Ideal Image is the nation’s #1 MedSpa and fastest growing consumer medical brand in the U .S. with 150+ locations.
World's
Ideal Image VOL 11 | ISSUE 02 | 2020
Best Franchise Opportunities to Own,
2020
+
David Prokupek CEO, Ideal Image
Editor’s Desk
W Invest in Consumer
ith the evolution in franchise industry, businesses have experienced exponential growth. Businesses are proud to be a part of a brand which is making a difference to lives of its customers and the world we live in. In franchise industry, it is necessary to be authentic and true to yourself, because today’s consumers are smart, living with advancement and always searching for something new and genuine products or services. Consumer franchise categorizes the customers who are consistent, and core buyers. Those customers have the highest possibility of unending to purchase the company's products. A seller might be interested to increase the trades from the committed and uncommitted buyers. He/she might try to use marketing and spend extra money to convert the uncommitted consumers into higher‐likelihood committed buyers. Although, the inevitability of conversion is unidentified, it can surmise that only few uncommitted buyers would take interest and, of those, not all would become committed buyers. It is recommended that the vendors should focus their efforts on the consumer franchise, since committed buyers have a higher possibility of buying in the first place and have already showed their loyalty and commitment. This edition of Insights Success “World's Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020” is about the franchises which are using an important measure of marketing levers at their disposal to increase sales profitability for the business and providing exceptional services to change consumers into committed buyers. The cover features Ideal Image which was founded as a laser hair removal business with the goal to help clients’ look and feel their best. Since then, the company has
capitalized on the fast-growing aesthetic industry and added a full suite of skin, face and body services to become America’s #1 MedSpa. The company was acquired by L Catterton, the leading consumerfocused private equity firm. It has continued to grow its footprint, adding both corporate and franchise units. It now has over 150 clinics throughout the US and Canada. The company of the month is having Class 101, which is leading with the mission to provide families with expert guidance in the college search, admissions, and financial aid process. It believes that early engagement is a game changer, especially with what is happening right now in the world. A student’s college application is a summary of all four years of high school, not just junior year. Class 101 helps students and families navigate the complex, multiyear process, beginning in the 9 grade. The organization works with students 1:1 to connect all the dots and make the process enjoyable for families with a comprehensive high school roadmap from 9 to 12 grade. Also, while flipping the pages, don’t forget to go through the articles and CXOs written by our inhouse editorial team and industry experts respectively.
rohit.chaturvedi@insightssuccess.com
Cover Story
Ideal Image
Democratizing the MedSpa experience to be more safe, affordable and accessible than ever
10
ARTICLE 24
40
Leader’s Viewpoint
Tech Dynamics
Rethinking the Products of Today for Better Tomorrow
Why Aligning Your Business with Latest Technologies is Important
Franchise of the Month
CONTENTS
20
28
32
36
44
48
20
28
32
White Rose Finance Group Ltd
Freedom Boat Club
36
44
Osmow's
VomFass
48
Zen Massage
Satisfying the Cravings of Modern MiddleEastern cuisine
Creator and Leader of a Unique Experiential Retail Concept
A Better Way in the Retail Professional Massage Category.
Class 101
Guiding Students and Families from High School to College
A Complete Financial Business Service
Boating Made Simple in over 240 Locations
Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar Managing Editor Anish Miller
Executive Editor
Assistant Editors
Rohit Chaturvedi
Jenny Fernandes
Visualizer
Art & Design Director
Associate Designer
David King
Asha Bange
Kartik Balapurkar
Co-designer Kushagra Gupta
Senior Sales Manager
Business Development Manager
Kshitij S
Peter Collins
Marketing Manager
Sales Executives
John Matthew
David, Martin, Maneesh
Technical Head
Business Development Executives
Jacob Smile
Steve, Joe, Aidan, Prathamesh
Technical Specialist Aditya
Digital Marketing Manager Marry D'Souza
SME-SMO Executive Amol Wadekar
Research Analyst Frank Adams
Database Management Stella Andrew
Circulation Manager Robert Brown
Technology Consultant David Stokes
sales@insightssuccess.com November, 2020
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Company Name
Management
Brief
Broker Plan brokerplan.co.uk
John Kent Managing Director
Established in 2004, Brokerplan is a compelling opportunity for anyone looking to generate a significant income from becoming a Commercial Finance Broker.
Class 101 class101.com
Tom Pabin President
The company's mission is to provide families with expert guidance in the college search, admissions, and financial aid process.
Freedom Boat Club freedomboatclub.com
John Giglio President & CEO
Freedom Boat Club was first founded in 1989 in Sarasota, FL with the vision and purpose in establishing the boat club model was simple and straightforward - to deliver a hassle-free recreational boating experience for its members.
Hand & Stone Franchise Corp handandstone.com
John Teza President and Chief Development Officer
Hand & Stone offers professional Massage, Facial and Hair Removal services tailored to your individual needs.
Ideal Image idealimage.com
David Prokupek CEO
Ideal Image is the nation’s leading MedSpa that’s performed millions of skin, face and body procedures.
Osmow's mrosmow.com
Sam and Ben Osmow Principal & Founder/ CEO and Head of Franchise Operations
Osmow’s combines Middle eastern cuisine with a North American palette, a fusion of both cultures. With a flair for healthy, well-made food, the Osmow’s family quick-service restaurants offer mouth-watering meals packed with fresh flavours, dressed with a range of its signature sauces.
Sharkey's Cuts for Kids sharkeyscutsforkids.com
Scott Sharkey CEO
At Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, team knows that kids and parents want something different with their haircut experience.
vomFASS vomfassusa.com
Elaine R. Sugimura / Kevin M. Frain CEO/ COO
vomFASS is a unique retail & community event business specializing in a wide array of artisanal products, including the world’s finest oils, vinegars, spirits, wine, gourmet foods, and spices.
WineStyles winestyles.com
Bryan McGinness CEO
WineStyles® Tasting Station® was born out of the original WineStyles concept, which was founded in 2002 after a backyard barbeque blind tasting of wines proved the most popular were not the most expensive, but simply the bottles that tasted the best.
Zen Massage zenmassageusa.com
Keith Larson CEO
Zen Massage Franchising, Incorporated, franchisor of Zen Massage Centers, provides a high quality professional massage in a comfortable environment with several Advantages for Consumers.
World’s Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020
Democratizing the MedSpa experience to be more safe, affordable and accessible than ever
“Ideal Image is the nation's #1 MedSpa and fastest growing consumer medical brand in the U.S. with 150+ locations.”
r ve Co or St y David Prokupek CEO Ideal Image
I
deal Image was founded in 2001 as a laser hair removal business with the goal to help clients look and feel their best. Since then, the company has capitalized on the fast-growing aesthetic industry and added a full suite of skin, face and body services to become America’s #1 MedSpa. Ideal Image was acquired by L Catterton, the leading consumer-focused private equity ďŹ rm. It has continued to grow its footprint, adding both corporate and franchise units. It now has over 150 clinics throughout the US and Canada. Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Insights Success and David Prokupek, CEO of Ideal Image:
Ideal Image is the nation's #1 MedSpa focused on non-surgical, FDAapproved and FDA-cleared treatments for the skin, face and body.
r ve Co
We have a broad range of clientele, the majority ranging from 25- to 55-year-olds who are well-educated, enjoy an active lifestyle and have a broad range of household incomes. We meet their diverse needs—from removing unwanted hair to reducing stubborn fat to getting a more firm, toned body to having healthy, youthful skin. Our full suite of services are delivered by a team of expert Medical Professionals and include laser hair removal, Botox® wrinkle relaxer, CoolSculpting® fat reduction, CoolTone™ muscle toning and a range of medical grade facials and skin tightening solutions. We are able to give our clients everything they need to look and feel their best for years to come. Describe your company’s tagline “Confidence Changes Everything.” More than just a tagline, it is our core belief that Confidence Changes Everything. Confidence is the most powerful thing in the world—and the most beautiful—it is beauty from the inside out. We believe in this crazy, fast paced, competitive world that people deserve to look the way they want and love the way they feel. Our mission at Ideal Image is to work hard every day to passionately deliver on that promise. Our team of experts get to know each client individually to develop a personalized treatment plan using the most advanced aesthetic technology. We say that “confidence walks through our doors every day and walks out better, stronger and more courageous.” We get up every day to help our clients say yes to “better” and get the natural looking results they want.
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At Ideal Image we give our clients a full suite of affordable, non-surgical treatment options for their skin, face and body—all backed by our exclusive Lifetime Guarantee Program and 100% approvals for clients who want financing.
or St
What services does Ideal Image offer, and how do they meet the needs of your customers?
You have an interesting background. How did you come to be at Ideal Image?
I have been fortunate to be part of some amazing consumer brands—whether leading, investing or advising—and to partner with the country’s top private equity firms, creating some great outcomes. I came to Ideal Image because of a relationship with L Catterton who has a history of backing the best consumer brands in the world. The aesthetic industry was new to me, but I quickly realized how fast it was growing and saw the opportunity to create an international brand—where none really existed. The skills we learned from our other consumer and franchise experiences could quickly be applied here to accelerate growth. In the end, it was an easy choice—I felt this was going to be a home run. How do you help your franchises succeed? We have a unique business model that allows our franchise owners to thrive in the fast-growing aesthetics industry—enjoying average annual clinic sales of $2.4M—well above the industry average. Our turnkey, direct-to-consumer client model delivers hundreds of new clients per month, all of whom are treated in our advanced MedSpas by Medical Professionals who have performed 20+ million aesthetic treatments. To support our franchise owners, we provide 1) the highest level of medical training and advanced technologies, 2) a turnkey marketing program with broad-based media and digital campaigns targeting core clients in each of our markets, 3) a national telehealth platform that provides free virtual consultations, services, and sales support to thousands of clients per day, 4) affordable pricing because we pass on savings as a result of our scale, and 5) 100% approvals on financing, making Ideal Image accessible to everyone interested.
David Prokupek is CEO of Ideal Image, North America's #1 MedSpa concept and a fast growing direct to consumer medical brand with 150 North America locations and 20 million treatments performed. With the support of Ideal Image's private equity owner, L Catterton, David has transformed the company into “America's Med Spa,” disrupting the cosmetic and dermatological aesthetics industry by delivering outsized growth and consumer innovation in a highly fragmented category. Under David's leadership, Ideal Image is experiencing double-digit revenue and client growth by making its full suite of non-surgical treatments—including laser hair removal, Botox®, fat-reduction, muscle toning and other anti-aging treatments for the skin and face—more accessible and affordable than ever. With a belief that “Confidence Changes Everything” and a focus on helping consumers look and feel their best, Ideal Image performs thousands of free consultations a month and more personalized medical aesthetic treatments than any other company in the U.S. A proven business and brand builder, David is known for partnering with leading private equity firms as CEO and investor to create highly differentiated consumer businesses. His recent track record of success includes having led the aggressive growth and brand transformations at Smashburger and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. David is an active investor in emerging consumer brands, and serves on the board of Victra, the largest Verizon retailer in the U.S., with more than 1,000 wireless stores, and DFC Global, a leading Canadian consumer finance company. He is active in YPO. David earned a master's in management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor's in business administration from the University of Wisconsin.
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We support a high-performance, results-driven culture with a focus on consumer and business model disruption that will dramatically grow our company by democratizing the aesthetic industry. Likewise, we value a highly collaborative culture filled with people who are inspired and driven with a love for what they do. We are accountable to each other, our clients and franchise owners and we see our clients for who they are—individuals who simply want to look and feel their best. We take great pride in helping them. What marketing activities do you implement to reach out to your potential customers? Our marketing strategy is one of our key advantages. We invest heavily in sophisticated marketing activities both to quickly grow our new-client business, as well as promote long term loyalty with our existing guests. We use a full suite of direct-to-consumer marketing activities, including broad based media like TV and radio, and a wide range of digital marketing channels resulting in us performing thousands of free consultations for new clients every month. We create a host of loyalty and VIP pricing programs to encourage our existing guests to experience all that Ideal Image has to offer. How do medical advancements fit into your strategy? As a medically driven organization we are constantly evaluating, testing and upgrading our technologies to keep our clients safe with effective new services. Right now, we are focused on upgrading a number of our digital technologies. For example, we use the app Go Evo to ask our associates CDC-approved questions and track their health with regard to COVID-19 risks. Additionally, we have expanded our telehealth platform to increase our hours of operations and evaluate our
y
Our mission is to build the largest and most enduring brand in the aesthetics industry. Our values are driven first and foremost by our medical heritage, which prioritizes safety and expertise above all else.
clients in real time. When it comes to services, we are rolling out a new muscle strengthening and toning technology platform called CoolTone by Coolsculpting to each of our clinics.
or St
Describe Ideal Image’s culture.
What does your roadmap look like over the next five years? First off, we are focused on disrupting the very fragmented, aesthetics market and to do so, are investing significantly in our direct-to-consumer healthcare platform. This allows us to do business where and when clients want. Second, we are rolling out approximately 20 corporate clinics per year, as well as expanding our franchising footprint in the United States and Canada—and soon beyond. Third, we just launched a new program for existing MedSpas and physicians to join the Ideal Image team as affiliated partners—quickly adding even more points of service for our clients. Lastly, we’re adding new services targeted at healthy skin and face services, along with a consumer-friendly membership model. We’re excited about all of these developments, which will accelerate our growth and further extend our leadership.
Guiding Students and Families from High School to College
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he world looks much different than it did a year ago. Quarantining has affected every aspect of our lives, including unprecedented shifts to the high school educational experience. But just as your teenager is getting ready again for high school, they also need to get ready for college! Choosing the next step in education is not just about choosing the right college, but about location, finances, grades, interest, and much more. And it is very human to fall into a dilemma over choosing 'the right school' for your kids. The college preparation and admission processes can be confusing and frustrating for teenagers and parents alike. That's where Class 101 comes in and makes college planning simple.
kids requested help in finding and getting her teenager into college, which led to more families asking for help. “It all started in one community, with one person, helping one student find—and afford—the right college. That was me, 23 years ago, in Lexington, Kentucky, and now, we're a nationwide college planning franchise with over 100 college planners in over 40 locations in 23 states,” states Tom. Tom found his calling in college planning and set out to make a difference in the lives of young people through Class 101. Led by the philosophy that faith and family come first, Tom has devoted nearly half of his life to helping families across the U.S. make college dreams a reality.
Class 101 believes that early engagement is a game changer, especially with what is happening right now in the world. When it comes to maximizing college and scholarship opportunities, the earlier the better. A student's college application is a summary of all four years of high school, not just junior year. Class 101 helps students and families navigate the complex, multi-year process, beginning in the 9 grade. The organization works with students 1:1 to connect all the dots and make the process enjoyable for families, with a comprehensive high school roadmap from 9 to 12 grade. Strong Foundations It all started when Tom Pabin, the President of Class 101, was a youth minister in his early twenties. He was charged with providing youth clubs and activities to encourage young people. It was by chance that a mom of one of his
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Franchise of the Month
“I believe we have been given a chance to enhance others' lives. We are here not only to help students go to college and help families save money, but to help make a difference in a young person's life. That, my friends, is worth everything to me!” says Tom. Tom leads with purpose, integrity, and a clear vision to help people find their future, in both business and life, from Class 101's students to their franchise owners. He loves to motivate and encourage people to become the best version of themselves. “From headquarters to our franchise locations, Class 101 inspires greatness in others,” says Tom. Early Start – An Advantage for Class 101 College planning is still a relatively young industry in terms of global commercial growth, and Class 101 is evidently a market leader. Being in business for 23 years has allowed the company to establish a loyal customer base. This past year, it has started to serve the kids of its original and very first customers. As a small business that started in Lexington, Kentucky, Class 101 has led within its local, midwestern markets before expanding out towards the coasts. Class 101's numbers speak for themselves. It has only been franchising for 13 of the last 23 years. Within that time, it has helped over 6,500 high school students get into over 550 colleges and universities and most importantly has secured families more than $482 million in scholarships. While the national average transfer rate for colleges (pre-COVID) in the United States is around 30%, Class 101's transfer rate is 5%, which reflects how its business model helps students find the best schools, at the best price, for their best future.
www.insightssuccess.com
“Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
Also, because it is a purpose-driven business, Class 101 has built a culture around serving others. Its mission is to empower students, serve families and inspire greatness. “Everyone under the Class 101 brand is here to make a positive difference in the lives of others and make a positive impact in their community,” Tom expresses. How Technology Keeps Class 101 Thriving Families are always in need of tips, advice, services, and expertise to help their students go to and afford college during COVID-19. Class 101's services have never been more important, as it is helping families stay on track and
November 2020 | 21
navigate through the real-time changes within college admissions and standardized testing. Most importantly, the organization has been able to continue to help secure financial aid and scholarships during the economic downturn. As a company, Class 101 is nimble and can quickly adapt its business with the ever-evolving landscape of technology and education. When the pandemic hit and most of the colleges went scampering with the online transition, Class 101 pivoted to virtual operations overnight and embraced webinars, virtual meetings and online classes. Class 101's digital platform allows students and parents to have everything in one place, available at your fingertips. From college reports to practice tests to parent updates, it's all online and easy to find. With the impact of the pandemic and the shift to virtual learning, Class 101 is offering more services virtually than ever before. “Our operations went from being almost exclusively in person to now being almost exclusively online,” says Tom.
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Bequeathing the Keys to Success “My advice to other entrepreneurs and educationists would be the same advice I provide to our students. Find your passion, do the work you care about, believe in yourself, and the rest will follow. Skills will come through hard work. Remember, in business as in life, the best things are meant to be shared. Find people and find a community that will support, guide, and challenge you throughout your career,” says Tom. The team at Class 101 believes that the coronavirus has shifted consumer behavior, and the pandemic has opened the door to innovation as the future of virtual learning is being shaped in real-time. With the shift to virtual learning in the higher education market, it opens the door to a global marketplace faster than ever before. By adapting in real-time to changing consumer behaviors, needs, and trends, its services and solutions perfectly position Class 101 in the marketplace. “Going into 2021, we have more opportunities to grow our franchise and expand into new territories”, concludes Tom. www.insightssuccess.com
Class 101 helps students with:
“On paper, we are comprehensive college planners, but in the day-to-day work with students, we are mentors, coaches, teachers, counselors and advisors.”
www.insightssuccess.com
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Developing a college list
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Identifying & exploring majors and careers
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ACT/SAT/PSAT prep and score improvement
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GPA improvement
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Essay writing, resume building and letters of recommendation
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Campus visits: Class 101 students typically visit 10 schools, apply to 7 and love 5
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College applications & deadlines
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Scholarship applications & deadlines, securing merit based or outside, private scholarships
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Completing FAFSA/financial aid forms
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Assisting w/ the college transition process
All of this is completed by the time a student graduates from high school!
November 2020 | 23
Rethinking the Products of Today for Better Tomorrow
Celia Pool Co-Founder DAME
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Leader’s Viewpoint
“
T
he world is finally waking up to the single-use plastic crisis. Over the last 10 years we have created more plastic than the whole of the last century combined. Half of the plastic we create is used just once, and then thrown away, taking 500 years to decompose. By 2050, the oceans are predicted to contain more plastic than fish. The plastic crisis is now too big for recycling alone to fix. Global governments, businesses and consumers need to collaborate quickly to make impactful change before it’s too late. However, change is difficult when environmentally damaging habits have become so entrenched and often appear more financially appealing. Technology is helping in this fight. Reusable water bottles are now widespread, and apps that help you locate drinking water refill stations are now emerging. At the same time, reusable coffee cup technology is addressing the half a trillion disposable coffee cups discarded every year. Such items are gaining increasing social currency with consumers, who are keen to display them as markers of their environmental conscience. This revolution is encouraging, but what about the products that people aren’t so willing to talk about? 100 billion menstrual products are thrown away globally every year. These are single-use, mostly made of plastic and cannot be recycled. You can choose not to have a coffee, you cannot choose not to have a period. Reusable options (e.g. menstrual cups, cloth pads) have been on the market for decades, yet the adoption rate has been slow. The primary barrier to entry is the fear of habit change. So how do we bring about a revolution? The answer is keep it simple. And take time to consider consumer psychology. As humans, we abhor change. We are creatures drawn towards the comfort of the known. By
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keeping habit change to a minimum, consumers are much more likely to adopt a new idea. This was our philosophy at DAME when we created the world’s first reusable tampon applicator. We ensured the design was familiar and intuitive, so women did not have to compromise on their convenient, established rituals. We knew that hygiene could be a significant barrier to entry, so we worked with leading micro-biologists and medical engineers and used the best medical grade, antimicrobial materials on the market. As a result, the consumer only must rinse the applicator in cold water after use to keep it clean. Simple steps, minimal habit change. However, it is challenging to tackle an issue that has such little awareness. Menstruation has historically been shrouded in shame, fear and discretion. It is not a topic openly talked about. This is a problem with feminine care as a whole: it is frequently dismissed and the women trying to address it are critically underfunded. In 2017 female founders got 2% of the $85 billion VC investment pot. About 8% of partners at the top British VC firms are women. According to Harvard Business Review, stereotypes about female entrepreneurs persist: women are overly cautious, shy away from growth, have insufficient resources and consequently their ventures underperform. Yet there is no performance data to support these stereotypes. How are products used by women supposed to change in line with human and environmental needs, when they aren’t given appropriate recognition or have women involved in all stages of the process? Women need to be given more of a voice if we are to create meaningful change. The world of AI is already highlighting the need to diverse away from male, white, Western coders if we are to avoid
unconscious bias in the robots of tomorrow. Amazon had to abandon an AI recruitment tool that was discriminating against women, instead favoring prospects who mirrored Amazon’s existing male engineer workforce. At DAME women have been involved in every stage of the journey, not as a token gesture but as an absolute necessity. However, our overarching business strategy goes beyond issues of inclusivity to incorporate a wider mission. DAME was founded on the belief that business can be used as a force for good. We use this core value to guide every decision we make in the business, bringing great clarity to our route forward. By communicating our genuine and authentic commitment to this mission, we hope that our message will quickly be picked up by those eager to join a movement for change. To date, we have seen this happen not only with our consumers and the press, but with employees. People are increasingly drawn to companies doing good. 75% of millennials would take a pay cut to work at a socially responsible company. All this strengthens our resolve at DAME to continue to tackle critical problems that are not openly acknowledged, that are significantly underfunded, and that have historically been controlled by giant monopolies. Today we are focusing on menstrual products, but our vision is to revolutionize the entire bathroom. These are big mountains, but having strong guiding principles makes the navigation much easier.” -
Words by Celia Pool, Co-Founder of DAME
November 2020 | 25
White Rose Finance Group Ltd A Complete Financial Business Service
A
ll forms of business finance are specialized products with majority of lenders choosing to work only via qualified introducers, accredited via the Financial Conduct Authority, and this is becoming increasingly important in the current financial climate. Fortunately, White Rose Finance Group Limited work with lenders that do not accept direct client introductions. It is a financial services company and one of the UK's longest established commercial and regulated finance brokers. Established in 2004, White Rose Finance Group has grown to be one of UK's largest and most successful Finance Practices. In an interview with Insights Success, John Kent, Managing Director of White Rose Finance Group Ltd shares the importance of commercial brokers with innovative and cost-effective financial solutions. Below are the highlights of the interview: What led to the inception of BrokerPlan? The Brokerplan Network and Academy was launched in 2014 to address demand from a broad range of Finance Brokers and Intermediaries seeking support across a wide range of business needs. These requirements are primarily centered around Broker Training, Compliance support (following the new FCA regime launched in 2013) access to funders and case placement, packaging, and processing support. The Company was receiving significant numbers of requests for such support and initially dealt with this in an unstructured way. This demand led to the development of numerous Partner support programs being launched under the BrokerPlan brand and the portfolio of services has continued to expand since then.
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Describe your company and its exclusive services which address all the needs of your customers. BrokerPlan offers what the company believes is a unique proposition for motivated and committed professionals to have a 'fast-track' entry into the Finance and Professional Services sector and establish themselves as a qualified and credible adviser. The proposition offers a comprehensive package covering business training, business launch package, practical case support, and immediate access to 300 plus lenders with whom the Company has established intermediary agreements. The company's customers enter a Partnership agreement and the team work together to develop significant earnings potential for all parties. Could you throw some light on company's mission and vision statement? Mission statement: To provide opportunities in the financial services sector for motivated professionals to join our Academy and become a successful broker. Vision: To become the partner of choice for professionals seeking to build a new career in financial services. How do your franchise services differ from the other companies' offerings? White Rose Finance Group Ltd is a successful professional finance brokerage providing access to its expertise and intellectual property in guiding and supporting network partners. All its propositions provide multiple fee income rather than a single revenue stream that can become vulnerable. The company's partners enjoy a high level of business support, training, and ongoing continuous professional development (CPD). www.insightssuccess.com
World’s Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020
Describe in detail about the work culture and the values that drive the company. Brokerplan operates in an environment regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and holds a high level of authorization from the FCA. The concept of 'TCF' (Treating Customers Fairly) drives the core values within the business, and this core value permeates every operating procedure within the business. What marketing activities do you implement to reach out to your potential customers? White Rose Finance Group Ltd uses a variety of channels to stimulate both direct and indirect enquiries into the business this includes on-line advertising, exhibitions, trade shows, webinars, and a growing range of virtual events.
academy
What are your company's future aspirations? What strategies are you undertaking to achieve those goals? BrokerPlan will continue to develop and oer an increasing number of ďŹ nance-related revenue generating opportunities that meets the demands of its Partners in a fast-changing business world.
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“A dynamic and fast- growing business offering a range of professional business opportunities in the finance and professional services.”
About the Leader John Kent is the Managing Director of the Business, and since 2014 has been instrumental and the driving force in designing and delivering its partner programs under the BrokerPlan branding. John has driven the growth of the multi-award winning Brokerplan Network, and more recently Your Mortgage Plus, the regulated proposition. Day to day tasks include: Ÿ Managing the business development and communications team Ÿ Attracting and recruiting new network partners Ÿ Identifying and communicating lead generation and networking best practice Ÿ Providing ongoing development support to network partners Ÿ Identifying new channels to promote network propositions Ÿ Promoting the network propositions at trade shows Ÿ
brokerplan.co.uk
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Boating Made Simple in over 240 Locations
L
ike to boat while on vacation or a work trip? You are interested in possibly joining a boat club, but you are not sure what to ask ‌ or perhaps how to conduct a thorough analysis of clubs in your market. Great News, Freedom Boat Club offers a variety of membership plans to ďŹ t your unique boating needs. Freedom to boat is at the very core of Freedom Boat Club!
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World’s Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020
The Freedom Boat Club Tale Freedom Boat Club was first founded in 1989 in Sarasota, FL, and has grown to become the oldest and largest members-only boat club in the world. At the time, the concept was considered revolutionary and breakthrough. Boaters were either traditional boat owners or friends of boat owners. There were no boat clubs, fractional boating, boating timeshare, or even many boat rental facilities. The exclusive fraternity of boat owners stored their vessels at marinas, home docks, or at the yacht club. When Freedom Boat Club launched, this new offering presented an exciting new alternative that opened the waterways to newcomers as well as lapsed boaters. As the organization began its initial growth, Freedom Boat Club was sold to an investment group. Over time, it became evident that the best leadership for this type of business model would require active engagement at the helm. Today, over 50,000 boaters call Freedom Boat Club “home,” with over 240 locations in 31 states, Canada, and France with franchise operations situated coast-to-coast, and growing daily. Today, Freedom Boat Club welcomes and embraces a broad mix of members to its ranks, from first-time boaters and newbies to seasoned salts and former boat owners, from young families to active retired. The boat club is also actively engaged in developing new and diverse markets. Anyone who loves the water and waterrelated activities are embraced as a member of Freedom Boat Club! Privileges to the Members The vision and purpose in establishing the boat club model were simple and straightforward - to deliver a hassle-free recreational boating experience for its members. The franchise wants to continue to be the largest members-only boat club in the world while maintaining the focus on service and fulfilling a simple boating experience each day. Today, over 50,000 Freedom Boat Club members take to the waterways each year – many of whom would not have been boaters were it not for the concept of a boat club.
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Not only did Freedom Boat Club create the boat club model, but it was also the first to build the company through franchising. The franchise network is set up to be collaborating in a manner that allows seasoned franchises to guide newer franchises. Active Within Local Communities Freedom Boat Club marketing mix includes a mix of traditional outlets – television, print, radio, etc. – along with emerging channels such as digital marketing, social media, and influencer marketing. It is also active within the local communities through the chamber of commerce and BNI groups, attending local events, and supporting charity and youth sports initiatives. Customers can find FBC at most boat shows across the country where it has a Freedom Boat Club location nearby. The boat club's main objective is to not only promote Freedom Boat Club but also educate the general public about the boat club concept. A Top Business Professional John Giglio – Executive Director - Strategic Initiatives first joined Freedom Boat Club in 2004 working in a variety of roles across operations and sales.
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Freedom Boat Club is an ongoing, All-American success story. Since John assumed the helm, the company has doubled its growth since 2012 and has continued to receive multiple recognitions both within and outside the marine industry. It has been named in the Entrepreneur's Magazine “Top 500 Franchisees” for the past five years; the Gulf Coast Business Review's “Top 500 Companies;” and Inc. Magazine's “Top 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies.” Boating Industry Magazine named John to its roster of “Top 16 Movers and Shakers” in 2013. On a regional basis, the Venice Gondolier and Sun named John to its “Top 40 Under 40 Business Professionals,” while Freedom Boat Club is a multi-year winner of its “Best Boating Club” award. Leading boat manufacturer
“ We buy the boats – you enjoy them!
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In 2011, he bought the Club with a colleague and a year later took over sole ownership. Since then the Club has significantly expanded its footprint to over 240 locations today in 31 states, Canada and France. Mr. Giglio agreed with the Brunswick Corporation in May of 2019 to sell Freedom Boat Club. Brunswick, a leader within the marine space, touts a portfolio that includes Mercury Marine, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Bayliner, and several other boat brands.
Nautic Global Group has named Freedom Boating Club to its Silver, Gold, and Platinum Circle for outstanding sales performance. Safe and Enjoyable Process As a service-based company; professionalism and courtesy are at the forefront of Freedom Boat Club's work culture. The company is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable boating experience for its members while keeping the team safe throughout the process. And because boating should be fun – FBC certainly have fun! When consumers visit FBC's corporate offices in Venice, Florida they will not find many suits or ties within its hallways. Freedom Boat Club wants to continue to be the largest members-only boat club in the world while maintaining its focus on service and fulfilling a simple boating experience each day. To remain the largest its focus is on further expansion throughout the United States and Canada as well as continuing its entry into new markets within Europe and beyond. To accomplish this, it will continue to seek great franchise partners to add to the FBC family.
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Satisfying the Cravings of Modern Middle-Eastern cuisine
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f in Canada, someone is looking for a restaurant that is best in modern Mediterranean Cuisine with a high level of customer service, Osmow's is the place.
A Walk-in Led the Inception One fine day a regular customer walked into a small restaurant called Polar Submarine in the centre of Streetsville, Mississauga, owned by Sam Osmow, when Sam had cooked himself a common Middle Eastern lunch. The customer was intrigued by the taste and asked Sam to try a bite of the dish. After trying he requested it as his replacement order. This was the moment that inspired Sam to rebrand his restaurant and switch from a sub shop to a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fast, fresh eatery. After shutting down for a week, he renovated the restaurant and reopened under his new brand, Osmow’s in June 2001. As the crowd in Streetsville had not had a lot of exposure to Middle Eastern food, Sam started giving away free samples at his store front. In no time, people in the neighbourhood started raving about all the flavours and home-made sauces served at Osmow’s and it became the hottest spot for local foodies. Today, Osmow’s has 100 locations conveniently located across Canada. The franchise has made it their mission to satisfy the cravings of each and every one of its consumers according to their specific needs by providing them with a large selection of rich and authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Currently, the franchise is led by Sam Osmow Principal & Founder & its CEO and Head of Franchise Operations, Ben Osmow & Bernadette Osmow Chief Marketing & HR President. Good Food, Family & Good Times Osmow's combine Middle eastern cuisine with a North American palette, a fusion of both cultures. With a flair for healthy, well-made food, the Osmow's family quick-service
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restaurants offer mouth-watering meals packed with fresh flavours, dressed with a range of its signature sauces. Osmow's is about good food, family, and good times. And the fact that the company goes all out to serve the best shawarmas this side of the North Atlantic is evident from the lines that still form outside its stores. For those with a love of Middle Eastern food, its selection is a delight. The baba ganoush (eggplant spread), hummus (chickpea spread), tzatziki (cucumber in yogurt), and tahini (sesame paste) are all made from fresh ingredients. These are served alongside generous helpings of fresh tomatoes, olives, lettuce, and chicken, slow-cooked on a rotisserie and finished off on the grill to add just a touch of crispness and a smoky flavour people love. There is also vegetarian falafel (spiced ground chickpea balls) and side orders of rice or fries. And there is more than finely carved meat, vegetables, pita bread, and sauce. Clients also feast on other delicious traditional menu items like kofta (small ground beef logs), taboule (a traditional salad of herbs and bulgur wheat), shish taouk (marinated, skewered chicken), kebab platters, and even Philly steak or chicken wraps. Besides, the chain also provides delivery and pick-up options for its customers. Fastest Growing Chain Osmow's believes that staff and franchisees have all played a role in the success, as they have helped build the chain's foundation. Today, Osmow's is known as one of North America's fastest growing fast casual restaurant chains. Several employees have been converted to franchisees and several franchisees own more than one location due to the success experienced. The franchise chain supports its franchisees in all aspects of their operations by an extensive range of services provided by Osmow's Inc. and its dedicated team of professionals. Its staff and its franchisees
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World’s Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020
“We’re Makin’ What you’re Cravin.”
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share close working relationships and a team spirit, which makes it both possible and preferable to promote from within. Giving back to the Community Osmow's loves to give back to the community, get involved and make a difference where it matters. Some of its community initiatives include, but are not limited to, supporting kids, youths, people in need, health and wellness, and culture. Everything this team touches involves dedication to its communities such as closing the Queen St. Toronto location annually on December 23rd to feed the homeless or donating to local food banks. Osmow's was also one of the first to offer local medical staff discounts on their meals as a way of thanking them for their selfless service and civic loyalty during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place period. A Rapid Expansion Osmow's is expanding rapidly. It will continuously innovate through its menu and customer experiences, while maintaining its strong Canadian roots and giving back to the community. Alongside its rapid expansion, the company is delighted by all its new members who recently joined the company, bringing new expertise that will help drive its continued development. With the popularity of its flavours and healthy food, it comes as no surprise that the company received the Mississauga and Brampton Readers' Choice Awards for a number of years for its great Middle Eastern food. Considering the current state of the post-COVID restaurant market, Osmow's is confident that its share will continue growing through take-out and delivery while bigger, sit-down restaurants may take more time to recover. Part of the strength of the typical quick-serve business model, Ben believes, is its comparatively smaller footprint and higher profitability due to lower overhead. With this comes an estimated projection of a thirteen to fourteen percent increase in delivery sales for the franchise over the coming year. To support these changes, it will soon be launching a new app that comes complete with a loyalty program as well as an online ordering function. In a nutshell, Osmow's envisions being the largest Mediterranean fast casual chain in North America, which will be known for its flavourful and healthy food, enhanced by its signature sauces.
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Elaine R. Sugimura CEO
n an ever-changing environment, brands must stay ahead of their consumers in knowing what they desire, how they want it delivered, and where they can purchase your product.” In the current culinary & foodie world we live in today, there are demands that industries communicate to the consumers all the why’s, how’s and where’s they can find unique products and ensure the freshness of it. Today’s consumers are more informed than ever on the quality and sourcing of the foods that they eat. This fresh new phenomenon is often described as “foodie culture,” and its changing customer expectations as to what products they want and how much they will pay. Delicious and as fresh as the product can be, and with a unique story behind them, vomFASS excels in catering to the adventurous sensibilities and high expectations of foodies. Part of the vomFASS magic is careful selection and curation of the finest growers and producers from the Swiss Alps to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Creator and Leader of a Unique Experiential Retail Concept
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World’s Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020
A Wide Array of Artisanal Products vomFASS is a unique retail & community event business specializing in a wide array of artisanal products, including the world’s finest oils, vinegars, spirits, wine, gourmet foods, and spices. Experiential retail is where the focus is as consumers are hungry for a more customized interaction with the products they bring into their home or offer as gifts. The company’s customer loyalty base has grown exponentially, as once they taste the amazing products; they understand what quality truly is. Their quality products are what sets them apart and in order to support the franchisee’s and continually improve their education and training on all product offerings, the franchisor created and invested in an internal Wiki. It also acts as an extensive repository for recipes that are submitted by vomFASS’ franchisees, which makes the products come to life. By continuing to learn what its customers are looking for, the company can modify their offerings from product to the retail environment. As a team, they are always striving towards improving the products they deliver to both their franchisees and consumer base.
“Future growth, improved operations, delicious product offerings to the best of class locations and franchise partners will guarantee the success of vomFASS as we migrate towards major expansion in the next 5 years and more!”
The combination of exclusive artisanal products and unique in-store tasting experiences provide franchisees with tools to capitalize on two key trends: the foodie culture and experiential retail. vomFass franchisees love to entertain and educate customers on new product arrivals, enticing pairings and how to integrate its extensive line of gourmet products into the lives and homes of their customers. They become ambassadors of the company by leveraging its unique value proposition & extensive product knowledge to deliver the experience and authenticity that today’s consumers demand. The company is proud to have received many awards for both the products it offers as well as its Franchise system. This tradition of excellence is something that embodies everything the company lays their hands on – from store locations to selection of their franchisees and of course, any new product offering. Excellent Communicator and Great Leaders Ek2, LLC owned by both Elaine R. Sugimura and Kevin M. Frain who were hired as consultants and Board Advisors to use their strengths as disruptors, and change agents to create the best strategy to move the business forward. With limited resources, all of the changes had to be executed within the current expense structure. As active CEO and COO, they have been able www.insightssuccess.com
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alcohol once purchased. This led to the idea of offering the sherry ala “vomFASS” – meaning “from the cask / barrel”.
Kevin M. Frain COO
to shift the past losses into current gains. Having held the CEO title in various businesses prior to joining vomFASS, Elaine’s global communication and marketing skills have allowed the organization to grow in new areas of business. Her international business experience and applicable strategies continue to fuel the growth of the company. Kevin has held both COO and CFO titles in his work experiences thus far. He has been instrumental in driving the changes within the overall Operations. Creating and implementing new processes and procedural strategies has lifted the company to a new level of success. The next 5-year growth strategies are not possible without the critical improvements by ek2, LLC. Together, Elaine and Kevin have changed the make-up of the US company; by giving it “the color” it needed. vomFASS is now poised to take on new challenges and will meet and or exceed corporate expectations in the years ahead. An Experiential Marketing Strategy The initial challenge in 1994 was when Johannes Kiderlen made an error in his calculations when buying sherry for his wholesale customers. He realized that he had one too many zeros on the order quantity he placed with his supplier and was unable to return the
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Johannes Kiderlen decided to offer the sherry in casks, and he was soon rewarded based on his genius marketing idea. Once the word was out, the business began to rise as he had envisioned. He created an experiential strategy before the world was ready for this type of marketing. As the years progressed, he continued to grow the company with new product offerings marketed in the same manner – “from the cask”. Thus, the world of vomFASS took root and began its unprecedented growth path in Europe. They continue to be the dominant player and the forefather of the taste-before-you-buy concept. As the world continues to move at a fast pace, vomFASS is still the leader in the marketplace for this concept. The company’s goal is to build without ever losing the essence of the brands’ original mission created by Johannes. He aptly stated, “Only the best, always!” “Only the very best ingredients that can be found will be used in the manufacture of vomFASS oils, vinegars, gourmet foods, spirits and spices.” Ability to Educate Customers The opportunity to interact and create an experience that is both delicious to their palate and the ability to educate customers with the vomFASS story and how its special partnerships and bond with its producers continues to be one of the key reasons for its success. This is a great opportunity to work with an established brand and use your skills to educate and entertain customers. vomFASS franchisees have a strong set of business skills, enjoy the recognition of ownership, and the opportunity to control their own destinies while providing superior quality products to their customers. “It’s a great time to join the vomFASS family,” says Thomas Kiderlen, owner of vomFASS. He adds,“For over 25 years the vomFASS franchise opportunity has provided the platform for highly motivated individuals to display their communication and business skills and appreciation of
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gourmet foods & spirits. Our franchise opportunity revolves around educating, informing, and sharing a vast array of products in an exciting environment.� A Leader in the Marketplace vomFASS continues to be the dominant player and the forefather of the taste-beforeyou-buy concept. The company believes that every business whether they are a franchisee entity must continue to reinvent themselves to ensure sustainability and growth in such a highly competitive marketplace. Having a niche business model, such as vomFASS, will continue to have a place in the market as consumers are always looking to support small businesses as well as exciting experiential retail installations. vomFASS’s Look-Taste-Enjoy concept delivers a retail experience that is truly unique in the marketplace.
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TM
A Better Way in the Retail Professional Massage Category.
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World’s Best Franchise Opportunities to Own, 2020
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he explosion of the “Wellness” consumer retail category, and licensed professional massage in particular, is well-documented. People crave the relaxation, and relief of muscle pain and mental stress. Doctors are embracing massage as part of a comprehensive “wellness journey” which is increasingly becoming a part of health care plans. Zen Massage Franchising, Incorporated, franchisor of Zen Massage Centers, provides a high quality professional massage in a comfortable environment with several Advantages for Consumers.
“Close your eyes and count ® to Zen! ”
Zen Massage offers promising massage business opportunities with a successful, growing system with locations in six states. The company is led by franchise business veterans from TCBY and McDonald’s. Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Insights Success and Zen Massage CEO Keith Larson: Give a brief overview of the company and its vision. We offer difference-making, competitive advantages that both consumers and franchisees prefer. We offer consumers resort-quality professional massage and skin care services in a comfortable environment at everyday low prices – with NO contracts or membership fees. And we offer franchisees a simple, proven business system at lower costs and fees than our competitors. What are the cutting-edge products/services offered by Zen Massage? Honestly, we aren’t re-inventing the wheel on massage therapy as much as we’ve reinvented the retail massage business model. Consumers hate massage contracts and membership fees just like they hate cell phone and cable TV contracts and fees. We’re the first system to be structured to not lay those hassles on consumers. And for our franchisees, we’ve structured our Zen business system to be able to deliver the No Contracts-No Membership Fees-Low everyday prices promise. Give a detailed description of the Founder/CEO/Management’s contribution over the company and the industry. We are franchise system veterans who understand what it takes to succeed in that arena. Randall Scribner was a long time, very successful, multi-location TCBY franchisee and head of its national franchisee association. He was also
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CEO of Just Fresh restaurants and CFO/COO of Swisher International. I was Regional Director of Franchised Operations for McDonald’s Corporation in its headquarters market of Chicago, and also spent several years in McDonald’s marketing before shifting into operations. I was also Senior VP of one of McDonald’s largest ad agencies. I was operating my own advertising consultancy in Charlotte when Randall brought me in to lead the Zen Massage® rebranding and marketing effort.
Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons learn that has shaped the journey of the company. I’d say the key thing is learning to view the industry from the customer point of view, first and foremost. And similarly, to view the business from the standpoint of, “What does it take for a franchisee to succeed?”
What are the distinctive features/foundations that make Zen Massage unique from its competitors?
There’s a Japanese saying I learned in my McDonald’s days: To go fast, you must first go slow. Randall inherently knew this, and spent several years after acquiring the company fine-tuning its operations and reshaping it as a franchise system. When I joined, we took a similar go-slow approach to get all of our marketing positioned just right. In the last two or three years we’ve reached the place where we’re really poised for growth – and it’s happening!
Number one is the No Contracts – No Membership fees combined with our everyday low pricing. Over 80% of our new clients come to us from competitors who hate being “sold” and pressured when all they want is a no-hassle massage escape. For franchisees, the fact that we have so much experience in franchise systems, and know that a franchisor only succeeds if its franchisees succeeds, is vastly different from most other approaches.
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Where does Zen Massage see itself in the long run and what are its future goals?
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