain.” “We plan to leverage our relationship with UT Austin and give back to the community that has meant so much to all three of us,” added Hynson. Gigi’s franchise information is available at www.gigiscupcakesfranchise.com.
Baskin-Robbins Announces Plans for New Location in Michigan with Franchise Group, TA Treats, LLC - Military Veteran Helps to Expand the World’s Largest Chain of Ice Cream Specialty Shops in the Midwest Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, has signed of a single store development agreement with new franchise group, TA Treats, LLC, to develop a standalone ice cream shop in the Okemos area of Lansing, Michigan. The group’s restaurant is planned to open in the beginning of 2018. TA Treats, LLC, is led by husband-and-wife team Tom and April English. The couple has a rich history of small business ownership and experience managing QSR (quick service restaurant) concepts and convenience store locations throughout Michigan. Tom English worked for years in the public sector, serving in law enforcement, as a cabinet secretary, and as a judge, in addition to completing a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Due to Tom’s veteran status, he and his wife were able to take advantage of Baskin-Robbins extraordinary incentive program which offers a free initial franchise fee, a $25,000 value, for a veteran’s first shop, and heavily discounted royalty rates for the first five years that the store is open.* Baskin-Robbins continues
to add more military veterans to its U.S. franchisee base by offering one of the best financial incentives in the industry. For additional information, visit the Baskin-Robbins franchising website. *Details available in the Baskin-Robbins Franchise Disclosure Document
First Beeline Bikes on East Coast Opens in Northern Virginia Mobile Bike Service Franchise Continues Expansion with The Bike Lane Owned by husband-and-wife team Todd and Anne Mader, Beeline Bikes Northern Virginia offers expert bike service and advice with a fully stocked mobile bike repair shop that travels to the customer at the location, day and time of their choosing.
Beeline Bikes, the largest full-service mobile bike shop in the country has opened its newest location – and first on the East Coast – in Northern Virginia.
The Maders also own The Bike Lane, a local bike shop with two locations in Springfield and Reston, and have aptly named their new mobile repair shop Beeline Bikes Northern Virginia Powered by The Bike Lane. Through an exclusive partnership with Raleigh and Diamondback Bikes, Beeline also offers bike sales and delivery, as well as parts, service and accessories. Beeline
Bikes Northern Virginia Powered by The Bike Lane provides an unparalleled and convenient bike repair service to the Reston, Ashburn, Tysons Corner and Herndon areas. “We are thrilled to be joining the Beeline Bikes team and introducing the brand to our local community,” said Todd Mader. “We have been serving cyclists in this area for almost two decades and know that they lead busy, active lives and are very techsavvy. With Beeline’s unique `We Come to You’ service, we are now able to meet their needs in their homes or at work, in addition to our brick-and-mortar business.” beelinebikes.com
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what’s new!
sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt Hosts Franchisee Convention to Celebrate Momentous Year
sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt, the nation’s leading frozen yogurt chain, recently hosted the most successful sweetFrog conference to date at the beautiful Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center in Glen Allen, Va. from October 3 – October 5, 2017. The conference was the culmination of a productive and prosperous year. sweetFrog’s commitment to premium service, family friendly corporate culture and engagement with the community has produced one of the best years yet in 2017 and put the brand in perfect position for long-term success. Nearly 150 attendees from locations across the country participated in the 3-day conference full of educational sessions, leadership workshops and lively social hours. The large attendance is reflective of sweetFrog’s impressive year-to-date system growth. The company is on a hot streak, securing 43 new signed agreements
and generating increased same-store sales
He says sweetFrog’s success can be
sweetFrog’s CEO, Patrick Galleher, credits
and their commitment to the company’s
employees, and corporate staff members
For more information about sweetFrog,
across the board in 2017.
all sweetFrog franchisees, managers,
for their commitment, drive and tenacity.
attributed to the company’s great people core values.
please visit sweetfrog.com.
New Tint World® E-Commerce Site Connects Online Shoppers with Brick & Mortar Stores Tint World® Automotive Styling Centers™, a leading auto accessory and window tinting franchise, has developed a revolutionary new way for customers to shop for automotive accessories and have them installed at their local franchise location.
“Our new online store is the first in the industry to offer a streamlined system for purchasing automotive parts and accessories online and have the option to ship those purchases directly to a Tint World® location for fast, hassle-free installation.”
The new Tint World® online store, which officially went live just in time for the holidays, bridges the gap between online shoppers and Tint World® brick and mortar stores.
“Shoppers are more informed now than ever,” Bonfiglio said. “By offering a convenient online shopping experience and competitive pricing, we’re able to provide more products to customers and the added-value of proper installation by knowledgeable experts. The customer will be able to identify nearby Tint World® locations based on geographic location and set installation appointments from
“We’re always looking to stay ahead of the curve at Tint World®, both for our customers and for our franchisees,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, Tint World® CEO.
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the online store interface. This will allow for seamless communication between the online store and physical store locations, creating value on both sides of the transaction.” tintworldfranchise.com
Amazing Lash Studio Announces Exploration of Strategic Alternatives The Company was started in 2010 by visionary entrepreneurs, Jessica and Edward Le, with a mission to help all women feel confident and look beautiful, at an affordable price. In just seven years, the founders built and scaled an industry-leading, firstto-market franchise concept with strong financials, passionate employees, a talented management team and incredible upside potential. Now, the Company is looking to align with a strategic partner that possesses the financial and operational expertise to take Amazing Lash Studio to the next level.
Company, in order to better position the business for long-
“After years of pouring our hearts into this business, it has matured to the point that we can devote the time with our children that they deserve. As such, we believe it’s in the best interest of our franchisees, employees and the overall business to pass control of the Company to a partner who can maximize its value and ensure that Amazing Lash Studio’s exceptional model, product and consumer experience are upheld for decades to come,” Mr. Le, CEO and Co-Founder.
term success.
franchising.amazinglashstudio.com
Amazing Lash Studio, the nation’s largest and fastest growing eyelash extension brand, recently announced that it will explore strategic alternatives, including a sale of the
PIRTEK Locations Expand Across USA After Company Introduces Mobile-Only Option PIRTEK’s expansion continues apace across the United States with the recent opening of several mobile-only franchise locations. That expansion went into high gear after the company rolled out its Tier 2 mobile-only option last year, enabling entrepreneurs to start franchises at a lower point of entry and faster time to market. Mobile-only locations that have opened since September include Columbia, SC; Madison, WI; Corona, CA; and Seattle. Since the company introduced the option, 14 such locations have launched. PIRTEK provides hydraulic and industrial hose replacement sales and services. There are 73 franchises and a fleet of Mobile Service Vehicles throughout the United States. Under Tier 2, a franchisee can keep the inventory in a warehouse or storage facility and lease two Mobile Service Vehicles. By contrast, the standard Tier 1 model requires a franchisee to have a full Service & Supply Center staffed with six team members and at least two Mobile Service Vehicles. The company anticipates that its Tier 2 franchises will grow into Tier 1 status quickly. “The Tier 2 locations hit profitably in a shorter period of time, because they have less overhead compared to a Tier 1,” said Glenn Duncan, chief executive officer of PIRTEK USA. “They’re more sales-focused, too. They don’t have a home base, so they’re out
in the field a lot. In fact, some current Tier 2 locations are talking about expanding into a Tier 1 earlier than three years because of customer demand.” The Tier 2 model has received positive reviews from owners. “It makes franchise ownership more accessible to a larger group,” said Dan Ferretti, owner of PIRTEK Space Coast in Rockledge, FL, who recently opened a Tier 2 in Daytona. “It also enables existing owners to own multiple franchises – we wanted to take advantage of that benefit.” www.pirtekusa.com
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retail
FRANCHISING FEATURE
“A lot of the clothing lines have become franchise focused and are relying on investors to open new stores.” Franchising USA
Retail is an industry that has developed with the ever-growing needs and demands of its consumer. A lot of businesses are created due to necessity, while retail relies on the desires of the public. Throughout time, retail has developed from malls to box stores to online shopping. It’s the driving force behind Black Friday, Cyber Monday and some
“Big box stores have created a one-stop shop of convenience that reaches all necessities of day-to-day life.� remained stable after the recession have a tried and true set up. They provide clothing that is constantly changing to keep up with the trends, while the marketing and tech support is established. The customers recognize the brand and there is an online presence. Before committing to a specific clothing franchise, researching the profits and locations of certain stores. There is such a variety that the choices are unlimited, so there is the option to be particular. would even say Valentine’s Day. It has commercialized most holidays, dominated marketing platforms and plays a role in most other businesses. Most service industries now offer retail options to boost profit, while other shops have broaden their range of products to give their consumers more options.
Clothing The powerhouse of retail is lined with racks of cashmere and wool blazers. Malls are filled with clothing stores from door to door. The options run from low end to extremely high end. Some shops focus on specific apparel like shoes or handbags, while others cover all clothing and
accessories, of all ages and styles. With a surge in online shopping, clothing stores have had to recreate their approaches. Most shops have expanded their options to the internet, offering different sales and designs online only to create a demand. A lot of the clothing lines have become franchise focused and are relying on investors to open new stores. While retail outlets used to be dominated by a sole CEO and a head office, they have expanded their reach to the franchising world. Those interested in fashion should consider a clothing store as an easy investment. The brand names that have
Big Box Stores People are strapped for time and the easier shopping can be for them, the better. Nowadays, people can order their groceries online and have homemade meals brought to their door all week. The more convenient something becomes, the more people will buy into it. Big box stores have created a one-stop shop of convenience that reaches all necessities of day-to-day life. Walmart aisles are filled with groceries, clothing, cleaning supplies, toys and even tires. Big box stores now offer services including eye exams, restaurants and hairdressing. One person could spend the whole day walking from one end to another checking off all the needs on their to do it list.
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“Some franchises either specialize in furniture, home appliances and décor, while others specialize in technology but offer a selection of products appealing to the interior decorator side of the consumer.”
These stores have dominated the retail industry by taken over every product there is to sell and adhering to the needs of convenience. It’s a large financial investment but the profit is a guarantee. There is a lot of competition with other surrounding stores; the employee turnover is high, its still successful and easy to run. Most franchises have come up with a secured plan that involves a consistent layout, deals and sales placed at the right time and a method for profit. It would be wise to consider possible locations and territories. A lot of the big box stores have already made enough space in a lot of areas and there isn’t much need for more in the community. While
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there may be new industrial parks at the developing stage looking for investors.
There is not a lot of heavy lifting with this type of franchise, the business typically runs itself. However, if one is looking
for a creative investment, big box stores
do not usually leave a lot of room for the imagination.
Home Décor and Furniture Decorating the home has always been an
interest of the homeowner, but recently the industry has had a higher demand. With social media sharing new and creative
ideas, it seems like everyone wants to be involved in home renovating.
“There are retail industries dedicated to pet ownership, with the sales of pets, pet food and pet clothing. In 2016, the pet industry reached over $66 billion in sales.” There has been an increase in house and home television series and beautiful homes have become more accessible to the everyday person. Do-it-yourself projects are tried and tested out by everyone; you no longer have to be handy to give your home a brand new face-lift. Lumber stores have expanded to décor and furniture, while furniture stores have expanded to televisions and home appliances. Franchises have understood the consumer’s needs and fulfilled them. There is a lot of choice for investors to
consider and again research into location is definitely worth the time. Home décor and accessories has also lined the shelves of other retail stores, creating a bit of competition. Some franchises either specialize in furniture, home appliances and décor, while others specialize in technology but offer a selection of products appealing to the interior decorator side of the consumer. Retail goes above and beyond clothing and furniture. A lot of stores specialize in beauty products and skin care, while others focus on groceries and liquor. One thing is for certain, a retail store focused on one product is rare and the industry has had to broaden its product range to cover the many needs of customers. People are willing to spend more for convenience than quality. If they can service their needs in less time, they are likely to open their wallets. With people being more particular in
their choices, the products have not only increased in quantity, so have the consumers. The buying public doesn’t only target the working class, it also adheres to children and even animals. There are retail industries dedicated to pet ownership, with the sales of pets, pet food and pet clothing. In 2016, the pet industry reached over $66 billion in sales. Even though people are having less and less children, the baby care product market reached just over $44 billion in 2016. There are more safety products, organic health care products and toys for babies nowadays than ever before. So before considering a certain retail industry, it’s smart to look at not only the variety and quantity of products being sold, but also how it appeals to the many consumers that retail covers. For example a clothing store that has high pricing, great numbers, high profit and sells to all the ages, genders and considers their pets, with easy access to online shopping, would be a strong contender in the competition. There are so many options to consider when it comes to retail, where and what
“There are so many options to consider when it comes to retail, where and what is sold could make or break a franchise.” is sold could make or break a franchise. The franchise system had a recipe for success, a head office that is constantly providing new products that are changing with the trends. It generates a profit, while also running itself, allowing franchisees to be surrounded in the world of business without all the hard work. As far as franchises go, it’s definitely worth a try on. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After receiving an English Degree, followed by a Journalism Diploma, Gina
Gill became a freelance journalist in 2008. She has
worked as a reporter and in communications, focusing on social media. She currently works as a community information officer with Epilepsy Society, while pursuing her writing career at the same time.
Look out for our next special feature:
SENIOR CARE FRANCHISING Franchising USA
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Christopher Conner, President, Franchise Marketing Systems
Retail Franchising:
Evolution of the Industry Retail has been going through one of the most tumultuous time periods and industry has seen maybe since the industrial revolution made horse drawn carriages irrelevant. E-commerce has created doubt and uncertainty to such an extent in the retail market that many even question the sustainability of such established brands like Walmart. E-commerce has completely revolutionized the retail market segment and thrown established retailers into a tailspin with brands being overtaken by the “Amazon Phenomenon�. Everything from toilet paper to coffins are now being purchased online and the traditional retailer is trying to piece it all together. The retail franchise segment has experienced the same evolution and massive overhaul with the advent of e-commerce buying trends increasing and breakneck speeds. At the same time, commercial real estate prices in many markets are still high and increasing so one would believe that there is a good portion of retail that is still doing well and actually expanding.
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“Gone are the days of massive warehouse retail concepts which offer discount pricing and wide selection as their primary value propositions; now is the time for specialization and knowledge-based retail experience.” The fun part of the franchise market is that it is an excellent temperature gauge for what market segments are doing well and where the market growth is occurring. The retail franchise market has had expansion in concepts that are able to create an experience at the unit level and give the buyer a reason to be in the location. Food service and Fitness are the obvious market segments that have benefited from this e-commerce revolution where the consumer still needs to come into the location to purchase the service or product. For other categories of retail franchising, the ones that will make it moving forward have found ways to still add value to the buying experience at the store level. For example, BARAMI is a new franchise offering that was put together with a focus on value and customer experience which will allow customers access to high end designer outfits at discount pricing, the clerks have experience and training to help customers put outfits together and provide specific fashion guidance based on the client’s preferences and look. Klein, Epstein and Parker is another clothing brand that offers custom men’s suits and clothing that is custom fit to the customer and they use a proprietary process to design completely unique looks and fits for suits and other men’s clothing. The key to both BARAMI and Klein Epstein and Parker are that they drive the customer into the location in order to both provide an experience to the client and sell the optimal product to that person. Both brands sell clothing, something that e-commerce has taken huge percentages of buyers from other retail businesses, but these concepts offer differentiation and custom experiences which keeps value and purpose at the store level.
“The retail franchise market has had expansion in concepts that are able to create an experience at the unit level and give the buyer a reason to be in the location.” The retail franchise market has shrunk overall in the past ten years, but after the initial conversion to e-commerce, the market is seeing a new resurgence and new life for opportunity. For one, retail has gotten smaller at the store level. Gone are the days of massive warehouse retail concepts which offer discount pricing and wide selection as their primary value propositions; now is the time for specialization and knowledge-based retail experience. Customers want experience, consultation and interaction with a staff member who knows enough about the product and service to provide value and guidance to make a better buying decision. CoffeeIcon is another example of retail which has transitioned into the new world of retail with a smaller retail location that focuses entirely on K-Cup coffee products. The location is high-end and comfortable, the store clerks are extremely knowledgeable and know enough to really guide the customer through purchasing decisions and make important recommendations. The retail franchise market has a variety of strong franchise opportunities and potential retail investments; the key when making a buying decision to is understand how the model fits into today’s retail
marketplace and whether the model is operating “with the tide” or “against the tide” of what’s happening in the retail franchise market. Christopher Conner is the President of Franchise Marketing Systems and has spent the last decade in the franchise industry working with several hundred different franchise systems in management, franchise sales and franchise development work. His experience ranges across all fields of franchise expertise with a focus in franchise marketing and franchise sales but includes work in franchise strategic planning, franchise research and franchise operations consulting. www.franchisemarketingsystems.com
Chris Conner
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Alex Porter, CEO, Location3
How Local Search Can
Make the Register Ring
This Holiday Shopping Season NRF reported holiday retail sales increased 4% from 2015, to $658.3 billion in 2016, showing consumers are eager to spend. But with an increasing amount of online shoppers, restaurants and stores are struggling to stay competitive.
During the holidays, stores can run low
on inventory or are overcrowded. Using
local search, franchisees can utilize offline data patterns, including where, when and
which stores consumers frequently shop, to increase revenue from holiday spending.
Can a Frenzied Customer Find Your Location Easily? Holiday shoppers can be stressed and
easily annoyed, meaning retailers have
to work harder to please them. Is your location discoverable online? Can someone easily find it using Google, Facebook, Amazon or Edge? Bad data can wreak havoc on your brand by showing conflicting local search listings for your business and has the potential to keep your listing from appearing at all. Your location(s) will be undiscoverable, resulting in a lost of sale and overall revenue. Brainstorm non-branded, industry keywords based on user query data within online directories and search engines. Consumers are increasingly searching for agnostic terms, “roasted turkey,� instead of for a specific brand (Boston Market). Ignoring these general searches will potentially let the competition capture those customers and incremental revenue. Use that same data to develop product- and category-focused ads for these brandagnostic search queries, and develop ad copy and ad extensions that speak directly to the user and their immediate interest.
Understand Supply and Demand During the Holidays The trick to driving foot traffic to your locations? Leverage national campaigns that are also complemented by hyper-local campaigns. On a national scale, distribute relevant holiday content to all business listings on Google and Bing to encourage store visits, including promotions and reward
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different or unique. Don’t simply spend money recklessly to achieve Position One ranking and ignore the important steps required to connect user queries with qualified ad copy. Connect thoughtful ads with robust landing pages and content that continue to move them toward a purchase decision.
programs. Launch a national paid media campaign focusing on driving awareness of specials and promotions. National PPC focuses on brand terms and messaging and a national display campaign drives awareness for both store locations and e-commerce options. On a hyper-local level, analyze historical data by region and trends from previous peak seasons, and use that data to create local paid search campaign segments based on the varying performance of specific regions. It’s important to properly address budget management and impression share during these high-volume periods. Have a plan of action for daily/hourly management of campaign budgets and bids on top performing keywords to capture the maximum amount of relevant search volume possible. Some competitors (and non-competitors) overspend media dollars during peak holiday seasons, increasing costs for everyone. If you’re not managing budgets accordingly, you could be paying top dollar and still fail to achieve top ranking. Monitor potential competitors that cast a wide net, with limited targeting, and spend dollars recklessly to achieve top ranking. Rather than outbid them, key tactical changes to your campaign - when managed efficiently - can help your business ranking in the top three spots for your core keywords and allow
you to retain your market share without sacrificing ROI.
For Those Online-to-Offline Shoppers - Is Your Site Mobile Friendly? Is your business information up-to-date and accurate across the major directories and search engines? If you have a different social page for each location, ensure messaging and branding is universal across the board. Mobile makes up more than 60% of all search activity. Your site should be mobile-optimized and offer incentives for downloading your app. Hitwise’s “Mobile Search: Topics and Themes” report found “Food & Beverage” resulted in 72% of mobile search volume. Consumers need to eat, and you need to connect with them. 82% of shoppers consult their phones in-store before purchasing. What is your online copy saying about your brand? Are your prices competitive? Is mobile call tracking enabled for customers who dial one of your locations? It’s no longer just a store or online experience, it’s a mobilefirst experience.
Personalize an individual’s shopping experience by understanding their interests and past purchases. Would they prefer tofurkey? If so, provide a coupon for that product. By utilizing customer data to create a profile, you can cater to their needs the minute they step in-store. Once there, focus on “near-me” search. Creating product-focused search ads for brandagnostic queries like “happy hour near me” or “cheap eats” are a quick way to draw in foot traffic. It ensures your stores are showing up in organic search results and can draw a wide range of prospective customers who might not have stumbled across your name before. While retail might be moving towards digital, consumers will be shopping in stores for a while. They value the experience and feedback from an associate. The key is improving and creating a personalized in-store experience and leveraging data to deliver more customized products and offers. Voice search, mobile apps and email marketing will continue to help build detailed customer profiles used to steer shoppers to their interests, complete with real-time, individualized sales offers. A retailer’s job is to be flexible, offer personalized experiences and let the shoppers own it on their own terms. If you don’t, your competitor will. Alex Porter is CEO of Location3, where he forges seamless relations between Location3 Media and prospective clients, and oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire company.
Know Your Customer Better Than Your Competitor Does If you and a competitor are selling turkeys, consider why your brand or product is
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ex per t advice
Lora Kellogg, President & CEO, Curious Jane
How to Support Your Franchisees’ Local Marketing Efforts
Lora Kellogg
A common theme at this year’s Franchise Consumer Marketing Conference was that franchisors are seeking new ways to help support the local marketing efforts of their franchisees. Our team met with marketing VPs, marketing directors, and CEOs, and the message we heard from all of them was that franchisors are actively looking for opportunities to help franchisees at the local level. The trick is finding the best way to support those efforts.
Supporting Franchisees Most franchises require every franchisee to contribute to a national ad fund that goes toward franchise marketing campaigns that benefit the brand as a
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whole. Franchisees understand those funds are typically used to research and develop branding campaigns, search campaigns for branded terms, and display campaigns for company-wide initiatives. Unfortunately, that is not enough.
allowing franchisees the freedom to create local marketing campaigns. As your list of preferred vendors shrinks, the consistency of your branding grows.
In addition to reaping the benefits of national marketing campaigns, franchisees should be encouraged to advertise locally. Local efforts benefit the company at all levels — not only by producing higher Google search rankings, but also by yielding more leads, more foot traffic, more local sales, and brand consistency.
If a franchisor handles the national media buy, it makes sense also to encourage franchisees in a specific region to pool their resources for local media buying. Their marketing dollars will go farther as a group, and advertising opportunities will increase.
Here are four things franchisors can do to ensure that all of their locations are making the most of local marketing opportunities and tactics:
1
Identify preferred vendors
Create a short list of approved vendors for franchisees to use in their local marketing efforts. Vet vendors to ensure they share your franchise’s values. Establishing relationships with specific agencies ensures any localized marketing projects will be in line with brand standards and that all parties are operating under a shared set of expectations. McDonald’s, for example, reportedly has just seven preferred vendors for all of its U.S. locations. The fast-food chain formerly used about 60 agencies to handle local advertising. For a brand as large as McDonald’s to narrow its vendors to that short list means it can maintain the overall look and feel of its branding while still
2
Regionalize media buying
Let’s say a franchise with 30 locations in a particular market contributed just $500 per location for a regional ad fund. That would give the group a significant budget to pursue opportunities on multiple platforms, such as through local digital and social ads, expanded paid search options such as including local competitor names, and even music streaming sites and TV ads. These regional campaigns still would include a localized aspect that would help drive customers to visit locations close to them.
3
Develop channel-specific guidelines
If your franchisees are handling their own local advertising, every member of the company should be trained on the guidelines and recommendations for each channel used across your franchise. These guidelines should cover design, wording, and posting frequency. They also should address differences among various social
“Local efforts benefit the company at all levels — not only by producing higher Google search rankings, but also by yielding more leads, more foot traffic, more local sales, and brand consistency.” platforms, such as the types of images that will be successful on Instagram versus
Snapchat or the type of text appropriate for Facebook versus Twitter.
Having these guidelines in place will help franchisees feel confident in their efforts and should lead to success, as location-
specific posts that show images and faces customers recognize are more likely to
get a response than stock imagery because they feel more relevant to the target
audiences. Eye-tracking studies show that
consumers look carefully at photos of real, relevant people and products and pass right over generic images.
4
Localize pay-per-click and social media ads
Supplement national advertising with local advertising in both pay-per-
click campaigns and social media ads. Encourage franchisees to use content
approved or provided by the franchisor to
promote your brand alongside their content related to local events and deals.
By creating their own marketing plans using franchise-approved creative and
messaging, franchisees can take control of their local advertising and business
results without losing the franchise’s brand identity along the way.
Franchisors and franchisees both benefit from building complementary marketing programs. With proper training and access to preferred vendors, franchisees’ efforts can make a huge difference in both engaging on-the-ground employees and attracting customers at the local level. Taking the steps outlined above can help both corporate and local franchisees and lead to more successful franchise marketing campaigns. Lora Kellogg is president and CEO of Curious Jane. With nearly 15 years of experience and a portfolio of top brands, Curious Jane is a leading ad agency specializing in franchises. Lora and her team work with Franchise Times’ Top 500 franchises and emerging franchises to grow sales, increase traffic, build brand awareness, and generate leads. curiousjane.com
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ex per t advice
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ex per t advice
George Knauf, Senior Franchise Business Advisor, FranChoice
Rethinking How You Work Over Eggnog Think about the times that are most important to you, the ones you think of when no one is around and you are not near an electronic device that is pinging you with notifications. How many of those were of work, your boss, a project, commuting to work or traveling on business? How many were of your spouse, your kids, family, travel, your passions? Not only do we need to give some thought to how we work, we also need to give some thought to how we live! Prioritizing the most important things will allow us to figure out how we need to be working. There is little point to grinding out long hours at work if we miss the most important things in life. But during the entire time of the Industrial Revolution we have been trained to trade long hours and time away from family for some sense that we will be cared for when we can’t work like that any more in retirement. What that meant for many people is that they missed a lot of important family events as they worked late or were traveling. It meant that they didn’t get to explore their passions or hobbies. The opportunity that we have today is to change the way we work and earn so that
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we build the income streams that support our lifestyle, not have those work roles become our lifestyle. The Fall and Winter holidays are upon us, we will carve out time for celebrations with friends and family. Is this your time to look around you and evaluate how you want to work and what priorities you want to emphasize beyond your work? It is a great season to reminisce and to plan for the future. If you just need to move from working Nationally or Internationally but you desire to work a normal work schedule, a local franchise business of almost any variety can get you to that goal. Do you have kids at home and want to be able to attend sports events or recitals? An executive model might give you that local business but add a manager to give you time flexibility. While you may work a somewhat typical number of hours you can often shift them to adjust for family events. Do you want to go all in with your family, passions and hobbies? Then maybe a semi-absentee business is what you need to be building. You would have a manager or management team that If you want to have a business that also contributes to your community, there are options to do that. Although, if you build a successful business you can still contribute to your community in your own way. Your business itself does not have to be the contribution. Is creating jobs in your community important to you? Whether hourly starter jobs, technical blue-collar jobs or white collar professional jobs there are franchises that would give you the ability to help those in your community stay gainfully employed and to move their careers forward. In some cases we can find a franchise that ties into your hobbies or interests. The one thing to be cautious with there is that sometimes turning your hobby or interest into how you earn money takes away the ability for you to enjoy it. If someone that loves golf left a corporate job to become a golf pro they might find
“This year as you are holding your eggnog and spending time with family by the fire maybe give some thought to what is most important to you and how to create the life that rises to meet your greater goals.” that golf pros don’t play a lot of golf. They manage sign-ins at tournaments, give golf lessons, make sure the course is properly maintained and much more. Would turning your passion into your income stream be a good idea for you if it meant that you could not do it yourself as often anymore? For some people it is the joy of sharing their passions, and they can give up doing them a bit to provide that experience for others. So, this year as you are holding your eggnog and spending time with family by the fire maybe give some thought to what is most important to you and how to create the life that rises to meet your greater goals. Without an intervention by the lottery we all need to make money to support and provide for our families. How we do that is completely open to interpretation. Franchising offers the benefit of a proven system, training, support, R&D, Marketing, supply chain and much more. For many corporate professionals the ecosystem that they find with franchise companies feels a lot like what they are used to in corporate America. They are comforted by the idea that they are not out there meeting challenges and opportunities alone. With any luck when this season circles back around next year you will be looking at what are the subsequent rounds of steps you want to take on your path to independence, control and happiness. My suggestion for the coming month is to pick up a notebook and start making notes about what is important to you, how you want to work, what kind of lifestyle you want to have and the goals you want to pursue. The more you jot down the clearer your parameters for a franchise will be. Then ask your family what they wish you
George Knauf
would do with them, where they want to go with you and the experiences they feel are important. I know it may initially seem odd to begin planning how you will earn by figuring out what you want to prioritize outside of earning. This will all make sense when you apply those rules to the companies you look at, I promise. Over 20 years helping people achieve their dreams has shown me over and over again how looking at the full picture makes all the difference. What is your success story? Let’s go find it! George Knauf is a highly sought after, trusted advisor to many companies; Public, Independent and Franchised, of all sizes and in many markets. His 20 plus years of experience in both startup and mature business operations makes him uniquely qualified to advise individuals that have dreamed of going into business for themselves in order to gain more control, independence, time flexibility and to be able to earn in proportion to their real contribution. Contact the Franchising USA Expert George’s Hotline 703-424-2980. www.myperfectfranchise.com
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Veterans in Franchising DECEMBER 2017
www.franchisingusamagazine.com
10 RESOLUTIONS VETERANS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A FRANCHISE IN 2018
TOP FRANCHISES FOR VETERANS ADVICE ON WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR NEXT FRANCHISE Franchising USA
SAME DRIVE. DIFFERENT BATTLEFIELD. TAKE THE NEXT STEP > VETFRAN.COM OFFERING FINANCIAL SUPPORT, TRAINING & MENTORSHIP Veterans interested in franchising can take their skills learned in the military to successfully own and develop small businesses. Learn more and support veterans in franchising at www.vetfran.com.
• 650 franchise companies participating • 151,000 veterans and their spouses found careers in the franchise industry • 5,100 veteran franchise owners
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V e t e r a n s i n F r a n c h i s i n g S u ppl e m e n t D EC e m b e r 2 0 1 7 Our Veterans in Franchising special supplement has become a regular feature of Franchising USA. To share your story in the next issue, please contact Vikki Bradbury, Publisher Phone: 778 426 2446 Email: vikki@cgbpublishing.com
Contents On the Cover
40 Advice on What to Look for in Your Next Franchise
News and Expert Advice
44 10 Resolutions Veterans Should Consider Before Buying a Franchise in 2018
40 From Air National Guard to Raw Juices: Advice on What to Look for in Your Next Franchise
46 Top Franchises for Veterans
Top Franchises for Veterans 46 Window Genie 47 FirstLight Home Care
Philip Palmer, Franchise Owner, Juice It Up!
42 Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse Launch ‘At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve’ Campaign Operation Homefront 44 10 Resolutions Veterans Should Consider Before Buying a Franchise in 2018 Jim Mingey, Founder and Managing Director,
Veterans Business Services
48 9Round 49 sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt Franchising USA
Veterans in Franchising
Philip Palmer, Franchise Owner of Juice It Up!
From Air National Guard to Raw Juices:
Advice on What to Look for in Your Next Franchise
Franchising USA
“Find a true partner in an industry that excites you; your chances of succeeding are far greater with an industry you’re personally passionate about.”
After ten tremendous years in the Air National Guard, I had the unique opportunity to jump right into the franchise industry. I joined my wife and her family in managing an already successful business portfolio of fast food burger restaurants in 2008. After effectively building and managing their existing franchise, I knew it was time for a new challenge and a fresh start to help shape my portfolio positively. It was then, with the support of my wife and two children, that we decided to start over, move to a new state and begin a new franchising adventure. My family is my world and I wanted to make sure that the brand my wife and I chose to grow with, not only was the best business decision, but represented our family’s evolving values. After thoughtful consideration we chose Juice It Up!, a family brand, built on values, quality products and hard work.
After a lucrative career in the Air National Guard, when did you know that you wanted to join your wife in the franchising industry? After spending over a decade in the Air National Guard, I gained much more than I anticipated, including invaluable experiences that taught me discipline, commitment and loyalty. When I had the pleasure of joining my wife’s existing family business, I realized that my military experiences could translate into franchising. It was also during this time I learned first-hand how to run a very successful organization, as well as develop a desire to own and operate my own business. After I left the military, I wanted a career
that allowed me to spend more time with my family and promote healthy living. Owning a franchise has allowed me to be a life and business partner with my wife, as well as provide for my family, and we’re ready to take on a new industry that resonates with the vibrant and active lifestyle we want for our family.
Why did you ultimately choose to franchise with Juice It Up!? Once my wife and I made the decision to move on from our previous venture, it took us a while to put our finger on the right franchising opportunity for us, and also for our family. Truthfully, there are many incredible opportunities around the United States for people who want to be successful in the franchising industry. However, once we met the corporate team at Juice It Up! and learned more about the brand, and experienced their raw juice and hand-crafted smoothies for ourselves, we immediately knew this was not only an industry we wanted to franchise in, but a team we wanted to be a part of. It was a smart business decision on our end to take advantage of the real estate team that Juice It Up! offers to its franchisees, and together we were able to determine the perfect market. Backed by the Juice It Up! team and their extensive market research, I was able to claim a territory that will be not just new and exciting to the brand, but it’s a new area where there’s a real need for a raw juice and smoothie concept within its community. What really solidified our franchise selection was the opportunity to take advantage of the VetFran program, which offers a deep discount of 60% off the franchise fee. In addition, it gave us the tools and the ability to not only own one location, but allowed me and my family to build a portfolio by essentially giving us the opportunity to purchase three stores for the price of two. This unparalleled discount has made it possible to grow and
Philip Palmer
build a prosperous family business for my wife and my children.
What advice would you give to Veterans who are looking to enter the franchising industry? Find a true partner in an industry that excites you; your chances of succeeding are far greater with an industry you’re personally passionate about. I felt recognized as a true partner in the business, and have received a continuous line of support from the beginning of the journey throughout the life of the business. The military teaches you how to plan, strategically and tactically, operate and implement a plan. Owning a business is very similar, except with a franchise, they give you the plan to succeed. You just have to execute. The great thing is, all of the skills and experience I learned from the military have translated into my franchise career. I’m hopeful to instill this same sense of team within my stores and with my employees, by making sure everyone I employ knows there’s a support system behind them, always. After ten impactful years of service, Philip Palmer retired from the Air National Guard in 2008. Upon his retirement, he joined his wife and her family in the franchising industry, managing several fast food burger giants. This past year, Philip Palmer and his family started fresh in Orlando, by signing a franchise agreement for three Juice It Up! locations. www.juiceitup.com
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Veterans in Franchising
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Veterans in Franchising
O p eration H omef ront
Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse Launch
‘At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve’ Campaign Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse announced a new partnership to recognize, welcome, and serve military families in their communities throughout the year. It started on Veterans Day. The “At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve” campaign will engage customers through a variety of activities that will raise funds and awareness for Operation Homefront’s mission and programs, including the Critical Financial Assistance program to support the urgent needs of military families struggling with rent and mortgage payments, home and car repairs, food, groceries, utilities and more. The year-long campaign will support military and veteran families who face challenges as they transition to civilian life in the communities they have worked hard to protect, while offering great meals and experiences honoring their service. “Our nation’s men and women in uniform make sacrifices every day to serve and protect our freedom. Outback is proud to partner with Operation Homefront and support our nation’s military, veterans and their families through the ‘At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve’ campaign,” said Gina Collins, Chief Marketing Officer, Outback Steakhouse. “We recognize their service and share a commitment to
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the communities they have worked so hard to protect.”
building strong, stable, and secure military families.” Since first opening in Tampa in 1988, Outback has been a proud supporter of America’s military and veterans and continues to provide them with a great place to enjoy a delicious meal and fun experience in their community. Outback is now working closely with Operation Homefront to help deliver essential programs that will address the critical needs of military families across the country. The “At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve” campaign will offer Outback customers the opportunity to enjoy delicious offerings and demonstrate their support for military families through purchases at their local Outback restaurant. “Operation Homefront is very excited to partner with Outback Steakhouse and their customers to help America’s military families,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “The entire Outback team shares our continuing commitment to our veterans and military families and their support will allow us to deliver the programs and services this very special group of our fellow citizens needs so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in
The campaign will support military and veteran families, including junior- and mid-grade enlisted service members (E1-E6) and all post-9/11 wounded, ill or injured service members with medical documentation on injury and discharged with honorable service within the past seven years. Together, Outback Steakhouse and Operation Homefront are making a difference at every meal.
About Operation Homefront Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.org.
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Veterans in Franchising
Jim Mingey, Founder & Managing Director, VBS
10 Resolutions Veterans Should Consider Before Buying a Franchise in 2018 Happy Holidays to all Veteran Entrepreneurs Everywhere!
2
type of business? Will they support your decision given what think about your faults, personal history and people skills? And if your still have doubts, take a personality test to better understand how your traits might affect the success of a franchise.
Resolve to only commit to an opportunity which will stoke your passion and will “get you out bed in morning” to face the tests of the day. Examine your strengths and weaknesses and commit to improve any general skills sets needed before you go forward with any challenge.
Jim Mingey
When putting together New Year’s resolutions for 2018, most people assess where they are now and make commitments to improve where possible. When the items on your list are personal like losing weight, stopping risky behaviors or improving your mental health you might have some reasonable control over the outcomes. If your resolution is to improve your financial future through self-employment or buying a franchise, then people, places and things beyond
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your current knowledge or maybe even your own understanding of your own personality may need detailed assessment and investigation.
10 resolutions a veteran should consider making before committing to buy a franchise in 2018:
1
Resolve to assess whether “you” are compatible with your idea for acquisition of a franchise. Ask your family and friends what they honestly think about your personality and whether its suited for the rigors of daily operation or ownership for the franchise selected. Do they believe you can consistently manage that
3
Resolve to realistically examine your access to capital for a franchise before spending considerable due diligence time on the opportunity. Check out both debt and equity availability to you for the entire capitalization needed for the venture. Estimate how long it will take to get the cash available and assess how long it will last. What’s your backup to the backup for your financial plan.
4
Resolve to research whether you qualify for subsidies provided by the Veterans Administration for VRE Self-Employment training benefits. Resolve to ask your potential franchisor whether they can itemize training costs that could be reimbursed to you for your franchise acquisition if you qualify.
“Resolve to research whether you qualify for subsidies provided by the Veterans Administration for VRE SelfEmployment training benefits.”
5
Resolve to read the entire Federal Disclosure Document (FDD) on any selected franchise before proceeding. Resolve to read it again and again and make notes on what you don’t understand. Resolve to talk to at least six of the franchises listed in the FDD to ask questions about locations, marketing, operations and training assistance.
Oh, and 11: Have fun and good luck in 2018!
Resolve to consider becoming an actual employee at one of your existing target franchise locations to get firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day operations.
Jim participated in the EBV Program at Purdue University, has been a mentor at American Corporate Partners, developed the first approved franchise acquisition training program for the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program at Veterans Administration, and was instrumental in forming the first equity fund in the United States exclusively for veteran owned small businesses and franchises. Jim and his wife, Nancy, live in Oregon City, Oregon.
6
consultant who will “partner” with you to help you find the best compatible opportunity. That relationship should spell out whether they will offer to compare similar opportunities even if they might not earn a fee if you select one of them. The arrangement should also spell out whether the consultant will share their financial benefits they receive from the franchisor. This is not always possible, but a Veteran should at least ask.
Resolve to explore the effectiveness of current technology used in the franchise and the future commitments by the franchisor to continually improve their competitive position in their select market.
7
8
Resolve to ask for help to build a strong “mentoring team” for the beginning, middle and end of your business goal. Veterans have extraordinary access to mentors who can help you understand the requirements and nuances of your business plans. There are accountants, lawyers, franchisees, social media experts and other consultants who will commit to varying levels of upfront mentoring for Veteran entrepreneurs. Resolve to only develop a business relationship with a franchise
9
10
Resolve to reach out to support institutions like ACP-USA.org; SCORE (in your market), SBDC (in your market) VBOC (in your market), Patriot Bootcamp, Bunker Innovations and other Veteran focused incubators to customize your mentoring support. Check out VETToCEO and Boot to Business at EBV at Syracuse University.
VBS Founder and Managing Director, Jim Mingey, is a decorated Vietnam veteran raised from a proud military background. An entrepreneur for more than 35 years, Jim can relate on a personal level to the needs of the veteran small businessperson, and possesses the practical knowledge to implement his experience in today’s market.
www.veteransbusinessservices.us
Franchising USA
Veterans in Franchising
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Veterans in Franchising
TO P FR A NCH ISES FO R V E T ER A NS
Window Genie Named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review Independent Research Data Shows Veteran Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Company’s Performance Window Genie was identified by independent franchisee satisfaction research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of the Top 100 franchises to qualify for its 2017 Top Franchises for Veterans list. To identify the top brands, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months of data from approximately 25,000 veteran franchise owners representing over 250 brands regarding their overall satisfaction with their brands and their likelihood to recommend them to others. Window Genie ranchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity. “The reality is that two-thirds of the thousands of franchise opportunities available today are simply average or below average opportunities,” said Eric Stites, founder and CEO of Franchise Business Review. “That’s the whole reason we do what we do, which is help prospective franchisees understand which franchises are the top opportunities based on the actual performance and satisfaction of franchise owners. The 100 companies named in this year’s report received the highest ratings from the veterans that own them on our independent satisfaction survey.” Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full description of the 2017 Top Franchises for Veterans.
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ABOUT WINDOW GENIE Window Genie, founded in 1994, is a nationally ranked mobile window cleaning service franchise offering residential and light commercial window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and more. Recognized as one of the fastest growing franchise systems in North America, Window Genie has grown to more than 120 franchise partners operating in 31 states. In 2016, Window Genie became a subsidiary company of Dwyer Group®, a service-based franchise organization. windowgeniefranchise.com
FirstLight Home Care Recognized as a Top 100 Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review Leading non-medical home care franchise listed by Franchise Business Review as a top franchise for veterans FirstLight Home Care, a leading national provider of non-medical home care, was listed by Franchise Business Review as one of the Top 100 Franchises for Veterans in 2017. The list features award-winning franchises whose veteran franchisees have shown a high level of satisfaction with the business, considering factors such as training and support, leadership, and financial opportunity. “This recognition is really special to us as it is purely based on feedback from our veteran franchisees,” said Jeff Bevis, CEO of FirstLight Home Care. “We have great respect for veterans and we found that veterans make outstanding franchise owners. They are focused on being servant leaders, and with the booming senior care industry, the skills and life experience that veterans have are a tremendous advantage. We believe strongly in making it even easier for veterans and their spouses to become franchise owners, or to find employment.” FirstLight offers a franchise fee discount of $10,000 for veterans, which is approximately 25 percent less than the regular franchise fee. FirstLight regularly attends and presents at regional and national events that are created to assist transitioning veterans to highlight opportunities that exist within the franchise industry for veterans and their spouses. Bevis also serves as vice chair of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran committee to help provide access and opportunities in both employment and franchising for veterans and their spouses. This ranking closely follows Entrepreneur Magazine’s recent
recognition of FirstLight as one of the top Franchise 500 companies for veterans based on veteran incentives and support of veteran franchisees. The company also received the highest ranking from the IFA’s VetFran committee based on veteran discount, clean audit reports, and the history and size of the business. Other prestigious awards that FirstLight recently received include a ranking on Franchise Times’ Top 200+ list for the fifth year in a row, a ranking on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list for the third year in a row, and a ranking on Entrepreneur’s 2017 Franchise 500 list. Complete results of Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for Veterans 2017 can be found at https:// franchisebusinessreview.com/topfranchises-veterans-2017/. For more information about FirstLight Home Care’s franchise opportunities, visit www. firstlightfranchise.com.
About FirstLight Home Care FirstLight Home Care is a top rated non-medical home care provider with a network of offices that provides 93,000 hours per week in care for more than 4,300 clients in over 33 states. The company has created a new standard in home care by combining best practices with innovative approaches to make them an emerging market leader in a rapidly-growing industry. Companion and personal care services can be provided at private residences, assisted living and retirement communities, nursing homes, adult-family homes or group homes. Clients include seniors, new mothers, individuals recovering from surgery, adults with disabilities and anyone who might just need a little extra care or assistance. Visit www.firstlighthomecare.com to learn more.
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Veterans in Franchising
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Veterans in Franchising
TO P FR A NCH ISES FO R V E T ER A NS
sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt Named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur Magazine sweetFrog is Proud to Celebrate Veterans in November as They’re Recognized on Veterans Day and Throughout National Veterans and Military Families Month incentive, the number of veteranowned units, how veteran franchisees are attracted to and support by each company, and how each company scored in the 2017 Franchise 500 ranking. sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt’s position on the ranking is a testament to the company’s efforts to support veterans in their pursuit of the American Dream.
sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt, the nation’s leading frozen yogurt chain, proudly announces its ranking by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of 2017’s Top U.S. Franchises for Veterans. sweetFrog ranked #23 on the list because of the stellar programs and incentives the company makes available to help veterans become franchise business owners. This distinction comes on the heels of President Donald Trump issuing two key proclamations honoring veterans throughout November – one confirming November 11, 2017 as Veterans Day and another establishing November as National veterans Military Families Month. sweetFrog is a firm advocate of our nation’s military, providing special treats and programs throughout the entire year – such as the Veteran Awareness Program sweetFrog’s Director of Franchise Marketing & Development, Shemar Pucel, launched two years ago to educate transitioning veterans on the opportunities available for them. The company also doubles the VetFran discount in November to give aspiring entrepreneurs who served our country 50% off the franchise fee and offers instore discounts throughout the month to service members and their families.
armed forces to serve and protect this great country of ours,” says Galleher. “sweetFrog has the utmost respect for our nation’s active duty and veterans. We recognize our token of appreciation can in no way repay them for their daily sacrifice. We at sweetFrog are committed to honor our veterans through service and programs designed to help veterans make a smooth transition into a post-military career with us as successful business owners.” Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur, says sweetFrog is one of 150 franchisors who earned this important distinction.
sweetFrog’s CEO, Patrick Galleher, says it’s this commitment to education and families that makes sweetFrog the nation’s leading frozen yogurt chain for veterans.
“Veterans often make ideal franchisees, thanks to their strong leadership skills and abilities to work inside complex systems,” says Feifer. “We’re proud to highlight the franchisors that best connect with and support veterans, as they pursue the opportunity to own their own business.”
“We’re thankful and grateful for the men and women who made the brave decision to wear a uniform of the
To determine the Top Franchises for Veterans ranking, Entrepreneur analyzed each company’s veteran
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The Entrepreneur Magazine distinction is one of many accolades sweetFrog has recently won due to their unwavering dedication to fueling the success of their franchise owners. Others include: • sweetFrog is #318 on Franchise Times Top 200+ list of the country’s top franchises based on sales growth. • sweetFrog landed at #42 on Entrepreneur’s 2017 Top New Franchises list. • The Daily Meal named sweetFrog America’s #1 Frozen Yogurt Shop. • And just this month, sweetFrog was determined to be #5 on FranchiseRankings.com Top 30 Ice Cream, Yogurt & Smoothie Franchises. To view sweetFrog in the full listing, visit entrepreneur.com/franchises/ topfranchiseveterans. The list can also be seen in the November issue of Entrepreneur, available now on newsstands. To learn more about sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt franchise opportunities, as well as acquisitions and re-brands, please visit sweetfrog.com/franchise.
9ROUND RANKED AS A TOP FRANCHISE FOR VETERANS 9Round offers a special discount and financing options to Veterans Entrepreneur magazine recently ranked 9Round #45 on its annual Top Franchises for Veterans list. This list ranks the top 150 franchises that offer incentives and other programs to help veterans become franchisees. 9Round, in addition to offering low start-up costs, provides veteran-friendly financing options and 15 percent off the initial franchisee fee for U.S. veterans.
site trainer that motivates members through a circuit of nine stations, three minutes each. Stations are packed with cardio, weight training, abdominal exercises, and authentic boxing moves on upper cut speed bags. A real boxing bell starts the workout, another warns the station is ending and a third to signal the end. Full body workouts are changed daily to keep members mentally and physically engaged.
“At 9Round, we believe veterans are ideal franchisee candidates because they are confident, disciplined, highly motivated and work well under pressure,” said Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO, 9Round. “We offer amazing opportunities for veterans interested in starting their own business and becoming successful entrepreneurs.”
To view 9Round in the full Entrepreneur Magazine listing, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise/ topfranchiseveterans#.
To date, 9Round operates more than 590 locations in 40 US states and 13 countries. Of these 9Round franchises, more than 100 are owned by veterans. Joshuah Ackiss, veteran and 9Round owner in Virginia, added “My wife and I chose 9Round because we both have a passion for helping others and 9Round allows us to do that. The discipline and drive the military instilled in me has made it easy to transition into the 9Round system and to help motivate others to reach their goals of being healthier.” Developed nine years ago by Hudson, the former IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World, 9Round has made a name for itself around the globe with its energetic 30-minute workouts. Each 9Round workout includes an on-
For more information about owning a 9Round franchise, visit www.9Round.com/fitness-franchises. About 9Round Founded in 2008 by professional kickboxer Shannon Hudson and his wife, Heather, 9Round is a specialized fitness center that brings kickboxing fitness training to the average person in a convenient, affordable, 30-minute, full body circuit format. The program is developed around a proprietary and copyrighted system of nine challenging workout stations developed by Shannon himself. Today, there are more than 590 9Round clubs open and operating throughout 40 states and 13 countries. For more information, please visit www.9round.com.
Franchising USA
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ex per t advice
Joe Giammona, CEO, 911 Driving School
Three Ways Franchises Can Build Brand Credibility
Joe Giammona
In today’s digital age, news spreads like wildfire whether it’s true or fake—a phenomenon causing consumers’ trust in big brands, government, media and even nonprofits to rapidly decline.
Franchising USA
In fact, according to Edelman’s annual Trust Barometer, consumers’ trust levels dropped across all four of these institutions for the first time in its 17 years of publication. That should concern franchise operators, considering that a franchise’s reputation is often one of its greatest selling points.
incident caused consumer sentiment of the airlines to dip to the lowest levels the brand had seen in 10 years.
For example, let’s examine Chipotle. Back in 2015, the chain was battling food safety issues, and the brand’s revenue and stock price plummeted. While the chain was attempting to make a comeback, Chipotle faced even more backlash after an unlucky string of norovirus outbreaks. With highly publicized foodborne illnesses continuing to weaken its credibility, Chipotle’s image is far from being restored.
So, what can franchise operators do to break through to consumers and gain their trust while also competing with similar chains? If you want to strengthen your brand’s overall credibility, consider incorporating these strategies into your business model:
Similarly, consumers’ opinions toward United Airlines recently fell to an all-time low when a video of a passenger being forcibly removed from one of its planes went viral. According to the perception research service YouGov BrandIndex, the
While these examples are extreme, they demonstrate that how a brand is perceived and what a company represents are much more powerful than the quality of the products or services offered.
1
Mobilize Community Leaders
Although trust for brands can be lacking, people often trust other people—especially if they share common values. That’s why it’s important for franchise operators to humanize their business and hire individuals who best represent and
organization’s purpose aligns with the brand’s mission and the cause benefited. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, 911 Driving School locations encouraged students to pledge to “Call Back Later” by putting down their phones and focusing on the road ahead. For each pledge made, the brand made a monetary donation to the National Road Safety Foundation, an organization dedicated to reducing crashes, deaths and injuries by promoting safe driving behavior.
3
Encourage Transparent Feedback
communicate the company’s mission. Turn the focus on your franchisees and invest in those who already have strong, positive connections with their communities. These individuals can act as a natural extension of your brand to relay the right messages and boost public perception. For example, all of our instructors at 911 Driving School are current or former police officers, firefighters or EMS professionals who know and understand the rules of the roads—as well as the consequences of poor driving—from firsthand experiences. By recruiting respected leaders who have a vested interest in safety, the brand communicates a clear message to parents: Your students are receiving the best instruction out there.
This strengthens brand dependence and consumer loyalty.
2
Leverage Philanthropic Partnerships
Engaging with local community groups and non-profit organizations is an important part of defining your brand and building company character. Whether it’s sponsoring a local youth sports league or hosting a franchise-wide donation drive, forming authentic relationships helps position a company as socially responsible and supportive of community endeavors. However, not all charity is created equally. Philanthropic partnerships typically resonate best with consumers when the
Brand credibility and transparency go hand in hand. If deliberate honesty is at the core of a company’s culture, then communication to the public comes across more genuine. To build trust with consumers, business leaders should keep the public involved both when big decisions are made and when minor mistakes occur. Whether it’s announcing an exciting development through social media or sending sincere, apologetic emails after an unfortunate incident, give others an inside look at your business to maintain a meaningful connection with the communities you serve. Having a consistent, open-book policy shows your customers, employees and stakeholders that your company appreciates transparency and values their trust. While there’s no cookie-cutter program that franchise operators can follow to establish credibility, these strategies can certainly serve as a basis when developing business practices. Community leaders, philanthropic partnerships and transparent feedback can all strengthen a brand’s reputation, but it’s consistency in these efforts that will keep your franchise afloat. Joe Giammona is the CEO of 911 Driving School, a driving school franchise providing leading edge driver’s education programs for teens, adults and mature drivers. www.911drivingschool.com
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The USA Market Place worth
$83 Billion
USA’s Fastest Growing Affordable Franchise
$83 Billion is spent by USA businesses advertising online. The “Whats On In” Franchise is a unique B2B Advertising opportunity with a FULLY EXCLUSIVE State
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BENEFITS FOR YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES Self-service order platform Free sales webpage Any business can advertise Choice of multiple ad spots Cheapest ad rates in the industry Ads loaded with 12hrs
For further details visit our website www.woifranchise.com Stephen Smith: enquires@WOIFranchise.com
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franchising 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.
7-Eleven Franchising with the world’s #1 convenience store is easier than you think.
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
Been looking for. Your earning potential is as big as you want to make it. We offer a gross profit split, which means your success is as important to us as it is to you.
It also might be the smartest business move you’ve ever made.
It’s turnkey – we provide the store, land and equipment. Start-up is fast (3-6 months). You get extensive training and support from 7-Eleven pros.
As a 7-Eleven Franchisee, you’ll be partnering with a brand known and loved around the world. We’re consistently ranked as a top-five franchisor with more than 54,200 stores worldwide.
Our field consultants and operations teams offer a wealth of support and information. Leveraged vendor relationships mean national buying power.
World-famous brand. World-class opportunity. Take a second and learn why franchising with 7-Eleven could be the career changer you’ve
America’s Swimming Pool Company Dive into the America’s Swimming Pool Company Opportunity ASP is the nation’s most recognized swimming pool franchise with over 254 locations in 20 states. If you are seeking an affordable, turn-key business with proven profit potential, the ASP swimming pool franchise opportunity is the clear choice. As the recognized industry leader, ASP offers a proven pool service franchise system to help you succeed faster, grow bigger and enjoy all the benefits of working
Airport Van Rental At AVR we continue to be a pioneer in the van rental industry We have expanded to 14 locations in 7 states & we are excited for what lies ahead. Why Should I Join the Airport Van Rental Franchise Network? • We Have a Solid Model for Success. We became a specialized van rental company since 2007.
Phone: 1-800-782-0711 Fax: 972-828-5017 Website: Franchise.7-Eleven.com Email: Franchise.Inquiries@7-11.com
for yourself—no pool experience necessary! An ASP franchise opportunity offers a proven system to succeed and grow in the thriving swimming pool business. Our franchise leads the industry with a commitment to reliable brand reputation, world-class training, technologically advanced systems, original marketing strategies, exceptional franchisee support. Ready to test the water? Contact: Jef Flournoy Phone: 888.814.8093 Email: jefflournoy@asppoolco.com Website: www.ASPfranchising.com
• We’ve Fulfilled a Major Need. We are confident that with our extensive fleet, we will be able to provide our clients with the van that fits their needs. • We Provide Complete Training & Support. During training, we address the key points to running your own van rental franchise. Even after you open the doors, we will be here to help you continue to grow your business.
• We Prove There is Strength in Numbers. As recognized leader in Passenger Van Rentals, when you invest in a van rental franchise, you will join a network of highly determined individuals.
Contact: Alex Emdadi Phone: (844) 372-6100 Email: franchise@airportvanrental.com Website: www.airportvanrental.com/franchise
bluefrog Plumbing +Drain
loyal, cheerleader clients,” describes the inspiration of the business.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is a Limited Liability Company that was formed on December 30, 2013. Franchises have been offered since January of 2014 and are granted for the operation of a plumbing repair business using proprietary methods and the bluefrog Plumbing + Drain mark. The headquarters are located in Phoenix, Arizona. The bluefrog Plumbing + Drain management team consists of Gary Findley, CEO, Jeff Moody, President and COO.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is a modern day approach to the plumbing industry. It is a strategic plumbing company that strives for perfection and makes customer service it’s number one priority. The market for plumbing products and services is well established and highly competitive; By utilizing state-of-the-art technology and streamlined systems and processes, the owner operates his or her business with simplicity, efficiency, and profitability.
The mission of bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. The vision statement: “bluefrog Plumbing + Drain, the premier franchise plumbing service company in North America. Founded on brand
Contact: Gina Roberson Phone: (888) 354-2806 Email: gina@bluefrogplumbing.com Website: www.bluefrogplumbing.com
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BurgerFuel Worldwide Meet the ultimate gourmet burger franchise We’re BurgerFuel, a global, gourmet burger concept – and we like to do things differently. We live, eat and play by the motto ‘life’s too short to eat bad burgers’ and this drives us to provide an even better, healthier, more gourmet alternative to fast food. As a BurgerFuel Franchisee or Master Franchisee, you’ll benefit from the robust operational support, and sophisticated systems, world-class training and innovative marketing programs that we provide to support our premium brand.
Chronic Tacos Chronic Tacos is a California-inspired Mexican grill that celebrates authenticity and the individuality of its guests through fresh, made-to-order Mexican food. The Chronic Tacos experience consists of walking down the prep line and personally choosing everything that goes on your meal. Founded in 2002, the Southern California-based company has over 40 locations operating across the United States and Canada, as well as a Japan expansion on the way. Chronic Tacos is committed to serving only the highest quality ingredients and all-natural meats. They offer a wide variety of traditional Mexican items including: tacos, burritos, bowl-ritos and more! The
Clayton Kendall Clayton Kendall provides comprehensive branded merchandise programs for more than sixty franchise communities nationwide, resulting in greater brand exposure, cost-savings, streamlined operations and brand compliance. With a customized online store as the organizing principle, our websites give franchisees the ability to purchase their advertising and marketing tools in one easy-to use program. We provide marketing collateral, signage, POP
Foot Solutions Are You Passionate About Helping People Look Good and Feel Great? Foot Solutions is the world’s largest specialty wellness franchise focused exclusively on helping people feel good from the feet up. We offer an individualized Holistic Foot Analysis, top-quality customized orthotics and expertly-fitted stylish shoes that are comfortable and supportive. If you want a business that gives back to your community and improves the lives of people with foot
Grease Monkey Franchising, LLC Grease Monkey® and SpeeDee Oil Change and Auto Service® centers provide preventive maintenance and repair services that help customers meet vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations and warranty requirements. With over 500 locations, Our Less Hassle, More Hustle customer service approach is designed to help customers make educated, informed decisions about maintaining their vehicles in a comfortable, nopressure setting.
Franchising USA
When you buy a BurgerFuel franchise, you’re not just buying into gourmet burger business. BurgerFuel is a 360-degree lifestyle experience where fast cars, street art, music and creativity reign supreme, and our unique culture is something other brands can’t emulate. We’re currently seeking Franchisees and Master Franchisees to join the BurgerFuel movement as we expand within Indiana (and beyond). Hit the application link to take the first step in your BurgerFuel USA journey. Contact: Chris Mason Phone: +1 646 287 1078 Email: chris@burgerfuel.com Website: www.burgerfuel.com
menu also features kid’s meals and a breakfast menu available all day. Customers can choose from vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as choices of: Carne Asada, Carnitas, Al Pastor, Pollo Asado and variations of fish or shrimp. There is something for everyone. Each restaurant incorporates original artistic designs inspired by traditional “Day of The Dead” art, creating a unique ‘Taco Life’ experience at each location. For more information or to find the nearest Chronic Tacos, visit www.chronictacos.com. Phone: (949) 680-4602 Email: info@eatchronictacos.com Contact: Randy Wyner / randy@eatchronictacos.com Website: www.chronictacos.com
displays, printed materials, promotional products and apparel. Our services include graphic design, merchandising, sourcing, warehousing and fulfillment, kitting and proprietary technology with advanced management reports. All programs are scalable and user-friendly. Customer service is our forte’. Contact: Dan Broudy, Chief Executive Officer Phone: 412-798-7120 Email: dan@claytonkendall.com Website: www.claytonkendall.com
and alignment conditions including diabetes, arthritis and more, Foot Solutions might be the perfect fit for you: Reasonable Hours | High Margins | Low Labor Requirements | High Consumer Retention | Not Impacted by Economy | Not Seasonal | Fastestgrowing Market Age 40+ | Opportunities from $85,000 - $240,000 Single and Multi-unit For more information: Call 770.955.0099 Email fscorp@footsolutions.com Visit www.footsolutionsfranchise.com.
With over 60 years of combined automotive experience, Grease Monkey ® and SpeeDee® franchise owners enjoy a proven system and business model. Each process offers a flexible approach, so franchisees can customize their facility and menu of services for a specific market and investment profile. Contacts: Jeff King, Director Franchise Development; Jon Piper, Manager of Franchise Development Email:
jking@greasemonkeyintl.com; jpiper@greasemonkeyintl.com
Phone:
303-308-1660
Website: www.greasemonkeyfranchise.com
HealthSource –America’s Chiropractor HealthSource — America’s Chiropractor ® — is the industry leader in chiropractic and physical rehabilitation care. Our highly profitable franchise clinics provide state-of-the-art care to their local communities. We offer single and multi-unit opportunities
honkamp krueger Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. (HK) is a Top 100 CPA and business consulting firm in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest-growing Midwest-based firm (Accounting Today, 2017). Specializing in franchise services, HK offers 40-plus forward-thinking, innovative solutions to franchise organizations in all 50 states. In addition to our tax, accounting and consulting services, HK offers total hire-to-retire solutions through our human capital management affiliate, HKP. Through our HK Financial Services affiliate, HK offers world-class wealth management solutions.
franchising 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.
Hooters of America, LLC Since being founded in Clearwater, FL, in 1983, Hooters has become a part of Americana. From day one, Hooters has committed to making customers happy. With our world famous, often imitated but never replicated, chicken wings, and numerous other quality menu items, Hooters
International Franchise Professionals Group
for individuals looking to join the recessionresistant healthcare industry. Contact us to learn how you can own a business that cares for the community, is highly profitable, and that you can be proud of! Contact: Wes Sattler Phone: (440) 934-5858 Email: development@healthsourcechiro.com Website: www.healthsourcechiro.com
Our depth and level of franchising expertise along with our track record for providing independent and objective franchise advisory/consulting services clearly differentiates HK from all other franchise advisors across the country. When you partner with HK for your franchising needs, you will always have easy access to one of our owners who will walk in your shoes with you and who has a unique perspective on being an entrepreneur and business grower. Phone: 888.556.0123 www.honkamp.com
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
is that special place where everyone can enjoy a great meal, in a warm and inviting environment, with exceptional customer service. Contact: Stephen Sweetman Phone: 770-951-2040 Email: franchising@hooters.com Website: www.hooters.com/franchising
IFPG to power their business. All of these individuals understand the value of being associated with IFPG.
The International Franchise Professionals Group (also known as IFPG) is a membership based organization that has over 700 members. Our members consist of Franchisors, Franchisor Brokers, Lenders, and other Franchise Professionals that help potential candidates in the process of buying a franchise.
The IFPG is a strictly membership based organization that does not participate in any referral fees from our franchisor members or our brokers, thereby allowing all of our members to work freely together. Our long-term success is predicated on retaining our members and providing all the tools needed to help you sell more franchises, and close more deals.
Hundreds of nationally recognized franchise companies have chosen the IFPG and its members to represent their brand; hundreds of experienced franchise consultants and brokers have chosen the
If you’re a franchisor, franchisor broker, or another profession that serves the franchising industry call us today at (888) 977-IFPG to learn about membership opportunities.
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Jiffy Lube International Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast-lube category more than 35 years ago, changing the way millions of drivers care for their vehicles. Today, Jiffy Lube remains the #1 name in the quick lube industry in North America. With more than 2,000 independently owned and operated service centers across the U.S. and Canada, Jiffy Lube sees more than 20 million customers each year.
Little Caesars As the largest carryout-only pizza chain in the world, Little Caesars is doing something right. Little Caesars is an international brand and household name. It’s come a long way since starting as a single store in metro Detroit in 1959. The Little Caesars brand and distinction of being named “Best Value in America”* for the last ten years is proof of its commitment to satisfying customers by providing one of America’s favorite meals at an affordable cost.
Contact: Aimee Menard Phone: 800-327-9532 Email: aimee.menard@shell.com Website: www.jiffylube.com/franchise
nationwide. The company also offers opportunities in non-traditional franchise venues, including convenience stores, college campuses and military bases. Little Caesars works closely with franchisees to develop locations with customized architectural and build-out plans. *“Highest Rated Chain-Value for the Money” based on a nationwide survey of quick service restaurant consumers conducted by Sandelman & Associates, 2007-2015.
Today, Little Caesars is looking for franchisees to bring HOT-N-READY® pizza to a wide range of communities
Phone: 800-553-5776 Email: USdevelopment@LCEcorp.com Website: www.LittleCaesars.com
franchising usa
Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Mathnasium Learning Centers Mathnasium is an international franchiser of more than 900 math-only learning centers world-wide, where students K-12 attend to boost their math skills. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Mathnasium specializes in teaching kids math the way it makes sense to them through customized learning plans and our patented Mathnasium method. Mathnasium has been ranked as one of the fastest growing educational franchises in the world by
Midas Midas, a recognized brand throughout the world and highly renowned name in complete car care, is proud to be one of North America’s original franchise opportunities – and one of its best. With Midas, you experience the best of both worlds - the support of an experienced franchise organization and the satisfaction of operating your very own auto service enterprise. As a Midas franchisee, you become a trusted name the day you open your doors for business. Building consumer trust is at the heart of our brand. We work every day to earn that trust by providing expertise, responsiveness, and the best value to every customer every time. Benefit from nearly 60 years of “The Midas Touch”
Franchising USA
A proven model, Jiffy Lube offers convenient, quality service including the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change using premium Pennzoil lubricants, brake and tire service as well as ancillary service offerings.
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
Entrepreneur magazine, a top franchise to buy by Forbes magazine, and has remained in the top 50 franchises for franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review. With Mathnasium you can be a part of a community of franchisees who do well by doing good. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today! Phone: 855-351-MATH (6284) Website: Mathnasium.com/Franchise Email: FranchiseAd@mathnasium.com Contact: Franchise Development Team
Midas has built a stellar reputation in the automotive service and repair industry nearly six decades. We want to help you succeed. Before you open a location and as you continue to operate your shop, Midas will help you with the following: • Business management system for your shop • New franchisee orientation • Ongoing training and training resources • Operational support. • Development support • Optimizing and marketing your business: Join Midas today by calling 1-800-365-0007 or visiting www.midasfranchise.com! This website and any request for information or forms are not a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise.
Our Town America For 45+ years, Our Town America has been providing new movers with traditional hospitality by mailing warm housewarming gifts from local businesses in a premium welcome package. It is Our Town America’s mission to welcome new movers into their community, to help local businesses gain new loyal and long-term customers, and to provide franchisees with an excellent business opportunity. Thousands of satisfied business owners throughout the United States attest to the success and effectiveness of the Our Town America program, while dozens of locally-owned franchises validate the Our Town America concept as a viable business opportunity. Franchisees are neighborhood
pinot’s palette Pinot’s Palette is a pioneer of the paint and sip experience – a revolutionary way to enjoy art and wine, meet new people and bond with friends. #1 paint and sip for franchisee satisfaction – Pinot’s Palette is a unique, art-inspired entertainment concept catering to adults, corporations and kids. By combining art and wine into a single concept, Pinot’s Palette now offers an inclusive, social activity for guests to enjoy with friends, family or work team members.
Remedy Intelligent Staffing Remedy Intelligent Staffing is a nationwide staffing organization with over 50 years of recruiting and selection expertise to match qualified candidates with employment opportunities where they will succeed. Our franchise brands, Remedy Intelligent Staffing and Westaff, place candidates in a variety of positions, primarily light industrial with a secondary niche of administrative/clerical. Our three core offerings include temporary, direct hire and temporary-to-hire staffing services.
Restoration1® Restoration1® is the fastest growing restoration franchise in the emergency restoration industry for mold, water, fire and smoke damage, handling jobs of all sizes across the nation for residential and commercial property’s. Our business is based on local and regional relationships with insurance adjusters, building inspectors, subcontractors and policy holders. It is always in high demand and not affected by economic trends because it is based on necessity, not discretionary spending.
marketing consultants, showing local business owners how to target their best prospects with enticing offers via direct mail. Since beginning to franchise in 2005, Our Town America has been consistently ranked a Top 50 Franchise by the Franchise Business Review, making them the only Advertising brand to land a spot in the 10-year Hall of Fame and the sole company to be crowned the Franchise Business Review’s All-time Top Company. Website: http://ourtownamerica.com Email: franchising@ourtownamerica.com
Pinot’s Palette’s entertaining environment, expert guidance from trained local artists and exceptional customer experience creates strong word of mouth, community recognition and a loyal customer base. Pinot’s Palette looks for franchisee partners who love to entertain and values that fit comfortably within the Team Pinot culture. Not art experience required! Franchising since 2010 with more than 130 locations in 33 states, Pinot’s Palette is an established, awardwinning concept leading the paint and sip industry. Website: www.PinotsPalette.com/Franchise or Email: Franchise@pinotspalette.com
The parent company, EmployBridge, with corporate headquarters in Atlanta, GA, operates more than 490 offices nationwide and is the 10th largest provider of staffing and workforce solutions in the world. With annual sales over $3.2 Billion, we employed over 460,000 associates on assignment at more than 19,900 companies throughout the USA. Contact: Chad Wright, Franchise Development Director Phone: 877-478-4033 Email: franchise@employbridge.com Website: www.remedyfranchise.com
candidates, as it involves no inventory, no brickand-mortar location and high-volume growth that continues through almost any economic climate. Our ethics, professionalism, quality and availability are carried out at each of our franchise locations. Our team is committed to giving franchisees the support system they need to succeed in these same areas. Restoration 1 Franchisees can reach full potential with our superior training, technical support and in-territory support.
Our model is a powerful opportunity for the right
Contact: Gina Roberson Phone: 800-993-0803 Email: gina@restoration1.com Website: www.restoration1.com
franchising usa
Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
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franchise & serv ices directo ry
franchising 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.
SUBWAY® When you own a Subway® sandwich shop, you’re part of the world’s largest Quick Serve Restaurant chain and one of its most recognized brands, and you’ll get the support and experience that comes with it. Be part of a winning brand that keeps customers coming back for delicious meals made just the way they want. Subway® is the undisputed leader in fast, wholesome food. Our sandwiches are made to order right in front of the customer, precisely the way they want - using freshly baked breads, select sauces and a variety of delicious
To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
toppings. When you join the Subway® family, you’ll get world-class support before you even make your first sandwich and well beyond. Our franchise support system features: training, product development, advertising, purchasing cooperative, field support and much more. Contact: Ralph Piselli, North American Franchise Sales Manager Phone: 203 877 4281 Email: Franchise@subway.com Website: www.subway.com
and even birthday parties. At sweetFrog, we take pride in being a part of our community and we treat our guests like family.
sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt is not only one of the most rapidly-expanding frozen yogurt concepts; we are one of the fastest growing franchises of any category in the nation!
In addition to offering the best in quality service to our communities, sweetFrog has a proprietary line of our very own yogurt which ranks well above the rest in taste tests across the globe. As the industry leader, our Research and Development team is constantly searching out and testing for the next great and most delicious flavor!
Our stores have become pillars in each community, hosting little league celebrations, school fundraisers,
Phone: 804-835-6761 Website: www.sweetfrog.com/franchise Email: shemar.pucel@sweetfrog.net Contact: Shemar Pucel
The Dry Boys
We are the ONLY water-damage restoration franchise that rewards exclusive territories.
The Dry Boys is a water-damage restoration company that concentrates strictly on floods, water damage and any water related disasters of any size.
You will receive customized One-On-one training on your schedule from myself, I will teach you and relay to you everything I have learned and experienced over the past 25 years on the field, I will duplicate real-life scenarios, floods and disasters in our state of the art training center so when you go out in the field, you have already seen it all. But training is only the beginning; the support that follows is what will make the big difference.
From a small flood in your basement to a major hurricane disaster we are ready and capable of restoring your residential of business property in rapid fashion. We’ve implemented a unique system that allows us to be more efficient when we respond to any job and our locations have an advantage of getting the work done with a resourceful process that benefits the home owner and the franchise owner alike.
the inspection boys The home Inspection business is one of the most In-Demand trades in the country and The Inspection Boys is the lowest Start-Up franchise inspection business opportunity in the nation. The Inspection Boys has a unique marketing structure to get you up and running quickly, has an amazing training and support system to ensure that you’re ready to go out and conquer your territory and most of all it offers a corporate team that will be with every step of the way. Besides for being the lowest start-up inspection
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Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad!
sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt
Voted the #1 frozen yogurt shop in the US in 2016 by The Daily Meal, sweetFrog continues to offer amazing franchise opportunities for all entrepreneurs.
The
Excellent for branding and recognition.
You can get more information about our business at our website www.TheDryBoys.com or call us at 844 99-DRYBOYS – I urge you to take a look at the site and learn more about our company.
franchise business in the nation, The Inspection Boys also offers you the lowest royalty program, the lowest overhead cost and the largest territory sizes in the trade. When you join the Inspection Boys, you will join more than just a franchise business, you will join a family oriented team that cares and looks out for your success and accomplishments. Reach out to us today at 800 819-4403 or at info@theinspectionboys.com and find out for yourself. You may also check us out at TheInspectionBoys.com
Page 59 The Interface Financial Group – IFG 50/50 The Interface Financial Group – IFG 50/50 is an affordable home-based franchise that provides short-term working capital to small and medium-sized businesses by purchasing current, quality invoices at a discount, thus accelerating the client’s cash flow and growth. All transactions are syndicated 50/50 with the franchisee and the franchisor, and that means less working capital required to fund transaction: IFG does the bulk of the due diligence and the ‘paperwork’ for the transactions, and IFG 50/50 franchisees will concentrate their efforts on building the referral relationships – they do the ‘people work’. Key advantages of being an IFG 50/50 franchisee include: • No staff to hire, fire, or manage
TopFire Media TopFire Media is an integrated digital marketing and public relations agency, specializing in the franchise industry. Our clients benefit from our years of experience in franchise SEO service, public relations, media relations, content writing and management, social media marketing, and web design. We work to bring all of these elements together to achieve a common goal – our clients’ success.
Veterans Business Services Veterans Business Services provides the most advantageous franchise acquisition terms for Veterans and provides innovative entrepreneurial training for qualified Veterans seeking grants under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Veterans Business Services (“VBS”) specializes in entrepreneurial opportunities for Veterans and has an extensive reach into the Veterans community and can generate significant interest from qualified Veterans who wish to start a franchise or small business. VBS offers multiple marketing methods that have proven effective with helping franchise organizations with their expansion plans. Utilizing custom email marketing
• No storefront to own, lease, or maintain • No Inventory or stock to purchase • No extensive travel because IFG franchisees do business locally • Business-to-Business, professional environment with regular business hours of operation • Flexibility to relocate for part of the year or permanently and continue doing business Our franchisees are excellent communicators, relationship builders with decision-making and problem-solving skills, and much more sales & marketing oriented. IFG has been in the ‘invoice discounting’ business since 1972, and employs its franchise network in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Mexico and South Africa. www.interfacefinancial.com
Our integrated approach combines our public relations and franchise SEO service prowess and is designed to generate brand awareness, drive consumer engagement, and build credibility for your company. Phone: (708) 249-1090 Fax: (708) 957-2395 Website: www.topfiremedia.com Email: info@topfiremedia.com Contact: Matthew Jonas
campaigns, news press releases, and online franchising e-magazine articles, VBS gets the message to qualified Veterans who are invested in starting a franchise. VBS supports service disabled Veterans who are enrolled in the self-employment track within the Veterans Administration and provides outreach efforts to transitioning military through TAP and ACAP programs. As a graduate business of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (“EBV”), we also assist other graduates of EBV and provide coaching support through mentoring programs. VBS is where Veterans turn to make their franchise dreams a reality. Contact: James Mingey Phone: 202-349-0860 Email: info@veteransbusinessservices.us Website: www.veteransbusinessservices.us
Whats On In Franchise “Whats On In” is a unique cost effective Business to Consumer Franchise, capitalizing on the $83 Billion that is spent by businesses advertising their businesses. Acquire you OWN “exclusive state” and build the locations as you go.
We also offer Master Franchise rights throughout the USA & around the world. Full online training & support, in-depth member’s area and an excellent ROI. “Be part of our Global Franchise”.
Our unique 50-50 system allows you to develop your business with “no hands on.” A typical “Whats On In” website will offer you a $5,000 $8,000 monthly income.
Contact: Stephen Smith Phone: +44 7860 833822 Email: enquires@woifranchise.com Website: www.woifranchise.com
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Excellent for branding and recognition.
A-Z Listings are a great way to promote your business, giving you a presence within our publication and also the Franchising USA website. Each detailed, full colour A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Choose a 12 or 6 month package or simply add the A-Z directory onto your Focus, Profile or Ad! To learn about the A-Z directory or any other products please contact Vikki Bradbury: advertising@cgbpublishing.com or 778-426-2446
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The Ultimate Professional Franchise Opportunity
www.interfacefinancial.com/franchise
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