Franchisingislatelybecomingoneofthegreatestwaystobeginone’sownbusiness.Franchisingprovidesaspiring
entrepreneurswiththesystems,tools,andsupporttobeginasuccessfulbusiness.Withvariousfranchiseoptionsto choosefrom,choosingaperfectfranchiserequiressomedeliberateponderingandthendecidingontheconclusionof logicalthought.
Itisessentialtokeepinmindthatselectingtheparticularfranchiseonlyonthebasisofthepopularityofthefranchisewould notbeanintelligentchoice.Doingtheappropriateresearchandusingthepowerofinquirytoaskalltherightquestionssuch as:whatindustryoneisinterestedin,howmuchoneiscapableofspending,whattypeofsystemonewants,howwouldone liketocontributetothebettermentoftheworld,etc.becomesessentialwhileselectingfranchise.Itisbettertoselecta franchisebythinkingrationallyandthenchoosingthebestonethatanswersallabovequestions.
Inrecenttimes,thegeneralobservationisthatpersonalservices,businessservices,quick-servicerestaurants,lodging,retail productsandservices,andcommercialandresidentialservicesaregrowingeveryyear.Apersonalservicesindustrywhich includeschildcare,tutoring,hairsalons,spas,seniorcare–owingtoanagingpopulation,etc.isespeciallyexperiencingthe rapidgrowth.Quitelowercostsoffuelhaveboostedtravelindustryresultinginincreasedgrowthinlodgingservices.
Duetotheuniqueneedsanddifferentlearningcapacitiesofthechildhometutoringfranchisetoaddressthespecificneedsof thechildisalsobecomingpopular.Therearesomeotherfranchisestoothatenablepeopletoachievetheirfitnessgoalsand contributetotheholistichealthofthepeople.Somefranchisesfreepeoplefromunwantedhairpermanently.Somefranchises arecontributingtoimprovingsportsexperienceforplayers.Franchisesinthespaindustryensurethefinesthealthand wellnesstreatmentsofpeople.
Duetoavailabilityofvariousfranchiseoptionsdependingontheneedsandinterestsoftheindividualsthereisanincreased opportunitytostartone’sownbusiness.Theremaynotbeabettertimetoexplorebecomingyourownbossbyopeningyour ownfranchisefromthemultipleopportunitiesyouhaveinthecurrentscenario.Onecanbeone’sownbossbyopeningone’s franchisebytakingadvantageofthefavorablesituationsinthemarketandalsofeelgreatsenseofsatisfactionbycontributing throughone’sfranchiseservices.
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FeaturingasourCoverStoryisanotableFranchisenamedFloorCoveringsInternational.ItisNorthAmerica’sleadinginhomedesignerfloorcoveringsbrand.Thiscompanyiscarefullycraftedoncreatingadiscernabledifferencefromanyother floorcoveringscompany.Itspecializesinresidential,personalizedflooring;selection,design,andinstallation.Floor CoveringsInternationaldeliversanentirein-homeflooringexperiencetoconsumers.Company’sproductselectioncoversall areasofmaterialsonemightconsiderforaflooringdesigninone’shome–carpet,hardwood,ceramictile,vinyl,and specialtyproductsfrombambootoslate,andaccentslikeglass.FCImerchandisesitsproductselectiontogiveonea beautifulselectionfromonlythefinestmanufacturers,bothfromNorthAmericaandaroundtheworld,anditbelievesitisa selectionunmatchedanywhereelse.
Also,makesuretogothroughthearticles,writtenbyourin-houseeditorialteamaswellasCXOstandpointsofnotable industrypersonalitiestohavebriefinsightsofthesector.
Let’sstartreading!
Recognizingtherenownedfranchises,InsightsSuccesshasenlisted“The10BestFranchisetoOpenin2019. ”Choosing a perfect franchise requires deliberate thinking and then selecting it on the conclusion of logical thought.Sharad Chitalkar
Adecadeorsoago,notmanywouldhaveimaginedthat we’dbebuyingeverythingfromcarstotoastersfromour livingroomcouchwithoutfirsthavingthechancetosee, touchandfeelourpurchases.
FloorCoveringsInternationalisNorthAmerica’soldestand largestshop-at-homefloorcoveringretailerwhichletsitscustomers see,touchandfeelitsproducts.Butcontrarytowhatonemight expecttohear,CompanyPresidentandCEO,TomWoodflatly saysthatthemobileconceptsofthepasthavenotbeen overwhelminglysuccessfulintheflooringindustry.Thatmightbe thecaseforsome.Butbyputtingalaserfocusonconsumerbuying habitsandexpresseddesires,itsoperatingmodel,growthability, marketingandadvertisingaswellasmerchandising,Woodhasbuilt FloorCoveringsInternationalintoacompanythatoperateswith Amazon-likeefficacy.In2003,FirstServiceBrands,aToronto basedcompanyspecializinginhomeservicefranchises,acquired thebrandandstartedtoputitsexpertiseinfranchising,in-home serviceandmobileconceptsonthesystem.
TomWoodtookthehelmofFloorCoveringsInternationalin2004. Byspecializinginresidential,personalizedflooring;selection, designandinstallation,in-homecustomerconsultation,this companyhascreatedadiscernabledifferencefromotherfloor coveringscompanies.
Woodsays, “You would think a mobile concept in flooring would make sense, but our competition is bricks and mortar. Customers don’t initially see the value in a mobile business. They have been trained by time and old habits. They wonder: Do we have enough samples? Can we provide the labor? They have the idea that since a bricks-and-mortar competitor is bigger, they must be better.” He adds, “Our success is predicated on our ability to execute in the home and to show the consumer that we truly can deliver an entire experience in the home. There is no need to go to the store.”
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Sanding
WoodbelievesthatFloorCoveringsInternationalcan reallydifferentiatebycreatingapersonalexperiencethat can’tbematchedoutsideoftheconsumers’home.
FloorCoveringsInternational’sroadtoprofitability didn’tcomewithoutafewbumps.Originallyfoundedin 1988asamom-and-pop,lowinvestment,work-fromhomefranchise,thefranchisor’smodelwasn’t sustainableforlong-termgrowthandresultedinhigh franchiseeturnover. “Additionally, I was the seventh President of Floor Coverings International in seven years and many of the franchisees didn’t trust a new leader,” Woodsaid.Headds, “We needed to take steps to gain consensus and trust in the early years. We invested heavily in the company. But that meant taking a company that was profitable to one that was losing money while we fixed the core issues.”
Thosefixes,accordingtoWood,resultedindoingthree mainthingsreallywell:
FloorCoveringsInternationalrevampeditshome experienceforconsumersfromtoptobottom.The franchiseeisnotnecessarilythepersonwhovisitsthe homebutratherDesignAssociatesareonstafftoadhere toarigorousexperiencemodelthatdemandsperfection. “This allows the customer to learn who we are, what we do and how we do it,” Woodsaid.
Franchiseeswereprovidednewtraininginareassuchas coachingandskilldevelopmentinteamleadershipand sales-teammanagement. “This allows our franchisees to scale their businesses more quickly and keep their people longer,” Woodsaid.
Ahighdollarinvestmentwasmadeinamobileplatform thatallowsDesignAssociatestodemonstratetheFloor CoveringsInternationalsystem,choosefromavast selectionofproducts,provideaquoteandsecurethesale allwhileinthecustomer’shome. “It’s the best in the industry,” Woodsaid.
Asaresult,aoncemom-and-popfranchisorthatwas slowandstodgyhasevolvedintoafastandexplosive machine,withafranchisebusinessmodelpredicatedon reaching$1.5millioninannualsalesinquickfashion.
Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International, Shows off Flooring Samples in Front of the Company’s Unique Mobile Showroom
AccordingtoWood, “I thought if we’re ranked number one in almost every category let’s get to number one in customer service. Company practice had been to send surveys to customers after we performed a job for them.” Headds, “The feedback was very positive for the most part, but I wanted to know what the mediocre or negative feedback was based upon.”
Wood’sdecisionwastoexpandthe customersurveystoincludethose whohadreceivedapresentationfrom afranchiseeanddidn’tmoveforward withthework.Existingcustomers whohadgonethroughthewhole processandchosentoworkwith FloorCoveringsInternational reportedverygoodresults.
Wooddecidedtosurveyeveryone whohadn’tmovedforwardafteran in-homepresentation.Initially,the customerswhodidn’tknowthename FloorCoveringsInternationalorhow itoperatesdifferentlythanother flooringcompanies,werereluctantto moveforwardbutwhenthe customersclearlyunderstoodthe entireoperationandservice,they lovedit.
Attheendof2013itbecameclear thatcustomersneededamuchclearer educationprocessbeforemakinga bigdecision.FloorCoverings Internationalalsorealizedthat franchiseesthemselvesshouldnot givethesalesandproduct presentations.Asabusinessbasedon style,designanddecoratingofthe home,itonlymadesensethatthe DesignAssociatesalreadyonboard shouldbethepeopleinteractingthe mostwiththecustomers.Asthe numberonemobileflooringretailer, thecompanyoffersover3000 flooringproductsandthefactthat customerscouldseethesamplesin theirownhomes,nexttotheir furnitureandwalls,madethismuch moreofadesignerexperience.
InJanuaryof2014Woodhiredtwo vendorswhospecializedinpolling thencontactingcustomersabouttheir experiences.After8monthsof diligentworkthecompanieshad minedatremendousamountof helpfuldatawhichgaveWoodthe answersheneeded.
“Our customer service experience had to change,” expressedWood. “That’s when we decided that we would recruit more Design Associates and put them through five weeks of intensive training to learn
the presentation process. We wanted it kept short, precise and simple. Think of what your dream floor would be. Then the associates find three options that will fit the “dream”, each ranging in appointments, (some are ecofriendly, some more durable, etc.) and that represent three pricing options.”
Internationallaunchedtheirnew, moreregimented,customer presentationexperience.
Woodssaysthatoneofthebest thingsFloorCoveringsInternational doesisshowthecustomerthetruth. Managingexpectationsgoesalong wayandFloorCoverings
Internationalvideostheprocessof measuringtherooms,rippingupthe floors,andalltheunpleasantnessof homeremodeling.Ifthereare problems,suchasmoldorother issues,thecompanyalsoaddresses thoseandfixesproblemsbeforethe floorislaid.Butbyseeingthetruth inwhatisgoingtohappen, customersarenolongerdisturbedby adayortwoofmess.Theyplan forit.
Towit,FloorCoveringsInternationalhastripledinsize sinceWoodbecamepresidentandheexpectstodouble insizewithinthenextthreeyears.Withover150 operatingfranchisesthroughouttheU.S.andCanada, FloorCoveringsInternationalexpectstoaddatleast50 morefranchisesthroughyear’send.FirstServiceBrands CEOCharlieChaseandconsultantDr.PaulWoolner wereworkingonaprojectthatusedfeedbackfromthe NPS(NetPromoterScore).Aspartofagroupofhighly rankedprofessionalhomeservicebrandsunderthe FirstServiceBrandsumbrella,ongoingmethodsfor excellenceandbenchmarkpracticesareconstantly beingresearched.
FloorCoveringsInternationalisrankedastheNumber OneMobileFlooringFranchiseonnumerouslists including Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise500 ® for the8thyearinarowandnowhasanNPSofbetween 76%and83%.Italsoenjoysa4.7outof5ratingon socialmediasites.Theindustryaverageis38%.
Our company is carefully crafted on creating a discernable difference from any other floor coverings company.
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EveryonehasafavoriteZoo. Forsome,itisthefamous BronxZooinNewYorkorthe SanDiegoZooinCalifornia;for others,itisasmall,nearbymunicipal Zoo.Regardless,aZooisaspecial placetowhichpeoplelovetoreturn repeatedly.Suchistheappealofthe ZooHealthClub;membersloveto returntoitscleanfacilities,helpful staff,immaculateequipmentand friendlyenvironment.
TheZooGymhaditsbeginningson FortLauderdaleBeach,FLinthe 1970sasasmallindependentgym.In 2009,theZooFranchiseCorp purchasedthesmallindependentZoo GymandCharlesCavuoto,EVPof Operationscreated“TheZooHealth ClubBrand.”Charleshelpedturnit intoaNationalFranchise.TheZoo HealthClubisatrendyplatformand offersagreatfitnessfranchise opportunity.JudyScott,Franchise SalesDirectorbrings40yearsof valuableexperiencetotheZooHealth Clubinbothfranchisesalesand corporatesupport.Judyhas successfullyoperatedlargechainsof HealthClubsandownedherown Fitnessfranchise.
ThepurposeofTheZooHealthClubis toprovideaqualitycenterfor pleasurable,meaningfulfitness activitiesforprofessionaladults.It focusesonaclean,upscale environment,customersafety,and facilityavailability.Itsproven commitmenttoqualityfitnessis displayedthroughcustomer satisfaction,employeeenrichment,and investorreturns.
Whileawardingafranchisee,Zoo HealthClubconsidersessentialfor franchiseetohaveasoundfinancial platformanditshouldbewillingto follow“FranchiseSystem”.Zoolooks infranchiseeforenthusiasmand excitementfortheproductoffitness, wantingtohelppeoplegetinbetter shapeandhealth.
ZooHealthClub’sfranchiseesare excitedabouttheZoobrand.Twenty fivepercentofitsexistingfranchisees arereadytoopentheirsecondand thirdlocations.Thereisnobettertime togetintothefitnessindustryandno bettertimetopurchaseyourfirstZoo HealthClubFranchise.
Asthefitnesstrendcontinueswithno endinsight,withmorepeoplejoining andkeepingmembershipsthanever before.Withover41.3million membersandthefitness,nutritionand weightlossindustryexceeding$44 billion,TheZooHealthClubfranchise ispoisedtokeepexpandingand continueitslong-termgrowth.
Withtheriseinpopularityofthe functionaltrainingfitness methodology,ZooHealthClub’s Blitz45Fitnessofferstheperfect combinationofgrouptrainingand personaltrainingcombinedintoone.
Blitz45isthebrainchildofCharles Cavuoto,EVPofOperations.The careerofCharlesspans50yearsinthe HealthandFitnessIndustrycreating, developing,operatingandowning fitnesscentersintheUnitedStatesand Canada.JudybringstoBlitz45her40 yearsofexperienceintheHealthand FitnessIndustry.Judyhasoperated largechainsofHealthClubsand ownedherownFitnessfranchise.She istheFranchiseSalesDirectorof Blitz45.HercontributiontotheBlitz45 franchiseistwo-fold.Judyhelped shapetheBlitz45franchise;shehasthe abilitytobuildrelationshipswith peopleinterestedinbecominga Blitz45franchisee,andmaintaining thoserelationshipsthroughouttheterm oftheirfranchise.
Blitz45hastakentwoofthetop industrytrends:GroupTrainingand PersonalTraining,andblendedthem intoone,creatingauniqueandexciting FunctionalTrainingStudio.Asthe fitnessindustryevolves,theboutique stylegroupfunctionaltrainingclasses haveexploded.Withthefirsttwoblitz45functionaltrainingstudios openingintheFortLauderdale,Fl. areait’sbeenexcitingfortheBlitz45 franchisethatitisreceivingpositive inquiriesfromalloverthecountry.
The Zoo Health Club is trendy and offers a great tness franchise opportunity.
ThepurposeandmissionofBlitz45istocreateateambasedapproach.Itoffersafunctionaltrainingfacilitythat appliesthethreekeystofitness:“Mindset,Motivation, Results.”
Everyworkoutisanewandfunexperiencethatproduce greatresults.Blitz45hascreatedanattractiveandeye catchingdesignwiththebestfunctionaltrainingequipment availabletoday.Itoffersnotonlythefunctionaltraining groupclassesbutalsoonetoonetrainingthatmakesit uniquefromitscompetitors.
TheBlitz45offersgreatincentivesfornewfranchiseesbut havingasoundfinancialplatformoffranchiseisstilla priorityforBlitz45.Italsolooksfortheabilityanddesireof franchisetobuildateamoftrainersthatwillencourageand awakenenthusiasminthememberstohavefunandget greatresultsfromtheBlitz45program.Blitz45believesthat followingthe“FranchiseSystem”willalwaysenhancethe successofthefranchise,anditisoneoftheimportant thingsitconsiderswhileawardingafranchise.
Astheboutique,stylegroupfunctionaltrainingtrend continuesitsclimbwithnoendinsight.Moreandmore membersareenjoyingtheteam-basedapproachandthe greatresultsderivedfromtheBlitz45program.Theblitz45 functionaltrainingfranchiseisintheperfectpositionfor massivegrowth.
The Zoo Health Club brand is a “Paw Above”
I own two Zoo Health Club franchisees in the Orlando, Fl. Area. Opening a Zoo Health Club was much easier than I thought. The reason for that is the tremendous amount of support from the team at Zoo Corporate. They take you by the hand and walk you through from the beginning, finding the right location, training to opening your Zoo Health Club. There is a franchise system in place and the more you follow it the more you enhance your success. I am excited about the Zoo brand and looking forward to opening my third Zoo Health Club. – ChrisLarocca
“The Blitz45 is fun, easy and affordable for both members and franchisees.”
“Being excited” is not saying enough about how we feel about owning a blitz45 functional training studio. Working with Judy and the blitz45 team has been a fantastic experience. The team at blitz45 did a great job finding a location and negotiating the best lease terms and conditions possible. The two days of training in our studio, that blitz45 provided was outstanding. For those of you looking for your own business franchise and enjoy fitness, we highly recommend you look at the blitz45 functional training studios. – KamalCudjoeandCraigWilson,Franchise ownersofthenewblitz45showplacestudioinDavie,Fl.
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Franchise offers the perfect combination of group training and personal training.
Jennifer Desloges
InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Founderand
CEOofJadeElectrolysis,JenniferDesloges,shares valuableinformationaboutJadeElectrolysisandabout itsremarkablecontributioninthecosmeticindustry. JenniferbecameanElectrologistin1989andhasdiligently developedthe“DeslogesMethodofElectrolysis”overthat period.Asaperfectionist,shelovedelectrolysisasacareer thatvaluestheneedtobeefficient,safeandexact.In2010 JadeElectrolysisbeganfranchisingandtodayitisinplace at11locationsandiscontinuouslyexpanding.
Belowarehighlightsfromtheinterviewconductedbetween JenniferDeslogesandInsightsSuccess:
Giveabriefoverviewofyourcompanyanditsvision.
Cosmetichairremovalisabillion-dollarindustry. Consumersaredrivenbysocialvaluesandnormstorid themselvesofunwantedhair.Adultmenandwomenofall ageshaveunwantedfacialandbodyhairwhichnegatively impactstheirlives.
Electrolysisistheonlypermanentmethodofhairremoval. Manypeoplewhohaveunwantedhairhavetriedsomeor allofthetemporaryremovalmethodsincludingwaxing,
threading,shaving,plucking,medicationsandlaserwhich oftenleadtoskinirritation,ingrownhair,scarringand always,thereturnoftheproblemhair.Consumersare frustratedwithconstantappointments,falsepromises, expensivetreatments,negativeeffectsandrecurringhair problems.Consumersareseekingabetterwayandtheyfind itatJadeElectrolysis.
Forindividualswhohavedecidedtheirimagecouldbe enhancedbythepermanentremovaloftheirunwantedhair, wearetheelitehairremovalspecialistsprovidingthe highestqualityandperfectedtechniqueonthemarket today,resultinginthemostaccurate,comfortableand fastestresultsavailable.
Whatarethecutting-edgeproducts/servicesofferedby JadeElectrolysis?
Electrolysiswasinventedin1869andistheonlypermanent methodofhairremovaltothisday.JadeElectrolysis' DeslogesMethodwasdevelopedover30yearsofpractice andteachingandprovidesprovenresultsunparalleledinthe industry.
Anestheticistheuseofxylocainetocreatea100%pain freeelectrolysistreatmentfortheclient;enhancingresults andcomfort.TheanestheticisadministeredbyaRegistered Nurseandperformedwithamanualneedleinjection.
Whatarethespecialfranchiseestrengthsthatmake JadeElectrolysisuniquefromitscompetitors?
JadeElectrolysisisafranchiseopportunitywithaproven modelforsuccess.AJadeElectrolysisfranchiseoffers:
· Strategiclocation,leasingandrenovation expertise
· Centralizedcallcenterandappointmentbooking
· Locumservice
· Topofthelineequipment
· Extensiveandon-goingtraining
· Provenmarketingandbranding
· Centralwebsite,promotionsandmarketing
· Pricelessexperienceandexpertise
Describetheexperiences,achievementsorlessonslearnt thathasshapedthejourneyofthecompany.
I’vebeenhappilymarriedfor38yearsandIthinkevery relationshipislikeamarriage.It’snotalwaysgoingtobe perfectBUTwhenthereareissuesyouneedtoputthe relationshipfirst.Whetheraclient,employee,orfranchisee, astheleaderofthecompanyItrytoempathizewitheach individual,trytoseethingsfromtheirperspective.How wouldIwanttobetreated?
Oneofthehardestrelationshipstonavigateisthatofthe franchisee/franchisor.So,in2017mydaughterbecamea franchisee,feedbackfromherhashelpedJademakealotof changes.
Giveadetaileddescriptionofyourcontributionoverthe companyandtheindustry.
AsawomanwithpolycysticovariesIknowwhatunwanted hairdoestoaperson,Iknowinmyhearthowdevastating thatfeels.Whenaclientmeetswithmethefirsttime,there isaninstantbond.Thesameheartfeltconnectionhappens whenImeetoneofmypractitionersorfranchisees.Ihave tofeeltheyunderstandhowunwantedhaircandevastate andthattheywanttohelppeople.Weareafamilybusiness. Myhusband,daughter,son,hiswife,mysister,brother,and nephew’swifeallworkatJadeinvariouscapacities.Just dealingwithpeoplecanbechallengingandworkingwith
peopleyouarerelatedtocanbemessy,complicatedand fun.IbelievethateveryoneworkingatJadefeelslike theyarepartofourfamily.
WheredoesJadeElectrolysisseeitselfinthelongrun andwhatareitsfuturegoals?
Consumersarebecomingmoreeducatedabouthair removal.Thefadoflaserispassingbutitdidbringwith itasenseofawareness,nolongerpeoplefeelashamed abouthavingunwantedhair.
OurhopeisthatonedayJadeElectrolysiswillbethe COKE,NIKE,APPLEofthehairremovalindustry.A namepeoplecantrustforasafe,caring,permanent solutiontounwantedhair.
Iknowit’saleapoffaitheverytimeaclientchooses Jade...everytimesomeonedecidestofranchisewithus. Whatseemlikearisktothemduringthedecision makingprocessisanobrainerafterthefact. OneofmyfavoritequotesbyThomasEdisonis, “Many
of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Thisquoteistheepitomeofmybusiness.Manytimes,I couldhavegivenup,butitjustwasn’tanoptionIwould consider.
In2018,JadeElectrolysissawitsmostprofitableyearto date.Thebusinessgrew25%withsalestotalingnearly $1.4Millionandnetprofitover$625Thousand.Sofar, throughthefirsttwomonthsofour2019fiscalyear, salesareup20%overlastyear.TodateJadehas11 locationsandourgoalistoopen9moreinthenext3 years.
Jade electrolysis has changed my life and made me SO happy! I am really pleased with how kind Jennifer is and the care she takes on my extra sensitive skin. I am already hair free for life in quite a few areas and almost done the last few! Not having to worry about shaving, waxing, and plucking etc. has been amazing and totally worth it! I would definitely recommend Jade and appointments with Jen! <3 –HavovieSuraliwalla
I cannot say enough good things about Jade Electrolysis and the staff at their Richmond clinic, particularly Jennifer. I have been visiting Jade to have my underarms treated and am over the moon with the results I’ve seen in only a few sessions. My hair is almost gone, sweating has gone down, and the skin is undamaged and still smooth! Best part of all, with freezing done by an RN on site - the process is pain free! The clinic itself is comfortable, clean and you can even watch Netflix during your treatment. If you are considering any type of hair removal, look no further than Jade. They are simply the best. –MikaC
“ The Jade Mission is to end the torment of unwanted hair and leave the client feeling thrilled. “
Abusinessthatauthorizesanindividualtouseits trademarks,associatedbrands,andother proprietaryknowledgeforwhichitchargesa certainannualfranchisingfeealongwithaportionofits profits.Thatbusinessoffersitsfranchisewitha considerationtoincreaseitsmarketshareorincreaseits geographicalpresenceatalowcost.
HeadquarteredinReykjavík,Iceland;BæjarinsBeztu Pylsurisoneamongthosefranchisors.Foundedin1937,it isarenownedHotDogslingercurrentlyheadedbyBaldur th IngiHalldórsson(4 generation)andGuðrún rd Kristmundsdóttir(3generation)ofthefounderJón Sveinsson.
AccordingtoBaldur,thehotdogsweremadeoutoflamb meatwhichgivesauniquetastetotheirproduct.Then, throughtheyears,thecompanyincollaborationwithSS madethehotdogsbetterandbetter,andcreatesoneofthe besthotdogsintheworld.AsperBaldur’swords, among famouspeoplewhohaveeatenatBæjarinsBeztuPylsur are,BillClinton,theFormerPresidentoftheUnitedStates, JamesHetfieldofMetallica,andtheKardashiansistershad theirbirthdaypartysongsangforthemoutsidecompany’s standin2016.
BæjarinsBeztuPylsuroperates5locationsinReykjavík, andfrommanyyears,theirdowntownlocationhasbeenthe mostlikelybusiestfoodplaceinIceland.InAugust2006, theBritishnewspaper‘TheGuardian’selectedBæjarins BeztuPylsurasthebesthotdogstandinEurope.
Thecompany’shotdogconsistoflambmeatwithbreadsas softasthecloudsalongwithspecialbrownmustard, remoulade(additionofmayowithrelish),ketchupmadeout ofapplesraw,andfriedonions.Theirslingersservethis hotdogwithin10seconds.Taste,qualityandserviceare takenasthestrengthattheirfranchisees.Theytakeitso seriouslythatifanycustomerisnothappywiththeirhot dog,theyprovideanewone.
GrowthinBusinessGenerationtoGeneration GuðrúnisthesecondgenerationandBaldur’smotheristhe thirdgenerationinfamilylineup.FirstgenerationwasJón SveinssonwhowasBaldur’sgreatgrandfather.The companyhasbeeninthesamefamilythewholetimeand wasfoundedandstartedasworkforBaldur’ssickgreat grandfatherwhocouldnotbeasailorduetohavingcancer.
ThegrandfatherofBaldur,asthesecondgeneration, masteredtheproductwiththebreadsandcondiments. The breadshemasteredandaddedmorecondimentslikemayo withrelish,andfriedonions.Thatfinishedinthelate70’s withremoulade.Healsocustommadethecooking equipmentwhichisabigpartofhowthehotdogsstay sogood.
Afterwhich,Baldur’smother,asthethirdgeneration,took overandinitiatedthefirstlocationoutsidethestartinglocal in1998,andgrewtwomorelocationsinthefollowing years.Shealsostartedmakingthebusinessknownintourist magazinesabroadandgotthetrendgoingthatmakesthe company’sdowntownlocationiconicforitslongqueues.
Laterthen,asthefourthgeneration,Baldurtookoverand expandedtwomorelocationsandmodernizedthecompany asingettingitoutoftheheadsofhimandhismother.Kept goingthegreatreputation,thecompanyhasinthehearts andmindsofIcelanders.Thecompanyhasgrownalotdue toincreasedsalesinIcelandtouristboom.Nowtheyareat theendofmodernizingthecompanyandarereadytogrow further.Alongwiththegrowth,theiraim,goal,vision,and mission,istoofferthebesthotdogatagoodpricewith greatservice.
Fromthelastinceptionofthecompanymostofthefamily membershavecontributedintheprogressionofthe BæjarinsBeztuPylsur.Therefore,Baldurconsiders BæjarinsBeztuPylsurasafamily.Hiscompanyemployed mostofthefamilyatsomepointintheirlivesandkeepstaff verywell.Hehas3employeeswithover45yearsof workingwiththecompany.Hebelievesthatgoodstaffis thebackboneofofferingqualityproductandgoodservice. AtBæjarinsBeztuPylsur,theytraintheirstaffwelland empathizethattheyareaservicecompanyhavinggreathot dogsreadyatamomentnoticeforpeoplepassingby. Baldurstatesthat,“Well trained staff, consistent product and great service is what make our hot dogs the best!”
“Five star outdoor hot dog stand. Nothing fancy, no frills. But a very tasty and ‘hot dog’on a cold day. The hot dogs hear are made with lamb and it appears to be as much of a national past-time as in the states. They love smothering them with sauces and also put something crunchy
underneath the hot dog in the bun. (Something like French fried onion rings) Don’t know but don’t care. They were yummy and filling. Well worth the wait and line to get them. A must do while in Reykjavic. Also the vendor took care of the homeless. He provided 3 homeless people and 1 dog with free hot dogs. Nice to see, people are taking care of people. I offered to purchase the homeless group a hot dog but they declined, stating the vendor would give them for free, which he did. Amazing! So really a 4 star food experience but they got the fifth star as a bonus for compassion and humanity.”–ToddC.,Westfield, Massachusetts
“Not something I thought I would find to be popular in Iceland, but, man, they like their hot dogs. They’re different from the American style, but they are good and worth a visit! The line can be long, but they are quick and you won’t be disappointed!”–Madhawk,LuxembourgCity, Luxembourg
“This hotdog was super good. The toppings were delicious and the bun was perfect. The hotdog was very tasty. The stand is very busy. Definitely, worth a stop for a quick bite.” –Mlowinski,PalmBeachGardens,Florida
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur or Towns Best Hot dogs, serves you the best hot dog in town
— Baldur Ingi Halldórsson Owner Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Theworldoffashionandretail isgoingthroughcontinuous changes;itseemsasifassoon asanyonegetsanewsystemsetup,it changesagain.Thereismore confusionthanthereareremedies.Old timers,aswellasnewfashionhouses, haveeitherdownsizedorcompletely closedtheirdoorsintherecentyears. Everytimesomeonereadsanarticle fromso-calledprofessionals,they noticeevenmoreemphasison customerservice;althoughcustomer serviceisanimportantpartofthe business,bynowitisprettymucha standardprocedurethroughouthigh endretailers.
Ifwereviewallbusinessesingeneral, whatwenoticeisthatthosewhoare succeeding,atleastcomparingtomost others,havecertainelementsin commonandoneinparticular:value. Operations,suchasTJMaxx,are
growingandforcingmostother departmentstorestobecomeirrelevant. MajorspecialtyEuropeanchains,such asZARAorH&M,deliverfashion,a coolplacetoshop,aswellasvalue. Theyaretakingmarketsharefrom theirU.S.competitorsseasonafter season.MostU.S.stores,upuntilthe closuresbeganacoupleofyearsago, wereforcedbyWallStreettogrow withoutanyconcernforprofitability. Thereisaverybigconflictwithmost topexecutive’sinterestsandactual businessmodels.Theyareexpectedto growthetoplinefirst,sothatthe chainsandotherretailingmajors continueoversaturatingallU.S. marketswiththeirfootprints;onlyto berewardedontheshort-term,while theirtenuremaylast.Whentheyleft, theyalsoleftalessmanageableand morechallengingbusinessforthenext grouptonavigate;theykickedthecan downtheroad.
Thebiggestchallengeforthelarger companiesisthefactthateveryone wantstotweakthebusiness,rather thanreviewingallnutsandboltsof theirmodel.Now,discountersmust givedepartmentstoresarunfortheir money,andsomeEuropeansaredoing thesametoU.S.chains;nooneis willingtotakeamajorrisk,theyare notevenlookingatthoseissuesand whocanblamethemforbeingscared? Asforthesmaller“momandpop shops,”unlesstheycancomeupwith somethingotherthantryingtobuy betterorgiveabettercustomerservice, theiryearswillbenumberedinall majormarkets.Therewasatimewhere therewereafewboutiquesonmost NewYorkCityblocks,buttoday,aside fromjustafew,theynearlyareall gone.Thosemodelswouldlikelystill workforsuburbswherethosemajor chainsdonotfinditprofitabletohave apresence.
At the age of 24, fashion designer Bahram Hakakian opened his rst retail location, BARAMI, with a vision of giving women what they deserve out of fashion. Now, founder Bahram Hakakian, aka BARAMI, and his three daughters are proud to announce the new direction of their fashion empire, by creating a wholesale collection as Patrizia Luca. Their collection is being sold within a wide variety of specialty stores, as well as their own BARAMI locations; turning their retail stores into a multibrand, one stop shop for the professional on the go.
Technologyhasforcedretailersandbusinesses tolookintoe-commerce,however,mosthave notyetdiscoveredhowtomakeitprofitable. Withonlinereturnratesbeinganaverage35%, restockingandputtingitemsbackintotheir originalshapecouldbecomealabor-intensive process;allassumingtheitemsareunusedupon theirreturn.Shoppingonline,whilegreatfor technologypurchases,givesnopersonal immediategratification.Shoppingforfashion hasbeenanoutingformanyindividuals,to bondwithfriendsandfamily.Wekeephearing differentratiosofnumbersofonlineselling versusbrickandmortarselling.Accordingto theco-authorof Conversion Optimization, KhalidSaleh,in2018,8.9%ofallretailsalesin theU.S.camefromonlineselling.Thismeant therewerestillanother91%ofsalesthatwent
tobrickandmortaroperations;aratherlargenumber.Ifwealsotakeinto accountthatbetween20,000to25,000storeshaveclosedtheirdoorsin thepastfewyearsandsplitthosesalesthroughtheirremainingstores,the potentialbecomesevengreater.
ZARA,anditscounterparts,haveeffectedeverycountryintheglobe.All this,whileregisteringsuccessandgrowthyearafteryear.Theydeliver fashionatagoodprice,however,theyarefocusedmostlyonatrimmer womanandayoungergeneration.Americanwomenaresized,onaverage, betweenafourteenandasixteen;mostcannotshopthattypeofproduct. ThisleavesaspaceopenforfashionintheU.S.thatismadefor individualsactuallyresidingintheU.S.
Whatneedstobelookedat,isanexcitingcollectionthatwillnotbeall overspecialtychainsandisdonefortheU.S.market.MostU.S.stores havetheircustomerstrainedtobuywhentheyarerunningsales;whenthe merchandiseismarkedupmerelytobemarkeddown.Inothervalue orientedchains,theymarketatthepricethattheywanttosellandwhen theyrunasaleforalimitedtime,thestoresgetpacked.Weoftennotice thatmostofthesestoresremovetheirstapleitemsfromtheirsalesfloor duringsaleperiod,whileaddingotherleftover,orolderitems,tothesales floor.Thus,changingacustomer’sperceptionandretrainingthemtobuy atfullpricewillbecomeadauntingtaskthatwillputmostchainsinanowinsituation.
Onewouldliketoassumethelandscapewillchangewithinthenext decadeorso,sincewewillbeevolvingaseachyearpasses.
BaramiHakakian BARAMIstores
Planningoutagoodfitnessprogramisessentialto
promotingandmaintaininggoodhealth.Many peopleexercisebutdon’texperiencethefull benefitsthattheirworkoutscanprovide.Byjoininga studiothatincreasespersonalgrowthandselfacceptance,youcangetsomuchmorethanaworkout.
TheBarreCodewasbuiltuponthemissionstobea best-in-classfitnessprogram,topromotepersonal growthandself-acceptance,andtofosteranenvironment wherewomensupportoneanother.Itgoesbeyondthe barretooffercardio,strength,andrestorativeclasses withanemphasisonpositivemotivationand empowerment.Withawidevarietyofclassstyles, custom-curatedplaylists,andanemphasisonpositive motivation,TheBarreCodeisthemostefficientand results-drivenfitnessprogram.
TheBarreCodeismorethanagreatworkout;itisa fitnesscommunitywithamissionaroundself-acceptance andfemaleempowermentthatwillhelpyoustrengthen yourrelationshipwithyourbodyandthewomenaround you.Itsrobustprogramisdrivenbymusic,andits studioscomeequippedwithbluelightstocreatean empowering,calmingexperience.
TheBarreCodeoffersthehighest-quality,most comprehensivefitnessprogramforwomen,blendingthe balletbarrewithvariedroutinesandoutstanding classroominstructiontocreatemaximumresults.The BarreCodeprogramisspecificallyengineeredto combinecardiovascularconditioning,toning, detoxification,anddeepstretchingthroughitsvarietyof classformats,givingclientsallthetoolstheyneedto meetandexceedtheirfitnessgoals.
TheBarreCodecombinesroutinesthatchangeweekly withmotivationalcoachingandcustomizedmusicto createtheultimatefitnessexperience.Itisalsoalifestyle brand,gearedtowardfacetsoutsideoftheworkout throughitsmantraandtagline“LivebytheBarreCode.”
TheBarreCodeutilizesinnovativepropsandequipment initscomplete,total-bodyprogramtokeepthemind engaged,thebodychallenged,andtheresultscoming.Its intensiveinstructortrainingprogramrequiresinstructors todevelopafirmgraspoftheprinciplesbehindthe movements,aswellasadeepunderstandingofhowto effectivelymotivateclientstobelieveintheirstrength andabilities.
Asacompany,TheBarreCodehaslearnedtocelebrate thewinsandalsothe“fins”–failuresthathavebecome winsbecausetheytaughtthemsomething.TheBarre CodeHQdriveseverythingfromitsmissionandvision, andhascraftedan“Actionable8”thatguidesitsstaff& instructorsacrossthecountrytoalwaysleadfroma positiveplace.
Builtofftheirpersonalfitnessbackgroundsandunableto findanythingsimilarintheboutiquefitnessspace,The BarreCode’sCo-CEOsandCo-founders,Jillian LorenzandArianaChernincreatedTheBarreCodein 2010.TheyarestilldeeplyinvolvedinTheBarreCode, bothonadailybasisandasdrivingforcesbehindthe brand,trainingprogram,anditsexpansionacrossthe country.
TheBarreCodeisfocusedonlargescalegrowthinkey marketsacrossthecountrysothatitcancontinueto spreadthemissionofTheBarreCodenationwide.The hopeisthatsomedayeveryoneassociatesthe“barcode” withanideaofbeingindividuallystrong,butevenmore empoweredtogether.
“I love The Barre Code because it challenges me every single class! I’m surrounded by amazing women that push me to work harder. The instructors are the best! And I’m in the best shape of my life! Better shape than I was in high school – I’ve lost more than 30 pounds!” –SydneySheriff,TheBarreCodePittsburgh
“I love the sense of community, as well as the style of workouts that always leave me feeling refreshed, energized, and calm and makes me want to come back!” –CamilaCamille,TheBarreCodeMiami
“In dedicating my career to serving others I have in the past struggled with neglecting my own needs. TBC has been instrumental in providing a supportive and empowering environment to restore balance to my physical and mental health. TBC has taught me the positive impact of taking time for myself every day and how critical physical coping is to reducing stress from work and everyday life.” –AutumnPeterson,TheBarre CodeAnnArbor
The Barre Code goes beyond the barre to offer cardio, strength, and restorative classes with an emphasis on positivity & empowerment.
“
— Jillian Lorenz Co-CEO & Co-founder The Barre Code
Employees,management,andthecustomersarethe
threemostvitalandintegralpartofeverybusiness operation.Ofteneverycompanyfocusesheavilyon thethirdaspecti.e.thecustomers,justifiablycorrectaswell asitistheultimatesourceofrevenuegenerationthrough whichacompanyrunsandflourish.Butitisalsoequally importanttofocusonthefirstaspectwithequalforce-that istheemployees-whichcreatethevalueforthe organization.Companieshirepeople,trainthemandtryto retainthemaslongaspossible,butnotalwaysan organizationandespeciallymanagersdothethingswhich increasetheemployeeengagementwiththeorganization. Hereweenlistedfewtime-testedmantrasthatcanhelpany managertoimproveemployees’longevitywiththe organization.
rd
Everyemployeeworksforalmost1/3 ofthedaytimein achievingcompany’sobjective.Employeesworkfor hoursandgetpaidaswellfortheirlabour.Butisn’tit wouldbegreatifthetopperformingemployeesget immediaterecognitionfromtheirsupervisor.Study showsthat,whenmanagersprovide appreciation/bonus/incentivestothetopperforming employees,itdoesnotonlycreateaspecialbond amongsttheemployeesandthemanagementbutalso increasestheprobabilityoflongerassociationof employeeswiththecompany.Doingsuchthingsalso boostupemployeesconfidenceandmoraletowardswork thatultimatelybenefitsthecompanyatlarge.
Manypeoplelovegaming.Therearepeoplewhoare almostmadaboutgamingandcandowhateverittakesto excelinthisformoffunactivity.Butitisnoteasyto excelingaming,gamershavetofirstunderstandallthe nitty-grittyassociatedwiththeirfavouritegameincluding rules,differentstages,rewards,difficultylevels,bonanza priceamongstothers.
Aftertakingcognizanceofsuchthingsandpractising religiously;agamerreallytransformintoanexpert.On contrarytothis,whenitcomestoemployeesinany
organization,performanceandethicalbehaviourdecides theirfutureintheorganization.Unfortunately,whenthings donotgowell,managersleftwithnooptionbuttotake somestrictactionagainsttheemployeewhichmanytimes createstrainintherelationship.
Toavoidsuchthings,itismusttobriefaboutcompany’s policies,businessobjectivesandvaluesinadvancesothat eachemployeeexactlyknowswhattransformationhe/she needstodoesinordertosyncwiththecompany’sculture. Nowitisalsoimportanttopreachsuchthingsbytaking seminar/inductionandother,sothatnewhirescan understandstheimportanceofit.Withoutface-to-face interaction,transferringthecorevalueisalmostimpossible. Therefore,itwouldbegreattoschedulebrief meetings/seminars/informalinteractivesessionswhichcan keeptheemployeesinsyncwiththecompany’scoreculture andassistthemtoworkontheirweakareas.Doingsuch thingalwaysavoidaconfrontingsituationatworkplaceand ultimatelystrengthenbondbetweenemployeesand management.
Whataparticularemployeelikes?Wherehe/shegraduated from?Whoareitsfamilymembers?Whatfunactivity he/shelikesinleisuretime?Whatannoysaparticular employeeatworkplace?Answerstosuchthingscanonlybe foundinthemindsofanemployee’scloseones.Ifasa manager,youtakeanactiveandethicalinterestinan
employee,itdoesnotonlyopenafriendlierpoolbetween youandtheemployeebutalsohelpyouunderstandhis/her motivations,likings,dislikingsandothervitalthingsthat arerequiredtounderstandyouremployeesbetter. Ultimately,itassistsamanagertocarryoutbusiness operationbyfocusingoncompany’sobjectiveswithease.
Thistypeofbondingalsonurturesaworkingrelationship thatcanopenthechannelsofcommunicationsothatwhen youremployeeshaveagoodidea,theyfeelfreetoreach youout.Thiswayyoucanbetheemployees’bosswith keepingemployees’trustandloveatthecore.
Howyoutalktoyouremployees?Howyoubehavewith them?Howseriouslyyouresolvetheirgrievances?How muchspaceareyouprovidingthemtogrowintotheir career?Thesearesomeofthehard-hittingquestionsthat everymanagerhastotakeseriously.Nomatterhow competentamanageris,ifyouwon’tcreateanatmosphere ofmutualrespect,chancesoflosingyourgripontheteam remainhigh.Moreover,ifmanagersfindthemselves poundingonthedeskandengaginginintimidationtactics, goodchancesaretherethattheycanloserespectamong theiremployees.Butifthemanagerscreateapositive workplaceenvironmentbasedonsharedrespect,thenitwill onlyleadtowardsgrowingyourauthoritythattoowith affectionatebondingwiththeemployees.
Beingfriendlyisagoodthing.Itresolvesmanyproblems. In-fact,sometimesitsolvestheproblembeforeitarisesand thuseverymanagershouldhavethisqualitytocreatea bond.Butsometimesyourfriendlydemeanouratworkplace getsexploitedbysomeemployees.Occasionally,some employeescan’tseparatethefriendlybossfromthefriend andswitchgearsfrequentlybetweenwork-funmode.Ifyou findanemployeethatisbecomingoverlyfamiliar,joking, ordisrespectingsomeone,thisisrighttimetoshowyour authorityandkeepthework-placedisciplineundercontrol. Doingthiscanhelpmaintainingdisciplinewithouteven offendingsomeone.
Although,thelistisendlessbutthesetechniquessurelydo wondersformanagersandorganizationsiffollowed consistentlyandstringentlyandhelpthemachievethe desiredgoalofemployeeretentionforlong.
InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Founderand PresidentofPickUpUSAFitness,JordanMeinster, sharesvaluableinformationofPickUpUSAFitness andaboutitscontributionasafitnessfranchise.PickUp USAFitnessisthefirstandonlybasketball-focusedfitness clubconceptoperatingintheUnitedStates.The demographicsforitsclubs’customersareamazingly diversewithservicesformen,womenandchildrenas youngas5yearsold;andskilllevelsfrombeginnersto experts.Itsgymsoffertraditionalamenitieslikeweight& cardioroomsforthe60millionpeoplenationwidethatare gymmembers.Combinethiswithbasketball-focused servicesforthe30millionpeoplenationwidethat participateinthesport,itoffersatremendousopportunity tobuildagreatbusinessinone’sneighborhood.PickUp USArecentlyannouncedamulti-unitpartnershipwithNBA veteran,RudyGay.
BelowarehighlightsfromtheinterviewbetweenJordan MeinsterandInsightsSuccess:
Giveabriefoverviewofyourcompanyanditsvision. PickUpUSAgymsarebasketball-focusedfitnessclubsthat offergroupandprivatebasketballtraining,weightand cardiorooms,andourmainfeature–PickUpbasketball withreferees.Weserveyouthandadultclientsinclubs acrossthecountry.
Whatarethecutting-edgeproducts/servicesofferedby PickUpUSAFitness?
Whatsetusapartareouruniquebasketball-focused offerings.Weprovidefunyetchallengingbasketballboot-
camps,andresults-orientedprivatetrainingsessionsforour athletestolearnanddeveloptheirskillstoachievetheir goals.Anotherkeydifferentiatorisourorganizedand officiatedPickUpGames.Ourmembershavethe opportunitytoplayindailycompetitivePickUpGamesthat retainsallofthefunaspectsofpickupbasketballyetcuts outallofthehassle.Wecombinethesebasketballservices withfullweight/cardiorooms,anddeliveratruefullservicefitnessclubtoourmembers.
Whatarethespecialfranchiseestrengthsthatmake PickUpUSAFitnessuniquefromitscompetitors?
PickUpUSAdeliversasystem-orientedstructurethat providesfitnessentrepreneursasubstantialheadstartto theirroadtosuccesswithintheindustry.Ourcorporate teamisenthusiastictoprovideround-the-clockassistanceto helpfranchiseownersachievetheirgoalsandgrowthe brandasawhole.Thefranchiseownersareallbasketball enthusiaststhathavestrongbusinessbackgrounds.Thishas helpedcreateateamoffranchiseownersthatarehighly passionateaboutouroffering,andthathavethebusiness acumentodrivestrongoperationalandfinancial performance.
Describetheexperiences,achievements,orlessons learntthathasshapedthejourneyofthecompany. Thedevelopmentprocessthatbroughtusfromaninitial concepttowherewearenowhasbeenachallengingyet valuablejourney.We’velearnedcountlesslessonsthrough theroughroadoftrialanderrorastohowtobestmeetour customer’sneedsandthriveasanindependentgym.Name anobstacleandwe’veprobablyovercomeit.Fromsite
location,toconstruction,toscheduling,tostaffing,to training,tosales;we’veencounteredthewholegamutof challengesandcannowconfidentlyimplementourtried andtruesystemtofitnessentrepreneurslookingtoavoid thosesamepitfalls.Mostimportantly,wehavelearnedfrom thecustomersandalwaysstructuredourservicesbasedon whattheconsumersaredemanding.Aftersevenyearsof operatingexperience,wehaveabusinessmodelin-place thathasbeencraftedthroughexperienceandadaptingto consumerpreferences.
WheredoesPickUpUSAFitnessseeitselfinthelong runandwhatareitsfuturegoals?
Wearelessthanthreeyearsoldasafranchisorandcannow boastsitesin4stateswithadditionalsitespendingin3 otherstates.Theskyisthelimitbecausebasketballisa trulyglobalsport.Weenvisionourselvestobeinga nationwidebrandthatwillbeoperatinginall50statesand possiblybeyond.Thefocusofthecompanyisondelivering strongunitleveleconomicsateachfranchiselocation,and continuingtorefinethemodeltoensurePickUpUSA deliversworld-classservicetothecustomers,andstrong economicreturnsfortheclubowners.
I was previously a member at 24 Hour Fitness and Planet Fitness, but after finding this hidden gem, I instantly knew this was the gym for me. PickUp USA Fitness is more than just a basketball focused fitness club. They have a fully equipped fitness room that is never packed and is easily the cleanest gym I’ve ever been to.
Starting our month long membership, father & son bonding while getting fit! Great staff, clean facility everything you need to get in game shape conveniently located off the 210 freeway 10min from Dena! Come get it in and see for yourselves.
I finally have a “go to” place to play b-ball without having to gather 10 friends and rent a court. I can go everyday knowing that there will be to people to play a full court game. The gym is nice and clean and I can play ball for cardio. I think the best part about this place is that the facility and equipment are well maintained.
JordanMeinsterplayedPickUpbasketballhisentirelife, andalwaysenvisionedagymthatwouldimprovethe basketballexperienceforthemillionsofplayersacrossthe country.Afterclosetoadecadeinfinancialservices,he launchedPickUpUSAin2011,andbeganfranchisingthe conceptin2016.TherearecurrentlyPickUpUSAs operatingacrossthecountry,includingmultiplelocations ownedbyNBAathletes.Jordanaimstodeliver“ABetter WaytoPlay”tocommunitiesacrossthecountry,and todrivestrongfinancialreturnsforPickUpUSA franchiseowners.
Asoneoftherapidlygrowingnewindustriesonthe markettoday,thewellnessindustryisnoexception. VariousSpatreatmentsaretheemergingtrendand demonstrateagrowingdesiretorejuvenateone’syouthand sustainahealthyWellnesslifestyle.
Sole’renitySpa,Inc.(“theCompany”)isanup-scalebrand thatoffersacomprehensivesuiteofservicesandretail productsinarelaxingfirst-classatmosphererepletewitha nailloungeandprivatesparoomsdesignedtoprovidebestof-classtherapeuticsessionsforindividualsandgroups. BasedinSulphur,OklahomawheretheflagshipSole’renity Spaislocated,itistheintentionoftheCompanytoexpand acrosstheUnitedStateswithintargetedanddefined regionalmarkets.Tothisend,theCompanyhelplaunch additionalcorporateandfranchiselocationsstartingin OklahomaandTexas.Franchiseswillreceivehands-on trainingattheCompany’sheadquarters,aswellason-site trainingduringinitialstart-upalongwithongoingtraining andsupporttoensureconsistentqualityacrossallits franchiselocations.
FoundedbyRhondaMordecai-Pitmon,Sole’renitySpa wasconceptualizedthroughthejourney,grace,andvision ofGod,startingwiththenameSole’renity.Founder’s beliefinChristandcompassiontowardsothersfueledher questtoopenaspasanctuarywhereguestshave opportunitiesforhealing,meditation,reflection,and relaxation.In2011,Sole’renitySpaopeneditsdoorsto presentcustomerswithanexceptionalup-scale,boutique dayspaexperience. Originallylocatedintheheartof
Gainesville,Texas,Sole’renitySpaisnowlocatedinthe historicArtesianHotelandisrecognizedasoneofthetop tenfamilyspadestinationsandoneoftheTop100Spasof Americaprovidingguestswiththefinesthealthand wellnesstreatments,throughholisticandtherapeutic methods,withinarelaxingspasanctuaryforwomen,men, andchildren.
WellbeingofMind,BodyandSole Sole’renitySpaoffersaluxuryone-stopoptionto discerningindividualsseekingtop-qualityandinnovative healthandwellnessservices,alongwithsignatureproducts andgifts.ServicesincludeHandandFeetTreatments,Hair Removal,MassageTherapy,SkinCare,BodyTreatments, andSole’renitySpaJourneypackages–allforthepure luxuryandpamperingofclientsinanunmatchedspa escapethatprovidesclientswitharenewedsenseofwellbeinginmind,bodyandsole.Firsttimecustomersare usuallysurprisedatthelevelofdedicationandservicethey receive,whichkeepsthemcomingbackoften,andresults inthempurchasingamembershipandbecomingacustomer forlife.
Sole’renitySpautilizesprofessionallytrained,licensed massagetherapiststoprovidemassagetreatmentsincluding Swedish,hotstone,deeptissue,andaromatherapy.Massage facilitatesrelaxationandwellbeingbyrelievingtensionand anxiety,improvingbloodflowandcirculation,enhancing sleepqualityandconcentration,andreducingstressand fatigue.Sole’renitySpaprovidesprofessionalmassage therapiststoencouragerelaxation,safety,andwellbeing.
SpearheadingtheSole’renitySpabrandisitsfounder, RhondaPitmon,aveteranownerwhoisanentrepreneurmindedleaderandinnovatorinthespaindustry. Rhonda hasworkedintheindustryinbothTexasandOklahomafor over25years.Sheishighlyskilledindevelopingthebrand imageandgrowingthebrand.Sheisaseasoned, hardworkinganddedicatedlicensedprofessional,who throughheryearsinthebusinesshasdevelopedanin-depth knowledgeandunderstandingofthespaindustryandits marketdynamics.
Rhondaispassionateaboutthebusinessandhelpingothers. ShehastheprovenabilitytoleadtheCompanytolongterm successandsustainableprofitabilitywhilestrategically growingthebrand’sgeographicalfootprintbyopeningnew corporateandfranchiselocations.TheCompanyanticipates openingitsnextspainOklahomaCity,followedby additionalOklahomaandTexaslocations.
RhondaPitmonisalsotheproprietorofLittleSolesKid Spa.LittleSolesKidSpawasdevelopedfromthedevotion inthespaindustrytoteachchildrenaboutspaservicessuch asmanicures,pedicures,facials,andchairmassageina colorfulfuntheirsettingwhilepromotingself-imagefor kidswhiletreatingtheirhandsandfeetandpamperingtheir solessosweet.Sheispassionateaboutenrichingthelives ofchildrenandgroomingournextgenerationofspa-goers.
Sole’renitySpa’sflagshiplocationhassuccessfully establisheditselfasthepremierfashionable,full-servicespa
throughitsinnovativeapproach,becomingsynonymous withfinecustomercareandtop-qualityservices.Marketing foreachnewlocationwillincludeacombinationoftimetestedmethods,includingtraditionalmarketing,social media,andarobustsearchengineoptimizationandonline marketingcampaign,andusingstrongcommunityoutreach ineachmarketitopens.
Sole’renityintendstobecomeamarqueespaandmassage business,withauniqueandfaith-basedspaservicethatis moregearedtowardhigh-endconsumersandtouriststhan mostmassageorspafranchises.
Since its inception in 2011, Sole’renity Spa is what I believe to be the quintessential spa experience. Its model has relaxation for mind and body at its core; absolutely no shortcuts are taken to making the Sole’renity experience true to its name and its mission. Stepping into Sole’renity gives the mind a release of the world’s worries and the senses, an almost ethereal experience. From the outstanding staff, style and beauty, soothing sounds, surrounding warmth, sensual smells, and relaxing touch, Sole’renity is my mecca. Once I’m there, I never want to leave. –Lucy,CREATE,theadagency
Sole’renity Spa arose conceptually as a means to complete wellness utilizing treatments linking the mind, body, spirit, and soul.
“ “
— Rhonda Pitmon Founder Sole'renity Spa
Themainreasonfortheinventionofwebsite,
Internetandtechnologydevicesthatprovidesthe platformforsoftwaretorunandconnectwitheach otherismainlytomakenetworkingofservices,products andpeoplepossible.TechnologyleaderssuchasCisco, AristaandApplearededicatingtheirresourcestoprovide variousbusinessenterprisesandthemassestheabilityto communicatetheirvaluesthroughtechnologymediums calledasNetworking.
Theworksandprovisionsoftheseorganizationsarevery outstanding,andarebelievedtolastforages.Thisis becausethegrowthoftechnologyisnotgoingoutofstyle sosoon,butratheritisbelievedtocontinueintothefuture. Technologynetworkingstrategiesisgood,buttomakeit moreeffectivethereistheincessantneedtoincorporate organicstrategies.
YoumaybeaskingwhatImeanbyOrganicNetworkingor Strategies.Theorganizationthatwillsurviveinthemarket inthenearfuture,consideringtheincreasingrateof competitionaretheoneswhotakethenecessarysteps,to developmorehumanconnectionfortheirbusiness,more thantheydoformachinessuchasprovidedbyAI.
TheFactorstoConsiderforanEffectiveOrganic Networking:
Evenasourageisencouragingmoreoftechnology strategies,ifwemustsurvivethefutureofitall,thenwe mustconnectmorepeople,thanwedoformachines.Asan
innovativenetworkingsolution provider,itisgoingtopaymore,when youincludehumanintelligenceand physicalityinyournetworking strategiesovermachines.
Imagineadaythatthemachinesare goingtohaveaseriousbreakdown, andtheownerorganizationdonothave thecapablepersonstofigureoutthe causeofthebreakdownandpossibly provideafeasiblesolution?Whatwill bethefateoftheorganization?This meansthat,therewillbeagreatlossof valueandpossiblyastrikeoffthe industry.Iknowyouwouldneverwant thattohappen.So,planfromnow,to neverpayforthelossinthefuture.
SocialMediasarefornetworking, NewspapersandvariousMediasare alsofornetworking,butthereare peoplebehindthearcofthis innovation.Themoreyouincorporate AIandmachinelearningstrategies, alwaysremembertheneedforControl Engineersandthosearehumanbeings. Themostsuccessfulorganizations identifythemajorimportanceof
peoplenetworkingandhowbestto utilizehumanintelligenceintheir businessquest.
Forexample;ifyouwriteanarticle andshareitonawebsite,whodoyou expecttoreadyourarticle;human beingsormachines?Itisobviousthat theorganicnetworkingaspectof computingwillnevergooutofstyle; else,therewillbeadayinthefuture thatdigitalconnectionandvalueswill bemeasuredonthenumberofbotsthat readyourarticlesand/orthatpaidfor yourservices.So,remembertobalance therateofyourpeopletomachine deployment,byacknowledgingthe needofhumannetworkingover technologynetworking.
TheNeedforOrganicSensein NetworkingandtheFuture: Technologyisthemiracleofourage, ArtificialIntelligenceisamajor moldingfactorofthisdevelopment, IoTistheliberatorfrommachine isolationbyprovidingtheplatformto interconnectmillionsofthemoverthe virtualplatforms,buthumansmake thesethingspossible.
Networkingisaninnovativeconcept withhighprofiletechnologyterms.If onedoesnotimploredeepinterestand concentrationwhileexploringthis realm,theremaybeaseriousdistortion oforiginalmotiveofindulgence,and thiscanleadtoseriousbreakdownof enterpriseinfrastructure.Sometimes,it maybedirectandothertimes,itwillbe indirect,butinall,itwillalwayshave animpact.Thefutureoftechnologyis verybright,andthatismainly dependentonhowavailablewemake theresourcestohelpmanagewhatwe havetodayinthenearfuture.Forthis tobepossible,thenetworkingsolution providersmustincorporatemoreof organicsenseintheirsolutionsand industryadvancements.
Technologywilladvance,more machineswillbeconnected,devices willbeprogrammedtorun independently,butinallthesethings, thehumansinthenetworkwillstill ruletheuniverse.Themoreorganic youmakeyournetworkingstrategies, thelesserthefearofadisastrousfuture foryourorganization.
Deliciousfoodandexceptionalcoffeeisthebest waytostartyourday.Ifyourfoodispackedwith nutrientsandtastesdelightful,thenitbecomesa mealofhappinessthatfeedsyoursoul.Australianseatingin ahurrynolongerneedtocompromiseonquality.Soul Originservesfoodthat’sgoodforthesoul.Theymakeit convenientandaffordabletoenjoyfreshnutritiousfoodand exceptionalcoffeeeveryday,servedfriendlyandfast.
SoulOriginisknownforitsSpecialtyCoffeeandamazing foodwithqualityservice.Fromfriendly,trainedteamsand baristas,anextensiverangeofvibrantfreshsaladsand sandwiches,withstorefitoutsthatfacilitatequickservice. Theorganisationisfocusedonexceedingcustomer expectations.Ithasextensiverangeoffoodwhichismade freshonsitedaily,usingqualityingredients.Thecompany takescoffeeveryseriouslyanditscommitmenttoquality andexcellenceiswhatunderpinsthesuccessofitscoffee offeringacrossAustralia.Fromwherethebeansare sourced,tohowtheyareroastedandhandled,allthewayto executionattheespressomachine,SoulOriginisfocused onalwaysdeliveringthehighestqualityespressoforits customers.AsafoodserviceorganisationSoulOrigin believesinmakingadifferenceforcustomersandtheworld welivein.AtSoulOrigin,customersenjoyexcellentfresh andnutritiousfood,greatcoffeeandexceptionalcustomer service.
Chris
oneofAustralianfranchising’sQSRexperts.Hishands-on knowledgeanddedicationtoexcellencehasresultedinSoul OriginbeingnamedAustralia’sEmergingFranchisorof 2017.Chris’leadershiphasseenthestrategicexpansionof SoulOriginfromjustthreestoreswhenhejoinedthe businessin2013toitscurrent105plusfranchiseoutlets. Hehasalsooverseeninvestmentinthekeysystems, trainingandtechnologytoensureSoulOrigin’sreputation forexcellenceandinnovationismaintained.Hispassion andenergyisevidentineverythinghesetshismindto.
ExpandingPersistently SoulOriginhasexperiencedexponentialgrowthsince openingitsfirststorebackin2011.Itisaretailbrandrun byretailersandnowhasover100storesacrossAustralia.In thepastyearalonetheorganisationhasopened30new storesandcontinuestoexpandacrossAustralia.The franchiseesareproudtobeapartoftheSoulOrigin revolution–makingadifferencetolivesofitscustomers andtheworldwelivein.
QualityistheKey SoulOriginisaretailfoodbusinessthatwasdevelopedand grownbyretailers.Chrisandthefoundershavespentmost oftheirlivesmanagingandowningnumeroustypesoffood businesses,withafewfranchiseoutletsaspartofthat journey.Allthecoreteammembershaveseenand experiencedmostofthechallengesthatmostofthefood retailersfaces.Furthertothattheyunderstandretailand whatittakestostandonthecoalfacewithasmileand
Mavris,theCEOofSoulOriginisrecognisedasservethepublic,dayafterday.Theteambelievesthat
“You need to be authentic and true to yourself, because the Australian consumer is one of the smartest in the world.”
Createspacesthatconsumersaredrawntobecauseofits beautyi.e.buildattractiveandenticingshopswithan aspirationalaspecttothem,placesthatpeoplewanttobe seenatandgivethemaproductthatdoesnotleavethem withlunchtimeregret.Furthertheorganisationstates,Food Retailisasimplebusinessthatisoftencomplicatedfartoo much,dothebasicwell–product,experienceand aesthetics,andwithanauthenticexperienceandnothing cangowrong.Engagementisthefinalelementandif anyonecandeliveronthatyouhavetheelementsfor success.
Accordingtothecompanyitsfooddisplayhasalwaysbeen the‘eyecandy’thatdrawscustomerstothecounters,and coffeehasalwaysbeenakeydriverinwhatSoulOrigin doeseveryday.Ithasalwaysbeenaviewtobringspecialty coffeetothemanynotthefew.Thishasbeenachieved throughtraining,consistencyandinvestmentinthebest equipmentintheespressoworld.Theorganisationhas managedtobringthewordretailbackintotheQSRspace, takingawaybarriersfrombetweencustomersandthe teams,fillingthecabinetswithfreshabundantfoodthat everyonecansee.Notrelyingonstylisedmenuboardsof productthatonlyexistswiththefairies.Withits“wecare” mottotheorganisationspeakstothecustomerswithoutthe
relianceonaPOStoexecuteitssales.Thecustomerscan seethefoodinfrontofthemandpointtowhattheyare abouttobeserved.Thebiggestthingistheabundanceof display;thecompanybelievesinstackingithighand watchingitfly.Mostofallithasbroughtbackthefun, energyandcustomerfocustoretailandatthesametime servedAustraliansrestaurantqualityfoodinthefoodcourts ofAustralia’sshoppingcenters.
AimingtogetImmense SoulOriginisstrivingtogrowitsfootprintacrossAustralia, withaneyeonamoveoffshoretoforeignlands.Itwill continuetoservefoodthatis“goodforthesoul”withthe viewtomakingiteveneasierforAussiestomakebetter decisionsaroundwhattheyeat.Thecompanyislooking forwardtofurtherinnovatinganddisrupting,through productdevelopment,storedesignandcustomer experience.Furthertothis,itissearchingatdifferentstyles ofstorewhetheritbeasmallfootprintoragraband gomodel.
Soul Origin is focused on food that’s good for the soul, and excellent coffee, for busy people. Delicious, fresh, nutritious and quality food, alongside Specialty Coffee… fast.
“
— Chris Mavris CEO Soul Origin
Thepastseveralyearshavebroughtaboutsweeping changesinbusinesstechnologiesfrommainstream adoptionofAIandvoiceactivateddevicestoAR andVRsolutions.Personalassistantspowermultiple devicesandtheinternetofthingspushcompaniestokeep uporgetleftbehind.Asemergingtechnologiespush forward,consumersaregettingusetoalevelofservice, unimaginablejustafewyearsago.MillennialsandGen Z’ershavegrownaccustomedtobeingabletocustomize everything,getitthenextday,andreturnitwithno ramifications.
Allofthesetechnologicaladvancesarechangingtheway businessisconductedatabaselevelandautomationis findingitswayintoeverythingfrommarketingto warehousing.TocapitalloffSEOisbecomingincreasing qualitative.Sincequantitativefactorscanbegamedtobeat thesystem,giantslikeGoogleandAmazonhavedecided thatjustbecauseyourcompanyhasanexcellentkeyword andschemastrategy,doesn’tmeanyourbusinessisthebest atwhatitdoes. Botharerelyingmoreonqualitativefactors likecustomerconversions,customerreviews,andeventhe amountoffoottrafficyouhaveatyourphysicallocations. AmazonandGooglegetsettosquareoffastheEcomm armsracecontinuestoescalateandZeroClickECommerce becomesgroundzerofortheseplatformstogainyour business.ZeroClickEcommallowsyoutobookaservice orbuyaproductfromyourhomespeakerorphonewithout leavingtheGoogleorAmazonplatformorgoingthrougha traditionalcheckoutprocess.
Inordertosucceed,businessesneedtobeflexible,adaptto achanginglandscapeandmeetconsumerexpectations. Whatoftenisnotaddressed,however,iswhetherabusiness shouldadoptthesetechnologiesandhowtodecidewhich onesmakesense.Withdevelopmentcostsforcustombuilt consumer-basedappsstartingat100kandleadtimesover3 months,todaysCITOsandCEOsneedtodriveinnovation, protectit,andcapitalizeonitjusttostayaheadofthe competition.Threetechnologiesorrevolutionsthatevery
businessneedstoconsiderrightnowareArtificial Intelligence(AI),AugmentedReality(AR),andZeroClick Ecomm.
Ÿ ArtificialIntelligence(AI):Nomatterwhatgeneration youarefrom,ArtificialIntelligence(AI)hasimpacted youinsomeway.TheoldchessplayingrobotDeep Blueproject,withoriginsdatingbacktothe80’s,has evolvedintotheadvancedsystemslikeIBMWatsonand AmazonLex.Oncehighlyguardedproprietarysystems, AIplatformshavebecomeopenandfriendlyto developerswithsystemscapableoflearninganddriving results.TodayArtificialIntelligencedrivesconsumer interactionsthroughwebsiteandtextingplatforms. Manyautomatedmarketingplatformsareincorporating AItomakesurethatyouradvertisementsreachthe peoplemostlikelytopurchaseyourproduct.
AIisanemergingtechthatallbusinessesneedtoputon theirshortlist.PWCpredictedthatAIwillhelpmarketing solutionsbasedonBigDataandwealreadyseebusiness systemslikeBuxtonincorporatingAIintotheirmapping models.AIisadvancingscience,marketing,andbusiness management,AIhasthepowertopredictresults,improve ROI,andsavemoney.
Ÿ
AugmentedReality(AR):AugmentedRealityis becomingagamechangerformanyindustries,however, whatexactlyisitandhowdoesitbenefitmodern business? ManypeopleItalkwithstillconfuse AugmentedRealitywithVirtualReality(VR).Virtual Realityisa3Denvironment,acompletevirtualworld thatisimmersivewheretheconsumerisfullyrendered insideadigitalspaceandrequiressomewhat cumbersomeelectronicslikeheadsetsandhapticsto completetheexperience,(álaReadyPlayerOne).
AugmentedReality(AR)ismuchmorepracticaland prevalent.ARallowstheconsumertochangethingsabout theirrealenvironmentwiththeassistanceoftechnology,
usuallyaphoneapporintegratedwebtech.Thebeautyspace hasflockedtoARtoallowconsumerstovirtuallytryonmake uporchangetheirhaircolorsuchastheYouCamMakeup–MagicSelfieCamshowcasedatthe2019CESshow.These arepracticalsolutionstoconsumerpainpoints,allowingthem totrybeforetheybuy.ARcanhelpaconsumerchoose furniture,caraccessories,andmore,astheylookinreallife onthemselvesorintheirownhouseasopposedtohowthey thinktheywilllookbeonlineimages.Wayfairhasbeen leadingthechargeinthisspaceandrevealedatShoptalkthat theyaredigitizingmuchoftheironlineinventoryand convertingthemintointeractiveimages.
Ÿ ZeroClickEcomm:ZeroClickEcommisn’ttech,butit isarevolution. PowerhousesGoogleandAmazonare goingheadtoheadforyourbusinessanditisatwo-pony race.AccordingtoanAdeptmindSurvery,46%ofproduct searchesoriginatedonAmazoncomparedto34% originatingonGoogle.Amazonhasbeendominatingthe globalEcommmarket,provingalongtailstrategycanbe immenselysuccessful.Astheygrow,Amazonisbringing thatlevelofinnovationintothebrickandmortarworld withautomatedcheckoutandaccountbasedtransactions. Googlehoweverhasnotgivenup.Theymaybebehindin productsearchoriginations,butaccordingtoStatista.com 63%ofallsearchesstillstartwithGoogle.Google’sgoal overthenextcoupleofyearswillbetohaveyounever leavetheGooglePlatform. Google’stechnology investmentsinGoogleBusiness,GoogleMerchant, GoogleManufacturer,GoogleReserve,andGoogle Analytics,allowsbusinesstolisttheirlocation,selltheir products,booktheirservices,advertisetheirwares,and tracktheirROI,allwithouteverleavingtheGoogleSuite.
Asbusinesstechevolvesandprogresses,businessneedto keeppacetoavoidbecomingobsolete.Thegoodnewsisthat asthetechadvancessodothesolutions,andmanysoftware companiesarebuildingoutoftheboxsolutionsforvarious industriestobringyouuptodate.ThereareAIsolutionsfor customerservice,marketing,andmanagement. ThereareAR appbuilderswhocanhelpyouutilizethetechnologyforyour consumersolutions,evenifyourcompanyhasn’tbeen keepinguptodate.ItwillbeeveryCEOsresponsibilityto providethevisionofhowthetechfitsintotheirorganization andCITOsandCMOswillbeintegratingthetechnologyand pushingitevenfurther.Ifweembracethechange,wewillbe abletodomoreandachievehigherROIswithdeeply satisfyingconsumerexperiences.ArtificialIntelligencewill makesenseofBigData,AugmentedRealitywillprovidethe ultimatecustomerexperience,andZeroClickEcommwill makethetransactionprocesseasierandsimpler,bringing moreROItocompanieswiththevisiontoutilizethe technologyandavoiddigitalirrelevance.
Greg Forsythe
is the Senior Director of Branding and Innovation for Deka Lash and serves as a marketing consultant and advisor for the beauty and wellness industries. Greg has directed commercial projects for Fortune 100 clients such as Wal-Mart, CVS, Verizon, Kroger, Walgreens, Johnson and Johnson, and UPS. Greg studied Operations Management at Penn State before obtaining his Marketing Certification from The Wharton School.
