The 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2019

Vol - 3 March - 2019 Issue - 07

e 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2019

Tom Wood President & CEO Floor Coverings International

Floor Coverings International

Delivering an Entire In-home Flooring Experience to Consumers Editor’s Perspective 5 Intriguing Mantras to Nurture a Robust Bonding with Employees

Editor’s Pick The Impressive Impact of Organic Networking

E Be Your Own Boss by Owning a Franchise of Your Choice

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ranchising is lately becoming one of the greatest ways to begin one’s own business. Franchising provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the systems, tools, and support to begin a successful business. With various franchise options to choose from, choosing a perfect franchise requires some deliberate pondering and then deciding on the conclusion of logical thought.

It is essential to keep in mind that selecting the particular franchise only on the basis of the popularity of the franchise would not be an intelligent choice. Doing the appropriate research and using the power of inquiry to ask all the right questions such as: what industry one is interested in, how much one is capable of spending, what type of system one wants, how would one like to contribute to the betterment of the world, etc. becomes essential while selecting franchise. It is better to select a franchise by thinking rationally and then choosing the best one that answers all above questions.

In recent times, the general observation is that personal services, business services, quick-service restaurants, lodging, retail products and services, and commercial and residential services are growing every year. A personal services industry which includes childcare, tutoring, hair salons, spas, senior care – owing to an aging population, etc. is especially experiencing the rapid growth. Quite lower costs of fuel have boosted travel industry resulting in increased growth in lodging services.

Due to the unique needs and different learning capacities of the child home tutoring franchise to address the specific needs of the child is also becoming popular. There are some other franchises too that enable people to achieve their fitness goals and contribute to the holistic health of the people. Some franchises free people from unwanted hair permanently. Some franchises are contributing to improving sports experience for players. Franchises in the spa industry ensure the finest health and wellness treatments of people.

Due to availability of various franchise options depending on the needs and interests of the individuals there is an increased opportunity to start one’s own business. There may not be a better time to explore becoming your own boss by opening your own franchise from the multiple opportunities you have in the current scenario. One can be one’s own boss by opening one’s franchise by taking advantage of the favorable situations in the market and also feel great sense of satisfaction by contributing through one’s franchise services.

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Choosing a perfect franchise requires deliberate thinking and then selecting it on the conclusion of logical thought.

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Sharad Chitalkar Recognizing the renowned franchises, Insights Success has enlisted “The 10 Best Franchise to Open in 2019.”

Featuring as our Cover Story is a notable Franchise named Floor Coverings International. It is North America’s leading inhome designer floor coverings brand. This company is carefully crafted on creating a discernable difference from any other floor coverings company. It specializes in residential, personalized flooring; selection, design, and installation. Floor Coverings International delivers an entire in-home flooring experience to consumers. Company’s product selection covers all areas of materials one might consider for a flooring design in one’s home – carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile, vinyl, and specialty products from bamboo to slate, and accents like glass. FCI merchandises its product selection to give one a beautiful selection from only the finest manufacturers, both from North America and around the world, and it believes it is a selection unmatched anywhere else.

Also, make sure to go through the articles, written by our in-house editorial team as well as CXO standpoints of notable industry personalities to have brief insights of the sector.

Let’s start reading!

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STORY

Company of the Month

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COVER

The Zoo Health Club

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Enabling People to Achieve their Fitness Goals

Franchise of the Month

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Delivering an Entire In home Flooring Experience to Consumers

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Floor Coverings International

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Jade Electrolysis Freeing People from Unwanted Hair Permanently

CONTENTS ARTICLES 34

Editor’s Perspective

Editor’s Pick

5 Intriguing Mantras to Nurture a Robust Bonding with Employees

The Impressive Impact of Organic Networking

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42

46

Expert’s Opinion

Tech-Talk

BARAMI

Emerging Tech and Revolutions to Avoid Digital Irrelevance

One Stop Shop for Professionals on the Go

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36

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur The Most Renowned Hot Dog Franchise

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PickUp USA Fitness Improving Basketball Experience for Players

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The Barre Code Most Efcient and Results-Driven Fitness Program

44 Soul Origin Gratifying People through Food and Beverage Services

Sole’renity Spa Ensuring Finest Health and Wellness Treatments

Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal Executive Editor Sharad Chitalkar

Managing Editor Anish Miller

Assistant Editors Jenny Fernandes Bhushan Kadam

Visualizer

Art & Design Director

Associate Designer

David King

Amol Kamble

Iresh Mathpati

Senior Sales Manager Co-designer

Co-designer Deepanjali Jena

Business Development Manager

Passi D.

Peter Collins

Marketing Manager

Sales Executives

John Matthew

David, Kevin, Mark, Avinash

Technical Head

Business Development Executives

Jacob Smile

Steve, Joe, Alan, Sagar

Technical Specialist Aditya

Digital Marketing Manager Marry D'Souza

SME-SMO Executive Prashant Chevale

Research Analyst Patrick James

Database Management Stella Andrew

Circulation Manager Robert Brown

Technology Consultant David Stokes

sales@insightssuccess.com March, 2019 Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com

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The

Best to Open in 2019

Floor Coverings International Delivering an Entire In home Flooring Experience to Consumers

Cover Story

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At Floor Coverings International, customer satisfaction, community service, and social action work hand-in-hand.

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We take pride every day in providing our customers with the best products and in-home customer service in the flooring industry.

Sanding a Beautifully Laid New Floor

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decade or so ago, not many would have imagined that we’d be buying everything from cars to toasters from our living room couch without first having the chance to see, touch and feel our purchases.

Floor Coverings International is North America’s oldest and largest shop-at-home floor covering retailer which lets its customers see, touch and feel its products. But contrary to what one might expect to hear, Company President and CEO, Tom Wood flatly says that the mobile concepts of the past have not been overwhelmingly successful in the flooring industry. That might be the case for some. But by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its operating model, growth ability, marketing and advertising as well as merchandising, Wood has built Floor Coverings International into a company that operates with Amazon-like efficacy. In 2003, FirstService Brands, a Toronto based company specializing in home service franchises, acquired the brand and started to put its expertise in franchising, in-home service and mobile concepts on the system.

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Tom Wood took the helm of Floor Coverings International in 2004.

By specializing in residential, personalized flooring; selection, design and installation, in-home customer consultation, this company has created a discernable difference from other floor coverings companies.

Bringing Flooring Straight to Home Wood says, “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.”

Unique Foyer Floor Designed by a Floor Coverings International Designer

Cover Story Wood believes that Floor Coverings International can really differentiate by creating a personal experience that can’t be matched outside of the consumers’ home.

From Challenges to Milestones Floor Coverings International’s road to profitability didn’t come without a few bumps. Originally founded in 1988 as a mom-and-pop, low investment, work-fromhome franchise, the franchisor’s model wasn’t sustainable for long-term growth and resulted in high franchisee turnover. “Additionally, I was the seventh President of Floor Coverings International in seven years and many of the franchisees didn’t trust a new leader,” Wood said. He adds, “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.”

Those fixes, according to Wood, resulted in doing three main things really well: Floor Coverings International revamped its home experience for consumers from top to bottom. The franchisee is not necessarily the person who visits the home but rather Design Associates are on staff to adhere to a rigorous experience model that demands perfection.

“This allows the customer to learn who we are, what we do and how we do it,” Wood said.

Franchisees were provided new training in areas such as coaching and skill development in team leadership and sales-team management. “This allows our franchisees to scale their businesses more quickly and keep their people longer,” Wood said.

A high dollar investment was made in a mobile platform that allows Design Associates to demonstrate the Floor Coverings International system, choose from a vast selection of products, provide a quote and secure the sale all while in the customer’s home. “It’s the best in the industry,” Wood said.

As a result, a once mom-and-pop franchisor that was slow and stodgy has evolved into a fast and explosive machine, with a franchise business model predicated on reaching $1.5 million in annual sales in quick fashion.

Tom Wood, President and CEO of Floor Coverings International, Shows off Flooring Samples in Front of the Company’s Unique Mobile Showroom

Being on Top in Every Category According to Wood, “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.” He adds, “The feedback was very positive for the most part, but I wanted to know what the mediocre or negative feedback was based upon.”

Wood’s decision was to expand the customer surveys to include those who had received a presentation from a franchisee and didn’t move forward with the work. Existing customers who had gone through the whole process and chosen to work with Floor Coverings International reported very good results.

Changing the Perception of Customers Wood decided to survey everyone who hadn’t moved forward after an in-home presentation. Initially, the customers who didn’t know the name Floor Coverings International or how it operates differently than other flooring companies, were reluctant to move forward but when the customers clearly understood the entire operation and service, they loved it.

At the end of 2013 it became clear that customers needed a much clearer education process before making a big decision. Floor Coverings International also realized that franchisees themselves should not give the sales and product presentations. As a business based on style, design and decorating of the home, it only made sense that the Design Associates already on board should be the people interacting the most with the customers. As the number one mobile flooring retailer, the company offers over 3000 flooring products and the fact that customers could see the samples in their own homes, next to their furniture and walls, made this much more of a designer experience.

Prioritizing Customer Experience In January of 2014 Wood hired two vendors who specialized in polling then contacting customers about their experiences. After 8 months of diligent work the companies had mined a tremendous amount of helpful data which gave Wood the answers he needed.

“Our customer service experience had to change,” expressed Wood.

“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.”

In October of 2014 Floor Coverings International launched their new, more regimented, customer presentation experience.

Managing Customer Expectations Woods says that one of the best things Floor Coverings International does is show the customer the truth.

Managing expectations goes a long way and Floor Coverings International videos the process of measuring the rooms, ripping up the floors, and all the unpleasantness of home remodeling. If there are problems, such as mold or other issues, the company also addresses those and fixes problems before the floor is laid. But by seeing the truth in what is going to happen, customers are no longer disturbed by a day or two of mess. They plan for it.

Cover Story Expanding Franchisees

A World Leading Mobile Flooring Franchise Floor Coverings International is ranked as the Number One Mobile Flooring Franchise on numerous lists including Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise500 ® for the 8th year in a row and now has an NPS of between 76% and 83%. It also enjoys a 4.7 out of 5 rating on social media sites. The industry average is 38%.

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Our company is carefully crafted on creating a discernable difference from any other floor coverings company.

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To wit, Floor Coverings International has tripled in size since Wood became president and he expects to double in size within the next three years. With over 150 operating franchises throughout the U.S. and Canada, Floor Coverings International expects to add at least 50 more franchises through year’s end. FirstService Brands CEO Charlie Chase and consultant Dr. Paul Woolner were working on a project that used feedback from the NPS (Net Promoter Score). As part of a group of highly ranked professional home service brands under the FirstService Brands umbrella, ongoing methods for excellence and benchmark practices are constantly being researched.

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The Zoo Health Club Enabling People to Achieve their Fitness Goals

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March 2019|

Company of the Month

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veryone has a favorite Zoo. For some, it is the famous Bronx Zoo in New York or the San Diego Zoo in California; for others, it is a small, nearby municipal Zoo. Regardless, a Zoo is a special place to which people love to return repeatedly. Such is the appeal of the Zoo Health Club; members love to return to its clean facilities, helpful staff, immaculate equipment and friendly environment.

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The Zoo Health Club is trendy and offers a great tness franchise opportunity.

Great Fitness Franchise Opportunity The Zoo Gym had its beginnings on Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL in the 1970s as a small independent gym. In 2009, the Zoo Franchise Corp purchased the small independent Zoo Gym and Charles Cavuoto, EVP of Operations created “The Zoo Health Club Brand.” Charles helped turn it into a National Franchise. The Zoo Health Club is a trendy platform and offers a great fitness franchise opportunity. Judy Scott, Franchise Sales Director brings 40 years of valuable experience to the Zoo Health Club in both franchise sales and corporate support. Judy has successfully operated large chains of Health Clubs and owned her own Fitness franchise.

Quality Fitness Center The purpose of The Zoo Health Club is to provide a quality center for pleasurable, meaningful fitness activities for professional adults. It focuses on a clean, upscale environment, customer safety, and facility availability. Its proven commitment to quality fitness is displayed through customer satisfaction, employee enrichment, and investor returns.

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Parameters to Accept Franchisee While awarding a franchisee, Zoo Health Club considers essential for franchisee to have a sound financial platform and it should be willing to follow “Franchise System”. Zoo looks in franchisee for enthusiasm and excitement for the product of fitness, wanting to help people get in better shape and health.

Flourishing Zoo Brand Zoo Health Club’s franchisees are excited about the Zoo brand. Twenty five percent of its existing franchisees are ready to open their second and third locations. There is no better time to get into the fitness industry and no better time to purchase your first Zoo Health Club Franchise.

Headed towards a Bright Future As the fitness trend continues with no end in sight, with more people joining and keeping memberships than ever before. With over 41.3 million members and the fitness, nutrition and weight loss industry exceeding $44 billion, The Zoo Health Club franchise is poised to keep expanding and continue its long-term growth.

Blitz45: Blend of Group Training and Personal Training With the rise in popularity of the functional training fitness methodology, Zoo Health Club’s Blitz45 Fitness offers the perfect combination of group training and personal training combined into one.

Blitz45 is the brainchild of Charles Cavuoto, EVP of Operations. The career of Charles spans 50 years in the Health and Fitness Industry creating, developing, operating and owning fitness centers in the United States and Canada. Judy brings to Blitz45 her 40 years of experience in the Health and Fitness Industry. Judy has operated large chains of Health Clubs and owned her own Fitness franchise. She is the Franchise Sales Director of Blitz45. Her contribution to the Blitz45 franchise is two-fold. Judy helped shape the Blitz45 franchise; she has the ability to build relationships with people interested in becoming a Blitz45 franchisee, and maintaining those relationships throughout the term of their franchise.

Exciting Functional Training Blitz45 has taken two of the top industry trends: Group Training and Personal Training, and blended them into one, creating a unique and exciting Functional Training Studio. As the fitness industry evolves, the boutique style group functional training classes have exploded. With the first twoblitz45 functional training studios opening in the Fort Lauderdale, Fl. area it’s been exciting for the Blitz45 franchise that it is receiving positive inquiries from all over the country.

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Blitz45 Fitness Franchise offers the perfect combination of group training and personal training.

Team Based Approach The purpose and mission of Blitz45 is to create a teambased approach. It offers a functional training facility that applies the three keys to fitness: “Mindset, Motivation, Results.”

Every workout is a new and fun experience that produce great results. Blitz45 has created an attractive and eye catching design with the best functional training equipment available today. It offers not only the functional training group classes but also one to one training that makes it unique from its competitors.

Bright Reviews 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. – Chris Larocca “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. – Kamal Cudjoe and Craig Wilson, Franchise owners of the new blitz45 showplace studio in Davie, Fl.

Selecting a Franchisee The Blitz45 offers great incentives for new franchisees but having a sound financial platform of franchise is still a priority for Blitz45. It also looks for the ability and desire of franchise to build a team of trainers that will encourage and awaken enthusiasm in the members to have fun and get great results from the Blitz45 program. Blitz45 believes that following the “Franchise System” will always enhance the success of the franchise, and it is one of the important things it considers while awarding a franchise.

Positioned for Massive Growth As the boutique, style group functional training trend continues its climb with no end in sight. More and more members are enjoying the team-based approach and the great results derived from the Blitz45 program. The blitz45 functional training franchise is in the perfect position for massive growth.

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March 2019|

Franchise of the Month

Jennifer Desloges Founder and CEO

Jade Electrolysis

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March 2019|

Jade Electrolysis Freeing People from Unwanted Hair Permanently

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n an interview with Insights Success, Founder and CEO of Jade Electrolysis, Jennifer Desloges, shares valuable information about Jade Electrolysis and about its remarkable contribution in the cosmetic industry.

Jennifer became an Electrologist in 1989 and has diligently developed the “Desloges Method of Electrolysisâ€? over that period. As a perfectionist, she loved electrolysis as a career that values the need to be efďŹ cient, safe and exact. In 2010 Jade Electrolysis began franchising and today it is in place at 11 locations and is continuously expanding.

Below are highlights from the interview conducted between Jennifer Desloges and Insights Success: Give a brief overview of your company and its vision.

Cosmetic hair removal is a billion-dollar industry.

Consumers are driven by social values and norms to rid themselves of unwanted hair. Adult men and women of all ages have unwanted facial and body hair which negatively impacts their lives.

Electrolysis is the only permanent method of hair removal.

Many people who have unwanted hair have tried some or all of the temporary removal methods including waxing,

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threading, shaving, plucking, medications and laser which often lead to skin irritation, ingrown hair, scarring and always, the return of the problem hair. Consumers are frustrated with constant appointments, false promises, expensive treatments, negative effects and recurring hair problems. Consumers are seeking a better way and they find it at Jade Electrolysis.

For individuals who have decided their image could be enhanced by the permanent removal of their unwanted hair, we are the elite hair removal specialists providing the highest quality and perfected technique on the market today, resulting in the most accurate, comfortable and fastest results available.

What are the cutting-edge products/services offered by Jade Electrolysis?

Electrolysis was invented in 1869 and is the only permanent method of hair removal to this day. Jade Electrolysis' Desloges Method was developed over 30 years of practice and teaching and provides proven results unparalleled in the industry.

Anesthetic is the use of xylocaine to create a 100% pain free electrolysis treatment for the client; enhancing results and comfort. The anesthetic is administered by a Registered Nurse and performed with a manual needle injection.

What are the special franchisee strengths that make Jade Electrolysis unique from its competitors?

Jade Electrolysis is a franchise opportunity with a proven model for success. A Jade Electrolysis franchise offers: ·

Strategic location, leasing and renovation expertise ·

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Centralized call center and appointment booking

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Locum service

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Top of the line equipment

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Extensive and on-going training

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Proven marketing and branding

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Central website, promotions and marketing

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Priceless experience and expertise

Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons learnt that has shaped the journey of the company.

I’ve been happily married for 38 years and I think every relationship is like a marriage. It’s not always going to be perfect BUT when there are issues you need to put the relationship first. Whether a client, employee, or franchisee, as the leader of the company I try to empathize with each individual, try to see things from their perspective. How would I want to be treated?

One of the hardest relationships to navigate is that of the franchisee/franchisor. So, in 2017 my daughter became a franchisee, feedback from her has helped Jade make a lot of changes.

Give a detailed description of your contribution over the company and the industry.

As a woman with polycystic ovaries I know what unwanted hair does to a person, I know in my heart how devastating that feels. When a client meets with me the first time, there is an instant bond. The same heart felt connection happens when I meet one of my practitioners or franchisees. I have to feel they understand how unwanted hair can devastate and that they want to help people. We are a family business.

My husband, daughter, son, his wife, my sister, brother, and nephew’s wife all work at Jade in various capacities. Just dealing with people can be challenging and working with

March 2019|

people you are related to can be messy, complicated and fun. I believe that everyone working at Jade feels like they are part of our family.

Where does Jade Electrolysis see itself in the long run and what are its future goals?

Consumers are becoming more educated about hair removal. The fad of laser is passing but it did bring with it a sense of awareness, no longer people feel ashamed about having unwanted hair.

Our hope is that one day Jade Electrolysis will be the COKE, NIKE, APPLE of the hair removal industry. A name people can trust for a safe, caring, permanent solution to unwanted hair.

I know it’s a leap of faith every time a client chooses Jade...every time someone decides to franchise with us.

What seem like a risk to them during the decision making process is a no brainer after the fact.

One of my favorite quotes by Thomas Edison is, “Many

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The Jade Mission is to end the torment of unwanted hair and leave the client feeling thrilled.

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|March 2019

of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

This quote is the epitome of my business. Many times, I could have given up, but it just wasn’t an option I would consider.

In 2018, Jade Electrolysis saw its most profitable year to date. The business grew 25% with sales totaling nearly $1.4 Million and net profit over $625 Thousand. So far, through the first two months of our 2019 fiscal year, sales are up 20% over last year.To date Jade has 11 locations and our goal is to open 9 more in the next 3 years.

Testimonials from clients 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 – Havovie Suraliwalla 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. – Mika C

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1

The

Best to Open in 2019

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur The Most Renowned Hot Dog Franchise

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business that authorizes an individual to use its trademarks, associated brands, and other proprietary knowledge for which it charges a certain annual franchising fee along with a portion of its profits. That business offers its franchise with a consideration to increase its market share or increase its geographical presence at a low cost.

Headquartered in Reykjavík, Iceland; Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is one among those franchisors. Founded in 1937, it is a renowned HotDog slinger currently headed by Baldur Ingi Halldórsson(4th generation) and Guðrún Kristmundsdóttir(3rdgeneration) of the founder Jón Sveinsson.

According to Baldur, the hot dogs were made out of lamb meat which gives a unique taste to their product. Then, through the years, the company in collaboration with SS made the hot dogs better and better, and creates one of the best hot dogs in the world. As per Baldur’s words, among famous people who have eaten at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur are, Bill Clinton, the Former President of the United States, James Hetfield of Metallica, and the Kardashian sisters had their birthday party song sang for them outside company’s stand in 2016.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur operates 5 locations in Reykjavík, and from many years, their downtown location has been the most likely busiest food place in Iceland. In August 2006, the British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ selected Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur as the best hot dog stand in Europe.

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Specialty of Product and Service The company’s hotdog consist of lamb meat with breads as soft as the clouds along with special brown mustard, remoulade (addition of mayo with relish), ketchup made out of apples raw, and fried onions. Their slingers serve this hotdog within 10 seconds. Taste, quality and service are taken as the strength at their franchisees. They take it so seriously that if any customer is not happy with their hot dog, they provide a new one.

Growth in Business Generation to Generation Guðrún is the second generation and Baldur’s mother is the third generation in family lineup. First generation was Jón Sveinsson who was Baldur’s great grandfather. The company has been in the same family the whole time and was founded and started as work for Baldur’s sick great grandfather who could not be a sailor due to having cancer.

The grandfather of Baldur, as the second generation, mastered the product with the breads and condiments. The breads he mastered and added more condiments like mayo with relish, and fried onions. That finished in the late 70’s with remoulade. He also custom made the cooking equipment which is a big part of how the hot dogs stay so good.

After which, Baldur’s mother, as the third generation, took over and initiated the first location outside the starting local in 1998, and grew two more locations in the following years. She also started making the business known in tourist magazines abroad and got the trend going that makes the company’s down town location iconic for its long queues.

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Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur or Towns Best Hot dogs, serves you the best hot dog in town

— Baldur Ingi Halldórsson Owner Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Later then, as the fourth generation, Baldur took over and expanded two more locations and modernized the company as in getting it out of the heads of him and his mother. Kept going the great reputation, the company has in the hearts and minds of Icelanders. The company has grown a lot due to increased sales in Iceland tourist boom. Now they are at the end of modernizing the company and are ready to grow further. Along with the growth, their aim, goal, vision, and mission, is to offer the best hot dog at a good price with great service.

Family of Employees From the last inception of the company most of the family members have contributed in the progression of the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Therefore, Baldur considers Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur as a family. His company employed most of the family at some point in their lives and keep staff very well. He has 3 employees with over 45 years of working with the company. He believes that good staff is the backbone of offering quality product and good service.

At Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, they train their staff well and empathize that they are a service company having great hot dogs ready at a moment notice for people passing by.

Baldur states that, “Well trained staff, consistent product and great service is what make our hot dogs the best!”

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.” – Todd C., 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, Luxembourg City, 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, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

A Satisfied Clientele “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 |March 2019

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Bahram Hakakian Founder BARAMI

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March 2019|

Expert's Opinion

One Stop Shop for Professionals on the Go

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he world of fashion and retail is going through continuous changes; it seems as if as soon as anyone gets a new system set up, it changes again. There is more confusion than there are remedies. Old timers, as well as new fashion houses, have either down sized or completely closed their doors in the recent years.

Every time someone reads an article from so-called professionals, they notice even more emphasis on customer service; although customer service is an important part of the business, by now it is pretty much a standard procedure throughout high end retailers.

If we review all businesses in general, what we notice is that those who are succeeding, at least comparing to most others, have certain elements in common and one in particular: value.

Operations, such as TJ Maxx, are |March 2019

growing and forcing most other department stores to become irrelevant.

Major specialty European chains, such as ZARA or H&M, deliver fashion, a cool place to shop, as well as value.

They are taking market share from their U.S. competitors season after season. Most U.S. stores, up until the closures began a couple of years ago, were forced by Wall Street to grow without any concern for profitability.

There is a very big conflict with most top executive’s interests and actual business models. They are expected to grow the top line first, so that the chains and other retailing majors continue over saturating all U.S. markets with their foot prints; only to be rewarded on the short-term, while their tenure may last. When they left, they also left a less manageable and more challenging business for the next group to navigate; they kicked the can down the road.

The biggest challenge for the larger companies is the fact that everyone wants to tweak the business, rather than reviewing all nuts and bolts of their model. Now, discounters must give department stores a run for their money, and some Europeans are doing the same to U.S. chains; no one is willing to take a major risk, they are not even looking at those issues and who can blame them for being scared?

As for the smaller “mom and pop shops,” unless they can come up with something other than trying to buy better or give a better customer service, their years will be numbered in all major markets. There was a time where there were a few boutiques on most New York City blocks, but today, aside from just a few, they nearly are all gone. Those models would likely still work for suburbs where those major chains do not find it profitable to have a presence.

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About the Author 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.

Technology has forced retailers and businesses to look into e-commerce, however, most have not yet discovered how to make it profitable.

With online return rates being an average 35%, restocking and putting items back into their original shape could become a labor-intensive process; all assuming the items are unused upon their return. Shopping online, while great for technology purchases, gives no personal immediate gratification. Shopping for fashion has been an outing for many individuals, to bond with friends and family. We keep hearing different ratios of numbers of online selling versus brick and mortar selling. According to the co-author of Conversion Optimization, Khalid Saleh, in 2018, 8.9% of all retail sales in the U.S. came from online selling. This meant there were still another 91% of sales that went

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to brick and mortar operations; a rather large number. If we also take into account that between 20,000 to 25,000 stores have closed their doors in the past few years and split those sales through their remaining stores, the potential becomes even greater.

ZARA, and its counterparts, have effected every country in the globe. All this, while registering success and growth year after year. They deliver fashion at a good price, however, they are focused mostly on a trimmer woman and a younger generation. American women are sized, on average, between a fourteen and a sixteen; most cannot shop that type of product.

This leaves a space open for fashion in the U.S. that is made for individuals actually residing in the U.S. What needs to be looked at, is an exciting collection that will not be all over specialty chains and is done for the U.S. market. Most U.S. stores have their customers trained to buy when they are running sales; when the merchandise is marked up merely to be marked down. In other value oriented chains, they market at the price that they want to sell and when they run a sale for a limited time, the stores get packed. We often notice that most of these stores remove their staple items from their sales floor during sale period, while adding other leftover, or older items, to the sales floor. Thus, changing a customer’s perception and retraining them to buy at full price will become a daunting task that will put most chains in a nowin situation.

One would like to assume the landscape will change within the next decade or so, since we will be evolving as each year passes.

Barami Hakakian BARAMI stores

March 2019|

1

The

Best to Open in 2019

The Barre Code Most Efficient and Results-Driven Fitness Program

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lanning out a good fitness program is essential to promoting and maintaining good health. Many people exercise but don’t experience the full benefits that their workouts can provide. By joining a studio that increases personal growth and selfacceptance, you can get so much more than a workout.

The Barre Code was built upon the missions to be a best-in-class fitness program, to promote personal growth and self-acceptance, and to foster an environment where women support one another. It goes beyond the barre to offer cardio, strength, and restorative classes with an emphasis on positive motivation and empowerment. With a wide variety of class styles, custom-curated playlists, and an emphasis on positive motivation, The Barre Code is the most efficient and results-driven fitness program.

Empowering and Calming Experience The Barre Code is more than a great workout; it is a fitness community with a mission around self-acceptance and female empowerment that will help you strengthen your relationship with your body and the women around you. Its robust program is driven by music, and its studios come equipped with blue lights to create an empowering, calming experience.

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Meeting Fitness Goals The Barre Code offers the highest-quality, most comprehensive fitness program for women, blending the ballet barre with varied routines and outstanding classroom instruction to create maximum results. The Barre Code program is specifically engineered to combine cardiovascular conditioning, toning, detoxification, and deep stretching through its variety of class formats, giving clients all the tools they need to meet and exceed their fitness goals.

Lifestyle Brand The Barre Code combines routines that change weekly with motivational coaching and customized music to create the ultimate fitness experience. It is also a lifestyle brand, geared toward facets outside of the workout through its mantra and tagline “Live by the Barre Code.”

Innovative Props and Equipment The Barre Code utilizes innovative props and equipment in its complete, total-body program to keep the mind engaged, the body challenged, and the results coming. Its intensive instructor training program requires instructors to develop a firm grasp of the principles behind the movements, as well as a deep understanding of how to effectively motivate clients to believe in their strength and abilities.

March 2019|

“

The Barre Code goes beyond the barre to offer cardio,

classes with an emphasis on positivity & empowerment.

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strength, and restorative

— Jillian Lorenz Co-CEO & Co-founder The Barre Code

Leading from a Positive Place As a company, The Barre Code has learned to celebrate the wins and also the “fins” – failures that have become wins because they taught them something. The Barre Code HQ drives everything from its mission and vision, and has crafted an “Actionable 8” that guides its staff & instructors across the country to always lead from a positive place.

Driving Forces Built off their personal fitness backgrounds and unable to find anything similar in the boutique fitness space, The Barre Code’s Co-CEOs and Co-founders, Jillian Lorenz and Ariana Chernin created The Barre Code in 2010. They are still deeply involved in The Barre Code, both on a daily basis and as driving forces behind the brand, training program, and its expansion across the country.

Large Scale Growth The Barre Code is focused on large scale growth in key markets across the country so that it can continue to spread the mission of The Barre Code nationwide. The hope is that someday everyone associates the “bar code” with an idea of being individually strong, but even more empowered together.

|March 2019

Client Testimonials “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!” – Sydney Sheriff, The Barre Code Pittsburgh “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!”

– Camila Camille, The Barre Code Miami “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.” – Autumn Peterson, The Barre Code Ann Arbor

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INTRIGUING

5

TO NURTURE A

Recognize Your Employees Efforts Every employee works for almost 1/3rd of the day time in achieving company’s objective. Employees work for hours and get paid as well for their labour. But isn’t it would be great if the top performing employees get immediate recognition from their supervisor. Study shows that, when managers provide appreciation/bonus/incentives to the top performing employees, it does not only create a special bond amongst the employees and the management but also increases the probability of longer association of employees with the company. Doing such things also boost up employees confidence and morale towards work that ultimately benefits the company at large.

Spread your Values through Interactive Sessions Many people love gaming. There are people who are almost mad about gaming and can do whatever it takes to excel in this form of fun activity. But it is not easy to excel in gaming, gamers have to first understand all the nitty-gritty associated with their favourite game including rules, different stages, rewards, difficulty levels, bonanza price amongst others.

After taking cognizance of such things and practising religiously; a gamer really transform into an expert. On contrary to this, when it comes to employees in any

ROBUST BONDING WITH EMPLOYEES

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mployees, management, and the customers are the three most vital and integral part of every business operation. Often every company focuses heavily on the third aspect i.e. the customers, justifiably correct as well as it is the ultimate source of revenue generation through which a company runs and flourish. But it is also equally important to focus on the first aspect with equal force - that is the employees- which create the value for the organization. Companies hire people, train them and try to retain them as long as possible, but not always an organization and especially managers do the things which increase the employee engagement with the organization.

Here we enlisted few time-tested mantras that can help any manager to improve employees’ longevity with the organization.

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Editor’s Perspective

organization, performance and ethical behaviour decides their future in the organization. Unfortunately, when things do not go well, managers left with no option but to take some strict action against the employee which many times create strain in the relationship.

To avoid such things, it is must to brief about company’s policies, business objectives and values in advance so that each employee exactly knows what transformation he/she needs to does in order to sync with the company’s culture.

Now it is also important to preach such things by taking seminar/induction and other, so that new hires can understands the importance of it. Without face-to-face interaction, transferring the core value is almost impossible.

Therefore, it would be great to schedule brief meetings/seminars/informal interactive sessions which can keep the employees in sync with the company’s core culture and assist them to work on their weak areas. Doing such thing always avoid a confronting situation at workplace and ultimately strengthen bond between employees and management.

Take Interest in Your Employees What a particular employee likes? Where he/she graduated from? Who are its family members? What fun activity he/she likes in leisure time? What annoys a particular employee at workplace? Answers to such things can only be found in the minds of an employee’s close ones. If as a manager, you take an active and ethical interest in an

employee, it does not only open a friendlier pool between you and the employee but also help you understand his/her motivations, likings, dis likings and other vital things that are required to understand your employees better.

Ultimately, it assists a manager to carry out business operation by focusing on company’s objectives with ease.

This type of bonding also nurtures a working relationship that can open the channels of communication so that when your employees have a good idea, they feel free to reach you out. This way you can be the employees’ boss with keeping employees’ trust and love at the core.

Nurture an Environment based on Mutual Respect How you talk to your employees? How you behave with them? How seriously you resolve their grievances? How much space are you providing them to grow into their career? These are some of the hard-hitting questions that every manager has to take seriously. No matter how competent a manager is, if you won’t create an atmosphere of mutual respect, chances of losing your grip on the team remain high. Moreover, if managers find themselves pounding on the desk and engaging in intimidation tactics, good chances are there that they can lose respect among their employees. But if the managers create a positive workplace environment based on shared respect, then it will only lead towards growing your authority that too with affectionate bonding with the employees.

Discipline is ‘Must’ Being friendly is a good thing. It resolves many problems.

In-fact, sometimes it solves the problem before it arises and thus every manager should have this quality to create a bond. But sometimes your friendly demeanour at workplace gets exploited by some employees. Occasionally, some employees can’t separate the friendly boss from the friend and switch gears frequently between work-fun mode. If you find an employee that is becoming overly familiar, joking, or disrespecting someone, this is right time to show your authority and keep the work-place discipline under control.

Doing this can help maintaining discipline without even offending someone.

Although, the list is endless but these techniques surely do wonders for managers and organizations if followed consistently and stringently and help them achieve the desired goal of employee retention for long.

|March 2019

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The

Best to Open in 2019

PickUp USA Fitness Improving Basketball Experience for Players

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n an interview with Insights Success, Founder and President of PickUp USA Fitness, Jordan Meinster, shares valuable information of PickUp USA Fitness and about its contribution as a fitness franchise. PickUp USA Fitness is the first and only basketball-focused fitness club concept operating in the United States. The demographics for its clubs’ customers are amazingly diverse with services for men, women and children as young as 5 years old; and skill levels from beginners to experts. Its gyms offer traditional amenities like weight & cardio rooms for the 60 million people nationwide that are gym members. Combine this with basketball-focused services for the 30 million people nationwide that participate in the sport, it offers a tremendous opportunity to build a great business in one’s neighborhood. PickUp USA recently announced a multi-unit partnership with NBA veteran, Rudy Gay. Below are highlights from the interview between Jordan Meinster and Insights Success: Give a brief overview of your company and its vision.

PickUp USA gyms are basketball-focused fitness clubs that offer group and private basketball training, weight and cardio rooms, and our main feature – PickUp basketball with referees. We serve youth and adult clients in clubs across the country.

What are the cutting-edge products/services offered by PickUp USA Fitness?

What set us apart are our unique basketball-focused offerings. We provide fun yet challenging basketball boot-

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camps, and results-oriented private training sessions for our athletes to learn and develop their skills to achieve their goals. Another key differentiator is our organized and officiated PickUp Games. Our members have the opportunity to play in daily competitive PickUp Games that retains all of the fun aspects of pickup basketball yet cuts out all of the hassle. We combine these basketball services with full weight/cardio rooms, and deliver a true fullservice fitness club to our members.

What are the special franchisee strengths that make PickUp USA Fitness unique from its competitors?

PickUp USA delivers a system-oriented structure that provides fitness entrepreneurs a substantial head start to their road to success within the industry. Our corporate team is enthusiastic to provide round-the-clock assistance to help franchise owners achieve their goals and grow the brand as a whole. The franchise owners are all basketball enthusiasts that have strong business backgrounds. This has helped create a team of franchise owners that are highly passionate about our offering, and that have the business acumen to drive strong operational and financial performance.

Describe the experiences, achievements, or lessons learnt that has shaped the journey of the company.

The development process that brought us from an initial concept to where we are now has been a challenging yet valuable journey. We’ve learned countless lessons through the rough road of trial and error as to how to best meet our customer’s needs and thrive as an independent gym. Name an obstacle and we’ve probably overcome it. From site March 2019|

“

“

PickUp USA: A Better Way to Play!

— Jordan Meinster Founder & President PickUp USA Fitness

location, to construction, to scheduling, to staffing, to training, to sales; we’ve encountered the whole gamut of challenges and can now confidently implement our tried and true system to fitness entrepreneurs looking to avoid those same pitfalls. Most importantly, we have learned from the customers and always structured our services based on what the consumers are demanding. After seven years of operating experience, we have a business model in-place that has been crafted through experience and adapting to consumer preferences.

Where does PickUp USA Fitness see itself in the long run and what are its future goals?

We are less than three years old as a franchisor and can now boast sites in 4 states with additional sites pending in 3 other states. The sky is the limit because basketball is a truly global sport. We envision ourselves to being a nationwide brand that will be operating in all 50 states and possibly beyond. The focus of the company is on delivering strong unit level economics at each franchise location, and continuing to refine the model to ensure PickUp USA delivers world-class service to the customers, and strong economic returns for the club owners.

Testimonials by Clients 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.

|March 2019

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.

About the Leader Jordan Meinster played PickUp basketball his entire life, and always envisioned a gym that would improve the basketball experience for the millions of players across the country. After close to a decade in financial services, he launched PickUp USA in 2011, and began franchising the concept in 2016. There are currently PickUp USAs operating across the country, including multiple locations owned by NBA athletes. Jordan aims to deliver “A Better Way to Play” to communities across the country, and to drive strong financial returns for PickUp USA franchise owners.

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Best to Open in 2019

Sole’renity Spa Ensuring Finest Health and Wellness Treatments

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s one of the rapidly growing new industries on the market today, the wellness industry is no exception.

Various Spa treatments are the emerging trend and demonstrate a growing desire to rejuvenate one’s youth and sustain a healthy Wellness lifestyle.

Sole’renity Spa, Inc. (“the Company”) is an up-scale brand that offers a comprehensive suite of services and retail products in a relaxing first-class atmosphere replete with a nail lounge and private spa rooms designed to provide bestof-class therapeutic sessions for individuals and groups.

Based in Sulphur, Oklahoma where the flagship Sole’renity Spa is located, it is the intention of the Company to expand across the United States within targeted and defined regional markets. To this end, the Company help launch additional corporate and franchise locations starting in Oklahoma and Texas. Franchises will receive hands-on training at the Company’s headquarters, as well as on-site training during initial start-up along with ongoing training and support to ensure consistent quality across all its franchise locations.

Holistic and Therapeutic Methods Founded by Rhonda Mordecai-Pitmon, Sole’renity Spa was conceptualized through the journey, grace, and vision of God, starting with the name Sole’renity. Founder’s belief in Christ and compassion towards others fueled her quest to open a spa sanctuary where guests have opportunities for healing, meditation, reflection, and relaxation. In 2011, Sole’renity Spa opened its doors to present customers with an exceptional up-scale, boutique day spa experience. Originally located in the heart of

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Gainesville, Texas, Sole’renity Spa is now located in the historic Artesian Hotel and is recognized as one of the top ten family spa destinations and one of the Top 100 Spas of America providing guests with the finest health and wellness treatments, through holistic and therapeutic methods, within a relaxing spa sanctuary for women, men, and children.

Wellbeing of Mind, Body and Sole Sole’renity Spa offers a luxury one-stop option to discerning individuals seeking top-quality and innovative health and wellness services, along with signature products and gifts. Services include Hand and Feet Treatments, Hair Removal, Massage Therapy, Skin Care, Body Treatments, and Sole’renity Spa Journey packages – all for the pure luxury and pampering of clients in an unmatched spa escape that provides clients with a renewed sense of wellbeing in mind, body and sole. First time customers are usually surprised at the level of dedication and service they receive, which keeps them coming back often, and results in them purchasing a membership and becoming a customer for life.

Professionally Trained Services Sole’renity Spa utilizes professionally trained, licensed massage therapists to provide massage treatments including Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, and aromatherapy. Massage facilitates relaxation and wellbeing by relieving tension and anxiety, improving blood flow and circulation, enhancing sleep quality and concentration, and reducing stress and fatigue. Sole’renity Spa provides professional massage therapists to encourage relaxation, safety, and wellbeing.

March 2019|

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“

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

Passionate and Skilled Leadership Spearheading the Sole’renity Spa brand is its founder, Rhonda Pitmon, a veteran owner who is an entrepreneurminded leader and innovator in the spa industry. Rhonda has worked in the industry in both Texas and Oklahoma for over 25 years. She is highly skilled in developing the brand image and growing the brand. She is a seasoned, hardworking and dedicated licensed professional, who through her years in the business has developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the spa industry and its market dynamics.

Rhonda is passionate about the business and helping others.

She has the proven ability to lead the Company to long term success and sustainable profitability while strategically growing the brand’s geographical footprint by opening new corporate and franchise locations. The Company anticipates opening its next spa in Oklahoma City, followed by additional Oklahoma and Texas locations.

Rhonda Pitmon is also the proprietor of Little Soles Kid Spa. Little Soles Kid Spa was developed from the devotion in the spa industry to teach children about spa services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and chair massage in a colorful fun their setting while promoting self-image for kids while treating their hands and feet and pampering their soles so sweet. She is passionate about enriching the lives of children and grooming our next generation of spa-goers.

through its innovative approach, becoming synonymous with fine customer care and top-quality services. Marketing for each new location will include a combination of timetested methods, including traditional marketing, social media, and a robust search engine optimization and online marketing campaign, and using strong community outreach in each market it opens.

Sole’renity intends to become a marquee spa and massage business, with a unique and faith-based spa service that is more geared toward high-end consumers and tourists than most massage or spa franchises.

Quintessential Spa Experience 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, the ad agency

Expansion through Innovative Approach Sole’renity Spa’s flagship location has successfully established itself as the premier fashionable, full-service spa |March 2019

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The

Impressive of

Impact

Organic Networking T

he main reason for the invention of website, Internet and technology devices that provides the platform for software to run and connect with each other is mainly to make networking of services, products and people possible. Technology leaders such as Cisco, Arista and Apple are dedicating their resources to provide various business enterprises and the masses the ability to communicate their values through technology mediums called as Networking.

The works and provisions of these organizations are very outstanding, and are believed to last for ages. This is because the growth of technology is not going out of style so soon, but rather it is believed to continue into the future.

Technology networking strategies is good, but to make it more effective there is the incessant need to incorporate organic strategies.

You may be asking what I mean by Organic Networking or Strategies. The organization that will survive in the market in the near future, considering the increasing rate of competition are the ones who take the necessary steps, to develop more human connection for their business, more than they do for machines such as provided by AI. The Factors to Consider for an Effective Organic Networking: Even as our age is encouraging more of technology strategies, if we must survive the future of it all, then we must connect more people, than we do for machines. As an

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March 2019|

Editor’s Pick

innovative networking solution provider, it is going to pay more, when you include human intelligence and physicality in your networking strategies over machines.

Imagine a day that the machines are going to have a serious breakdown, and the owner organization do not have the capable persons to figure out the cause of the breakdown and possibly provide a feasible solution? What will be the fate of the organization? This means that, there will be a great loss of value and possibly a strike off the industry. I know you would never want that to happen. So, plan from now, to never pay for the loss in the future.

Balance Your People to machine Deployment: Social Medias are for networking, Newspapers and various Medias are also for networking, but there are people behind the arc of this innovation. The more you incorporate AI and machine learning strategies, always remember the need for Control Engineers and those are human beings.

The most successful organizations identify the major importance of |March 2019

people networking and how best to utilize human intelligence in their business quest.

For example; if you write an article and share it on a website, who do you expect to read your article; human beings or machines? It is obvious that the organic networking aspect of computing will never go out of style; else, there will be a day in the future that digital connection and values will be measured on the number of bots that read your articles and/or that paid for your services. So, remember to balance the rate of your people to machine deployment, by acknowledging the need of human networking over technology networking.

The Need for Organic Sense in Networking and the Future: Technology is the miracle of our age, Artificial Intelligence is a major molding factor of this development, IoT is the liberator from machine isolation by providing the platform to interconnect millions of them over the virtual platforms, but humans make these things possible.

Networking is an innovative concept with high profile technology terms. If one does not implore deep interest and concentration while exploring this realm, there may be a serious distortion of original motive of indulgence, and this can lead to serious breakdown of enterprise infrastructure. Sometimes, it maybe direct and other times, it will be indirect, but in all, it will always have an impact. The future of technology is very bright, and that is mainly dependent on how available we make the resources to help manage what we have today in the near future. For this to be possible, the networking solution providers must incorporate more of organic sense in their solutions and industry advancements.

Technology will advance, more machines will be connected, devices will be programmed to run independently, but in all these things, the humans in the network will still rule the universe. The more organic you make your networking strategies, the lesser the fear of a disastrous future for your organization.

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1

The

Best to Open in 2019

Soul Origin Gratifying People through Food and Beverage Services

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elicious food and exceptional coffee is the best way to start your day. If your food is packed with nutrients and tastes delightful, then it becomes a meal of happiness that feeds your soul. Australians eating in a hurry no longer need to compromise on quality. Soul Origin serves food that’s good for the soul. They make it convenient and affordable to enjoy fresh nutritious food and exceptional coffee every day, served friendly and fast.

Soul Origin is known for its Specialty Coffee and amazing food with quality service. From friendly, trained teams and baristas, an extensive range of vibrant fresh salads and sandwiches, with store fit outs that facilitate quick service.

The organisation is focused on exceeding customer expectations. It has extensive range of food which is made fresh on site daily, using quality ingredients. The company takes coffee very seriously and its commitment to quality and excellence is what underpins the success of its coffee offering across Australia. From where the beans are sourced, to how they are roasted and handled, all the way to execution at the espresso machine, Soul Origin is focused on always delivering the highest quality espresso for its customers. As a food service organisation Soul Origin believes in making a difference for customers and the world we live in. At Soul Origin, customers enjoy excellent fresh and nutritious food, great coffee and exceptional customer service.

A Leading Light Chris Mavris, the CEO of Soul Origin is recognised as

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one of Australian franchising’s QSR experts. His hands-on knowledge and dedication to excellence has resulted in Soul Origin being named Australia’s Emerging Franchisor of 2017. Chris’ leadership has seen the strategic expansion of Soul Origin from just three stores when he joined the business in 2013 to its current 105 plus franchise outlets.

He has also overseen investment in the key systems, training and technology to ensure Soul Origin’s reputation for excellence and innovation is maintained. His passion and energy is evident in everything he sets his mind to.

Expanding Persistently Soul Origin has experienced exponential growth since opening its first store back in 2011. It is a retail brand run by retailers and now has over 100 stores across Australia. In the past year alone the organisation has opened 30 new stores and continues to expand across Australia. The franchisees are proud to be a part of the Soul Origin revolution – making a difference to lives of its customers and the world we live in.

Quality is the Key Soul Origin is a retail food business that was developed and grown by retailers. Chris and the founders have spent most of their lives managing and owning numerous types of food businesses, with a few franchise outlets as part of that journey. All the core team members have seen and experienced most of the challenges that most of the food retailers faces. Further to that they understand retail and what it takes to stand on the coal face with a smile and

March 2019|

“

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

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erve the public, day after day. The team believes that “You need to be authentic and true to yourself, because the Australian consumer is one of the smartest in the world.”

Create spaces that consumers are drawn to because of its beauty i.e. build attractive and enticing shops with an aspirational aspect to them, places that people want to be seen at and give them a product that does not leave them with lunch time regret. Further the organisation states, Food Retail is a simple business that is often complicated far too much, do the basic well – product, experience and aesthetics, and with an authentic experience and nothing can go wrong. Engagement is the final element and if anyone can deliver on that you have the elements for success.

Comprehensive Services According to the company its food display has always been the ‘eye candy’ that draws customers to the counters, and coffee has always been a key driver in what Soul Origin does every day. It has always been a view to bring specialty coffee to the many not the few. This has been achieved through training, consistency and investment in the best equipment in the espresso world. The organisation has managed to bring the word retail back into the QSR space, taking away barriers from between customers and the teams, filling the cabinets with fresh abundant food that everyone can see. Not relying on stylised menu boards of product that only exists with the fairies. With its “we care” motto the organisation speaks to the customers without the |March 2019

reliance on a POS to execute its sales. The customers can see the food in front of them and point to what they are about to be served. The biggest thing is the abundance of display; the company believes in stacking it high and watching it fly. Most of all it has brought back the fun, energy and customer focus to retail and at the same time served Australians restaurant quality food in the food courts of Australia’s shopping centers.

Aiming to get Immense Soul Origin is striving to grow its footprint across Australia, with an eye on a move off shore to foreign lands. It will continue to serve food that is “good for the soul” with the view to making it even easier for Aussies to make better decisions around what they eat. The company is looking forward to further innovating and disrupting, through product development, store design and customer experience. Further to this, it is searching at different styles of store whether it be a small footprint or a grab and go model.

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Emerging Tech and Revolutions to Avoid Digital Irrelevance

T

he past several years have brought about sweeping changes in business technologies from main stream adoption of AI and voice activated devices to AR and VR solutions. Personal assistants power multiple devices and the internet of things push companies to keep up or get left behind. As emerging technologies push forward, consumers are getting use to a level of service, unimaginable just a few years ago. Millennials and Gen Z’ers have grown accustomed to being able to customize everything, get it the next day, and return it with no ramifications.

All of these technological advances are changing the way business is conducted at a base level and automation is finding its way into everything from marketing to warehousing. To cap it all off SEO is becoming increasing qualitative. Since quantitative factors can be gamed to beat the system, giants like Google and Amazon have decided that just because your company has an excellent keyword and schema strategy, doesn’t mean your business is the best at what it does. Both are relying more on qualitative factors like customer conversions, customer reviews, and even the amount of foot traffic you have at your physical locations.

Amazon and Google get set to square off as the Ecomm arms race continues to escalate and Zero Click ECommerce becomes ground zero for these platforms to gain your business. Zero Click Ecomm allows you to book a service or buy a product from your home speaker or phone without leaving the Google or Amazon platform or going through a traditional checkout process.

In order to succeed, businesses need to be flexible, adapt to a changing landscape and meet consumer expectations.

What often is not addressed, however, is whether a business should adopt these technologies and how to decide which ones make sense. With development costs for custom built consumer-based apps starting at 100k and lead times over 3 months, todays CITOs and CEOs need to drive innovation, protect it, and capitalize on it just to stay ahead of the competition. Three technologies or revolutions that every

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business needs to consider right now are Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Zero Click Ecomm. Ÿ

Artificial Intelligence (AI): No matter what generation you are from, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has impacted you in some way. The old chess playing robot Deep Blue project, with origins dating back to the 80’s, has evolved into the advanced systems like IBM Watson and Amazon Lex. Once highly guarded proprietary systems, AI platforms have become open and friendly to developers with systems capable of learning and driving results. Today Artificial Intelligence drives consumer interactions through website and texting platforms.

Many automated marketing platforms are incorporating AI to make sure that your advertisements reach the people most likely to purchase your product.

AI is an emerging tech that all businesses need to put on their short list. PWC predicted that AI will help marketing solutions based on Big Data and we already see business systems like Buxton incorporating AI into their mapping models. AI is advancing science, marketing, and business management, AI has the power to predict results, improve ROI, and save money. Ÿ

Augmented Reality (AR): Augmented Reality is becoming a game changer for many industries, however, what exactly is it and how does it benefit modern business? Many people I talk with still confuse Augmented Reality with Virtual Reality (VR). Virtual Reality is a 3D environment, a complete virtual world that is immersive where the consumer is fully rendered inside a digital space and requires somewhat cumbersome electronics like headsets and haptics to complete the experience, (á la Ready Player One).

Augmented Reality (AR) is much more practical and prevalent. AR allows the consumer to change things about their real environment with the assistance of technology, March 2019|

Tech- Talk usually a phone app or integrated web tech. The beauty space has flocked to AR to allow consumers to virtually try on make up or change their hair color such as the YouCam Makeup – Magic Selfie Cam showcased at the 2019 CES show. These are practical solutions to consumer pain points, allowing them to try before they buy. AR can help a consumer choose furniture, car accessories, and more, as they look in real life on themselves or in their own house as opposed to how they think they will look be online images. Wayfair has been leading the charge in this space and revealed at Shoptalk that they are digitizing much of their online inventory and converting them into interactive images. Ÿ

Zero Click Ecomm: Zero Click Ecomm isn’t tech, but it is a revolution. Powerhouses Google and Amazon are going head to head for your business and it is a two-pony race. According to an Adeptmind Survery, 46% of product searches originated on Amazon compared to 34% originating on Google. Amazon has been dominating the global Ecomm market, proving a long tail strategy can be immensely successful. As they grow, Amazon is bringing that level of innovation into the brick and mortar world with automated checkout and account based transactions.

Google however has not given up. They may be behind in product search originations, but according to Statista.com 63% of all searches still start with Google. Google’s goal over the next couple of years will be to have you never leave the Google Platform. Google’s technology investments in Google Business, Google Merchant, Google Manufacturer, Google Reserve, and Google Analytics, allows business to list their location, sell their products, book their services, advertise their wares, and track their ROI, all without ever leaving the Google Suite.

As business tech evolves and progresses, business need to keep pace to avoid becoming obsolete. The good news is that as the tech advances so do the solutions, and many software companies are building out of the box solutions for various industries to bring you up to date. There are AI solutions for customer service, marketing, and management. There are AR app builders who can help you utilize the technology for your consumer solutions, even if your company hasn’t been keeping up to date. It will be every CEOs responsibility to provide the vision of how the tech fits into their organization and CITOs and CMOs will be integrating the technology and pushing it even further. If we embrace the change, we will be able to do more and achieve higher ROIs with deeply satisfying consumer experiences. Artificial Intelligence will make sense of Big Data, Augmented Reality will provide the ultimate customer experience, and Zero Click Ecomm will make the transaction process easier and simpler, bringing more ROI to companies with the vision to utilize the technology and avoid digital irrelevance.

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About the Author 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.

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