Franchise Journal February 2021 by TheFranchiseJournal

FRANCHISE Journal LEARN Planning For The Future Through Franchising p. 56

THE SCOOP On United States Black Chambers p. 84

HOW TO Propel Your Business To The Top p. 140

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MIAMI

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TAMPA

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May 15-16, 2021

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contents

AIR FORCE VET BUILDS BUISINESS WITH DAUGHTERS

20 FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL

30 Q&A

After Overcoming Difficult Time, Air Force Veteran is Building Successful Small Business with Two Daughters By Rhonda Sanderson

A Case Study: An Interview With Jorge Vargas, Director Of A Private Equity Group In Mexico By Eddie Rodriguez

24 WSI

34 ATHLETIC REPUBLIC

Finding The Right Franchise Is The Key To Success By Kelly Biggs

26 THE DRIPBAR

FEBRUARY 2021

First Franchisee Brings IV Therapy to Atlanta

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Capitol Region Is MORE Than A Fitness Center

38 PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS Clinton Hawkins Thrives Even During Pandemic By Rhonda Sanderson

42 ENLIGHTENED, INC.

80 ABRAKADOODLE

Connected and Optimistic: Dawna Kelly Is A Portrait Of Franchise Excellence

A Year Of Perfect Change By Antwanye E. Ford

46 PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS

84 UNITED STATES BLACK CHAMBERS

Franchise Journal Highlights a Few Of Our Chamber Members and Their Business.

Celebrates Black History Month!

48 FETCH!

Customer Turned Franchisee

PTIONS FOR SENIOR AMERICA O A New Path to Fulfilling My Destiny Phillip Evans By Rick Morgin

85 Jerome Taylor 86 James E. Williams, Jr. 88 Elizabeth Blount Mccormick 89 Luigi Leblanc 90 Ben Carson Jr.

56 Planning for the Future Through Franchising

90 Keith Palmer

92 Farad Ali

By John Ovens

60 TEAM COMBAT Think You Know Laser Tag? You Don’t Know Jack!

64 BRITISH SWIM SCHOOL

Opens New Locations in Boston!

68 FASTSIGNS

Denise Acquaye “FASTSIGNS Felt Like Home”

94 OASIS SENIOR ADVISORS

Finding the Right Path Connie Pizarro

98 URBAN BRICKS Hard Work & Positive Thinking Michael Berhane

102 FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL

Ebonie Gist Leveraging Connections & Opportunities

With Engineering, Law Background Biz Owner Begins New Career With The #1 Mobile Flooring Franchise By Rhonda Sanderson

76 FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL

106 Q&A

72 ARCPOINT LABS

After Careers with the U.S. Armed Forces This Couple Opens Their Own Business By Rhonda Sanderson

Q&A with Mosquito Hunters CEO, Andy Fuller

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

110 FRANFUND FranFund's Journey Toward Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)

114 STRICKLAND BROTHERS 10-MINUTE OIL CHANGE Adding Entrepreneur to His List of Accomplishments By Camantha Magoon

118 GROWN Shannon Allen Her Health Food Mission With Grown

122 XPONENTIAL FITNESS Celebrates 8 entrepreneurial franchise owners

123 Richard Uku

Kareem Holligan

124 Nathan Philyaw

Rosco Graves

125 Ariel Terry Mchoney

Lorenzo & Sheila Boud

136 MOSQUITO HUNTERS Q&A with Mosquito Hunters Franchisee’s Adrian and Stephanie Eaddy By Martin Eric

140 MOLLY MAID Female Franchise Owner Propels Her Business to the Top, Brings Her Community with Her

126 Kim & Allan Stephenson 127 Crystal & Larry London 130 KITCHEN SOLVERS A Shared Passion for the Heart of the Home By Kali Morgenthaler

144 SWAGGY PET COUTURE

134 KIDOKINETICS

148 PHENIX SALON SUITES

Dr. Angel, MD Drives Kidokinetics Growth In South Florida

Brian Pearson: Adjustments Made to Achieve in a Pandemic!

Taking a Leap of Faith — Thoughts from a First Time Franchisee By Anita Ortega

152 ANODYNE He’s Been Around the World, But Anodyne Is Home By Camantha Magoon

156 SCHOOLEY MITCHELL

126 8

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Ken Ross Has Always Had A Servant Heart

160 FVLCRUM FUNDS

What Is Your Fulcrum? By Antwanye E. Ford

198 148 166 Franchising: The American Dream is

Possible for All By Seth Lederman

170 KITCHEN TUNE-UP

198 ZOUP! Spotlights Three Successful Franchise Owners during Black History Month

202 ECOMAIDS Q & A with ecomaids Franchise Partner Maisha Cox

204 ACCELERATED WASTE SOLUTIONS

Couple Brings Professional Experience to Kitchen Tune-Up

Two Pandemic-Proof Businesses Wrapped Up In One

174 GREASE MONKEY

208 FETCH!

Leading the Change with Your Head, Heart & Experience

178 REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT How One Man’s Retirement Began Franchise Journey to Generational Success

182 ITRIP VACATIONS GALVESTON

Fetch! of the West

210 CARE PATROL Jonathan Clark, Care Patrol Franchise Owner in Durham & Chapel Hill, NC 214 FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL

Dynamic Duo: Minority and Veteran Business Owners Find Success In ShortTerm Rental Space

Too Young To Retire: Couple And Their Son Bring The Top Mobile Flooring Franchise To Dallas, Texas Area By Rhonda Sanderson

186 REDBOX+

218 CLEARINGHOUSE CDFI

Dwayne Murray & Melissa Flores Passionate, Courageous, And Powerful

190 OPTIONS FOR SENIOR AMERICA

Celebrates Black History Month

194 CLEARINGHOUSE CDFI Yves M. Mombeleur: A Pioneer On Social Enterprise at CDFI

Douglas J. Bystry: Providing Financial Services to Low-Income Communities for over 30 years

220 CERTAPRO PAINTERS® Aaron Hardy Jr., U.S. Army Veteran Continues Resilience When Business Opens as Pandemic Surges WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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welcome

NOTES

o honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy for Black History Month, we dedicate this issue to the men and women who gave all to advance equality. While most people remember these thunderous and passionate lines from King’s speech:

"…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character... I have a dream…..Today!"

It is important to note that the Dream was also an appeal to end economic and employment inequalities. For King, it was about the fundamental right to work so that everyone could reach their potential. In his own words: "The problem indicates that our emphasis must be two-fold. We must create full employment or we must create incomes...New forms of work that enhance the social good will have to be devised for those for whom traditional jobs are not available…" Franchise ownership qualifies as “new forms of work” and has been fulcrum for huge swaths of Americans. While minorities are still underrepresented in leadership positions within many franchise companies, the ranks of franchise owners have benefited from the diverse owners who service needs in every community. The statistics are meaningful: 1. There are more than 2 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. 2. The most popular category for Black-owned businesses is health care. 3. New York has the greatest

MINORITY FRANCHISE OWNERS ARE NOT JUST GOOD FOR MINORITY COMMUNITIES, THEY ARE GOOD FOR AMERICA.

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

number of Black-owned businesses in the country. 4. Washington, D.C. has the highest percentage of Blackowned businesses. 5. 70% of Black business owners are happy with their business. 6. Black-owned businesses employ approximately 920,000 people. 7. Black business owners receive less business financing, less often, and at higher rates. 8. 37.9% of Black business owners say they are â&#x20AC;&#x153;discouragedâ&#x20AC;? from applying for loans. 9. The average level of startup capital for Black entrepreneurs is just $35,205. 10. Just 1% of Black business owners obtain business loans in their first year. Minority franchise owners are not just good for minority communities, they are good for America. When individuals become entrepreneurs entire communities uplift and create the opportunities that make meaningful changes in society.

THE MEDIAN NET WORTH FOR BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS IS 12 TIMES HIGHER THAN BLACK NON-BUSINESS OWNERS. Further, when examining the net worth of Black business owners in comparison to the net worth of white business

owners, it becomes clear that entrepreneurship represents a pathway to narrowing the racial wealth gap. While whites have 13 times the wealth of African Americans, when comparing the median wealth of Black and white business owners, the median wealth gap decreases substantially. The availability of capital plays a significant role in unleashing the creativity of minority entrepreneurs. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Rutgers University, and Lubin Research found that banks were three times more likely to request follow-up appointments with white business owners than better-qualified Black business owners, and the Black business owners were subjected to far greater personal and financial scrutiny compared to their equal or less creditworthy white counterparts. The report concluded that it was access, and not just assets, that serves as an obstacle for Black-owned businesses to acquire the capital and credit necessary to start and grow a business. The findings illustrate the need for greater legislative and regulatory oversight. And while laws prohibiting loan discrimination on the basis of race have been enacted, there is an obvious need for regulatory agencies to provide greater enforcement of existing legislation that protects Black-owned businesses from discrimination. The Minority Wealth

HENRY CHILDS II

Commission, led by Henry Childs II, is making a massive impact in this field. Prior to founding the Commission, Childs was the National Director for the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). In his tenure as the 17th Director of the agency he implemented several key initiatives to help shepherd minority-owned businesses into three mega trends disrupting global business competitiveness: digital transformation, globalization, and U.S. demographic change. Prior to his MBDA appointment, Childs held positions as a Senior Advisor for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and served as a Policy Advisor to the White House Office of Public Liaison. He worked closely with the White House Office of American Innovation

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

BEN CARSON, JR.

on economic issues related to urban and underserved communities. The Minority Wealth Commission has built an group of dedicated business leaders who are passionate about seeing everyone succeed in the USA. One of them is Ben Carson, Jr. and he has rolled up his sleeves and put his effort where it counts the most providing funding and tools for others to succeed. FVLCRUM FUND, led by Carson is dedicated to helping minority businesses achieve success. FVLCRUM’s equity investments will serve as a catalyst for the resources of the Minority Wealth Commission (MinorityWealth). MinorityWealth will design programs for workforce development, skills and vocational training, education, childcare, healthcare, quality food options, and other meaningful initiatives. MinorityWealth will also focus on enhancing fundamental community amenities and services so that higher wage earners (a direct result of

FVLCRUM’s investment) will feel comfortable staying in that community rather than moving out. The impact of equity investment combined with community revitalization can only be achieved through thoughtful and intentional collaboration between likeminded organizations. What else can major commercial and retail banking institutions do to better support Black entrepreneurs and businesses? Banks can better support Black businesses by investing in institutions that promote Black business ownership and African American entrepreneurship. This can largely be done by funding mission-driven programs that provide startup capital and technical resources. What can you do to get involved? What do you want

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

your legacy to be? What is your Fulcrum? Everyone wants the same things, to see their children judged by the content of their character, to have a secure and comfortable life, to make an impact on society.

The foundation of franchising has always been sharing of opportunity and the time to make a difference is now….. Today!

Nick Neonakis

Editor, Franchise Journal

FOUNDER

NICK NEONAKIS DESIGN DIRECTOR

Pete Neonakis DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Abel Beyene ART DIRECTOR

Marty Greenbaum

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Chantae Arrington

ONLINE EDITOR Mike Ciccarelli

MANAGING EDITOR Brenda Lesch

SENIOR DESIGNER Patrick Elsner

DEPUTY EDITOR Faizun Kamal

VIDEO PRODUCER Matt Panepinto

SENIOR EDITOR Bill Polk

CONTRIBUTORS Kelly Biggs Martin Eric Antwanye E. Ford Seth Lederman Camantha Magoon Kali Morgenthaler Rick Morgin Anita Ortega John Ovens Eddie Rodriguez Rhonda Sanderson

ONLINE EDITOR Seth Lederman STAFF WRITER Megan Neonakis SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Abel Beyene ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mariel Miller

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

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If you want to get ahead in franchising, The Franchise Journal has the most concepts and tactics to help you become a business owner.

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A DIVISION OF KEYSER

DON’T HAVE A REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT?

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NOW YOU DO WHAT’S F.R.E.D.? Franchise Real Estate Department (F.R.E.D.) is your team of franchise commercial real estate experts.

F.R.E.D. IS ALWAYS

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As a franchise-focused division of Keyser, F.R.E.D. gives you all the power and resources of a commercial real estate brokerage, with a focus on franchising.

F.R.E.D. only represents tenants, never landlords, so you know we’ve always got your back and are ready to negotiate aggressively for you and your franchisee.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

After Overcoming Difficult Time,

Air Force Veteran is Building Successful Small Business with Two Daughters by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Leroy Molock’s life was turned upside down – not once, but twice – in a short period of time. However, the Air Force veteran overcame the loss of his wife of 40 years and a job layoff to put himself in a position where he is building a successful small business alongside his two daughters. 20

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

RETIRING WITHOUT A PLAN WAS NOT A GOOD IDEA, BUT BUSINESS OWNERSHIP WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT I HAD IN MY MIND TO TRY ONE DAY. A Round Rock, Texas resident, the 65-year-old Molock became a franchise owner in September 2018 with Floor Coverings International. His team visits customers’ homes in a Mobile Flooring Showroom stocked with thousands of flooring samples from top manufacturers. Floor Coverings International of Austin serves customers throughout the greater metropolitan area. A showroom is also available for appointment-only visits. Molock has shown a sense of determination ever since he graduated from high school in Cambridge, Maryland. He became an Air Force military policeman immediately after high school graduation and that turned into a 20-year military career, during which Molock earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, became a commissioned officer and earned an MBA. In all, Molock enjoyed a 40year career in the IT field, where he last was a software development director for 10 years at a $6 billion construction business. However, a business realignment led to Molock being laid off and Linda, his

wife, passed away during the same time. “It forced me to decide whether I wanted to retire, pursue another IT position or do something else,” Molock said. “Retiring without a plan was not a good idea, but business ownership was always something that I had in my mind to try one day. At 60-plus I didn’t want to start a business from scratch, but I needed something challenging to do.” In Floor Coverings International, Molock and his daughters, Angela, 39, and Ashley, 34, found a company that has tripled in size since 2005 by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its impressive operating model, growth ability, marketing, advertising and merchandising. Floor Coverings International further separates itself from the competition through its customer experience, made up of several simple and integrated steps that exceed customers’ expectations. For this, Floor Coverings International was given the Innovation Award for Customer Response from Franchise Update Media, the

benchmark publication and conference entity that is the Gold Standard of Franchising. “Floor Coverings International’s processes require no previous flooring experience,” Molock said. “And the culture of parent company FirstService brands matched my family values. Flooring is not going away. The global flooring segment is a $369 billion industry that is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9 percent to $584 billion by 2027.” ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Norcross, GA-based Floor Coverings International has been ranked consistently as the No. 1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America by Entrepreneur Magazine. The 145 plus franchisees and their Design Associates offer a unique in-home experience with a mobile showroom that comes directly to the client’s door. More than 3,000 flooring choices are available to view in the home with and alongside existing lighting, paint, and furniture. The company will open several more locations throughout the U.S. and Canada through franchise expansion in 2021. For franchise information, please visit www.opportunities. flooring-franchise.com and to find your closest location go to www. floorcoveringsinternational.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise expert who has owned and operated Sanderson & Associates and Sanderson PR, both specializing in, traditional, social media and crisis PR in the franchise space since 1986. She has authored many articles, helped grow numerous franchise chains is considered one of the Top 30 Small Business Influencers (Fit Business) in the U.S. Find her at Rhonda@sandersonpr.com or on LinkedIn where she is the author of Franchise Stars at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-sanderson-a6b658/ WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

"Passive ownership and a fully absentee model is what Sharkey's is all about, says CEO Scott Sharkey. We have been able to combine a passive ownership franchise with a model that is 100% recession proof for today and years to come. Sharkey's Cuts for Kids is not one of those trendy franchises where maybe you make back your ROI within 3-5 years before your concept gets replaced by something bigger, better, or more trendy. Our franchise offers people the opportunity to invest in a brand that has longevity, is fun to run, is recession proof and has very little competition. 40 New Locations in 2021! SharkeysFranchisingCompany.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Finding the right Franchise is the Key to Success by Kelly Biggs, WSI Principal Consultant

little less than 18 months ago, we decided to own our own business. This decision came because we were tired of Corporate America. It no longer provided the security we needed, nor did it give our so deeply desired autonomy. Allow me to give you a quick intro. I am Kelly Biggs. I have over 25 years of sales experience with Fortune 100 companies and startups alike. As every sales executive knows, being a salesperson is as rewarding as it is challenging. Every year you sign a new contract with higher quotas and typically smaller commissions for the same effort. My husband Roan has over 25 years of experience as a software engineer. Think, super-tech meets uber extravert. It works. At any rate, we decided to go the franchise route because a start-up would command too much time. There are many franchises out there, so we worked with a franchise consultant who helped us

Kelly Biggs narrow down our critical choices to finding the right franchise. Our consultant helped us to narrow down our top criteria, which included: • Work from home • No employees initially • A franchise that would be supportive but still gave us choices to create our own business • A franchise that continued to support us after we signed the franchise agreement • A service that allowed us to continue to learn • Low royalty fees We are happy to say that WSI (We Simplify the Internet), a full-service digital marketing agency, exceeded our expectations. It is the perfect franchise for our

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Roan Biggs combo technical and sales background. Initially, we thought Roan would be the first to leave his job, but it turns out that selling is a critical skill set to be a successful entrepreneur. So far, my most significant learning has been that business owners need our services, and when they work with us, we help their businesses grow. It is a gratifying experience. www.wsibiggsdigital.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kelly earned her MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School in 2009 and has spent the past ten years advising companies on their overall business strategy. She has won numerous sales awards, including Top Sales Consultant at Fortune 100 companies and Small Businesses.

Admist the pandemic, the growth of the digital marketing industry has skyrocketed. Businesses require digital marketing experts to guide them through their digital transformations. Our WSI franchisees are positioned perfectly to help them navigate this evolving economy. Now is the time to get into this business.

Recurring Revenue â&#x20AC;˘ High-demand Industry â&#x20AC;˘ Unlimited Earning Potential www.wsifranchise.com/fcc

Toll free: 866-363-3525

contact@wsifranchise.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

THE DRIPBaR’s

First Franchisee Brings IV Therapy to Atlanta

Introducing Dr. Cedrick Spears As THE DRIPBaR’s first franchisee, I am committed to bringing this IV therapy concept’s different IV vitamin support drips, IV lifestyle drips, and other alternative health solutions to people in Atlanta who are looking to maximize their physical and mental health. My goal is to be a trailblazer here in Atlanta and show other business owners and THE DRIPBaR team how valuable these intravenous therapies are to the community and how successful this venture can be. My hope is that people see my location and the hard work we have put in to it and recognize us as the standard to aspire to. In the long-run, my goal is to have three operating and thriving DRIPBaR locations so I can continue expanding and helping more and more people achieve their maximum health with the different IV therapy drips. To achieve these goals, I plan on using the three core values I was taught during my time in the Airforce: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do. In order to be a great leader, you

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

need to first learn to serve others before yourself and embrace honesty. You never want to strive for perfection because you would only be setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. Instead, aiming for excellence is achievable and allows you to rest easy at night knowing you gave it your all. I live and lead by these values, and plan to bring this same mindset to THE DRIPBaR. I have always had a passion for helping others and this has guided the decisions I have made in my professional life. Before becoming a franchisee for THE DRIPBaR,

I started my own home care agency, Quality Personal Care Inc., around 15 years ago in Clarksville, Tennessee. From there, I expanded to Texas and then Atlanta and served about 200 patients at a time. Now I have decided itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for me to gain experience as a franchisee after building my own business f rom the ground up and growing it to locations in three states.

RETIRING WITHOUT A PLAN WAS NOT A GOOD IDEA, BUT BUSINESS OWNERSHIP WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT I HAD IN MY MIND TO TRY ONE DAY.

Learning how to work in both roles will only help me become a better mentor to others and a better business leader. I was initially drawn to THE DRIPBaR because I want to help even more people and this f ranchise opportunity allows me to do that while continuing to assist my current patients. With this concept, I can now help people looking for IV therapy for health conditions and concerns or people looking to improve and maintain their overall health. Because THE DRIPBaR has one of the larger selections of IV therapy drips out there, the concept has something for everyone and every type of lifestyle. For example, we have a Jetsetter drip for avid travelers, an Allstar drip for athletes and trainers, a High C and Mistletoe drip for cancer clients, and PreOp and PostOp drips for clients undergoing surgery.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

of everyone’s minds. People are becoming more and more proactive about leading a healthy lifestyle and are turning to different healthy lifestyle alternatives, like IV therapy drips, to do so. Because of this, I am excited to open my location and see how our business thrives. I hope to lead the way in Atlanta with THE DRIPBaR’s mission to help people achieve and maintain their optimum health and help spread the word on the benefits of IV therapy. thedripbar.com/D This wide range of IV drips we can provide for clients showcases how dedicated the people behind THE DRIPBaR are to empowering people to be as healthy as they possibly can. It’s this level of dedication to the clientele and their health

that showed me I had made the right choice joining this franchise and their mission. This brand truly offers people a chance to maximize and sustain their health at a time when health and wellness is at the foref ront

"I HOPE TO LEAD THE WAY IN ATLANTA WITH THE DRIPBAR’S MISSION TO HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN THEIR OPTIMUM HEALTH AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD ON THE BENEFITS OF IV THERAPY." — Dr. Cedrick Spears 28

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

ABOUT DR. CEDRICK SPEARS Dr. Cedrick Spears is THE DRIPBaR's first franchisee and is bringing IV therapy to the Atlanta area with his new location. He has 15 years of experience owning his own home care agency, Quality Personal Care Inc., and also served four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and four years in the Air Force National Guard.

Feed Your Cells. Fuel Your Life.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY Exceptional Unit Economics Semi-Absentee Ownership

www.THEDRIPBaR.com

Q&A

A Case Study: An Interview with Jorge Vargas, Director of a Private Equity Group in Mexico by Eddie Rodriguez, Senior Franchise Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

n 2020, I started working with a client, Jorge Vargas. He is a Director of a Private Equity Group in Mexico and he and his group were interested in exploring franchise ownership as an investment and a means to move to the US via an E2 Visa. Read my interview with Jorge below to learn about his journey into selecting the right franchise based on their criteria and goals. Eddie: Why did you and your group consider investing in a franchise business? Jorge: We were looking for investment alternatives that had high growth, a good return, franchisor support, was “easier” to launch, and needed a small investment ticket. What was your criteria, besides your motivation to move to the United States, in considering a particular franchise? Besides the reasons mentioned above, we liked the tremendous scalability of the franchise we purchased, Monster Tree Service. It stood out in terms of growing exponentially and the risk/ reward profile.

How much do you feel you knew about franchising before we started working together? To be honest, we did not know much about franchising before working together. We were shocked at the size of the industry, and the vast number of franchising opportunities out there.

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Jorge, why did you decide to work with me, a franchise consultant, to assist you in finding a best fit opportunity? This was not a hard decision. We had many interviews with other consultants but felt an immediate click with you. You made “things look easy”, and you were extremely helpful in

narrowing down our options. You were also vital in getting us to the finish line. What were the most important factors for you and your group in driving your decision to invest in a franchise? After careful analysis of other investment alternatives, the Monster Tree Service franchise was the investment that better met our timeline, check-size, and returns needed. After considering quite a few franchise opportunities that I introduced you to what made you decide to invest in Monster Tree Service? Finding the franchise that met our criteria and exceeded our expectations regarding growth opportunity, investment returns, and franchisorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partnership were the decisive elements in the decision.

lot simpler. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compromise your needs, have patience, and the right opportunity will come eventually. What are your future plans in your decision to make the big move to the United States? We plan to use this franchise as a first step. The idea is to form an attractive investment platform by expanding this franchise and adding more franchises and investments along the way. ABOUT MONSTER TREE SERVICE Monster Tree Service is a fullservice tree care company with the tools to manage any obstacle you have. The company takes great care to

protect your property, making it healthier and better looking than when they arrived! Their crews have extensive training, skills, and equipment to handle any kind of tree service, from removing diseased branches to tree stump removal to reshaping old growth of massive trees. They can even plant trees to replace what we remove! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eddie Rodriguez has been a successful entrepreneur/business owner for over 30 years, primarily in the Apparel industry. He's also owned a multiunit fitness franchise and worked as a franchise consultant for the past six years. If you want to open a new business, his background and experience will serve you well. Contact Eddie at 305-460-9925 or at eddie@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

What type of training, such as marketing and business development does Monster Tree Service provide to its franchisees? Monster Tree Service offers solid launch support in terms of know-how and marketing. Also, the community with other franchisees provides valuable experience and help along the way. What advice to you have for others possibly looking into buying a business? Definitely consider franchises as an investment option. Having a clear idea of what you want and are looking for will make the selection process a WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

Support youth sports, work smarter, and fundraise more. Youth sports participation is at an all-time high, and school funding cannot keep up. The need for fundraising is real!

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Tampa Convention Center April 24-25, 2021

ATL ANTA

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Henry B. Gonzalez Conv. Ctr. May 1-2, 2021

Cobb Galleria May 15-16, 2021

Dulles Expo Center September 18-19, 2021

ORLANDO

HOUSTON

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SAN ANTONIO

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Stafford Center October 16-17, 2021

Irving Convention Center November 6-7, 2021

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Athletic Republic:

Capitol Region Is MORE Than A Fitness Center

hile it’s a sports performance training center notable for producing top collegiate recruits and professional athletes, it’s also a community resource and a destination for events that draw athletes from all over the country and, even, the world. It’s the result of the vision of its three owners —Carl Williams, Mark McCain, and Russell Thomas — who saw opportunity in the

combination of a troubled stretch of real estate, a proven sports performance training system, and their far-reaching vision for their community. According to Charlie Graves, Athletic Republic’s CEO, “Carl, Mark, and Russ are a powerful trio; for while they all bring different skills and professional backgrounds to their partnership, they share a common vision and goals. All have kids, saw the need, wanted to bring this resource to their area.” The facility in District Heights, Maryland is located 10 miles

Certified trainers administer AR's protocols on proprietary equipment.

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

AR Capitol Region has been a hub of community activity since its Grand Opening in 2018.

due east of our nation’s Capitol in a neighborhood in dire need of revitalization. The partners are aligned with St. Paul’s Baptist Church, which purchased a shopping plaza that had lost most of its tenants--including a basketball center, a grocery store, and various smaller businesses. The plan focused on making the retail center a gathering place for the community, so in addition to turning the basketball facility into an Athletic Republic franchise, the former grocery store became a community church led by Williams’ father and brother. The Athletic Republic facility is the largest in the world, boasting not only a sports performance training center, but 8 basketball courts, a 700-meter running track, two turf fields, an MMA ring, three studio rooms, 200-seat

BELOW: The AR Capitol Region ownership team share a light moment with legend Sugar Ray Leonard

cafeteria, hot yoga studio, and a tutoring center. In normal times the center is always buzzing with activity, between local athletes and teams training or competing, athletes from the greater metropolitan area who are making the commute to AR, drawn by the results its athletes are achieving, and large basketball and volleyball tournaments that attract participants from all over the world. “We joined Athletic Republic because the brand reflected the same core values we each lived and wanted to teach our athletes; we share a passion for transforming our community one athlete at a time”, said McCain, who serves as the General Manager. The ownership team has built the reputation of Athletic Republic as a premier destination for athletes, aided

in no small degree by the considerable accomplishments of the partner’s sons, all of whom trained with the Athletic Republic system. Readers may recognize the most decorated of the group: Caleb Williams, a highly sought-after 5-star QB recruit who recently enrolled at the University of Oklahoma. AR Capitol Region’s success is also aided by the sheer breadth of its offerings; beyond the sports performance training, they offer sports academies, skills clinics and evaluation systems, sponsored league teams, facility rentals, virtual training, and most recently, a streaming video service that allows parents, players and coaches to tune in to practices and tournaments. “The story of AR Capitol Region is one that continually inspires us here at AR HQ,” says Graves. “They chose to not to

listen to popular opinion, but brought the power of sport to a struggling neighborhood, to help local kids improve their lives, either through a pathway to college, or just by giving them the tools to succeed in any endeavor they set their minds to. They personify Athletic Republic’s mission of transforming potential into performance.”

The 100,000 sf facility includes eight full-size basketball courts that host practices, clinics, and tournaments.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

FRESHNESS ISN’T JUST A SAYING, IT’S A COMMITMENT. A SINCERE BELIEF THAT A GOOD MOOD BEGINS WITH GOOD FOOD AND EVERYONE HAS A PLACE AT THE TABLE. VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION MAHANAFRESH.COM MEET MAHANA AT THE GREAT AMERICAN FRANCHISE EXPO IN HOUSTON AND DALLAS! FOR FREE TICKETS GO TO: WWW.FRANEXPOUSA.COM

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Clinton Hawkins

Thrives Even During Pandemic with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors® by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

Clinton Hawkins is a Marine Corps veteran

and has been a football coach at a local High School for several years. Both of those endeavors require discipline and attention to detail, two requisites that also make for a great home inspector. And that’s just what Hawkins became when he launched his franchise location of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors in 2017 in Erie and Niagara Counties in New York State. Hawkins, who had his own home improvement and commercial cleaning business before joining Pillar To Post, also served on the board of directors for B Team Buffalo, a non-profit led by young professionals dedicated to promoting civic pride throughout the Greater Buffalo area. The franchise brand is a favorite among veterans such as Hawkins. Pillar To Post is a member of VetFran, a program of the International Franchise Association that helps vets purchase franchises and it has achieved 5-star status in that program, the top ranking possible. In 2017, when Clinton came aboard, one-third of new Pillar To Post franchisees were military vets. “I was impressed by the level

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

of commitment Pillar To Post makes to its franchise owners,” Hawkins said. “I know the inner workings of homes and the building of homes and I also bring my customer service experience and leadership qualities to Pillar To Post.” In addition, Hawkins is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, an organization within the real estate community. Members give back a percentage of earnings to veterans and first responders when they purchase a new home. “My first three years have been amazing,” said Hawkins recently “2020, although chaotic, turned out to be my best year for growth of my three years in business with Pillar To Post.” Hawkins actively markets his business in a variety of ways, one of which is publishing tips on LinkedIn. Marketing is key to the growth of any business and Hawkins recognized that right from Day One and jumped on that tool. “I’d say my best marketing results,” shared Hawkins, “have come from networking and the relationships I’ve built with many real estate agents and clients. The feedback and word of mouth referrals from clients and real estate agents cannot be measured in value. It’s just tremendous

and you have to be willing to go out and initiate these. One of my favorite relationships is with the Women’s Council of Realtors. This is an awesome group of people.” According to Pillar To Post Home Inspectors President and CEO Dan Steward, “We are rolling out some pretty amazing technologies that will be in full swing by spring 2021 for all Pillar To Post Home Inspections. One of these is the PTP360 tour. It will also be available with a floor plan. It is a great new innovation – fast-tracked to completion for COVID-19 response – but in the long term, a huge help for busy, professional Realtors, saving time, better serving their seller, and giving prospective buyers a far better experience. Buyers can view anytime they wish, stay if they like, share with friends and family, share with contractors to get an estimate, and even get a measured floor plan to help with furniture planning, etc. This is a brilliant experience.” Hawkins agrees. “In the beginning the pandemic was very challenging. Being shut down is an uneasy feeling. Luckily, I had the ability to perform the new Pillar To Post 360 tours for those that could not be present at inspections and needed to have a visual of the home. It allows the buyer to have access to their

potential home to make changes, hire contractors, or simple things like seeing the color of the countertops adds so much value. It’s a tremendous service for these times and in the future.” The company has consistently achieved the highest standings in various rankings of “Best in Category,” “Top 20 Franchises to Buy,” “Top 10 Global Franchises” and “Top Franchises for Veterans”. ABOUT PILLAR TO POST HOME INSPECTORS® Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are more nearly 600 franchises located in 49 states and nine Canadian provinces. Long-term plans include adding 500 to 600 new franchisees over the next five years. For further information, please visit www. pillartopostfranchise.com.

AN ICONIC BRAND RE-ENERGIZED FOR TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MARKETPLACE APPROXIMATELY 500 LOCATIONS Affordable, scalable and profitable // Multi-unit retail/service opportunity // Legendary brand, category leader

A NEW ACQUISITIONS & CONVERSION MODEL:

Martinizing employs a unique real estate approach that seeks out existing dry cleaning business owners who are ready for an exit, allowing new franchisees to open quickly and minimize their initial investment.

A B U S I N E S S W I T H M U LT I P L E R E V E N U E S T R E A M S

Mobile App-Driven

Retail

Routes

Lockers

Mobile App-Driven

On-Demand

Spanning Eight Countries // 70-Plus-Year Heritage // Open for Business Quickly Total Investment: $419K-$736K // Liquid Capital Requirement: $150K Net Worth Requirement: $700K

CORPORATE SUPPORT ENCOURAGING REAL BUSINESS GROWTH

On-going. corporate support and education puts Martinizing owners on a path to success.

Site Selection // Financial Analysis // Store Design & Buildout // Comprehensive Training Existing Cleaner Acquisition Assistance // On-Going Operations & Marketing Support Individual financial results may differ from results stated in Item 19.

FRANCHISE INQUIRIES < Kira Kusky // kira.kusky@thinkhuntington.com (Jo Gonzalez // jo.gonzalez@thinkhuntington.com)

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

A YEAR OF PERFECT CHANGE by Antwanye E. Ford, President & Chief Executive Off icer, Enlightened, Inc.

At the end of 2019,

everyone I know believed 2020 would be a year of change. People anticipated that it would be a year that changed everything. It was going to be a year that led to perfect vision. A year that was going to be unforgettable. As we have embarked in 2021 and we realized that we were right about 2020. It was a year that changed everything. We started the year with the death of Kobe Bryant, and we mourned. As we were dealing with this pain, the news about this little-known virus started to become real. Like an avalanche, COVID-19 overwhelmed the business world and we sent staff home

on March 5, 2020. Everything we knew changed. I sent over 200 employees home and we needed to change our paradigm. We needed to determine how to keep people safe, continue to perform on contracts, create a remote work environment, and keep the business going while facing the unknown. As we dealt with all of these changes, we all watched George Floyd's death as he narrated his death at the hands of 4 murders. The avalanche transformed into a raging storm as the country exploded and raged for a change. We saw the loss of 41% of Black-owned businesses. We saw unprecedented

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

unemployment, which reached 16.6% at its height in May of 2020. With all of these issues included; death from COVID-19, fights for equity, record Black-business loss, and record unemployment, Black businesses learned to adjust, change, and share best practices to survive and learn to thrive. What methods did we learn? Who helped us in this storm? What lessons can we use going into 2021? One of the critical lessons that we learned was to be part of an organization that could

provide a shared experience and shared solutions. The US Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is the leading voice of Black Businesses in the United States. The organization represents over 140 changes and over 340,000 Blackowned businesses. An innovative solution was the creation of the President's Circle. Ron Busby, the USBC President, wanted to establish a group of the largest Black-owned businesses to answer the call of equity, business development and employment. This group, the President's circle, is currently meeting with and establishing relationships with some of the largest businesses in America. This process's objective is to grow our businesses. We can subcontract work to blackowned companies around the country and offer jobs to those displaced by the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses. As the co-chair of this group with Farad Ali (CEO of Asociar1), we are working to create these types of groups

around the country, focusing on strengthening Blackowned businesses, forming Joint Ventures, and merging companies to scale our businesses to thrive. One of the lessons we learned in 2020 is to be proactively nimble. As businesses and people went remote, we needed to offer our services in this new model. Working with the USBC, Enlightened moved to become an Amazon Web Services partner. We are in the midst of this transition, but we learned to watch the movement of change, adapt and lead in the middle of chaos. One piece of advice that I want to offer is to maintain a watchful eye on your service/product offerings and learn to move and change in a structured, direct and measured manner such that when all things settle, you are not only relevant but preferred. In 2020, we also looked at our expenses and services. One of the best activities that

AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION WAS THE CREATION OF THE PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE. RON BUSBY, THE USBC PRESIDENT, WANTED TO ESTABLISH A GROUP OF THE LARGEST BLACKOWNED BUSINESSES TO ANSWER THE CALL OF EQUITY, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT.

we performed was an internal look at our business processes and costs. As we learned to offer our technology services remotely, we need to streamline our operations. We still had to pay rent for an office rarely used and yet had fixed costs there were not going away. This forced us to reduce expenses, streamline and automated manual processes and improve communication between staff working from home. As we rolled into 2021, we have become more efficient, which is now a part of our culture of continuous improvement. As business owners, we must learn that issues and problems arise, we have the opportunity to become better. Muscles developed by being stretched and torn. 2020 represented this process. As we move into 2021, seek to be stretched, torn, and rebuilt. As a person of faith, I had to learn to depend on those things larger than myself and walk in that faith. That was the biggest lesson learned in 2020.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Antwanye E. Ford is President & Chief Executive Officer of Enlightened, Inc., a leading Information Technology and Management Consulting firm founded in 1999. Enlightened serves federal, state, and local government agencies, and provides cyber security, software development and integration, management consulting and business process outsourcing services. As cofounder of Enlightened, Antwanye has led the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth from a startup business to a diverse organization with over 200 employees.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN AMERICA AGED 65 AND OLDER WILL HIT 70 MILLION BY 2020 Now is the best time to start a business in this $300 billion dollar industry.

From personal care to privateduty nursing, ComForCare’s mission is to help provide a safe environment for seniors who are aging in place, allowing them the grace, dignity, and pride they deserve. ComForCare is known throughout the industry for developing specialized senior care programs including Alzheimer’s care.

CarePatrol is the nation’s largest senior placement organization. We take the pressure off families to help them find safer care options including assisted living, independent living, memory care, in-home care and nursing homes. Our senior advisors personally meet with families and serve as their guide -free of charge.

Estate sales often manifest when people find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. They may be downsizing upon retirement, dealing with the death of a loved one, or moving to assisted living. We provide an organized and professional way to sell their personal estate.

Visit us at BestLifeBrands.com to learn about each of these unique franchise opportunities in the senior care space.

PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS

CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH! We train, we teach… to make our difference in this world while we have time here. Premier Martial Arts is in their 17th year of empowering lives focused on grade school kids, character development and community impact. Since partnering with Franchise FastLane in 2019, they have opened their 100th school and awarded 320 units to 110 new franchisees in just 18 months. Iconic Founder/CEO Barry Van Over has since doubled his headquarters support staff and even built a mock karate studio in the expanded office space for discovery days and new franchisee training. Not to mention, Barry was just inducted into Black Belt Magazine’s Martial Arts Hall of Fame. PREMIER is consistently recognized as a Top 3 growing brand nationally, now in 36 United States and three other countries. The word is out! This rocketship momentum represents a most simple and affordable brick-and-mortar concept with exceptional profitability.

Trish and Darnell Azeez joined Premier Martial Arts in February 2020 and they will be adding TWO new schools in West Orange and Maplewood, New Jersey. Trish previously worked as a research associate before becoming a homemaker for the last five years. Her husband Darnell is a Finance Portfolio Manager in Jersey City and together they have two kids, five-year-old Aliana, and seven-

year-old D.J. Trish originally was looking at eight total brands before she decided on joining the Premier family. Her passion, drive, and very detailed personality aligned with the Premier culture. Brandon Brown, a Houston, Texas native was more then ready to move swiftly to scale a proven franchise that he was fully vested in and has a passion for – empowering lives. After Discovery Day, Brandon was awarded FIVE schools in Cypress, Katy, East Katy Cinco Ranch, and Copperfields, TX. Brandon currently works for Sand Ridge Energy

a bachelor’s degree in Math and Georgia State University with a master’s in Information Technology. His wife Lisa is a nursing professor at Clayton State University and together they have three children. Two twin boys and a daughter who is a psychologist.

They both loved Premier’s unique curriculum of Bully-Proof, Stranger Danger and ABC’s of Success especially in this societal era of video game addiction, bullying, ADHD, and childhood obesity.

located in downtown Houston, as a Corporate Controller. He is married to his wife Lacoya, a former certified Zumba instructor, and together they have two girls and one boy. Premier’s differentiation, strategicallyminded leadership team, core values, and buzzworthy character development made for an easy decision to join the Premier family.

George and Lisa Smiley were both thrilled to build upon Premier’s existing schools in Atlanta by adding TWO more in the Decatur and North Druid Hills area.

The Smiley’s reside in Conyers, where George works as a Senior Director of IT at Serta Simmons Bedding. George has over 30-years of experience in IT and is also an Army Veteran. His love for sports, coaching, and mentoring kids on confidence and bullying aligned perfectly with Premier’s curriculum that focuses on character development far beyond the importance of self-defense.

George is a Alabama native. He graduated from Albany State University with

Kerri and James Watts joined the Premier Martial Arts family in mid-November of 2019, adding FIVE schools in North Dallas. Kerri graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and for the last seven years has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her husband James is an IT Director and together they have a eighteen-year-old daughter named Kaitlynn.

To learn more about how you can join nearly 175 thriving franchisees email premierleads@franchisefastlane.com.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Fetch!

Customer Turned Franchisee 1. How did you get started with Fetch!?

Monique Gillespie is a local owner of Fetch! Pet Care,

America’s largest franchised provider of professional dog walking and pet sitting services. With a focus on exceptional service and reliable care, Monique offers a wide range of services for client’s four-legged family members including puppy care, private dog walking, pet sitting, overnight care and pet taxi services in the East Pittsburg, Pennsylvania through the downtown area.

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Growing up we had every single pet you can think of so pets have always been a big part of my life. We had dogs, cats, birds, fish, a tortoise, a frog, and two iguanas. I'm naturally drawn to animals and it's fitting this would be my life's work, but I first discovered Fetch! as a client. I have a Cinnamon Green Cheeked Conure that I've raised from a baby (he is like my fourth child) so everywhere we go as a family he goes with us. We had an opportunity to go to the United Kingdom and I wasn’t able to take him oversees. I was worried about who I could trust to care for him while we were away and after vetting different pet sitting services, I found Fetch! Pet Care. We were both instantly drawn to his pet care provider from the start. She's an amazing person and I could tell she genuinely cared for him. Knowing that allowed me to take a trip of a lifetime and not worry. Months later after we returned from our vacation I was sitting in my office and received an email that literally changed my life. I had an opportunity to purchase that existing Fetch!

territory. I decided to leave my corporate career and support my community in a different more meaningful way. To give people the peace and comfort of knowing their pet will be cared for so they can go on vacation, travel, and/or have a career that may not always be conducive to having a pet due to work schedules. I own the business along with my mom Paulette Flowers, I call her my partner in life and in business. It makes sense we are doing this dream together since she's the one who brought animals into my life, I got it all from her.

2. What are your views on the franchising industry? I think the franchising industry offers an amazing

opportunity to work for oneself while doing something you love and are passionate about. There's no greater feeling than building and growing something that you love and are invested in. Also, the pet care industry has grown tremendously and continues to flourish so Fetch! meets both of those needs. It's really a win/ win for me and one of the best decisions I ever made.

3. What charitable cause you support?

Since my passion is animals, I chose to donate my time and support to those causes that assist our furry friends. In April we had an amazing opportunity to help with a dog food drive and delivery orchestrated by Kin of Duncan and the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue. The drive was to help those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic and were struggling to feed their pets. We also have supported several drives for Senior Hearts Rescue and Renewal.

4. What motivates you to work harder?

My family is my true motivation. I want to make sure the business is fruitful and long lasting so they can keep with and carry the torch. Also, the heartfelt thanks we receive from our clients is great motivation. We hear it especially when pet care is needed during sad

or challenging times such as someone going into the hospital or the loss of loved one that requires them to travel unexpectedly.

5. What advice would you give your teenage self?

To keep focus, all of these paths will lead you to somewhere great.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I would like to see us expand and grow and of course support our communities with pet care in an even bigger way than we do now.

7. What are you looking forward to in 2021?

I'm looking forward to this pandemic coming to an end and our lives coming back to some normalcy. Regardless, we will be here to care for the pets. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Monique was raised in Pittsburgh and has three children and one grandchild. Monique worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s commercial insurance department as a senior manager for more than 12 years, and the management skills she acquired during this time gave her the experience and confidence to start her own business with Fetch! Pet Care when the opportunity arose.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

“I DECIDED TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR BECAUSE I WAS READY TO CREATE MY OWN PATH AND ENJOY MY TIME THE WAY THAT I WANT TO. I WAS TIRED OF POSITIONS AT COMPANIES STRUCTURING MY LIFE AND ULTIMATELY DECIDING MY PATH.” —Phillip Evans, Owner, Options For Senior America Franchise

A New Path to Fulfilling My Destiny

PHILLIP EVANS by Rick Morgin, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

I'm always impressed when I

meet young people who know that they want to be an entrepreneur and build something. I connected with Phillip Evans in June of 2018. Phillip's Mechanical Engineering degree is from the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University where he maintained a GPA of 3.75 out of 4.0. At the time we met his accomplishments

in his young professional career were extensive. More importantly he exhibited characteristics of an entrepreneur and I realized that together we could find the right franchise model to help him fulfill his personal and financial goals. He became an owner in the Franchise Options for Senior America Franchise system in October 2019. Phillip, in your own words

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

tell us why you wanted to pivot and become an entrepreneur? I decided to become an entrepreneur because I was ready to create my own path and enjoy my time the way that I want to. I was tired of positions at companies structuring my life and ultimately deciding my path. We looked at several industries, describe to our

audience why the Home Health Care industry and the company Options for Senior America attracted you? I was drawn to the home health care industry because of the market growth and the necessity of the services. The low start-up cost and profitability really piqued my interest. Options for Senior America has been in the home health care industry for 30 plus years and we had a great connection right from the start. I connected another client of mine to you during the summer of 2020 and he was very impressed how quickly you grew your business in less than a year. Tell us about your first year in business? My first year was awesome and I begin increasing our revenue very quickly by cultivating relationships with key referral sources and other home health care agency owners in the area. I spoke to several home care agency owners in the Atlanta area and I built a great relationship with one of them. He has been in the home health care industry for 20+ years and he gave me excellent advice on how to effectively penetrate the market quickly. Owning your first business can be tough so I advise anyone to build relationships and never be afraid to ask for advice.

“I WAS DRAWN TO THE HOME HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY BECAUSE OF THE MARKET GROWTH AND THE NECESSITY OF THE SERVICES. THE LOW STARTUP COST AND PROFITABILITY REALLY PIQUED MY INTEREST.” —Phillip Evans What challenges did COVID-19 present and how did you face them and overcome them? COVID-19 presented major challenges because the home health care industry requires in person care services and people were very afraid of people coming into their homes and some of our care providers no longer wanted to provide care. So the first thing we did was get guidelines in place to reduce the spread and protect our workers and care recipients. We discussed these guidelines with our clients and were very transparent with everyone involved. We contacted our main referral source to get more patients who needed care and doubled down on hiring. We actually became a better and stronger company during COVID-19 because our services are truly essential and the need is growing every day. Briefly describe a day in your life as an owner of Options for Senior America in the Atlanta Metro Market. I have the ability to change any aspect of my day whenever I need to which is one of the greatest attributes of owning your own company. I have become really intrigued by news and economics so I

always start my day with some world news following by some stock market and economy updates. I then read local news regarding the Metro Atlanta Area followed by the daily Home Health Updates. After that I adjust to whatever the business needs are. What is your outlook for the next couple of years? Do you have ambition beyond your current franchise? I definitely have ambitions to open another business one day although I have no clue what it would be right now. My main goal right now is continuing to make people’s lives better. The joy of owning a company that can be so impactful on the day to day lives of various people is truly a great feeling!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick Morgin is a Consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company and alumnus of Santa Clara University. We assist clients with the educational process of researching and selecting available franchise businesses that best suit desired lifestyles and financial goals. The research, qualification, and application service we provide is free; our fees are paid by the Franchise company when a client opens their business. For more information please email rick@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com, call/text at 925-324-6371 or visit www. franchisematchmakerserver.com

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

HTTP://WWW.SPIRI COM/

ITEXPO.

BUSINESS ADVICE

Planning for the Future Through Franchising by John Ovens, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company The world has been in a state of flux for almost a year now. Making a plan is a great way to ease anxiety about the future. As I talk with potential clients interested in business ownership and franchising, there are several topics that are important to think

about when planning for the years ahead.

Use Your 401K While Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hot

Have you checked your 401K balance recently? It is most likely looking very good with the stock market reaching

record highs. Now is the time to use that money. Did you know you can use 401K funds to invest in your business instead of an unknown entity? If there is a market downturn and your 401K loses its value, the option to take part out to invest in a business may not be there. Using your 401K is a smart way to invest now in a business and still have funds for later.

Some Industries Stay Strong

THINK ABOUT SOME OF THE INDUSTRIES INCLUDING CLEANING BUSINESSES, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, HOME REMODELING, DIGITAL MARKETING, AND TAKE-OUT RESTAURANTS. MANY HAVE SHOWN EXCELLENT GROWTH IN 2020. 56

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After the last year, we are hyper-aware of which businesses stayed successful and which ones folded. Pandemic and recessionresistant businesses are ones to strongly consider. Think about some of the industries including cleaning businesses, property management, home remodeling, digital marketing, and take-out restaurants. Many have shown excellent growth in 2020. These industries will continue to be needed as we go into the future, even with unsteady conditions.

Leaving a Family Legacy As part of my discussions with clients, I ask them what their legacy will be

A FRANCHISE CONSULTANT CAN HELP YOU DETERMINE THE BEST FIT BASED ON YOUR INTERESTS, GOALS AND EXPERIENCE. MANY PEOPLE BUILD BUSINESSES THAT CAN’T BE REPLACED BY THE INTERNET OR AMAZON TO PASS DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

and if leaving a legacy is important to them. If you have a career where you won’t be remembered for your contribution, or you’re not creating a product or a service that will be used for many years to come and having a legacy is important to you–a franchise can provide you with this. Creating your legacy through franchising starts with finding the right fit for you. A franchise consultant can help you determine the best fit based on your interests, goals and experience. Many people build businesses that can’t be replaced by the Internet or Amazon to pass down to the next generation. Others choose to sell their business once they are retiring. The choice is yours.

franchised, it’s a good idea to work with a franchise consultant and determine the following: • Is your business successful with a track record of results? • Is your business scalable, meaning it can be duplicated by franchisee partners? • Is your brand protectable through trademarks and a dedicated website domain? • Are you committed to growing a franchise system over several years by growing product lines, services and teams? • Do you have the right budget to start a franchise and have the capital to grow?

Wide Variety of Financing Options

Franchisors take a look at your entire portfolio when looking at your financial ratios and total net worth. If your net worth is slightly below where a franchisor wants it to be, they will look at your amount of debt, credit history and so on to determine if there are other ways to finance your purchase. Some franchisors provide in-house financing, and there are multiple types of lenders available, such as SBA loans and private lending companies.

Do You Already Own a Business?

Appointing a franchise consultant reduces pressure and allows you the time to analyze what franchises work best for you. If you’re ready to take the next step and learn about business ownership through franchising, now is the time! ABOUT THE AUTHOR

If you own a business and are interested in determining if your business could be

Over 30 years of leading domestic and international businesses in the US and overseas, John Ovens has extensive experience operating multi-location companies globally. For more than a decade, John has helped individuals find alternative business opportunities for corporate employment. Contact John at 404-432-3272 or johnovens@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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ONBOARDING PROCESS Initial Audit of FDD Transfer Legal Documents Word Versions of FDD & Franchise Agreement State Registrations & State specific FDDs Signed Franchise Agreements Trademark Registrations Corporate Documents Schedule Strategy Session Phone, In-Person, or Zoom Up and Running!

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FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT

Think You Know Laser Tag?

You Don’t Know Jack! Meet Jack Swets, founder of Team Combat, Inc.

Jack and his son came up with the idea for Team Combat back in 2009 while on a camping trip. The two were avid paintball players and had the opportunity to play some traditional “kiddie” laser tag not too far from the campground. However, after only a few short rounds they became extremely bored with the game in comparison to paintball. Later that day around the campfire is when the idea struck for a tactical version of laser tag with

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

immersive missions, hightech equipment, and creative battle scenes to create a one of a kind experience. They immediately went to work creating their own proprietary laser combat system. Simply put, this system streamlines all the complex interactions between high-tech battle props and weapons, lighting systems, and game-specific surround sound to allow those interactions to be operated with nothing more than an ipad and the tap of a button. This experience is geared towards adults and teens.

They also have earlier time slots which allow for children ages 6-9 so they don’t have to miss out! Over the years, Team Combat’s proprietary system has been refined through trial and error along with direct input from guests to create an exclusive experience. “Here at Team Combat it’s all about the guest experience. Keeping this priority front and center is exactly what keeps our guests coming back again and again.” says Swets. Pair all of this amazing technology with paramount guest services and you have a winning business model.

Game sessions are 40-minutes in length to allow guests ample time to formulate strategies and plan their attacks with their team. Scores are tracked throughout the game and are presented afterwards along with individual stats such as: kills, deaths, accuracy, and much more. Guests often comment on how playing at Team Combat feels like playing a real life version of many popular video game titles. Team Combat’s business model is very flexible and can exist along-side a wide array of entertainment

concepts. Some recommended pairings would include: axe throwing, rock climbing or other “adrenaline” type activities. Team Combat can also operate within an existing entertainment facility. Whatever you thought you knew about laser tag, throw that out and take a look at Team Combat. With all of the unique advantages presented through Team Combat, this concept is sure to explode onto the marketplace. If you wish to learn more, contact Jack at jack@ tacticalgameingsystems.com or visit tacticalgamingsystems. com.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

TACTICAL LASER TAG FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES LASER TAG REDEFINED FOR ADULTS AND TEENS Team Combat combines cutting edge interactive immersion technology with a complete, turnkey franchise system to offer unique entertainment opportunities.

TACTICAL LASER TAG LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Team Combat creates realistic combat simulations for fun, sport, or tactical training purposes. This is a new concept of fun and entertainment. Each Team Combat site has a 8,000-10,000+ square foot facility and offers a Tactical Laser Tag experience that is immersive, stimulating, and satisfying for adults and teens. Our laser combat system is state of the art and contains the same technology used by the US Military. Many area SWAT teams, the US Navy, the Army National Guard and the Drug Enforcement Agency all use our equipment and facilities. This isn’t kiddie laser tag but it doesn’t require participants to have any specials skills or to be athletic. Everyone can enjoy the competition.

TACTICALGAMINGSYSTEMS.COM | (219) 200-5010 | JACK@TACTICALGAMINGSYSTEMS.COM

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

British Swim School Opens New Locations in Boston!

ritish Swim School was proud to recently welcome new owners Carlton and Elsia Jones to the family! British Swim School City of Boston joined the system as the third British Swim School franchise in the region but the first to serve the families of the metro area. The concept, focusing on teaching survival skills to students of all ages, was especially important for these parents of three young girls, who recognized that drowning disproportionately affects children of color. “The focus on survival skills is really what attracted me to British Swim School,” said Elsia Jones, owner of British Swim

School City of Boston. “When my kids had swim lessons, they never received those essential skills - it was more about how to enjoy yourself in the water. We focus on safety, and I love that!” The ability to swim is personal to Jones, who almost drowned when she was a child despite completing several swim lessons. She was at summer camp when she went down a slide and did not know how to get back to the shore.

“My brother rescued me. It was very scary,” she said. It’s that experience that inspired her to open the school with the hopes of

providing a place to learn a lifelong skill. “We are thrilled to have Elsia and Carlton in the British Swim School family,” said Brian Garrison, British Swim School President. “Her story is an example of why we are so passionate about teaching survival skills. She truly knows the value of the service she is bringing to families in the metro Boston area.” British Swim School, an elite local swim school franchise,

“WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE ELSIA AND CARLTON IN THE BRITISH SWIM SCHOOL FAMILY.” —Brian Garrison, British Swim School President

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RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PARTICIPATION IN FORMAL SWIM PROGRAMS, SUCH AS THOSE OFFERED BY BRITISH SWIM SCHOOL, CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DROWNING BY 88 PERCENT AMONG CHILDREN WHO ARE MOST AT RISK FOR ACCIDENTAL DEATH BY DROWNING.

About British Swim School

launched in England in 1981. It was then brought to the United States and Canada, and eventually rolled out to more than 200 locations. Research shows that participation in formal swim programs, such as those offered by British Swim School, can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children who are most at risk for accidental death by drowning. British Swim

School of Boston will teach water safety and survival first, and swim stroke development second. Students are placed in classes based on skill level.

British Swim School’s mission is to teach water safety and survival skills to children as young as 3 months old. Rita Goldberg founded British Swim School in 1981 and developed the unique and highly effective teaching methods that are a recognized trademark of the brand today. Acquired by Buzz Franchise Brands in early 2019, British Swim School is the latest addition to the Buzz Franchise Brands family, which includes Pool Scouts, a pool cleaning and maintenance company, and Home Clean Heroes, a residential cleaning company. British Swim School currently operates over 215 schools across the United States and Canada. For more information about British Swim School, visit www.britishswimschool. com. To learn more about the benefits of British Swim School’s franchising opportunities, visit https://britishswim schoolfranchise.com/. For more information about Buzz Franchise Brands, visit https://www.buzz franchisebrands.com/.

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Denise and Robert Acquaye

“AFTER 40 COMBINED YEARS IN CORPORATE AMERICA, MY HUSBAND AND I WANTED TO FOLLOW OUR HEARTS ANDBECOME ENTREPRENEURS. WE KNEW FRANCHISING WAS THE RIGHT PATH BECAUSE IT WOULD PROVIDE US WITH APROVEN BUSINESS MODEL TO BE SUCCESSFUL.” —Denise Acquaye, Owner, FastSigns Franchise

DENISE ACQUAYE “FASTSIGNS Felt Like Home”

ntrepreneurship had always been a dream for Denise Acquaye. However, like so many others considering owning their own small business, she knew it would be a risk to go out on her own. But eventually, that day came. After 13 years with Philip Morris, USA, Denise left her corporate job to join forces with her husband, Robert, to run the marketing consulting firm he had started two years prior. The husband-and-wife team ran an incredibly successful venture

for several years, providing expert project management, business process improvement, and technology consulting for various clients. In 2007, after losing his job as vice-president of circulation at Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines, the couple started to discuss what was next. Maybe there was something bigger and better out there, just waiting for them. That’s when they found FASTSIGNS, the leading sign, graphics, and visual

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communications franchise that, today, has more than 740 centers throughout eight countries. Denise and her husband had been in business for themselves before, but they knew that through the franchise business model they wouldn’t be in business alone. The couple looked at several franchise opportunities, including some in the QSR space, but ultimately decided they wanted something that aligned with their deep experience in publishing and marketing, and where

they could build a team of professionals committed to the long-term success of the business. They weren’t interested in having a rotating door of short-term or seasonal staff. After extensive research, they came across FASTSIGNS and were wowed by the brand’s business model and the support team that would be there to help them be successful every step of the way. So, in 2012, they took a chance and opened their FASTSIGNS center in Newark, New Jersey. "After 40 combined years in corporate America, my husband and I wanted to follow our hearts and become entrepreneurs. We knew franchising was the right path because it would provide us with a proven business model to be successful," says Denise. "We looked at a lot of different concepts, from fast food to retail, but we picked FASTSIGNS because of its strong commitment to supporting franchisees. Without any companyowned centers, FASTSIGNS' success is entirely driven by its franchisees — so the corporate team allocates an enormous amount of resources to support. This business opportunity felt like the right fit. It felt like home." Nine years later, FASTSIGNS of Newark is thriving, even despite the pandemic. Denise

says her secret to success has been “discipline, continued learning, hiring the very best, and providing the best customer service.” “Be focused on your goals,” she adds. “Stay true to yourself and your customers. Make your customers your highest priorities.” Denise absolutely loves the variety of products and services FASTSIGNS offers. It keeps things interesting, fun, and fresh. “We sell visual communication. I always say, ‘Anything to do with visual communications, we can do it for you. That includes not only signage for the front of your building, but also the t-shirt you have on, the pen you write with, or even a promotional shoe you wear. We can do anything you

want to put your name on; FASTSIGNS can do it for you,’” says Denise. For Denise, entrepreneurship was always the dream, and franchising made it a reality. For those considering going into business for themselves, especially women, she says, “Just do it.” “I think sometimes we overthink things, but there are so many resources out there for us. If you need something and don’t know what to do, just ask. People are willing to help,” says Denise. “I can’t say enough about FASTSIGNS’ support team and the network of franchisees I’ve been able to tap into. I could not imagine what it would have been like to operate during the pandemic without them.”

“WE SELL VISUAL COMMUNICATION. ANYTHING TO DO WITH VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS, WE CAN DO IT FOR YOU. THAT INCLUDES NOT ONLY SIGNAGE FOR THE FRONT OF YOUR BUILDING, BUT ALSO THE T-SHIRT YOU HAVE ON, THE PEN YOU WRITE WITH, OR EVEN A PROMOTIONAL SHOE YOU WEAR. WE CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT TO PUT YOUR NAME ON.” —Denise Acquaye, Owner, FastSigns Franchise

WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

FASTSIGNS of New Orleans, LA

When Did You See The Sign?™

FASTSIGNS of Arlington, TX

FASTSIGNS provides candidates with an Item 19 including full profitability information. And you’ll enjoy owning a business with these compelling features: • Business-to-business hours

• Professional business clientele

• Low staffing requirements

• Attractive margins

Fast Franchise Facts Franchising Since: Founded 1985 ®

Total Franchise Operating Units: Over 700 in 9 countries Minimum Liquid Capital: $80,000

Franchisor Support

Minimum Net Worth: $300,000

• Site selection and build-out

Total US Investment: $218,596 - $298,679 Total Canadian Investment: $257,626 - $338,718 CAD

• Four weeks of training, including one week of training in a FASTSIGNS center, followed by two weeks at our Dallas Headquarters, and one week of onsite training in your new center

Franchise Fee: $49,750

• Pre-opening marketing blitz to drive your sales and reduce ramp time

VetFran & First Responders Discount: $24,875 Franchise Fee

• Grand opening support and guidance from an Outside Sales Manager and Brand Ambassador

Royalty (per unit): 6% (Reduced to 3% for 12 months)

• Dedicated Business Consultants to assist with business/finances training, marketing and sales, production and staff management

Advertising Fund (per unit): 2% (Reduced to 1% for 12 months) FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets approved for development in the US and Canada and is also seeking Master or Area Developer expansion in markets worldwide

• Franchisee Mentor Program to guide you and lend support in every aspect of your business • 24-hour web-based learning management system that keeps you and your staff up-to-speed and in-the-know in this fast-paced market

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FASTSIGNS:

214-346-5679 | mark.jameson@fastsigns.com | www.fastsigns.com

Painting, Coatings & Surface Restoration Semi- Absentee

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

EBONIE GIST Leveraging Connections & Opportunities Business ownership was not a new concept for Ebonie Gist and her husband, Stephon, when they began exploring franchising. The couple owned real estate and a trucking company. Ebonie completed her PhD and worked in a career that spanned from clinic research and trials to pharmaceuticals. Throughout their careers they knew that they wanted to further diversify. “ARCpoint Labs came into our lives when I was in a place of really trying to decide what to do to move further into leadership,” said Ebonie. “It was the perfect opportunity to combine our skill sets: my background in clinical and his knowledge of the trucking industry. We knew the demand of testing for drivers, and we saw the opportunity with ARCpoint and we said, ‘this is the perfect storm!’” Ebonie and Stephon have been operating in Orland Park (IL) since mid-2019 with Ebonie at the head of the organization. To date, they have focused on pretty much everything clinical due to COVID-19, but they also involved other business verticals such as drug and alcohol testing. “COVID has been a huge influencer in our market with individuals and business clients. We’re staying incredibly busy,” she shared. She and her team, with the ARCpoint Labs mobile business, provide COVID testing to a local production studio

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three times a week, for example, testing all actors and actresses, film staff, and production teams. And, busy enough that they have purchased a second territory and are in lease negotiations in the Naperville, IL area. “Leveraging all connections and opportunities is important”, says Ebonie, “when it comes to growing your business”. “When I meet with a new client or new company, the very first thing I do is connect with them on a personal level. We all have different needs as employers, for example. I meet them at their need and show them how ARCpoint Labs can be the solution for them. We have created a presence in our community as a trusted source. That trust means the foundation is there to go back to the customer with other services down the road like toxicology or clinical.” While a Day in the Life of a ARCpoint Labs franchisee looks different for everyone, Ebonie enjoys the personal aspect of meeting with people where they are. She personally responds to clients and other companies who need services daily, in addition to being in the lab engaging with her team and their clients. “Any great leader understands the job that is being done, so that’s why I stay involved and so close. I’m there drawing blood, doing testing and the like. It keeps me fresh and it keeps attuned to what my staff and clients are going through. Sometimes the person you are working with is getting tested because he or she has lost a job and is trying to get a new one. They

“ANY GREAT LEADER UNDERSTANDS THE JOB THAT IS BEING DONE, SO THAT’S WHY I STAY INVOLVED AND SO CLOSE. I’M THERE DRAWING BLOOD, DOING TESTING AND THE LIKE. IT KEEPS ME FRESH AND IT KEEPS ATTUNED TO WHAT MY STAFF AND CLIENTS ARE GOING THROUGH.” —Ebonie Gist, Owner, ARCpoint Labs Franchise are stressed and it shows. We are there when they need answers or attention, or they are scared. It’s an important role we don’t take lightly. We can make it a little less stressful for someone and that’s rewarding.” When asked if race plays a factor, Ebonie says the challenges of being a business owner are not unlike what she experienced in corporate America as a black, female professional. “You walk into a room and have to immediately prove that you should be in the room. My advice to anyone, regardless of race or gender, is to be your true

authentic self. Who I am, what I am, and what my business can provide sets the narrative and establishes our credibility and expertise.”

What’s next for Ebonie and her team?

Community outreach with focus on kids. The couple has six children and are very passionate about student athletics, especially workout regimes and food programs at all levels of play. “We see tremendous potential in further exploring how workouts and food impact each athlete’s internal health.” https://arcpointfranchise.com/

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

After Careers with the U.S. Armed Forces

This Couple Opens Their Own Business by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

After Rodney and Sharron McDuffie

retired from long and successful careers that included both the U.S. Armed Forces and the U.S. Government, the Raymore couple was looking for an attractive business opportunity to bolster their pension income. So on April 15, Rodney, “61 years young,” and Sharron, “59 years younger,” as they note, officially opened for business

as franchise owners with Floor Coverings International, whose representatives visit customers’ homes in a Mobile Flooring Showroom stocked with thousands of flooring samples from top manufacturers. Floor Coverings International Lee’s Summit serves customers throughout greater Kansas City. Sharron retired after 30 years with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),

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where she was a Technological Hazards Specialist assigned to several nuclear power plants throughout Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. Rodney retired from the U.S. Navy with 25 years as a Yeoman Administrator before joining the Department of Immigration, where he spent more than a decade before retiring as an Immigration Supervisor this past February. “We had started talking about what we would be

IN FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL, THE MCDUFFIES FOUND A COMPANY THAT HAS TRIPLED IN SIZE SINCE 2005 BY PUTTING A LASER FOCUS ON CONSUMER BUYING HABITS AND EXPRESSED DESIRES, ITS IMPRESSIVE OPERATING MODEL, GROWTH ABILITY, MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND MERCHANDISING. doing in life with retirement approaching and looking forward to living the lifestyle we were comfortable in after more than 30 years working for the government,” Sharron said. “And we were not sure that once we retired on a government pension, if it would be enough. We are still pretty young and in good health, so we started looking for a business we could purchase that also offered plenty of flexibility, such as being able to work from home when we wanted to.” In Floor Coverings International, the McDuffies found a company that has tripled in size since 2005 by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its impressive operating model, growth ability, marketing, advertising and merchandising. Floor Coverings International further separates itself from the competition through its customer experience, made

up of several simple and integrated steps that exceed customers’ expectations. The McDuffies are also very excited about having the opportunity for their children to play a role in the business. Their oldest son, who just earned his master’s degree in Public Affairs, is “more excited than my husband and myself,” said Sharron, while their youngest son, who just graduated from high school, is looking forward to joining one of their flooring installation teams where he will gain the necessary experience to later become a Project Manager or Design Associate. A daughter, currently a middle school biology teacher, might join the business as an office manager or Design Associate while her husband is assisting with local marketing. “Since we have been up and running, the whole family is seeing what a great opportunity it is by joining or just participating in this family business,” Sharron said.

ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Floor Coverings International is the #1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the mobile showroom comes directly to the customer’s door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 150plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with plenty of opportunity for continued expansion in 2019. For franchise information, please visit flooring-franchise.com and to find your closest location, floorcoveringsinternational. com.

Build your own media company with

Your brand. Our audience. DIGITAL-OUT-OF-HOME ADVERTISING Social Indoor is an advertising franchise that focuses on marketing in local venues, primarily in restrooms of restaurants, bars, community centers, stadiums, and more. We install full motion digital monitors with audio capabilities to give our advertisers the most captive and powerful impression in out-of-home advertising. Consumers canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t flip the page, change the channel, or turn it off. Guaranteeing your clients ads are seen!

PROVEN LEADERSHIP: Our founder, Tony Jacobson, pioneered the industry back in 1987 with AJ INDOOR, and successfully reinvented it in 2002 with AllOver Media. His vision for this next chapter, is to build a national, digital advertising franchise network. Over 30 years of success in small to medium-sized cities and major metro areas.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Connected and Optimistic:

DAWNA KELLY

is a Portrait of Franchise Excellence

Dawna Kelly of Canton, Michigan is an original, and she is an entrepreneur all franchisors would like to replicate. She is a pioneer in delivering Abrakadoodle academic art programs in partnership with schools.

She is a mentor to franchise owners; a leader on Abrakadoodle’s Franchise Advisory Council; the highest performer among Abrakadoodle franchises. A recognized partner in providing community

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service with agencies in her community, Dawna demonstrates her passion for education and success for all children. As an avid spokesperson, she has shined a bright light on the Abrakadoodle brand during media opportunities. This is a thumbnail sketch of Abrakadoodle’s franchise brand champion Dawna Kelly, Co-owner/Director of Abrakadoodle Detroit. In her fourteenth year with Abrakadoodle, Dawna’s business acumen and optimistic temperament have helped her fare challenging Covid-19 times. With schools in her community closed/ virtual since March 2020, Dawna acknowledges that while she has lost business, she has managed to take classes online. “We’re pretty relational,” Dawna explains, “and so we try to stay connected by checking in with our teachers and by regularly reaching out to our partner schools and sites.” Dawna said that a challenge for her is how to plan for summer and the 2021 school year. “You cannot plan when everything is up in the air,” Dawna said and added, “You have to be patient. It is not my virtue, but I am optimistic.”

These days, Dawna finds herself recharging at her Abrakadoodle Art Studio. “Seeing the kids so happy at the studio helps me to feel more energetic and engaged,” remarked Dawna. “Kids are looking for an outlet to be creative and to be a kid, and I am happy to provide a safe environment for kids to do just that.” Dawna recalled a little girl who frequents the studio and when she leaves says, “I love you so much.” Dawna’s franchise is currently offering art programs both onsite with safety precautions and online. To appreciate the contours of the fine portrait of this exceptional franchise owner, consider the impact Dawna has made in the franchise system. Dawna and her husband Al started with a blank canvas in 2007 and immediately began to pursue school partnerships. They started working with a charter school, providing Abrakadoodle’s prized standards-based visual arts

“SEEING THE KIDS SO HAPPY AT THE STUDIO HELPS ME TO FEEL MORE ENERGETIC AND ENGAGED,” REMARKED DAWNA. “KIDS ARE LOOKING FOR AN OUTLET TO BE CREATIVE AND TO BE A KID, AND I AM HAPPY TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS TO DO JUST THAT.” —Dawna Kelly, Owner, Abrakadoodle Franchise

curriculum with well-trained, credential art teachers. Fast forward to 2019 when art from two Abrakadoodle Detroit students were selected to be featured in the Michigan Department of Education Office. Two months later, Dawna hosted her fifth annual Student Art Show at Voyageur College Prep High School that was attended by more than 500 participants and featured student artwork selected from 25 Detroit area charter schools and Catholic partner

schools. “Our experience providing the Abrakadoodle curriculum program to 25+ schools annually is a story of partnership; working with school leaders, administrators, and teachers who share a passion for education and making student success a top priority,” stated Dawna. Later in 2019, Dawna hosted a student-inspired “Painting with Parents” event to celebrate community and achievement, which was attended by 80 parents and board members in partnership with the school district. With vision, charm and business savvy, Dawna is sought after to share her knowledge and experience. Dawna was featured in an article in Entrepreneur Magazine in 2015, which was reprinted in 2016. She was interviewed for a Family Fun magazine article in 2016. Dawna and her franchise have also been featured in her local Home Town Life newspaper. Abrakadoodle Detroit was honored with Hula Frog’s ‘Most Loved” Award in March 2018. Dawna was interviewed in a 2018

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“EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE DETROIT AREA HELPED BRING MY OVERALL VISION TO FRUITION.” —Rosemarie Hartnett, Abrakadoodle’s Co-Founder and President

podcast, “The Art of Impact” hosted by Mogul Motivation. She also participated in a 2018 Abrakadoodle podcast, “How Abrakadoodle Meets Community Needs Through Visual Arts Education Programming.” At the conclusion of the podcast, Abrakadoodle’s Co-Founder and President Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE said to Dawna, “Everything you have accomplished in the Detroit area helped bring my overall vision to fruition. Dawna has truly been a partner in realizing my dream, which we are achieving now on a global basis.” Dawna led her team in remarkable service partnerships during 2016 and 2017, which contributed to Abrakadoodle’s 2017 Silver Honors conferred by IFA’s Franchising Gives Back program. During 2016, Dawna’s multi-month initiative with the Plymouth Canton Community Schools district entailed working with student leadership council members from throughout

the district to take part in a customized art workshop for more than 100 participants that culminated with finished creations that were auctioned to benefit an area program for homeless families. Less than a year later, Dawna worked directly with Samaritas, a community-based organization that provides

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social service to people in need, including homeless families to providing free painting and sculpting classes. Throughout her remarkable journey with Abrakadoodle, including expanding her territory to include all of Detroit in 2018, Dawna is the portrait of excellence in franchisee ownership.

Thank you to all of our partners. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done this without you!

CONGRATS TO SMASH MY TRASH ON SMASHING 2020! 450 TERRITORIES SOLD IN 12 MONTHS

JENNIFER CAIN VP of Franchise Dev.

PRIME TERRITORIES STILL AVAILABLE!

BRITTANY BODE Senior Director of Franchise Dev.

SMASHMYTRASHLEADS@FRANCHISEFASTLANE.COM | 531-333-3278

DON TARINELLI Director of Franchise Dev.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

UNITED STATES

BLACK CHAMBERS The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. In

the

following

pages

we've

highlighted a few of our chamber members and their business. 84

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Jerome Taylor President and CEO of Digital Forensic Services, LLC

As the United States confronts cyberattacks by criminals and agents of foreign governments with threats to the military establishment and the private sector alike, few issues are more critical than the vast and growing demand for cyber security solutions. Jerome Taylor, President and CEO of Digital Forensic Services, LLC is part of an emerging veteran entrepreneur complex and taking on the fight as a former member of the elite 2nd Battalion 3rd Special Forces Group (SFG) Airborne. While stationed in Iraq in the early 2000s, he discerned the need for the rapidly developing arena of on-site analysis and computer forensics. During his 15 years in Special Forces he was trained in the science of forensics at a time when law enforcement was the only sector that provided forensics for criminal procedures in the United States. His military distinction was recognized in 2015 by CBS Television with the Game Time Salute which pays tribute to the extraordinary service of America’s veterans. Digital Forensic Services (DFS) is a premier consulting firm specializing in information technology and all-source analysis to federal government and commercial clients

founded in 2014 to help organizations devise information technology strategies that can help drive critical business decisions. DFS service offerings include Intelligence Operations, Cyber Security, and Technical Staff Augmentation. In addition to being a Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) firm, DFS is also a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) and a Service-Disabled VeteranOwned Small Business (SDVOSB). Many veterans have started businesses as a pathway to the lucrative arena of federal contracting and Mr. Taylor is taking advantage of resources offered by the SBA which provides assistance to help veterans from the start of creating a business plan to finding to their first customer and helping them succeed. Nationwide, about 1 in 10 U.S. businesses are veteran-owned, and according to the SBA, veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than nonveterans. Growing up in Richmond, Virginia Mr. Taylor saw many young men from his neighborhood headed for life on the streets given the limited opportunities available for youth from lowincome communities, so he distinguished himself in sports where he excelled. He was also greatly influenced by his first mentor, his father, who served a successful career in the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the most highly trained light infantry divisions in the world. Mr. Taylor enlisted in the Army at age 18 to travel, see the world and earn money for college and following basic training was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion out of Savannah, Georgia’s Hunter Army Airfield. Inspired by his father’s military career success and the courage to seek new horizons led him to join Army Special forces. He was intrigued that as opposed to the majority of military units, Special Forces teams were made up of

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small teams tasked with completing highly specialized missions that come with an extremely high-risk factor. Nearing the end of his term of service, Mr. Taylor enrolled in college to study the rapidly developing field of cyber security and received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Park University and a Master of Science Administration with a concentration in Information Resource Management from Central Michigan University. Mr. Taylor was recognized as “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2016 by the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities National Program of Syracuse University, a novel, one-of-akind initiative designed to leverage the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans with service-connected disabilities and a passion for entrepreneurship. He is part of a nationwide trend of programs to help veterans make positive transitions to civilian life following their tours of duty and to benefit from their high skill and unique professional training. DFS is on the move as a GSA MAS holder and in 2016 received its first 8(a) contract as a prime contractor with the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) responsible for designing and developing a financial management system. DFS is also a subcontractor with Capstone Corporation, a solutions and services provider successfully supplying integrated technical solutions and services to U.S. Government agencies in training and exercises; strategy, plans and operations; and information technology in more than 20 U.S. states and several overseas location; and also a subcontractor through Leidos, SAIC and Booz Allen Hamilton with each company being prime awardees of multiple five-year, billion dollar Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts focused on cybersecurity and information systems support. NEW YORK, August 7, 2020 – Inc. magazine revealed that Digital Forensic Services is No. 864 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s

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fastest-growing private companies. With the new Biden administration, Mr. Taylor envisions great opportunities for his business as Homeland Security will continue to be a national priority and intends for Digital Forensic Services to compete for opportunities to support the military and private sector clients with cyber security systems that are proactive as opposed to reactive. He also wants to see minority students have increased access to experiences that spark their interest in STEM and has a personal commitment to mentor and encourage young people as they aspire to achieve in his arena, to have a vision for their lives and the confidence that they can achieve big things.

James E. Williams, Jr. (Jimmy)

CEO of Estel Foods d/b/a McDonald’s James E. Williams, Jr. (Jimmy) is the CEO of Estel Foods d/b/a McDonald’s in the St. Louis Metro Area. Jimmy owns 20 McDonald’s restaurants in North St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis in Missouri and in East St. Louis, Granite City, Belleville, Swansea, and Pontoon Beach in Illinois. He is the region’s largest Owner/Operator.

Jimmy was born in East St. Louis Illinois, son of James Williams Sr, the first African American mayor of East St. Louis, and Lillian Williams, an educator. Through his parents, Jimmy was instilled with a spirit of service to community and others at a young age. Jimmy’s first job was at McDonald's in East St. Louis, a restaurant he now owns. However, McDonald’s ownership was not on his list of plans at the time. Jimmy enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served eight years as a pilot, receiving the prestigious U.S. Navy Achievement Award. After his military service, Jimmy returned home to East St. Louis where his journey into entrepreneurship and becoming a McDonald’s franchisee began. He immersed himself into both the business community and the community at large through charitable work and serving on various boards of directors. Currently, he sits on the boards of the Regional Business Council and the Economic Council for the City of East St. Louis in addition to serving on several nonprofit boards. Jimmy is dedicated to supporting today’s youth, especially those in East St. Louis where he got his start. Through a partnership with the Jackee Joyner Kersee Center, Jimmy is helping to provide a safe space where youth can learn and grow. Jimmy also launched the James E. Williams Senior Mentoring program, which is dedicated to helping students learn essential workplace skills including punctuality, goal setting, and teamwork. Jimmy has instilled this commitment to giving back to his leadership team who also work with organizations like the Little Bit Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy looked for even more ways to support his community. He and his team delivered lunch to the healthcare workers at Christian Hospital's Incident Command Center and, in conjunction with other local owner/operators, also donated $45,000 worth of food to the Urban League of Greater St. Louis. These food items were distributed during one of the Urban League’s drive through food distributions that occurred during the spring COVID-19 lockdown to help with food security in one of the region’s underserved communities.

Jimmy’s continued dedication has been acknowledged by his receiving many awards over the years. Some of them include: the St. Louis American’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year Award; the St. Louis Commerce Businessman of the Year Award; and the St. Louis County NAACP’s Businessman of the Year Award. In October of 2020, he was presented for the second time with the Ronald Award, which is given to the top 1 percent of owner/operators across the country who have made outstanding contributions to strengthening McDonald’s brand image and serving their customers and local communities. Jimmy continues to be a pillar of the St. Louis community and looks forward to future ways in which he can be of service to those around him.

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Elizabeth Blount McCormick

President of Uniglobe Travel Designers A Wellington School graduate, Elizabeth went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating with honors from Spelman College in 2000. Elizabeth launched a career in corporate retail management, working for Gap, Inc., in its retail management training program in San Francisco, before moving to Miami in 2002 to become an associate production manager for the Gap International Sourcing Office and manage the garment manufacturing of Gap Women’s Denim. In 2005, she continued her career in retail as a production manager with Bono’s clothing line, Edun, which is headquartered in New York City. In 2006, she returned to Columbus, where she joined her mother at Unigobe Travel Designers. In 2012, she became president of the company. Her experiences in retail provided Elizabeth with extensive experience traveling throughout the United States, Mexico and South America, as well as to Tunisia, India, Portugal and Peru. Elizabeth’s efforts to bring in new accounts has helped the company more than triple its revenue and hire additional employees. An award-winning entrepreneur, Elizabeth

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was most recently named a 2016 NAWBO Visionary finalist in Columbus and was selected as one of the 12 “Women “WELDing the Way” by the Women for Economic and Leadership Development for their 2016 calendar. She also was named to Columbus Business First’s 2016 Forty Under 40 class. Elizabeth and Uniglobe Travel Designers also won the 2016 SBA Minority Small Business of the Year award from the U.S. Small Business Administration-Columbus District office. In 2015, Elizabeth received the Progressive Entrepreneur Award in the inaugural Smart Women awards sponsored by Smart Business Columbus magazine. Elizabeth also received the Smart 50 Award by Smart Business Columbus magazine, which included her in a list of the 50 smartest executives in central Ohio. The Conway Center for Family Business in 2015 also awarded Elizabeth and Uniglobe Travel Designers the Family Business Reinvention Award for the successful transition of ownership from Elsie Blount to her daughter, Elizabeth. In 2014, Elizabeth received the 2014 Frederick J. Yates Memorial Scholarship Minority Business Award, which helped her earn a scholarship to the Tuck Executive Education minority business program at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. In April 2014, Mayor Coleman also appointed Elizabeth to the Jobs, Expansion and Transportation Task Force (JET) at Columbus Regional Airport Authority. In 2014, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce also named Elizabeth and Uniglobe Travel Designers as a finalist for the Small Business Award of Excellence. Elizabeth volunteers her time to many local organizations, including the Mansion Day School Board, Young President’s Organization (YPO) Columbus Chapter, Alvis Board, International Women’s Forum – Columbus Chapter and National Association of Women’s Business Owners-Columbus. In addition, she is a member of the Ohio Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce board.

Luigi Leblanc

VP of Technology at Zane Networks, LLC ZaneNet employs over 30 staff and its mission is to reduce health disparities and apply innovation to help all people attain a high quality of life. During the public health pandemic, Luigi has led the company in a series of initiatives to help clinics, practices and hospitals leverage innovative technology such as telehealth to meet the increased need for virtual patient visits, while promoting patient and provider safety. Luigi has spearheaded several company initiatives aimed at working with healthcare organizations to improve their use of emerging health technologies and communication tools to better track and treat patients. During the pandemic, the company has lost a few contracts when clients decided to forgo the remaining option years due to the economic uncertainty and realignment of state and private sector priorities. In response, our operations, finance and business development teams convened to review our strategic goals and growth plan to make adjustments in response to these difficult times. Our strategic planning sessions were crucial in helping us stay the course and ultimately surpassing our 2020 targets.

Furthermore, during the pandemic Luigi participated in new ventures, such as Urgent Wellness, a social impact organization that has opened clinics in several public housing communities in Washington DC, and Tri-State LLC Group a provider led virtual care management program that provides referral and coordination services to Medicaid beneficiaries, aimed at improving their daily activities while addressing high healthcare costs. “While we have all lived through an unprecedented period in history, some communities also struggle with the effects of systemic racism.” Luigi said, “At ZaneNet we are concerned with how this inequity affects how healthcare is made accessible, especially during this pandemic. It is exactly during these times that entrepreneurs need to remain resilient, optimistic and look for innovative ways to solve these problems while growing our businesses. As President Obama said, I’m fired up and ready to go. I’m definitely looking forward to learning from the difficult lessons of 2020 and enjoying a better, less socially distant 2021.”

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entrepreneurship, workforce development, and minority-and women-owned businesses. Mr. Carson received his Bachelors degree from Tufts University where he studied Psychology and Entrepreneurial Leadership. He is a 2019 AEI Scholar and a recipient of Baltimore's 35 Under 35 award, the Envest Foundation's 40 Under 40 award, Franchise Journal’s MBE Titans, Washington Life’s Rising Stars Under 40, and DCA Rising Stars of GovCon. Mr. Carson is dedicated to community involvement and serves on several boards, including Tufts University (Tufts Entrepreneurship Center), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the Minority Wealth Commission, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Foundation Board, and The Carson Scholars Fund.

Ben S. Carson Jr.

Co-Founder and Partner at FVLCRUM Funds Mr. Carson is Co-Founder and Partner at FVLCRUM Funds where he is responsible for the overall strategy of the company and its portfolio. FVLCRUM is one of the few minority-owned private investment firms in the country and targets transactions between $10-40 million backing proven executive teams leading highly scalable businesses. The fund exclusively invests in minority owned businesses with the goal of creating generational wealth for the executive teams and substantial economic opportunity for minorities. Prior to founding FVLCRUM, Mr. Carson served in an executive capacity at The Warner Companies, a middle market financial management and consulting firm. At The Warner Companies, Mr. Carson led TWC Capital, which advised companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital structuring, capital raises, investments, risk management and strategic planning. Mr. Carson has also been involved in several political initiatives and served on the board of Carson America, the presidential campaign of Dr. Benjamin Carson, in 2016-17. Mr. Carson continues to be actively involved in political initiatives in Washington, DC to support

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Keith Palmer

President of Imperium Surgical Partner With the introduction of value-based programs initiated by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) to reform the delivery of healthcare, providers are encouraged to improve overall quality for their patients. A provider’s performance is linked to quality measures to support better care for individuals, better health for populations, and lower costs. It is an ongoing process that continues to move forward, especially with the continuous advancements of technology. Technology plays an active role in our daily lives, and an area of interest is adoption with specialty surgeons, specifically back pain and spine fusion procedures. Back pain can be treated with conservative treatment, as it worsens, the last resort is spine surgery. Spine fusion surgery joins two

or more vertebrae together with surgical implants such as screws and rods. For the last 10 years, Imperium Surgical Partners has been on the front lines supporting spine surgeons and their patients with specialty prescribed implantable devices. Imperium Surgical Partners, which has been a boutique medical device distributor that has managed over 2,700 elective and emergent spinal fusion surgeries, continues to secure contracts with multiple manufacturers and partners with ancillary services such as intraoperative neuromonitoring and sterile processing companies. Our success and know-how have positioned Imperium Surgical Partners to become a pioneer for a surgical franchise organization. Our organization saw an opportunity for growth a few years ago when we encountered

a significant rise in revision spine surgeries. Revision surgeries require taking out or expanding on previously implanted products. At least 65% of scheduled revision surgeries do not have operative reports of that patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prior procedure which would include the implant manufacture and/or the name of the implant system. Not having this information presents a roadblock as we thrive to deliver an optimal level of care for our surgeons and their patients. To address this challenge, the team at Imperium Surgical partners developed a centralized database with the stance of maintaining compliance and improving overall surgical satisfaction. As a certified Service-Disabled Veteran and Minority owned business, Imperium Surgical Partners developed and executed a patent pending quality assurance platform. The digital solution is the first of its kind as it utilizes QR code technology for the recording of specialty prescribed implants. The platform follows the guidelines of the FDA to properly define implant lot numbers, manufacturer, and management of postsurgical recall fulfillment. But, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

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AS A CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN AND MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS, IMPERIUM SURGICAL PARTNERS DEVELOPED AND EXECUTED A PATENT PENDING QUALITY ASSURANCE PLATFORM. THE DIGITAL SOLUTION IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND AS IT UTILIZES QR CODE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE RECORDING OF SPECIALTY PRESCRIBED IMPLANTS. stop there! With the healthcare community leaning heavily on the value-based path, Imperium Surgical Partners leveraged their keen insight in technology and digital solutions to expand their distributorshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings by creating a surgical navigation platform. The platform allows surgeons to customize a care guide for their patients, allow access for family members and patients' multidisciplinary care team, and lastly supports real time accountability to reduce post-surgical complications. Now equipped with digital value-added services during the surgical planning and post-surgical processes, Imperium Surgical Partners has transitioned from a boutique medical device distributorship to a newly created Managed Surgical Provider. The objective of a Managed Surgical Provider is to align with surgeons and their patients through digital solutions to include remote patient monitoring, surgical navigation, and post-surgical communication. We understand that most surgeons do not have the interest or focus to incorporate connectivity platforms for their patients. A Managed Surgical Provider will implement a partnership with the back pain community to reduce complications, support a centralized platform for pertinent resources and assist in streamlining a patient care guide. The advantage of a Managed Surgical Provider is that it offers surgical franchise organizations specialty prescribed devices with digital solutions. This ideology of success is integrating hybrid digital processes that generates revenue. The performance of a Surgical Franchise Organization will gain attention of the healthcare ecosystem as the platforms align with the pillars of valuebased care that focus on cost, quality, outcomes, and initiatives.

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Imperium Surgical Partners has developed a standard that is customizable and desirable to clinicians and non-clinicians as a franchise opportunity. Our services go beyond implants and intraoperative support. With over 200 medical distributors in quest of enhancing their current portfolio, they would be prime initial participants to accept the surgical franchise model. By establishing ourselves as a first to market Managed Surgical Provider through a surgical franchise organization, we can assist medical device distributors, physicians, and patients to seamlessly make an impact with a full spectrum of valuebased care programs to improve upon back related care. www.imperiumsp.com

Farad Ali CEO, Asociar

Building Communities and a Business, CEO Farad Ali wants to diversify the entrepreneurial and innovation pipeline.

Farad Aliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to reinvest in communities and now he is using his business to achieve his goals for an even greater impact. Ali is the CEO and President of Asociar, a company headquartered in Texas with offices in New York, New Jersey and Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. Asociar was launched in 2012 as a joint venture with Fujitsu Network Communications. Asociar trains and develops a diverse team of engineers and technologists, who design, engineer, install and test technologies that transform network connectivity nationwide. Asociar also provides edge computing and supply chain solutions. Asociar has grown to over $150 million in

revenues and continues to expand business opportunities i nto delivering technology-related solutions. As co-chair of the United States Black Chambers, Inc. Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circle, which is one of the most influential networks of Black entrepreneurs who are thought leaders and proven experts in their prospective industries; our focus is on economic prosperity for Black businesses to gain wealth and support the needs of our community. Focusing on building the next generation of entrepreneurs, Asociar's Planet Mogul is a program that reaches middle school students with educational tools that teach about entrepreneurship, innovation and financial literacy. The program includes a Moguls-in-Training Workbook, a virtual reality world and online classes. Planet Mogul wants students to know that one Idea can make a difference in the world. www.asociar1.com www.planetmogul.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Finding the Right Path

CONNIE PIZARRO

Connie Pizarro

When Connie Pizarro was downsized after 29 years in corporate information technology, she decided that entrepreneurship was the right path to follow. But in her opinion, operating a franchise was out of the question. “I visited a career coach, and they said you can start your own business, buy someone’s else’s, or franchise,” recalled Connie. “I said, take franchise off the list, I can’t afford one. And the coach looked at me and said ‘You’d be surprised.’” Connie went to a presentation on franchising

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and by the end, she was sold. Just six years later, Connie now owns three Oasis Senior Advisors franchise territories, and was the organization’s 2016 Franchise of the Year winner. At Oasis, she helps seniors and their loved ones navigate complex housing options like assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. As one of more than 2.5 million African-American business owners in the United States, Connie’s decision to operate a franchise is not

Lisa Theard & Daphne Jean

uncommon. The U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent Survey of Business Owners revealed that nearly 31% of franchise businesses were owned by minorities, compared to just 19% of non-franchised businesses. Diversity is vital to the success of Oasis Senior Advisors, says founder and CEO Tim Evankovich. “Oasis Senior Advisors works hard to have a very diverse environment and an inclusive culture,” he explains. “Diversity helps us generate better strategy, better marketing, and better understanding of how all individuals think and react. That truly propels us to be a stronger organization.” Many Oasis franchise owners have business experience, but no formal business training. That was the case for Lisa Theard, an Oasis Senior Advisors franchisee and the network’s 2018 Rising Star Award winner, “I wanted to have my own business, but not have to do every single part of it,” she explains. “I didn’t want to have to worry about software platforms or how to create marketing collateral.” Oasis’ 2019 Rising Star Award

winner Crystal Drumgoole also touts the benefits of owning a franchise over a startup. “I have a young family and time is limited,” says Crystal. “Having some tools and processes in place made it easier to hit the ground running and start helping people.” For Connie, Lisa, and Crystal, Oasis was a great match for their outgoing personalities and desire to help others. Oasis Senior Advisors franchisees provide compassionate, personalized senior living assistance at no cost to seniors and their families. Advisors work oneon-one with older adults to match them with a community that fulfills their social, medical, and financial needs. Shawn Charles, an Oasis Senior Advisors franchise owner for three years, admits that the path for Black business owners like him isn’t easy. However, being part of a respected franchise network like Oasis Senior Advisors helps him to gain the trust of new clients. “A franchise quickly provides credibility to your business,” says Shawn. “Companies and

Crystal Drumgoole

people are much more willing to work with a Black business owner if they are part of an established organization.” Connie is particularly pleased when she’s able to help African-American seniors and families. “We traditionally don’t know about a lot of the benefits and services that are available to us, so we don’t avail ourselves of them, and we struggle,” she explains. “My African-American clients feel comfortable and safe working with me, there’s an additional level of trust.” Oasis Senior Advisors sees the potential for 200 more franchises across the United States, and encourages entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to learn more about Oasis. For more information about joining the nationwide team of Oasis franchise owners, call 888-455-5838 or visit oasissenioradvisors.com/ franchise-opportunities.

Shawn Charles

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The right franchise to own.

Owned by women, led by women. 57% of Oasis Senior Advisors franchises are female owned or co-owned.

Women make up 89% of the total senior care workforce.

86% of Oasis’ corporate team are women.

Contact us to get started today! Be a part of our compassionate and dedicated team. • We provide a vital service at no charge to seniors and their families. • Franchisees receive unparalleled training, ongoing support, and business marketing. • Home-based business with low investment and low overhead.

Kim Graham | Director of Franchise Development 239-940-6669 kim@oasissenioradvisors.com oasissenioradvisors.com/franchiseopportunities

THE STAFFING INDUSTRY IS BOOMING. There has never been a better time to join Express Employment Professionals! The global staffing industry exceeded $500 billion in 2019. • Express franchisees have average annual sales per territory of over $6 million in the U.S.* • Express franchises employed more than 552,000 people in the last year.

CONSIDER THIS • Express was named the #1 staffing franchise for nine consecutive years by Entrepreneur magazine. • Express earned a 99% rating from franchisees on the quality of the Express franchise system. • 92% of current franchise owners would recommend the Express system to prospective franchisees.

WHAT’S THE INVESTMENT? Express offers two paths to ownership: • Traditional Model – Requires an investment of $150,000 to $174,000 and an active role in new business development by the franchise owner. • Professional Market Model – Requires an investment of $200,000 to $224,000 and applies to pre-designated territories with a high propensity for professional staffing. The minimum net worth required for an Express franchise is $250,000. Funding from a combination of cash in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, vested 401(k), IRA, home equity, or a line of credit is acceptable. Express funds payroll for temporary employees.

2011 – 2020

Express Employment Professionals Item 19 demonstrates an exceptionally strong ROI. • The average new owner generates annual revenue of $1,027,786 by their 12th month of operation and $2,040,268 by their 24th month. • Mature offices average over $6 million in annual sales, with an annual gross margin over $1 million. • Express franchisees paid an effective royalty of just 8.6% in 2019. *All figures are demonstrated within Item 19 in the Express Franchise Disclosure Document.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Hard Work & Positive Thinking

MICHAEL BERHANE Originally from the city of Asmara in Eritrea, located on East Africa, Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path to success is one that speaks to the strength of the human spirit and the result of hard work coupled with positive

thinking and gratitude. In 2008 at the age of 23, Michael fled Eritrea on foot due to escalating tensions resulting from the war between his country and Ethiopia. For seven days and

seven nights he traveled on foot to reach neighboring country Sudan. In Sudan he spent several months at a refugee camp and after a long process and journey he made it to the U.S. and was granted

IN 2008 AT THE AGE OF 23, MICHAEL FLED ERITREA ON FOOT DUE TO ESCALATING TENSIONS RESULTING FROM THE WAR BETWEEN HIS COUNTRY AND ETHIOPIA.

Michael with his wife Senait, son Nehemiah, and daughter Candace at his Urban Bricks Restaurant.

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asylum. He arrived in the U.S. on May 4, 2009. For his first several years in the U.S. Michael worked as an employee for a Marble Slab Creamery in Baton Rouge Louisiana. He was then offered an opportunity to relocate to San Antonio, TX for a management position with a higher salary. He took as many hours as possible, taking only major holidays off to get to his American Dream of owning his own store. After granting his green card in 2012 he traveled back to South Africa to marry the love of his life now his wife Senait. In 2014 with his dedicated employment with the company he was able to purchase his first Marble Slab Creamery franchise store. In 2016 they had their first-born Son Nehemiah. In 2018 they purchased their first home. In 2018 Michael became a franchisee owner with Urban Bricks and plans to grow his franchise. His restaurant is located at 8000 Pat Booker

Rd. Live Oak, Texas. This location is one of the original locations for the young company which is evident by the cool, edgy feel of the establishment designed with the original concept layout. He loves what he does and looks forward to expanding to more locations with Urban Bricks (planning is already in progress). As far as his advice for fellow franchisees who feel the challenges of business

ownership or for those considering franchise opportunities? “Don’t take things for granted, work hard, play by the rules, and always do the right thing. THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL EXISTS.” Everything that you face as a challenge you can look to the past and compare moments that you already overcame similar or more difficult struggles. In 2019 they had their daughter Candace.

“DON’T TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED, WORK HARD, PLAY BY THE RULES, AND ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING. THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL EXISTS.” —Michael Berhane, Owner, Urban Bricks Franchise WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

With Engineering, Law Background Biz Owner Begins New Career with the

#1 MOBILE FLOORING FRANCHISE by Rhonda Sanderson, CEO, Sanderson & Associates

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There isn’t much Shadaia Gooden can’t tackle and that’s certain to be the case with her newest venture. The 41-year-old Hampton, GA resident, who has an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, an MBA from Emory, and then went to law school to become a patent attorney, is one of the newest franchise owners with Floor Coverings International, visiting customers’ homes in a Mobile Flooring Showroom stocked with thousands of flooring samples from top manufacturers. Having launched operations in December, Floor Coverings International East Atlanta serves clients in Stockbridge, Ellenwood, Lithonia, Conyers, Snellville and Decatur. Gooden most recently worked on the International team for a media company but returned to Atlanta from Colorado for family reasons. “I always wanted to run my own business,” Gooden said. “I also wanted flexibility to be able to help my family.” In Floor Coverings International, Gooden found a company that has tripled in size since 2005 by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its impressive operating model, growth ability, marketing, advertising and merchandising.

IN FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL, GOODEN FOUND A COMPANY THAT HAS TRIPLED IN SIZE SINCE 2005 BY PUTTING A LASER FOCUS ON CONSUMER BUYING HABITS AND EXPRESSED DESIRES, ITS IMPRESSIVE OPERATING MODEL, GROWTH ABILITY, MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND MERCHANDISING. Floor Coverings International further separates itself from the competition through its customer experience, made up of several simple and integrated steps that exceed customers’ expectations. Given her engineering background, it should come

as no surprise that Gooden enjoys building and creating things. She is very handy and likes to do home repairs and projects . “I like that Floor Coverings International offers tangible solutions to solve customer’s flooring needs ,” Gooden said. “Floor Coverings International offers a proven system with strong support and its headquarters is here in Atlanta.” ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Floor Coverings International is the #1 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the mobile showroom comes directly to the customer’s door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 150plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with plenty of opportunity for continued expansion in 2019. For franchise information, please visit flooring-franchise.com and to find your closest location, floorcoveringsinternational. com.

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FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT

Q& A with Mosquito Hunters CEO, Andy Fuller So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.

It feels like it was a lot longer ago than this, but it was just a few years ago that I was working in Corporate America and I was getting increasingly frustrated with my career. One day in particular stands out in my mind; there was a branch meeting when everyone filed into a huge room at the office. My boss at the time stood up in front of the whole group and presented “his idea” to the room. Everyone nodded their head in agreement that this was a great idea. The problem I had with this was not that I thought it was a bad idea, but that it was actually not his idea…it was my idea. I had shared the idea with him in private a week earlier and he told me it was a dumb idea and to move on. A week later, he was presenting the idea to everyone as his idea. My boss was a pretty vindictive person so I was used to getting angry at this sort of thing, but this time instead of being angry, I was genuinely sad. The rest of the day, I was picturing spending the next few decades in Corporate America, navigating office politics, fake-

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laughing at my boss’s dumb jokes as he stabbed me in the back, and generally taking the path of least resistance at all times. The thought made me sick. That was the beginning of what would eventually become Mosquito Hunters. I didn’t know anything about mosquitoes or home services or franchising at the time, but I wanted to build something that I could start with the very little money I had and could scale into something much bigger. I liked the mosquito business because it has high gross margins,

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recurring revenue (because the mosquitoes keep coming back), the industry is growing, the startup cost was low, and – most importantly – I wanted to put my energy into something that I owned, rather than work hard to make my bosses rich without receiving any reward or credit. Now Mosquito Hunters is franchising, rapidly expanding its reach and more people are getting out of frustrating careers to start their own businesses using the Mosquito Hunters model. Today, we are proud to have over 100 locations and counting.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, ith enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

I started running Mosquito Hunters while working my “day job” while building the business model and learning how to franchise the concept, which helped me keep the lights on while I cut my teeth. From learning how to properly find customers to laying the groundwork for our in-house sales center, I got a lot of bumps & bruises while figuring out how to optimize the profitability of the model. Our franchisees are the beneficiaries of those learnings and are able to step into a refined business model. Mosquito Hunters is a great option today for prospective franchise partners who are seeking flexibility, a way out of corporate America, or may own another complimentary business.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mosquito Hunters story. Tell us more about the business.

Mosquito Hunters is a service that helps keep mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks out of your yard all season long. Our treatments are kid-friendly, pet-friendly, plant-friendly, but not friendly to mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks. We’re proud to stand behind our Client Happiness Promise, which means that if ever you’re not happy, we will re-treat your yard free of charge within the 21-day period after each initial treatment for any reason,

with no questions asked. As we often say, we’re not in the mosquito business, we’re in the loyalty business. In addition to being focused on great customer service, we strive to provide immense value to our franchise partners. Mosquito Hunters understands the importance of both lead generation and speed to lead in this fast-paced, everchanging world we live in. We have a world class media team and in-house sales center that does the heavy lifting for our franchisees advertising and day to day sales. In many respects, we look at ourselves as a media and marketing company that happens to be in mosquito control.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?

having a husband with entrepreneurial (sometimes self-indulgent) wiring. When I think about it in the scheme of things, I’m very lucky to be living in this country, in this day and age, with running water, internet, and Spotify. At the same time, I think it’s important to take action as if your luck could run out at any moment. Without losing too much focus, I realize that poor health, a bad economy, or other unlucky things like that can happen anytime, so I’m trying to make the most of what’s in front of me, while I can. I feel fortunate to be surrounded now by a great team and so many wonderful franchise partners as we build this great brand into a nationwide leader.

To me, it’s important to appreciate the luck you’ve had while also planning to never be lucky ever again. I’m lucky that I was raised by two parents that love me and taught me the importance of things like integrity and hard work. I’m lucky to have a wife that loves me unconditionally and never complains about WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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YOUR OWN PROTECTED TERRITORY As a franchise owner, you'll have your own exclusive area. LOW STARTUP COST Mosquito Hunters offers some of the lowest startup costs in the industry. BE THE BOSS Choose Yourself. You get to be in charge of exactly how you run your business.

LET’S FIND OUT. GET IN TOUCH. 855-4-A-HUNTER (1-855-424-8683) franchiseinformation@mosquitohunters.com WWW.MOSQUITOHUNTERSFRANCHISE.COM

We’re a Happinest Company

YOUR CHALLANGE: DO MORE

FranFund's Journey Toward Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)

here’s no getting around it. Our country has experienced a painful and challenging summer. In addition to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been confronted with longstanding issues of race relations and systemic racial injustice. FranFund stands with the Black community and all Americans of color. We hope that our country can grow stronger as we acknowledge these problems and work to fix them, rather than hiding from them or remaining silent. The issues of inequality and disproportionate police bias against Black Americans hit us close to home last fall, when Atatiana Jefferson was killed in her own home three miles south of our Fort Worth headquarters. Following her death, our CEO Geoff Seiber was moved to engage with our local Black business leaders, with the goal of determining what we can do to help. In his words, “We had to do more.”

Dee Jennings and the FWMBCC

Geoff reached out to his Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce colleague Devoyd “Dee” Jennings, who is also President and CEO of the Fort

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Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (FWMBCC). In Geoff’s words, “We’d only known each other from afar. After Atatiana was killed, we [the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce] were working on our statement and position. [Dee] spoke to the Chamber and said, ‘Let’s not write another statement and say we’re finished.’ He challenged everybody to do more. I waited until Dee was finished speaking and told him I wanted to take him up on that.” Geoff and Dee became fast friends over shared interests and values. After several months of lunches and conversations about race relations, they decided Dee would speak with our company about diversity and inclusion. The coronavirus pandemic unfortunately pushed those plans to this summer, in virtual format.

Town Hall

Like the rest of the country, we were horrified by the May killing of George Floyd, and as we were subsequently reminded of similar killings of Black Americans nationwide. The ensuing protests have brought this issue back to the forefront of national consciousness, which made our town hall with Dee timelier than we could have anticipated. We had the pleasure of virtually meeting with Dee last month. His insight was invaluable, as both a longtime business leader and a Black American who lived through the Civil Rights Movement.

“WE’RE STILL FIGHTING THE SAME BATTLES WE FOUGHT 40 YEARS AGO. IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET MORE SOLDIERS ON THE FIELD, SO WE AREN’T HAVING THESE SAME CONVERSATIONS 40 YEARS FROM NOW.” — Devoyd “Dee” Jennings, President and CEO, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce (FWMBCC)

We had a frank and open discussion about the barriers facing the Black community, as well as things we can do to improve, both as individuals and as an organization. It was an uncomfortable and very emotional conversation at times. And that’s a good thing. As Dee reminded us, “We won’t make progress if we stay in our comfort zones. This is the only way to get things started.” Our discussion spanned personal and business issues. We spoke about the conversations Black parents are forced to have with their teenage children about surviving routine traffic stops. We spoke about the uneasiness many Black businesspeople feel at events where they’re the only faces of color. We spoke about how many people of color lack the access to form relationships with people who are socioeconomically different from themselves. In Dee’s words, “It’s hard for some of us to want to even

come to certain business events once we’re invited. Some of us have never been invited before. And when we get there, people are likely to sit with people they know, who they already see all the time. That’s not progress.”

Economic Disparities

One of the worst consequences of this disconnect is disparate access to capital. This affects communities of color in many facets of life, business among them. It is one of the biggest hurdles facing minority entrepreneurs; although segregation is no longer public policy, many Americans of color are still excluded

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due to lack of resources. Per Dee’s analogy, “People can check into the hotels now, but they might not be able to check out.” Despite all of these barriers, our country has many Black-owned businesses today, spanning all industries. Black entrepreneurs have been particularly successful in the franchising space. However, lower average access to capital has contributed to Black-owned businesses being hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic and recession. Per a recent report from the New York Federal Reserve, Blackowned small businesses have been nearly twice as likely to shutter as other firms. These gaps are unacceptable. This is particularly personal and troubling for us, as a provider and administrator of small business funding solutions. It is important to recognize that the fight for equality is not over. These past few months have highlighted how far we still have to go. As Dee expressed in our town hall, “We’re still fighting the same battles we fought 40 years ago. It’s important to get more soldiers on the field, so we aren’t having these same

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WE HAVE ADDED INCLUSIVE TO OUR COMPANY’S CORE VALUES, IN ORDER TO KEEP IT AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO AND TO HELP GUIDE OUR CULTURE. conversations 40 years f rom now.” Perhaps the most important takeaway f rom our conversation with Dee was that we need to start by having these conversations, even if it makes us uncomfortable. That is the only way forward. We have added Inclusive to our company’s core values, in order to keep it at the forefront of everything we do and to help guide our culture. Our next step has been taking the time to actively listen. We are currently working on actionable steps to better support communities of color. This includes engaging in DEI training and participating in conversations with members of the Black community to better understand their perspectives. African American entrepreneurs comprise one of the fastest-growing groups of franchisees in the country. As funding providers in this space, we are in a position to champion these aspiring business owners and provide the resources they need to help make their dreams of business ownership a reality. While we bolster our support to the Black community, our journey toward DEI continues. We vow to take part in breaking down equity barriers, so opportunities for sustainable prosperity exist for everyone.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Adding Entrepreneur to His List of Accomplishments by Camantha Magoon, Content Writer, FranDevCo In 2019 Justin Strickland made the decision to start franchising his family owned Oil Change company. Since then, Strickland Brothers 10-Minute Oil Change has quickly swept the industry by storm and has been a breath of fresh air in what many believed to be a stagnant industry.

Record Breaking Brand

The brand has had a truly impressive start for their first full year of franchising. Strickland Brothers went from 1 Franchise Owner at the end of 2019, to 36 Franchise Owners at the end of 2020 with a record breaking 112 units sold. One piece of research shows that only 5.3% of Franchisors reach the 100-unit mark in a 10-year timeframe, and Strickland Brothers surpassed 100 units in just under 9 months! This milestone undoubtedly has launched the brand into a league of their own.

most predominant are the Franchise Owners. The values and beliefs that Justin Strickland has for the brand are also embodied in those who decide to choose Strickland Brothers as their Franchise Family, and Damien Munnings is one of many who unquestionably adds to an outstanding Franchise concept. After attending high school at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College in the

Franchise Owner Spotlight

The success of the Strickland Brothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; brand is due to an accumulation of various factors, but of the

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Bahamas, Damien went on to get an AA in Accounting from College of the Bahamas, and then a BS in Finance and MBA from the University of South Florida. After graduation, Damien landed the position of Senior financial Analyst at Home Shopping Network where he stayed for 4 years before moving onto PMSI in 2006 and then Kforce Inc. at the end of 2010. With his industry knowledge,

Damien secured a position with Ferreri Search in 2011 where he worked his way up the company in 7 years from Senior Account Manager to Vice President of Accounting & Finance Client Management and Recruitment. Both Damien and his wife Peggy are actually proud alumni of the University of South Florida, and the pair have lived in Tampa, Florida for nearly 20 years. During that time, Damien has given back to their community through his extensive volunteer work. For the past 9 years he has been a Volunteer and Regional Board Member of the Junior Achievement USA, which is a non profit organization that brings the real world to students through a handson curriculum delivered by a trained classroom volunteer. He has volunteered at Feeding Tampa Bay for the last 4 years, contributing to an organization that is a part of the largest domestic hunger relief organizations in the country and provides food to over 400,000 people in the West Central Florida area, and Damien is also a volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries. There he helps to serve the poor and homeless families in

Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties. After spending the last 10 years of their careers being focused on helping their community, Peggy in social services and Damien helping others build sustainable careers, they decided to add to their community in a new way: with a Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change. Their location will service the Tampa Bay area and Damien’s expertise will no doubt add the business onto his increasing list of successes. His experience with how key drivers of a business influence profitability and cash flow, while providing visibility into the impact on business operations, resources, and requirements will be an asset to his Strickland Brothers location.

Part of a Franchise Family

When asked why they wanted to become entrepreneurs, Damien and Peggy responded by saying, “We are driven with the need to succeed and control our own destiny. Establishing our own business provides that opportunity for our family while making a greater impact within our local community.” Strickland

Brothers was the brand they said they were drawn to because “they made a complex model simple for franchisees, and Strickland Brothers’ view on business management aligns with how we want to manage our business. The model is proven, integrates technology, and is process driven. They also have a focus on relationships; not only between Strickland Brothers and Franchisees, but between Strickland Brothers, Franchisees and the customer, and lastly the return on investment met our expectations.” Justin Strickland felt the same way about this husband and wife team saying, “They align with our mission and what we want to accomplish through Strickland Brothers. We are thankful for Damien and Peggy.” Strickland Brothers 10-Minute Oil Change is well on their way to taking over the quick lube industry, and with Franchise Owners that stand apart from the rest like Damien and Peggy, it's obvious why.

For Franchising Information

To learn more about opportunities available with Strickland Brothers franchising, visit their website at https:// stricklandbrothersfranchise. com/ or reach out to sboilchange@frandev.co!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR FranDevCo’s Content Writer, Camantha Magoon, has a background in Anthropology and Linguistics from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

SHANNON ALLEN

Her Health Food Mission with Grown

hannon Allen is on a mission to feed the planet healthy food that is not only good for you but is also delicious. As one of the only African American female franchisors in the world she is taking her restaurant GROWN around the world. Grown, was inspired by her son, Walker’s, battle with Type 1 diabetes. When he was nine years old her struggle to balance feeding her family nutrient-rich foods with managing a busy lifestyle inspired Shannon to create her own solution. Her husband, basketball hall of fame legend, Ray Allen, was enthusiastic and supportive every step of the way. They launched their restaurant in their home town of Coral Gables and started franchising last year. With locations now in South Miami and at the Hard Rock Stadium they are continuing to expand around the world and soon the globe. Their model incorporates a rooftop garden where local farmers will grow vegetables, greens and herbs for use in the restaurant’s kitchen. The building’s facade was built from 100-year-old reclaimed barn wood and an interactive iPad bar will encourage kids to play nutritional- and fitness-themed games. Diners are sometimes amazed to see Ray Allen working in the kitchen or in the restaurant but that is nothing new for this hard working pragmatic family. “Everyone rolls up their sleeves and gets to work” says Shannon “gorwn is a family restaurant and everyone here is part of our family”

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COVID has had an impact on the business, like with all restaurants, but less than might be expected because delivery and takeout was always part of the vision to provide healthy food to families. “Real Food at the speed of life” is their motto and despite the pandemic, life hasn’t stopped going fast and healthy food has never been more important. When asked what led her to start a restaurant and then franchise it, Shannon says “I had an aha moment where I realized I couldn’t sit around helpless waiting for someone else to create a fast-food option that met our family’s dietary needs, and as we did our research it became obvious that this wasn’t a struggle unique to us, families everywhere are looking for convenience without compromise,” she said. Shannon has a long history with food. She pioneered The Pre-Game Meal on Boston’s regional Comcast SportsNet. “People want to be healthier, eat cleaner and feel better about what they’re putting in their bodies,” said Ray Allen. “I know this from personal experience, and when Grown opens it will very much be a concept unlike anything else, designed to be accessible by everyone, from the weekend warrior to the soccer mom and anyone in between.” Shannon and Ray have a long history of giving back to the community and grown is the latest chapter in a book that they started writing decades ago. Their philanthropy through The Ray of Hope Foundation

assists with sports-related and community-based programs. By instilling in them knowledge of world culture, a feeling of self-worth and the belief that hard work + talent = success. Mixing scholarship, culture and imagination that can change the world. They look to inspire children to be world thinkers and world doers. In this new era of one world, the Ray of Hope Foundation seeks to create renaissance children. In 2011, the Ray of Hope Foundation embarked on an initiative to help reduce the technology divide within our communities. The Ray of Hope Foundation Computer Lab Initiative builds and refurbishes computer labs in public elementary and middle schools. To date, the foundation has completed 13 computer labs: Tobin School, Sarah Greenwood School, Timilty Middle School in Boston, Massachusetts; John C. Clark Elementary & Middle School, McDonough

Expeditionary Learning School, Fred D. Wish Museum School, S.A.N.D School & Simpson-Waverly School in Hartford, Connecticut, Ponus Middle School in Norwalk, Connecticut, Horace Mann Middle School in El Portal, Florida, Homestead Middle School in Homestead, Florida, Lake Stevens Middle School in Miami Gardens, Florida and Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Mixing community, innovation and a love of family is what the Allen’s are sharing with the world. Grown is a smart investment for entrepreneurs who believe doing well and doing good go hand in hand.

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JANUARY 2020 COVER STORY

WE BELIEVE FOOD SHOULD BE DELICIOUS, ORGANIC AND INSPIRING.

It's not made, it's not manufactured, it's grown. To own your own grownTM and join our fast food revolution, please visit grown.org. Now awarding grownTM franchises!

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Xponential Fitness is the curator of leading brands across every vertical in the boutique fitness industry - including Pilates, cycle, stretch, dance, barre, running, yoga, and rowing. Xponential has decades of boutique fitness franchising experience across all of their brands, with the resources and network to dominate every category. Today, we celebrate 8 entrepreneurial franchise owners and highlight their stories and accomplishments.

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Richard Uku

Multi-Unit & Multi Brand Franchisee (AKT & Club Pilates) Email: richard.uku@theakt.com Studio Names: AKT Morristown, Club Pilates West Caldwell, Club Pilates Staten Island, Club Pilates Morristown -- and coming in 2021, Club Pilates Montclair! Studio Websites: https://www.theakt.com/ location/morristown, clubpilates.com/ westcaldwell, clubpilates.com/statenisland, clubpilates.com/morristown, clubpilates.com/ montclair Studio Phone Numbers: 973- 944-1238 Mailing Address: 170 E Hanover Ave, Morristown NJ 07960 Richard is an innovative, accomplished, vision-driven business leader with mastery for getting enhanced performance and results from people, processes, and technology. He is an analytical thinker and problem solver who possesses a knack for stripping away ambiguity and complexities to get to the core of business opportunities and challenges while formulating clear deliverable strategies to address these. As well as overseeing several Xponential Fitness studios across New Jersey and New York, Richard has a background on Wall Street and the City of London where he spent time working with blue-chip financial services and consulting firms. Richard is an avid sports and fitness fan who enjoys staying in shape.

Kareem Holligan Multi-Unit Franchisee (AKT)

Email: kareem.holligan@theakt.com Studio Names: AKT Morristown Studio Websites: https://www.theakt.com/ location/morristown Studio Phone Numbers: 973- 944-1238 Mailing Address: 170 E Hanover Ave, Morristown NJ 07960 Kareem comes from a diverse background, he started his career as a Chemical Engineer but his entrepreneurial side was always yearning for more. His journey started with Club Pilates, where he oversaw the opening of 3 New Jersey locations. This led to him purchasing a franchise in the next big thing out of Xponential Fitness, AKT. Kareem has always had a passion for fitness and is an advocate for healthy eating and lifestyle. Daily movement changes lives and his life changed with fitness; his goal is to impact others and help them live a better life.

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Nathan Philyaw

Multi-Unit Franchisee (Club Pilates) Email: nathan.philyaw@ clubpilates.com Studio Names: Club Pilates Carrollwood, Club Pilates Wiregrass, Club Pilates Studio Websites: clubpilates. com/carrollwood, clubpilates. com/wiregrass, clubpilates. com/newtampa Studio Phone Numbers: (813) 773-3880, (813) 607-6655, (813) 461-6010 Mailing Address: 13254 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618

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Nathan Philyaw is the owner of 3 Club Pilates studios in the Tampa Bay area: Club Pilates Carrollwood opened in January 2017, Club Pilates Wiregrass opened in November 2017 and Club Pilates New Tampa opened in October 2019. Nathan has always had a passion for helping people. He currently holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree and has practiced Pharmacy for many years before deciding to become a part of the Club Pilates family. One of the main factors that Nathan chose Club Pilates over some of the other options that he had was that he actually believed in the power of Pilates to greatly improve the quality of life for those who practice it. He also loved that Club Pilates was aiming to make Pilates for Everybody, because everyone deserves the opportunity to become a better version of themselves. It is important to highlight Black business owners not only during Black History Month, but on a continuous basis. Nathan, like many Black business owners, is the first person in his family to own a business. Hopefully as we continue to highlight Black business owners, people like Nathan can become the norm as opposed to the exception.

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Rosco Graves

Franchisee (YogaSix) Email: rosco.graves@yogasix.com Studio Names: YogaSix Flower Mound Studio Websites: https://www.yogasix.com/ flower-mound Studio Phone Numbers: (972) 638-8958 Mailing Address: 4610 Long Prairie Rd. Flower Mound, TX 75028 Rosco is a career finance and accounting leader that invested in YogaSix in 2019 and accepted the challenge of building a business and defining a culture in 2018 through ownership. Rosco s a proud native Texan I enjoy travel and food experiences and spending time with my wife of 10 years. Rosco sees a great opportunity for YogaSix to define what yoga is in the 21st century and enjoy being part of something that physically and mentally benefits others.

Ariel Terry McHoney Franchisee (YogaSix) Email: ariel.mchoney@yogasix.com Studio Names: YogaSix Midtown Studio Websites: https://www. yogasix.com/midtown Studio Phone Numbers: (470) 999-6426 Mailing Address: 1010 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 Ariel Terry McHoney is a celebrated investor and strategist who is truly letting her little light shine in metro Atlanta. Ariel is a business graduate of Georgia Southern University. She received her MBA from Clark Atlanta

Lorenzo & Sheila Boyd Franchisees (CycleBar) Email: lorenzo.boyd@cyclebar.com Studio Names: CycleBar Mid Rivers Studio Websites: https://www.cyclebar.com/ location/mid-rivers Studio Phone Numbers: (636) 278 - 1371 Cell - (314) 712-9780 Mailing Address: 5292 N. Service Road, St. Peters, MO 63376

Lorenzo and Sheila Boyd are the proud owners of CycleBar Midrivers in St. Peter’s, Missouri which was opened during the height of the COVID19 pandemic in May 2020. Both Lorenzo and Sheila worked in the Financial Services Industry for over 25 years and

University, and a Master’s Certificate from George Washington University. Ariel has an open YogaSix Studio in the heart of Midtown Atlanta on 10th and West Peachtree. She also has two additional YogaSix territories in metro Atlanta in Buckhead and Decatur that are scheduled to open at various points in 2021 and 2022. Ariel decided to bring YogaSix to metro Atlanta because they noticed a tremendous need for a truly superior experience and environment to help business professionals relax and relieve some of the stress from their hectic daily

lives. YogaSix appeals to the masses – whether you have experience with yoga or new to a yoga mat. Additionally, Ariel is the owner of the incredibly popular Jimmy John's Sandwich Shop located on Fulton Industrial in Atlanta.

Lorenzo is also a veteran of the United States Navy, serving an 8-month tour in Operation Desert Shield/Storm where he earned the distinguished Kuwait Liberation Medal for his service. Following Sheila’s retirement in 2019, the couple decided to pursue their fitness ownership dreams. CycleBar matched their desire to own something that brought both health and wellness as well as physical fitness to their community they have a longstanding dedication to. Currently with a staff of over 20 employees including 9 CycleStar instructors, CycleBar Midrivers offers classes 7 days a week, from early morning through to early evening. Opening a franchise during a pandemic has been a monumental task but for Sheila and Lorenzo, worth every minute because of the joy it brings to their members.

Lorenzo and Sheila love the family and community atmosphere that engulfs CycleBar Midrivers, delivering a workout that doesn’t feel like exercise. It is a welcoming atmosphere for all members no matter where they are in their fitness journey and has members of all ages, from 18 to 65, who are from all walks of life including health care workers, first responders, teachers, military personnel, and fitness professionals.

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Kim & Allan Stephenson

Franchisees (Club Pilates)) Email: kim.stephenson@ clubpilates.com, allan. stephenson@clubpilates.com Studio Names: Club Pilates Laurel Studio Websites: www.clubpilates.com/laurel Studio Phone Numbers: 240-859-8808 Mailing Address: 14712 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 103, Laurel, MD 20707 Kim and Allan have been married for over 20 years and wanted to finish their careers doing something together, blending Kim’s 25 years in pharmaceutical sales and Allan’s 20 plus years as a strength coach. Club Pilates has given them the chance to bring health and wellness to their community. When they stumbled upon the Club Pilates franchise opportunity, they were not looking to open a business. However, after learning about Reformer-based Pilates classes and experiencing it for themselves, they immediately

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knew it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass on for many reasons. Mainly, they wanted to bring this particular method of exercise to their community to introduce and expose as many of their friends, families and fellow community members to the unique fitness, health and wellness benefits it offers. They live in Prince George’s County which is a county within the state of Maryland where 63% of the population is African American and the median household income is close to $85,000. They knew this could be life changing for so many people of all ages and fitness levels, especially those that did not workout at all. There were no boutique fitness studios in the area, let alone a Pilates studio like this in their area and the concept was quite foreign to many initially. Since opening our doors on August 22, 2019, the business has been a source of great joy in so many ways, from interacting with members and hearing how Pilates has positively impacted their health and well-being, to

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engaging in the community and knowing that Club Pilates Laurel (CPL) has made life changing contributions to their fellow neighbors. And while it has been a source of great joy, it has also been a source of disappointment and uncertainty. Being new business owners, in general and definitely in times of challenge you will quickly learn what you don’t know! Two sides of the same coin, finding the way to live in the middle and thrive is where we are, especially since COVID19, which has dramatically affected our community and subsequently our business. But with that said, many of their diehard members have stuck with them as this has been a much needed outlet for them and in some cases, a lifeline. Their hope and plan is that post COVID-19, they can expand and open up two more locations in “gorgeous” Prince George’s County. They see themselves as blessed to be owners of color, honoring those who sacrificed so much so this could be possible!

Crystal & Larry London

Franchisees (Club Pilates) Email: crystal.london@clubpilates.com Studio Names: Club Pilates Mount Prospect— and another location coming soon! Studio Websites: www.clubpilates.com/mountprospect Studio Phone Numbers: 847-752-4476 Mailing Address: 1107 N. Elmhurst Rd. Mount Prospect, IL 60056

As a collegiate athlete, she observed first-hand that access to Pilates was limited in nature. She saw this as an opportunity to get involved and influence a space where many that look like her were not present, both as owners and members. Club Pilates was a perfect match as their mission is to bring Pilates to everyBODY. Crystal feels her success as a minority business owner in this space will not only open doors for others but prove to be inspiration to those who might be afraid to take the leap. Since opening her first studio in 2018, she has experienced much success. Her staff attributes the success of the studio to Crystal’s ability to lead with passion and purpose. However, Crystal attributes it to her approach to diversity and inclusion amongst her staff and members. As we celebrate Black History Month, Crystal maintains her goal to ensure that her studio is the embodiment of diversity and inclusivity. She says that opening a Club Pilates has been one of the best decisions she has ever made. It has brought her the balance and fulfillment she was seeking and she’s made a lot of friends along the way. Crystal continues to embody the essence of entrepreneurship and takes pride in serving her members and community.

Crystal London is a Club Pilates franchise owner, wife and mother of a 4 and 6 year old. Crystal London came to Club Pilates following a career in public and corporate accounting. Her early successes in Corporate America were not enough to extinguish her entrepreneurial spirit, passion for fitness, and desire to do work that made an impact on the lives of others. She was introduced to Club Pilates upon researching various franchise opportunities and found what she considered to be a “unicorn”. Club Pilates offered some key elements that had Crystal wanting to dive right in, including but not limited too, a proven system, franchisor’s support structure, exponential market growth opportunity, ability to operate with a reasonable size staff, and an ability to represent and impact her community. WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

A Shared Passion for the Heart of the Home by Kali Morgenthaler, Director of Marketing, Kitchen Solvers

One of the best things about franchising is that it is filled with people from all walks of life. Different cultural backgrounds, work experiences, skill sets, and values all collide to build a community of support, trust, and true partnership. From the Kitchen Solvers Home Office perspective, seeing and hearing about these various backgrounds can be one of the most exciting times. Understanding what makes people tick, what makes them thrive, what their strengths and weaknesses are and catering support to help them build their legacy is something Kitchen Solvers takes very seriously. That said, there’s always a lingering question about WHO makes the RIGHT franchise partner for Kitchen Solvers, and why? Kitchen Solvers has found that really anyone with any career background can thrive as a Kitchen Solvers owner with the support of the Home Office and the rest of the Kitchen Solvers family, but there are many similar personality traits Kitchen Solvers franchisees share. Drive, passion for helping clients, unyielding dedication, servant leadership, hands-on management style, communicative, and customer-oriented are just a few of these traits that are common across franchise owners. Even franchise partners residing in the same state can have tremendously different backgrounds, but all of them share the passion for making a difference in their clients’ homes. Take for example two of Kitchen Solvers’ Florida locations and how they came to build their legacy with Kitchen Solvers.

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FABIAN VACCA Kitchen Solvers of Fort Lauderdale Background

Fabian was born in Argentina and his father was a builder who worked long hours outside of the home. He enjoyed accompanying his father and spending extra time with him to understand how he worked. By the time he was 12 years old, he knew he wanted to be an architect. He started his career in telecommunications, but after 18 years, he decided to follow his passion and opened his own construction company in Argentina. When Fabian is not working, he enjoys snowboarding, running, and training for his next marathon.

Kitchen Solvers Ownership

Fabian decided to start a new business and knew he would need to relocate his family. He wanted a business that had a solid structure and national coverage. It was important to him that the brand was well-developed, would

be supportive, and provide strong vendor connections. Kitchen Solvers checked all of the boxes and he opened his first territory, Kitchen Solvers of Fort Lauderdale in February of 2019. Just one year after opening his first location, Fabian expanded by acquiring a second territory, Boca Raton, which he considers his biggest success thus far at Kitchen Solvers. Fabian’s day-to-day responsibilities are defining the business strategy, building relationships with suppliers, and developing new business opportunities. He supervises all areas of the business, marketing, sales, installations, and the final details in each remodeling project. He really enjoys all parts of the business - the sale, being able to offer homeowners different design options, coordinating the installations, etc. But fundamentally he enjoys defining the marketing strategy the most and communicating with the Home Office for support.

Advice

When asked what advice he’d give future Kitchen Solvers owners, Fabian responded, “Kitchen Solvers is an excellent option to develop your own business. We know that the kitchen is the heart of every home, our business is to make homes have a beautiful heart. This is thrilling. To develop this business, it is not necessary to have prior design or construction knowledge. Kitchen Solvers Home Office has developed a very detailed training system in all areas of the business, in addition to daily support at each stage of the business. For us it was essential to have the daily support of the Home Office.”

JORGE & DEBBIE GONCALVES Kitchen Solvers of Orlando Background

Jorge was born in the Alps of France, though both his parents are Portuguese. He spent his childhood in France and his adolescence in Portugal until he moved to Florida in his late teens, where, several years later, he met his wife, Debbie. He worked for Publix Super Markets for many years, starting out as a bagboy and working his way up to assistant meet manager, and eventually an architectural designer in the corporate office. He continued working as a designer on new store projects until he decided to venture out on his own and start a business.

Debbie Santos Goncalves was born in Connecticut, shortly after her parents had immigrated from Portugal. She lived in Connecticut until the family moved to Florida when she was nineteen. She immediately fell in love with Florida and adopted it as her forever home. Debbie has had a passion for reading and writing since grade school, and has always been working on one manuscript or another in between school and work. Although she took a secretarial/word processing course in college, she ended up working in retail, where she eventually started a career as a fine jewelry manager in the department store environment. After she married Jorge and became pregnant with twins, Debbie left the retail world so that she could focus on the babies while doing a little bit of real estate on the side and writing.

Kitchen Solvers Ownership

After investigating several franchise opportunities, Jorge decided to go with Kitchen Solvers because of their personal touch with the franchise partners. The support, training, advice, and the fact that they catered to the franchise partners’ individual needs all supported his decision. He opened Kitchen Solvers of Orlando in December, 2014. Debbie supported her husband’s decision to start a business and became his partner at Kitchen Solvers of Orlando. She now runs the administrative end of the business (while she continues her passion for writing). WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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Currently, Jorge consults with customers, provides estimates and kitchen designs, does the ordering and contracting, as well as networks. Debbie handles the majority of customer service inquiries, scheduling consultations, sending out invoices, and bookkeeping and payroll. They both define their biggest success as being able to support their family, without having to work for someone else.

Advice

When asked to provide advice for future Kitchen Solvers owners, Debbie shared, “Make sure owning your own business is what your heart truly desires. If so, then go for it. It is a lot of work, and it’s not always smooth and easy, but it can be very satisfying.” Jorge

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responded, “Do what you love with a passion to help others. Go into customer’s homes as a person that is going to help clients get what they want. Be honest and give it your best. You will win some clients and lose some. Be patient, persistent, and consistent on what you do, and you will be successful.” Fabian, Jorge, and Debbie all come from different backgrounds with different strengths and weaknesses. They have various goals for their businesses and different paths to get there. However, they do share the same strong characteristics – drive, consistency, servant leadership, communicative managers, and the passion for helping others. The kitchen is a space for entertaining, cooking for loved ones, and

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‘feeling at home’. It is the heart of the home, and these Kitchen Solvers franchise partners haven’t missed a beat. They’ve proven having a strong passion for running a business can drive anyone to success. To learn more about the Kitchen Solvers Franchise Opportunity, visit https:// kitchensolversfranchise. com/ or reach out to kitchensolvers@frandev.co. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kali Morgenthaler is the Director of Marketing for Kitchen Solvers and works directly with franchise partners to build and support marketing strategies. Her extensive corporate marketing experience along with her education (Bachelor of Science in Marketing and MBA) has allowed her to grow and manage localized marketing plans for each franchise, while also managing national campaigns.

THE INDUSTRY/SPACE - CycleBar® is a premium boutique fitness model dedicated to offering a dynamic fitness experience - Boutique fitness has 450% growth year over year since 2010 - CycleBar® is the first & only indoor cycling studio offered as a franchise

BUSINESS MODEL - Listed on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list 2019 - Revenue can be generated online 24 hours a day / 7 days per week - Simple human resources: semi-absentee, front desk help and instructors

THE MARKET/FINANCIAL TRANSLATION - Many different markets (urban or suburuban) offer indoor cycling classes - Financial performance representations show net margins over 50% of gross revenue - 250+ CycleBar® studios open in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and The UAE with more coming each month

V 2

I M P R O V E M E N T S

LOWER BUILDOUT COSTS

OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

No showers, smaller community room Smaller overall buildout, under 2000 sq ft CycleTheatre improvements with same bike footprint Faster open and ramp-up to profitiability

New POS/CRM for greater retail sales New sales based component for employees New marketing strategy for membership based model Now part of the Xponential Fitness family

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

SALESINFO@STGBRANDS.COM EBD CB, LLC (“EBD CB”) is a franchise seller/broker representing CycleBar Franchising, LLC (“CycleBar”). This advertisement does not constitute a franchise offering or the solicitation of an offer to buy a CycleBar franchise which may be made only after your receipt of the CycleBar Franchise Disclosure Document, which first must be registered with certain states. CycleBar franchises are offered solely by means of the franchise disclosure document issued by CycleBar Franchising, LLC, 3185 Pullman Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and at (949) 346-9794. Certain states and foreign countries have laws governing the offer and sale of franchises. If you are a resident of one of these states or foreign countries, CycleBar will not offer you a franchise unless and until it has complied with all applicable legal requirements in your jurisdiction. Please consult with your franchise seller/broker at EBD CB for an updated list of jurisdictions where franchises can be sold. Copyright © 2018 EBD CB, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

DR. ANGEL, MD Drives Kidokinetics Growth in South Florida

Meet Angel Hadaway, Kidokinetics franchise owner in Broward County Florida. Angel is originally from New York, and a first generation American, her parents hailing from the Caribbean. After attending Rutgers University on a full soccer scholarship, Angel completed medical school and earned her MD, and shortly after joined Kidokinetics as a coach and eventually purchased a franchise of her own. Angel is now expanding the franchise, hiring a full time manager, and beginning her medical residency in South Florida. If

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it sounds like she has a lot on her plate, she does! “After graduating medical school, I fell in love with this program and decided to enter the business world as a franchise owner. Never in a million years did I think I would be running my own business outside of a medical practice. Kidokinetics is an amazing, all around sports, fitness and health program for boys and girls. It is not just a name but a movement. Having played sports at the collegiate level, I know the many benefits of physical activity. I want parents to understand that their children do not have to be future pro athletes to reap those same benefits. Our program provides a fun, non-competitive environment where each child can advance at his own pace. Outside of improving physical fitness and motor skills, the pillars of our program are improving self-confidence, enforcing a "yes I can" attitude, teaching the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship, and

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inspiring a love for sports and fitness that will last a lifetime. Kidokinetics offers multi sport physical education enrichment programs for children as young as 2 years. Programs are offered through schools, day care facilities, community centers, and private events. Angel is excited about the future of Kidokinetics and the opportunity to grow her business in the Broward County area. “With the company having made some administrative changes, I expect to see exponential growth in franchise sales over the next 5 years, now is the time to get onboard. In the next 5 years, I see my Kido franchise flourishing as I just expanded, becoming a household name in youth sports. My goal is to be in every school, park and community center.” For more information about Kidokinetics, visit www. Kidokinetics.com or contact Dave Pazgan, Director of Franchising dpazgan@ kidokinetics.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Q& A with Mosquito Hunters Franchisee’s

Adrian and Stephanie Eaddy by Eric Martin, Franchise Development, Happinest Brands Q. How did you land on the mosquito business?

A. Adrian Eaddy:

Well, we went through a battery of tests and we tried to find something that was low cost to start up, something that provided a great service to the community and also provided recurring revenue and it turns out that Mosquito Hunters hit all of those boxes. Q. Can you tell us a bit about the business and what lead you down this path?

A. Adrian:

Mosquito Hunters is a part of the Happinest family of home services and Mosquito Hunters has a focus on mosquito abatement, fleas and ticks so you don’t have to be bothered by those pesky little critters when you’re outside enjoying a glass of wine or spending time with your family.

A. Stephanie:

Adrian and I had been talking about doing our own business or having a startup for a number of years and it really was because of the

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Coronavirus and being at home, working together and spending more time together that we realized that there was really an opportunity for us to try to accelerate this goal. We had in our heads that at age 55 we would retire from our corporate jobs and start a second career in something else and it hit us like, why are we waiting? What’s holding us back? Let’s start this process sooner and so that’s how we got here and we realized that even though I work in corporate marketing and Adrian’s in corporate IT, there’s still opportunity for us to get started now and start to realize our dreams sooner.

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A. Stephanie Eaddy:

We knew that franchise model was going to be the route that we wanted to take just given the amount of time that we could put into starting up a business and how much you get from participating and partnering with a franchise. What was also really interesting was how you could create a longterm relationship. You work really hard to get that first customer and then you’re really working to keep that customer on a long-term ongoing basis. We actually use mosquito abatement services ourselves and we realized that there’s an

opportunity for us to provide even better service than what we were getting and I think that was another reason why we thought we could do this and we could do it better. Q. Can you talk about your research process and what you were thinking about as you made decisions to own a Mosquito Hunters?

A. Stephanie Eaddy:

For us, it really started with understanding of what was out there and what was available. There was a very broad landscape. We identified the key skills that we could bring to the table and how could those skills be most easily transferred into this business. We wanted something we felt energetic about, that we could see talking to friends and family about. Could I see myself as a customer because for us, we really wanted to understand the business so we could put ourselves in the seat of the consumer. And then, how did we feel about this support system that came

with that franchise? Did we feel like there was a good cultural fit? This is at least a 10-year relationship with this company. We wanted to make sure that there was also a great cultural fit and we felt that at the Happinest company and in particular with Mosquito Hunter right away.

A. Adrian Eaddy:

My recommendation to anyone looking to start a business is to first understand what it is that you like. Do you prefer being hands-on versus being more self-independent? Do you prefer being a mentor and having leadership skills? Doing those sorts of selfdiscovery will help you, point you in the right direction. I think the other thing I would definitely recommend is doing your due diligence. If you have a question that you’re not sure of, ask it. If you have doubts, address it. Those things will really, really help you in this discovery to find out what fits best for you.

Q. How does it feel being business partners with your spouse?

A. Adrian Eaddy:

One of the main reasons that Stephanie and I wanted to team up is that we both bring different talents and through that collaboration, we feel that building this business together and growing the business together was the best way forward for us. Stephanie Eaddy: For us, it’s about identifying our individual contributions to the business. Neither one of us are each other’s boss. We each have our own space carved out which I think will help too. At the end of the day, we are still be able to enjoy a glass of wine and see each other across the table as partners in this process.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eric Martin oversees the franchise development efforts for Happinest Brands, the umbrella company for Mosquito Hunters, Lawn Doctor and ecomaids.

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Join the premier managed IT services franchise, TeamLogic IT IN-DEMAND BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

TeamLogic IT provides businesses with technology support and services that range from simple computer systems support to managed IT services and project outsourcing. As an owner of your own TeamLogic IT business, you’ll help small- and medium-sized companies with a broad range of IT services. Your clients will come to rely on you to keep their technology current and their businesses running efﬁciently. You’ll help them with proactive, preventative and responsive IT services. Our monthly recurring revenue model is a win-win for you and your clients. And, the camaraderie, peer support and drive among our network of franchisees are like none other in the industry.

• The Channel Company® MSP 500 ELITE 150 • Channel Futures™ MSP 501 #37 • Entrepreneur ® Magazine Top 500 Franchise • Forbes Best Franchise to Buy • Franchise Business Review™ Top Franchise • Franchise Times® Top 200 Franchise • Franchise Gator Top 100 Franchise • Inc. 5000

FRANCHISE OWNER PROFILE The ideal candidate for a TeamLogic IT business is a person who wishes to work in a business environment, understands technology, has an aptitude for sales and/or building relationships, and enjoys working with other business professionals while building a team to deliver outstanding service and support. Many of our franchise owners were previously IT directors for small companies, executives in corporate America, engineers or technology consultants.

READY TO LEARN MORE? CONTACT US TODAY.

866.TEAMLOGIC

TeamLogic IT 949.683.3314 26722 Plaza, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

pspaan@teamlogicit.com teamlogicit.com teamlogicfranchising.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Female Franchise Owner Propels Her Business to the Top, Brings Her Community with Her

Chrishelle Eugene

opened her Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, franchise in 2005 after moving to the D.C. suburbs of Virginia with her husband, Bernhard. They had just sold their automotive business in Michigan and were on the hunt for their next big investment that would propel them toward a successful retirement. Having been customers of Molly Maid while living in Michigan, the Eugenes were delighted to learn of the

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opportunity to open one in Virginia. Why Molly Maid? Chrishelle said, “We live in an area where people have long, arduous commutes. Taking care of these big houses is too time consuming for them, so we knew it was a needed service that would create regular, repeat customers and an enduring revenue stream. Why a franchise? We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel.” For 15 years, Molly Maid of Stafford/Fredericksburg has continued to serve its customers with excellence while providing jobs and giving back to the community. As a businesswoman, Chrishelle’s leadership and success have earned her a spot on the Molly Maid national marketing committee, and she’s received several awards for her revenue growth. Most recently, after a 10-year streak of year-overyear growth, Molly Maid of Stafford/Fredericksburg was named the Molly Maid Franchise of the Year.

Chrishelle also serves as a member of the International Franchise Association Diversity Committee, which serves to promote and foster diversity and inclusion within the franchising community. But that’s not all. While her prowess as a business owner is impressive, her impact on the local community is what sets her apart. Chrishelle has found ways to blend her passion for business with her passion for giving back and uplifting others. Through her participation with the Ms. Molly Foundation, Molly Maid’s non-profit organization that supports victims of domestic violence, Chrishelle has been elected as a board member to a local women’s shelter called Empowerhouse. Chrishelle says of her involvement with Empowerhouse, “We’ve been able to provide jobs to survivors who are getting back on their feet. We get satisfaction from hiring these strong and driven women, and knowing that because of those jobs, they can support their families.”

CHRISHELLE HAS FOUND WAYS TO BLEND HER PASSION FOR BUSINESS WITH HER PASSION FOR GIVING BACK AND UPLIFTING OTHERS.

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THROUGH HER PARTICIPATION WITH THE MS. MOLLY FOUNDATION, MOLLY MAID’S NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHRISHELLE HAS BEEN ELECTED AS A BOARD MEMBER TO A LOCAL WOMEN’S SHELTER CALLED EMPOWERHOUSE. What’s next for Molly Maid?

After enduring a difficult year in business during the pandemic, Chrishelle is happy to report that their customers have mostly returned to their

regular schedule, and she’s been able to rehire most of her staff. Chrishelle’s even gained a new “employee” this past year. Upon retirement from his career in government in 2020, Chrishelle’s husband Bernhard likes to say he was promoted from “part-time vacuum repair man” to being a fulltime partner in the business. With a Six Sigma certification, his wealth of organizational knowledge and skills are set to

bring continued excellence to their franchise. The Eugenes know their legacy is about much more than the business, and will continue to make their mark on the Stafford/ Fredericksburg community for years to come. If you are interested in more information about owning a Neighborly/Neighbourly brand franchise, and its franchise concepts, click here.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

BRIAN PEARSON

Adjustments made to Achieve in a Pandemic! in previous years. The journey of entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart but is truly on of the most rewarding experiences once you have obtained a level of success. My journey 2020 forced me to truly diversify my own portfolio of businesses. With Invictus Development Group partnering with the Franchise Consulting Company I have been able to help people this last year become Franchise business owners for the first time and some diversify their own franchise holding portfolios during these uncertain times. Although the franchise

ith over 22 years in franchising, I have learned with the launch of the 3 new businesses and with my current work schedule it has shown that I can absolutely achieve anything especially during a pandemic. As I enter my 22nd year in franchising I have to say 2020 was the most unique year that I have ever experienced in business and that includes the 2008 financial crash. I had to rethink a lot of strategies and be able to be more creative, more focused, and more resourceful that I have

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industry has been awesome to me, I still found myself bit by the Entrepreneurial bug after being shut in with no travel for months. I identified several niche market opportunities and partnered with an exceptionally talented individual and created Swaggy Pet Couture www. swaggypetcoture.com luxury pet clothing. I also co-founded a great online shoe boutique for ladies and coming soon for men as well called Coco and Blue Collective https://www. cocoandbluecollective.com/. And just recently I added a third new business in the thriving hair industry, Chic

INVICTUS DEVELOPMENT GROUP is a consulting group with decades of experience in franchise, development and real estate.

Luxury Hair Boutique. https:// chicluxehairboutique.com/. With the multiple new businesses and demands it was imperative I had to delegate more efficiently and partner with the right groups to be able to make sure I had multiple revenue streams consistently producing. Keeping great financial records and marketing expenditures in line, product development and distribution cost down was paramount. I also had to take advantage of opportunities where they presented themselves and cut ties with things that did not produce or deliver what was promised. 2020 showed the importance of being able to be flexible movable and more importantly creative. For those people pondering is now the best time to do a franchise or start a business

given the economy and current market I will tell you it is absolutely a great time to start your business ownership journey. The structure and support services of a franchise business are even more important now than ever. With people still working remotely during the pandemic it validates that people and companies can change and adjust on the fly from very static norms. Our lending partners have over informed and been right there to provide great counsel and direction to the best funding options during a pandemic and with the PPP Loans available currently. So, I will say do not fear the change or opportunity. Run to it, be in it intelligently and make it work for you!

WITH THE MULTIPLE NEW BUSINESSES AND DEMANDS IT WAS IMPERATIVE I HAD TO DELEGATE MORE EFFICIENTLY AND PARTNER WITH THE RIGHT GROUPS TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE I HAD MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS CONSISTENTLY PRODUCING.

SWAGGY PET COUTURE is a collection of innovative, creative and cost-effective pet products that combines Pet Loversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fashion and Style.

COCO & BLUE SHOE COLLECTIVE is an online luxury shoe boutique for women.

CHIC LUXURY HAIR BOUTIQUE aims to provide the absolute best in authentic raw human hair that offers longevity, versatility and superior quality.

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Smart Franchises Know That Powerful Customer Engagement = Stronger Sales! THIS WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!

TM SmartPatch… the ultimate Brand-to-Fan Patch or Keychain that instantly “engages” your customers directly to their smart phone. And the BEST PART…. you can redirect or send new offers, messages, coupons at anytime in the future. IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Taking a Leap of Faith— Thoughts from a First Time Franchisee by Anita Ortega, Owner, Phenix Salon & Suites Franchisee

began my journey into franchise ownership in 2019. For the past two years, I’ve been a proud Phenix Salon Suites franchisee working to help those near my home community of Los Angeles. Before beginning my career as an entrepreneur, I worked for 32 years in local law enforcement, serving the community. When making the decision to retire from this position, I decided to continue working but wanted to start a new career in a field that offered me a new way to giveback to the community. Retirement provided me with new found free time

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and flexibility, giving me the chance to be my own boss for the first time in my life. Despite having no previous experience in entrepreneurship, the research I conducted, starting in 2017, showed that franchising could be a great next step. Multiple business models came across the computer screen, but after reading about Phenix Salon Suites I made the decision to take “a leap of faith” and dive into my new calling. I knew that my next career decision needed to be flexible and allow me to set my own hours. As I read more about

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Phenix, I felt I had found my perfect match. At the core of the company was an emphasis on mentorship and giving franchisees the chance to spark the entrepreneurial spirit in others. I loved the hands-on approach offered and I was excited to support estheticians, barbers, hairstylists and salon professionals get their start in running their own small businesses. My goals and the Phenix mission were aligned from the start Almost two and a half years later, I have not looked back. My salon suite location proudly serves the community of Diamond Bar. I take pride in visiting the location every few days to check-in and continue building strong relationships with the salon professionals in the suites. This first opportunity in franchising has truly left me wanting more and I’m exploring opportunities to expand in the future. During my down-time, I make a point to continue my love of mentorship outside of the salon as well, advising others interested in entrepreneurship. Within the Phenix system, I’ve had the chance to provide direction

DURING MY DOWN-TIME, I MAKE A POINT TO CONTINUE MY LOVE OF MENTORSHIP OUTSIDE OF THE SALON AS WELL, ADVISING OTHERS INTERESTED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP. and guidance to two new Phenix franchisees who are entering this profession for the first time. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also a member of my local chamber of commerce. I enjoy participating in this organization because it gives me a platform as a minority business owner to be visible and engaged in the local small business community. Through these small steps, my goal is to serve as a positive example to inspire others to act and begin their journey towards business ownership. When approached by budding entrepreneurs, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feel excited to share what I have learned. First, it is important to find your niche in the business world and take the time to research the array of business model options out

there. A hands-on approach to running a business was at the core of my ambition. For others it might be a specific industry that motivates them like beauty, healthcare or food service. Whatever their choices, this is an important

element to explore. From there, making sure that you have secure funding in place will ease stress and anxiety, the more you can contribute yourself the better. Lastly, being engaged and willing to engross yourself in the day-to-day operations of running a business is the joy of it. Understanding not only how to lead but effectively market yourself are some of the most important skills to possess to truly succeed. Taking a risk and challenging yourself to enter the unknown takes guts and passion-making the end result all the more worth it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anita Ortega is a two-year franchisee with Phenix Salon Suites, based in Los Angeles, California. Ortega is an extremely determined and motivated business owner who is passionate about giving back to her community and supporting others as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

He’s Been Around the World, But Anodyne Is Home by Camantha Magoon, Content Writer, FranDevCo Deficiency, Medical Weight loss) • Regenerative Medicine (Empowering the body to heal from within with the use of a range of medicines nd therapies, oftentimes in combinations)

nodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions is a trusted national healthcare provider focused on non-opioid, nonsurgical treatment of acute & chronic pain. Our brand provides patients with a specialized treatment plan that enables them to live a pain-free life and achieve true health from within without the use of drugs or surgery.

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Our fully integrated medical facility is a combination of 4 practices: • Physical Medicine (Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Physical Therapy) • Traditional Medicine (Including Allergy and Viral Testing) • Functional Medicine Treatment of specific problems like Hormone mbalance, Vitamin

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With healthcare services and pain management being an $18-billion industry, we have positioned our brand to thrive with a proven operational playbook, advanced technology and on-going support in order for our Franchise Owners to achieve success as they fight against the Opioid Crisis while promoting an alternative to health and wellness. We are a trusted brand because we value helping patients stay informed and providing them with proven information so they may make an educated, medical decision. Our Franchise Owners come from diverse backgrounds and are better suited to handle all our client’s needs because they understand the importance of healing the whole body rather than just masking symptoms. Franchise Owner, Sam Zafa is one of our many partners that show their

Sam Zafa, Owner, Anodyne Franchise

commitment to our values in addition to our client’s needs.

World-Class Background

Sam began his career on the fast track when he completed the 18-Month course for the Certified Accountant Technician Exam in just half the time while attending Oxford Brookes University for his Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Accounting. After receiving his degree, Sam went on to attend the CFA institute where he achieved his CFA credentials. In 2007 he became a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK, and then advanced to a Fellow in 2011. Sam has worked for companies such as Equifax, and SunTrust Bank as a Sr. Business Analyst and Project Manager, respectively. During this time, he also attended Harvard Business School for education in Negotiation Mastery and

Columbia Business School for Value Investing. From 2017 to present day he has been the CFO of a large firm that owns a number of businesses, including multiple automotive dealerships. Sam is originally from Pakistan, but moved to the US over 5 years ago to be closer to family. Sam’s wife, Siwat, was a physician in Pakistan previously and is currently in the process of taking her boards to get certified in the US. Her brother is also in the medical field as a pulmonologist in Meridian, Mississippi which is about an hour away from Jackson, where Sam’s Anodyne location is set to open. Sam also stays active in his community. While in Pakistan, he volunteered at The Ehsaas Welfare Foundation assisting in disaster and humanitarian relief during the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods in Pakistan. After moving to the US, he volunteered for over 4 years at the Internal Revenue Service as an Income Tax Assistant to help people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

Why Anodyne?

Sam’s natural business acumen and Siwat’s background in medicine were reasons they were

initially drawn to Anodyne’s health and wellness brand, but Sam felt Anodyne was a natural fit for them because it is a scalable model that provides a much needed service to their community. Sam’s vision to have financial independence is the reason he became an entrepreneur, and his ability to see the opportunity in a concept that is slightly more complex than other brands, but still holds tremendous potential is why he will succeed at Anodyne. “If it scares you, you should do it” is Sam Zafa’s advice for entrepreneurs and potential Franchise Owners. Anodyne’s unique business model enables Franchise Owners to help those dealing with chronic pain, while generating sufficient revenue. If you are compassionate, community oriented, and have a collaborative spirit, Anodyne is a franchise where you can make a difference in your community as well as achieve success in your career! For Franchising Information To learn more about Franchising opportunities available with Anodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions, visit their website at http:// anodynepainandwellness franchise.com/ or reach out to anodyne@frandev.co!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR FranDevCo’s Content Writer, Camantha Magoon, has a background in Anthropology and Linguistics from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.

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People still need haircuts. Own a Great Clips salon.

www.greatclipsfranchise.com Great Clips, Inc. • 4400 West 78th Street, Suite 700 • Minneapolis, MN 55435 • 800-999-5959 or 952-893-9088 • State of MN Reg. #F-928 This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law and the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law of the State of New York. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

KEN ROSS

has always had a servant heart

rowing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Ken grew up with the values of the Midwest: be fair, tell the truth, and earn what you’re given. Throughout his career both in corporate America and now as a cost reduction consultant, Ken has done the right thing and worked hard, because nothing replaces hard work. With an extensive background in information technology, Ken enjoyed much success

throughout his career, providing technical support and solutions and ensuring organizations ran as efficiently as possible. But Ken also had an itch for entrepreneurship, to expand his professional life by running his own business and consulting for organizations. Giving back to hard-working business owners and decisionmakers, providing them the support to run their organizations effectively.

That’s when Ken decided to explore the world of franchising, where he stumbled upon Schooley Mitchell, a cost reduction consulting franchise with over 20 years of experience helping businesses save money. For Ken, the fit was perfect. “Throughout my career, time was hard to come by during the workday, and I knew it was the same for the other professionals I know,” says Ken. “But here was Schooley Mitchell, offering to come into a business and find them savings within their business, using their level of knowledge and vendor clout to really help these decision-makers reduce their expenses and run better businesses.”

KEN KNEW SCHOOLEY MITCHELL WAS RIGHT FOR HIM. Growing up in the hometown of Warren Buffet, Ken was raised understanding the value of a dollar. Saving money has always been important to him, and he wanted to pass on his knowledge to businesspeople

SAVING MONEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT TO KEN, AND HE WANTED TO PASS ON HIS KNOWLEDGE TO BUSINESSPEOPLE TO PUT THEIR BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS INTO THE ORGANIZATIONS THEY BUILT. 156

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“ALLOWING BUSINESSES TO KEEP MORE OF THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY IS OF PARAMOUNT VALUE,” SAYS KEN. “AS WE SAW IN 2020, NOBODY CAN AFFORD TO WASTE WHAT THEY HAVE. PUTTING THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN A POSITION TO SURVIVE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND COME OUT HEALTHY AND VIBRANT – THAT’S A VALUE PROPOSITION I’M PROUD TO OFFER.” to put their blood, sweat and tears into the organizations they built. “Allowing businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money is of paramount value,” says Ken. “As we saw in 2020, nobody can afford to waste what they have. Putting these organizations in a position to survive economic challenges and come out healthy and vibrant – that’s a value proposition I’m proud to offer.” In his personal life, Ken and his wife are dedicated to offering foster care to children. Since moving to South Florida, where he

currently resides, Ken’s family has sponsored over 30 children and have adopted two, assisting them in their daily living while offering them a home and a valuable support system. Ken’s foremost value is building relationships – he is committed to connecting with others and helping others flourish both in his work and in his free time. As a devout Christian and a man committed to his community, Ken values the meaning of Black History Month and the impact Black leaders continue to have

on America. “When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said ‘I have a dream’, that meant something,” says Ken. “We should never lose sight of that call to action – to build up our communities and use our positions to help folks live better lives.” Both professionally and personally, Ken continues to live out Dr. King’s message of bringing hope and light to communities and peoples across America and beyond. With a servant heart, Ken continues to follow his dreams while helping others achieve their own.

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WHAT IS YOUR FULCRUM? by Antwanye E. Ford, Consultant, President & Chief Executive Off icer, Enlightened, Inc.

hat was my fulcrum?

There have been many inflection points throughout my life that influence the trajectory of where I am today. As with all things, I believe it starts at the beginning. Southern-born parents raised me in the innercity of Washington DC, who instilled a sense of priorities in my life. It was Christ, education, family, and giving back to my community. I saw my parents who started a “mom and pop” upholstery shop in Washington DC, with the explicit purpose of establishing a pivot point for their family. They taught me that my future was based on what I could start and not necessarily based on what could be started for me. At the time, I did know this was

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called Entrepreneurship. It is no mistake that I started a technology firm (Enlightened, Inc). I was raised to be an entrepreneur. Being raised in the innercity, I saw the issues of poverty, hopelessness, and crime firsthand. However, instead of being discouraged, I was driven to make a difference in the lives of people who were ignored by the system. This driving force still fuels me today. WHAT WAS MY FULCRUM? As I continued to mature, my parents emphasized education, which started with doing homework first. Before play and TV, homework had to be completed and correct. This served as the model for my work ethic and pursuit of excellence. It also fueled the desire for

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

education while maintaining a poster of a lifetime learner. Three degrees later, I still hear my parents saying, “Son, there is still more to do.” In addition to these points, I wanted to always pay homage to those who came before me. Leaders such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X struggled and paved the way for an avenue that I could take to have access to my success. They triggered in me a requirement to pave the way for others. I believe that this fact married to my faith has open doors for me to be on many boards, including being the Vice-Chair of the US Black Chambers, Inc., board member of the National Association of Workforce Boards, President of the Greater Washington Chamber of Commerce,

FVLCRUM INVESTS EQUITY CAPITAL, INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND NETWORK CAPITAL TO ENABLE MINORITY COMPANIES TO MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL AND CREATE WEALTH IN MINORITY COMMUNITIES. and Chair of Washington DC Workforce Investment Council. These boards provide a platform to meet my requirement to pave the way for others and transform my persona from being a business owner to being a leader with a national perspective to impact others. It’s amazing how fulcrums work. Fulcrums are part of the story of any business owner. Since the inception of Enlightened, we have overcome several pivot points, including 9/11, two wars, bank crisis, housing crisis, 2008 stock marketing crash, cyber-attacks, death of George Floyd, and Covid-19. Yet, we are still standing and set to thrive. Why? Faith first. Second, the ability to use each fulcrum to evaluate, assess, and evolve where necessary. Each of these fulcrums have provided an opportunity to learn. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” My past fulcrums will drive future points of inflections. For example, COVID-19 has taught Black-owned businesses that we must grow and scale. In 2020, we lost 41% of Blackowned businesses. Having access to the Fvlcrum Fund provides Enlightened the opportunity to access capital for acquisitions, which allows us to scale. The resulting scale enables us to create jobs, address the wealth gap, and continue to be a fulcrum for others.

We will use the power of fusion to continue to build. Fusion is a “merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole.” Although being focused is a critical characteristic, we must never be so myopic that we forget to collaborate. We must leverage relationships in politics, business, finance, and the arts to seek opportunities to expand our services and relationships into areas that today would seem overreaching, but tomorrow will be a way of life. For example,

in 2021, Enlightened will be moving into a building (the MLK Gateway project) that I have a small ownership stake. Five years ago, concepts such as Opportunities Zones and New Market Tax credits were not part of my mind’s tablet. Last year, we teamed with a developer and used these concepts to become a minority owner in this building that will be the home of Enlightened, create jobs, and develop future Black entrepreneurs. I believe this fulcrum will be used as a blueprint for future development projects like the MLK Gateway in cities around the country designed to address the wealth gaps. Going back to the beginning, this was a dream seeded in my faith, watered by parents, and grown through pivot points in my life. Let’s embrace our fulcrums.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Antwanye E. Ford

is President & Chief Executive Officer of Enlightened, Inc., a leading Information Technology and Management Consulting firm founded in 1999. Enlightened serves federal, state, and local government agencies, and provides cyber security, software development and integration, management consulting and business process outsourcing services. In 2016, the Company expanded its service offerings to support the transportation and healthcare sectors. As co-founder of Enlightened, Antwanye has led the Company’s growth from a start-up business to a diverse organization with over 200 employees. He continually leads the company’s corporate vision, strategic planning, and innovation efforts. As a thought leader with a keen eye on emerging trends, his passion is to develop and deliver business solutions to problems of global, national and local significance. Prior to Enlightened, Antwanye served as Director of Applications Support for INTELSAT, leading the business unit’s development of applications, consulting projects and document management infrastructure. He served as a Development Project Manager at MCI where he was responsible for the design, build and delivery of systems that invoiced over $20M per month, and as Product Manager for the Company’s Flagship Friends and Family product.

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Antwanye Ford

is the Vice Chair of the US Black Chambers, Inc. a national organization

which provides leadership and support for African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. In January 2018, DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser, appointed Antwanye to Board Chair of the District of Columbia Workforce Investment Council (WIC). The WIC is a convener of local and regional workforce system partners assembled to enhance the capacity and performance of the workforce development system. In March 2019, Antwanye was appointed to the Board of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), a national organization

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dedicated to the continuous improvement of work in the workforce development industry. Officially launched in July 2019, Antwanye serves as a founder and the President of The Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (“GWBCC”), the leading Voice for Black Business in the Greater Washington Area. Antwanye also serves the Board Chair of the - CyberSecurity Education & Research Center at Howard University. A Washington native, Antwanye earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Information Systems Technology from The George Washington University with honors. In June 2019, he obtained a MS., Divinity, Lancaster Bible College, June 2019 (Summa Cum Laude).

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Franchising: The American Dream is Possible for All by Seth Lederman, Consultant, The Franchise Consulting Company

ver the past several years, increasing attention has focused on systemic racism and racial inequity, leaving many to question whether the American Dream is obtainable for all? The wealth gap is seen in the disparity between white householdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; median wealth and Native-American, Latino, and Black households. Data released in 2017 sampled 1,377 Black and white Americans. They revealed that, on average, the wealth of white households is as many as seven times more than Black households and, the median white wealth is as much as twelve times more than the median for Black households. Statistics indicate that as many as one in four Black families have negative or zero net worth, wherein white families are one in ten. The gap appears to be widening. Between 1983 and 2013, Black householdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wealth decreased by seventyfive percent and Hispanic households by fifty percent. During the same time frame, white household wealth increased by fourteen percent. The Economic Policy Institute

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further reports that only ten percent of white families fall into the extremely poor category. In contrast, more than double, twenty-five percent of Black families fall in this category.

Franchising, the Great American Equalizer

Owning and operating a small business from the ground-up is a difficult path to take. Unless you have the means or support to float your family until you turn a profit, it is impossible. For minorities looking to break the glass ceiling for themselves, franchising provides a path to the American dream of business ownership. The franchise industry is actively recruiting franchise owners from minority communities because they understand that building equity within the communities they serve is key to their success. Owning a franchise is a way for people to rise above their circumstances and overcome things like not having the right connections, discrimination in the workplace, wageinequality, and other disparities. When investing in a franchise, you are no longer at the mercy of others, working to accumulate wealth for someone else. You are working for yourself, taking control of

your destiny, and securing your financial future. Earning a salary to cover the bills and maybe save a little is one thing. Owning a business that generates revenue even when you’re not there is something else entirely. Wealth opens doors to opportunities and gives you choices regarding your life and lifestyle, like if you’ll be able to send your kids to college or retire in old age. As a business owner, not only are minority franchisees growing their wealth, their status as a business owner allows them

to make a positive impact on their community.

Franchises Want Minority Owners

Franchising is a means to open up opportunities to people who might not otherwise have them. The franchise industry is making a concerted effort to attract minority investors. The 2010 Census indicates that nearly 49% of the population in America is considered a minority. Minority groups have had as much as 80% of the total population

“THE AMERICAN DREAM IS A PHRASE WE'LL HAVE TO WRESTLE WITH ALL OF OUR LIVES. IT MEANS A LOT OF THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. I THINK WE'RE REDEFINING IT NOW.” —Rita Dove WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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growth over the past several years. Franchisors recognize that success depends on attracting franchise owners who represent these growing minority communities. The hope is to increase diversity in franchising through targeted outreach to minority groups and interested individuals. Never before have so many franchises actively sought out minority owners as part of their growth strategy. Two projects: the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI) and the DiversityFran program, aim to recruit minorities and encourage them to invest in franchise opportunities. The goal of NMFI is to understand why there is such a gap in minority ownership

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and close it. They provide work with franchises to increase their minority representation. While DiversityFran seeks to educate minorities about how to become successful business owners through franchising.

Hope: Changing Demographics of Franchise Ownership in the US

The hope that many franchises have is to get to a place where their franchise system represents the American publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changing demographics. With some guidance, those who have been locked out of economic opportunity for generations have a way to make it happen. The American Dream is what makes our country unique.

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

The promise that anyone can be successful if they work hard enough is central to our American story. Franchise ownership can make that promise a reality. Franchises are most successful when they understand their customers and what they want. By giving community members an ownership stake, franchise companies and franchise owners drive success together. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Seth Lederman, a Franchise Acquisition and Development Specialist, is a Multifaceted entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in small business success, including ownership and sale of his own business enterprises. He is a frequent contributing author to The Franchise Journal and is on the exclusive Forbes Business Council. Contact him at 312-307-1297 or at seth@ thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.

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Couple Brings Professional Experience to Kitchen Tune-Up Takia and Steven Livingston, owners of Kitchen Tune-Up

Bloomfield, NJ, share their insights and advice for other franchisees.

Steven and Takia Livingston, owners of Kitchen Tune-Up Bloomfield, NJ, moved to the United States from Jamaica five years ago, and have always desired to own their own business. Takia is a trained dentist and Steven has a background in business development, and when they began pursuing business ownership, they knew they wanted to invest in a franchise. “We thought

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franchising would be the best model as it came with a support system,” said Takia. “We wouldn’t be starting from scratch. The toolbox that we have from our franchise would have taken us years to establish.” While neither Steven nor Takia have a background in kitchen remodeling, they knew franchising allowed them to go into an industry they would have otherwise been reluctant to go into without requisite knowledge. Now, in their second year with Kitchen Tune-Up, the Livingstons have established themselves as the go-to couple for kitchen remodeling in the Bloomfield, N.J. area. Within the first six months

of franchise-ownership, the Livingstons had won a national award for a kitchen remodeling project they completed. Since then, they have won two more national awards for their work. Takia shared her advice for other entrepreneurs. “Be patient, resilient, persistent and positive,” she said. “With that, success is a formula and not by chance.” She also shared that franchise ownership can feel scary at first, but will be one of the greatest joys one can ever experience. “After the numbers make sense, ensure the emotion makes sense. Will you love it {the work you are doing}? Ensure you understand that

WHILE NEITHER STEVEN NOR TAKIA HAVE A BACKGROUND IN KITCHEN REMODELING, THEY KNEW FRANCHISING ALLOWED THEM TO GO INTO AN INDUSTRY THEY WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN RELUCTANT TO GO INTO WITHOUT REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE.

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“TRUE SUCCESS FOR ME IS SEEING MY CLIENT’S JOY WHEN THEIR KITCHEN DREAMS BECOME REALITY.” —Takia Livingston

starting out it will be the most work you ever do. The first year is the toughest. It’s where you’re learning the business, the industry, and establishing relationships. After a few mistakes you realize there is nothing that can’t be handled. It really prepares you for the success to come.” While she is trained as a dentist by trade, Takia feels that training and

attention to detail carries over into the work they do remodeling kitchens for their clients. She has a passion for transforming spaces and helping others to visualize and realize their dreams. “True success for me is seeing my client’s joy when their kitchen dreams become reality,” she said. The Livingstons have big goals for their franchising future. In 2021, they plan

to grow their Kitchen TuneUp team and expand into a showroom in their community. Five years from now, their goal is to be the remodeler of choice for their neighborhood and enjoying a majority market share while continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of their customers, staff, and community. When the Livingstons are not working, they love spending time outdoors with their five-year-old daughter, Sage, and supporting their community through local events such as festivals, art expos, and other events.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Leading the Change with Your Head, Heart & Experience

hat happens when you rally the courage to sell your house, leave behind jobs and familiar life, move 1,500 miles, renovate and then open a new business during a global pandemic? You begin living your own success story, that’s what! As daunting as it all sounds, that’s the adventure Tory and Leslie Greer set out on last March. The Greers recently joined the Grease Monkey franchise family, officially opening their Webster, Texas center midJune, 2020. Both Tory and Leslie have plenty of useful career experience that led them to owning their Grease Monkey center. Her background is in finance and accounting. Tory has an impressive military background. With six years active duty in the Navy, and with the Air National Guard since 1997, he’s logged 29 years of service, and will retire at the end of this year. His expertise is as an electrician and diesel power production. Alongside his military career, Tory also spent 20 years with Verizon Communications, racking up invaluable networking expertise. So, what led to the decision to ditch traditional paths and become business owners?

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Tory remembers, “I was in Afghanistan in October, 2018, and knowing I was getting ready to come back to the States to my current job (laughs)… I thought, I want to do something different!” Leslie agreed, saying, “I wasn’t enjoying my job either.” They blended heads, hearts, and experience, and began their journey. They learned about the Grease Monkey franchise opportunity at a Franchise Expo in Houston. Once their business choice was clear, they made plans to relocate from Maryland to just outside Houston. Next came the site search for their dream, and Tory and Leslie nailed it. Excited by the high-traffic, corner location in Webster, Texas, the Greers took on the challenge of breathing new life into a 3-bay conversion center. The 1987 building needed serious TLC. In Leslie’s words, “It was a mess. It was vacant, and hadn’t been updated in years. Windows were cracked, the garage doors had missing windowpanes, there was oil everywhere.” She laughs now, but admits, “I was a little nervous about the building!” Tory, though, was ready to tap his lifetime of experience. “I did all the electrical and networking for the building myself, which worked out great during the pandemic. Everything was shut down, but I could work while waiting for contractors to paint and other things. That saved us a tremendous amount.” In all, renovation took about seven weeks – impressive, especially under the circumstances! The Greer operation is a family affair, with both son

Chris and nephew Skylar on board. Leslie handles courtesies and Tory says, “I manage the shop and plug myself in wherever needed.” Everyone is Grease Monkey Pit Crew Certified and prepared to provide exceptional service. Customers appreciate that the business is family-owned/ operated. Leslie tells us, “Texas is very different, and they love taking care of small businesses. We have a lot of love here!” Their priority is attracting more customers, which they do by keeping the customer #1. They say the competition can’t compare! The family aspect sets them apart, but it goes beyond that. Tory

says, “I’m also a stand-up comedian!” – which helps put customers at ease. And Leslie calls herself “the therapist.” Customers open up to her while in the lobby, and really respond to the comfort and sincerity offered by the Greers. “When people leave here, they’re very impressed with what we’ve done. They say how nice we are, what good

“OPENING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IN THE MIDDLE OF COVID IS A TESTAMENT THAT YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO.” —Leslie Greer

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service, but it’s really just who we are naturally!” Proof that the Greers walk the talk is their continued five-star Google rating. A recent customer told Tory, “A mechanic shop with five stars… I’ve got to see this!” Leslie adds, “We tell our customers Grease Monkey is oil changes and more – you just got ‘the more!’” When it comes to their team, the Greers cite integrity and ensuring employees are doing things the Grease Monkey way as most important. Says Tory, that’s why buying into a proven franchise works so well for him. “It’s a tried and true method. That’s what we bought into. There’s a reason things are done a certain way, and we don’t deviate.” It goes back to his military

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background –follow the process or else you might pay the ultimate price. They don’t have to remind their employees because, as Tory says, “Our employees believe in the dream, too!” In recognition of Black History Month, Leslie offers the following advice: “Opening your own business in the middle of COVID is a testament that you can do anything you put your mind to. COVID has been a great opportunity for people to reinvent themselves. Minorities should pursue the dream as much as any other ethnicity. We shy away from it for different reasons, but that’s why Tory and I like to tell our story, hopefully as encouragement to

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somebody. Look into a dream if you have it.” Tory is proud to say, “We did this without incurring any debt. We paid cash. I took my pension and 401(k) and used that money to start the business. We are starting debt-free.” The Greers have taught Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at their church 12 times, and now they’re reaping the rewards of sticking to those proven financial principles. We can’t wait to see the next chapter of the Greer’s success story as Grease Monkey franchisees! For info on Grease Monkey franchise opportunities, go to www.greasemonkeyfranchise. com.

www.franexpousa.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

How One Man’s Retirement Began Franchise Journey

to Generational Success

pon retiring from a career at Dow Chemical that spanned more than a decade, Billy Duncan knew – about six months into retirement – that the change in pace was not for him. Having gone from the fast-moving sector of global purchasing, where his team helped manage a $10 billion annual spend and had roughly 500 direct reports, Billy was itching to fill his time with something productive. Given his years of experience and passion for business, Billy decided to re-enter the business world – this time, however, he wanted to start his own. Starting your own business can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, especially if you’re launching a startup, which is why Billy made the decision early on to open a franchise. He wanted support with triedand-true systems in place, but above all he wanted to leave a legacy behind for his family. He quickly realized he had the ability to make a long-standing dream a reality: create generational wealth and opportunity for years to come. After working with a franchise consultant

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to vet opportunities, Billy encountered Real Property Management (RPM), a Neighborly Company. After meeting with the RPM, the franchise seemed to check all the boxes. The culture was tight knit and familylike (similar to what he was trying to achieve with his own business), and the team brought years of experience, support and a proven business model. The low initial investment fee was also attractive as Billy was able to leverage his 401(k) to make

Billy Duncan and his daughter Tayla Duncan

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the purchase as opposed to taking out a loan. As the largest property management franchise in North America, RPM has more than 30 years of industry expertise and provides fullservice residential property management for thousands of investors and rental home owners. With its 300-plus franchises across the country, plus the support of its parent company, Neighborly, Billy felt confident with the backing of a national brand and the strong network of peers to

lean on for advice. As he worked to get the business up and running, one of Billy’s three daughters became particularly interested in joining the venture. Tayla Duncan, at 28 years old, was already following her father’s footsteps by working for Dow Chemical as well when she decided to join the family business. Today, Billy and Tayla manage more than 200 residential properties and their business has been a rising-star within the RPM network for the last six years. Tayla is laser focused on the day-to-day operations, which includes managing all aspects of property management – leasing, rent collection, bookkeeping, inspection and maintenance. Billy maintains a strategic position where he focuses his energies on expanding the business. The secret to the fatherdaughter duo’s success? Respect and integrity – not only for every single client, but for each other. Two generations working together in business is bound to present differences in personality and work style, but the two have embraced these differences and leveraged them to grow forward together, driving the success of their business. Looking ahead, Tayla is making her mark on the

THE SECRET TO THE FATHERDAUGHTER DUO’S SUCCESS? RESPECT AND INTEGRITY – NOT ONLY FOR EVERY SINGLE CLIENT, BUT FOR EACH OTHER. growth of the business with no signs of slowing. While Billy has no intention of retiring again, he’s made it very clear that his No. 1 goal is to see Tayla grow within their small business, eventually inherit it and pass it along to her future children and beyond for many generations to come. If you are interested in more information about owning a Neighborly/Neighbourly brand

franchise, and its franchise concepts, click here. https://www.neighborlybrands. com/ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brad Stevenson is Chief Development Officer for Neighborly. In this role as a key member of the organization’s growth team, Brad is a driving force behind developing and implementing Neighborly’s aggressive strategic initiatives for North American franchise development.

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DYNAMIC DUO

Minority and Veteran Business Owners Find Success in Short-Term Rental Space

iTrip Vacations Galveston, a short-term

rental property management franchise in Texas, launched in 2017, when Winter and Lonnie Bush decided to leverage their professional and business

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experience and start a new venture. With a corporate background in brand marketing and sales, Winter Bush runs the local marketing and business development while U.S. Navy Veteran and licensed home inspector, Lonnie Bush, handles the operations and management aspects. “We were experienced in the real estate industry and familiar with rental property management,” says Winter Bush, iTrip Vacations Galveston co-owner. “Learning about the iTrip Vacations franchise opportunity was serendipitous. The fit was ideal for our

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experiences, but timing was also pivotal.” The consistent growth of the private accommodations industry enticed this dynamic duo to launch a franchise business in an area they love. Galveston is a historic island off the Texas Gulf Coast that has attracted beach lovers for over a century. “We love Galveston and all that it offers. This affinity dates back to childhood visits with my family,” says Winter. “In addition, Galveston's history and architecture are unlike any other place in the nation,” adds Lonnie Bush, coowner. “Galveston is so much

more than the beach. It’s a destination with activities for everyone.” iTrip Vacations Galveston provides world-class services to rental owners that include: free light maintenance, competitive management fees and worldwide marketing exposure. The team professionally manages all bookings, cleanings, inspections and customer service – all while helping owners increase their revenue. “Great rental property managers see themselves as an integral part of the success of their client's investment strategy,” says Winter. “We offer advice, guidance and support in different rental property management aspects that benefit property owners and subsequently visiting guests.” While 2020 presented obstacles the private accommodations industry had never seen, the Bush’s business continued to thrive. As travelers searched for safer, more spacious accommodations – such as those provided by short-term rentals – the need for iTrip Vacations Galveston increased. “Owning and operating a local short-term rental property management company presents rewards and challenges,” says Winter. “The most fulfilling aspect of operating our iTrip franchise business is seeing our vision come to fruition year after year. It's like watching a child transition from an infant to a toddler – it's not always easy, but it is very rewarding.” The franchise uses sophisticated technology,

award-winning software and strategic processes as part of a full-service rental property management program provided to rental homeowners and investors. Through award-winning software, owner clients can easily access earning reports, online statements, bookings and calendars, and guest reviews. “Our greatest success in 2020 has been to build our presence in the Galveston market,” says Winter. “In addition to increasing the number of properties we manage, we also built synergistic relationships with other local business owners. We firmly believe in community over competition, as there is enough room for everyone to become successful.” Travelers who book with iTrip Vacations Galveston receive unparalleled customer service and attention. This personal

approach not only keeps customers coming back, but it is one of the main reasons guests refer their family and friends. iTrip Vacations offers a franchise model for a reasonable fee and delivers an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to work from the comfort of home – in an area they love. Franchisees also benefit from no inventory or storefront or warehouse to manage. “Fellow iTrip franchise owners have also been integral in our success and growth through sharing best practices and being great overall support,” Winter says. “We look forward to what the future holds for our business. The sky’s the limit!” To contact iTrip Vacations Galveston, call 409-515-1973. For franchise information, contact Vickie Storm with iTrip Vacations at 615-669-8457. https://www.itrip.net/galveston

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

DWAYNE MURRAY & MELISSA FLORES

Passionate, Courageous, and Powerful

began my “entrepreneurial” career at the young age of 19, in 2001. In partnership with two other gentlemen, we launched Gametime Entertainment. Gametime, was an independent record label that had some flash, a little sizzle, but not enough heat, flavor or cash for its day. The tragic death of our lead artist made headlines and ultimately put to bed that dream. A few years later, after graduate school, I opened a 10-bed assisted living facility. It was an initial success, but unfortunately, my business partner, became less than “integrous” and

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that combined with the “great recession” ended that venture. In considerable debt, fearful of entrepreneurship, I retreated into “Corporate America” to climb the proverbial ladder and sleep forevermore. April 24th, 2013 a bolt of pain hit my heart, shattered me to my core and “awoke” me from my slumber. The premature death of my wife made clear to me that life, health and time once gone aren’t replaceable. In her death, the fear that crippled me and held me in the “corner of life” was removed.

“IF NOT NOW, WHEN? IF NOT ME THEN WHO?” January 2016, I opened the Dwayne Murray Agency Inc., a State Farm Insurance & Financial Services Firm in North Las Vegas. With this venture came a new set of challenges, rewards, and the insatiable appetite of “what else could I do”. Luckily, for this leg of the story, the good lord above, seen me fit for another partner. Not a business partner (not at first) but a friend and a love to replenish what I lost. With this new love, came

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a new family, a son and a 2nd daughter. Now with a family of 5, Melissa and I realized quickly, that we needed to come up with bigger and broader plans for our family. Having been in talks with Brian Pearson (our Certified Franchise Executive) over the years, Melissa and I sat down with Brian in July 2020 to review several franchise ideas. During the interview process he asked us a question that I will never forget. He says, “Dwayne, Melissa, I talk with many prospects and we go through the goals of what they want. Many say, they want a semi-absentee model, that allows them freedom and flexibility. But when I tell them, that is great to hear, here is a porta-potty business that gives you all that you desire, they tell me no, I’ll pass. What are your thoughts?” Melissa and I looked at each other and simultaneously, said to Brian, “that’s perfect!” we wouldn’t mind a porta-potty business at all”. About a week later in comes Brian with 5 concepts that he wanted us to look at. The fifth and final one he presented was RedBox+, a combo porta-potty dumpster venture that was

“DWAYNE, MELISSA, I TALK WITH MANY PROSPECTS AND WE GO THROUGH THE GOALS OF WHAT THEY WANT. MANY SAY, THEY WANT A SEMI-ABSENTEE MODEL, THAT ALLOWS THEM FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY. BUT WHEN I TELL THEM, THAT IS GREAT TO HEAR, HERE IS A PORTA-POTTY BUSINESS THAT GIVES YOU ALL THAT YOU DESIRE, THEY TELL ME NO, I’LL PASS. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?” MELISSA AND I LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND SIMULTANEOUSLY, SAID TO BRIAN, “THAT’S PERFECT!” WE WOULDN’T MIND A PORTA-POTTY BUSINESS AT ALL.” —Duane Murray, Owner, RedBox+ Franchise

patent protected. Melissa and I loved the idea, but knew we didn’t meet all of the requirements. Brian asked that we follow the process as he laid out during the due diligence process and fly out to Corporate Headquarters in Minnesota to “discovery day”. In Minnesota, I had the opportunity to meet the founder Jeff and Heather Matejka, have dinner with the CEO Josh Skolnick, and golf with the CFO Greg Blaszczynski. I knew this was it. I called back home to Melissa, “we definitely should do this”. Unsure, if we would qualify for an SBA loan, Zach Beutler, the Chief Development Officer and Greg got me on the line with their lender and before leaving home, we were signing our FDD. I believe our story shows that as an entrepreneur, you must get comfortable sitting with problems longer than

others, to come to a solution. The challenges, personal and professionally will always be there but never accept “no” and to pursue your dreams in the face of all adversity.

Dwayne Murray with friend and certified franchise executive, Brian Pearson.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Options for Senior America

Celebrates Black History Month

Options for Senior America has awarded units to two Black franchisees.

he first franchise in Lake County, Indiana is owned and operated by Bridgette Knight. With her background as a Registered Nurse and someone who has had experience in multiple acute care settings such as Medical, Surgical, Acute Rehab, and Case Management, Bridgette was poised for success from day one. She has a strong love for the elderly and is an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Bridgette provides exceptional customer services to all her clients. She is the recipient of the national Best of Home Care Award from SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America. Winners of the SeniorAdvisor.com Best of

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Home Care Awards represent the top tier of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior living providers, based on online reviews written by seniors and their families. This exclusive designation places Options-Lake County, IN among the top one percent of senior care providers according to SeniorAdvisor. com. Of the nearly 45,000 providers considered, just over 610 were recognized with this prestigious award. One of Bridgetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients, Sheri E., posted â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will always

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be thankful for Options. When dad suddenly passed away, my sisters and I tried to pick up the 24-hour care my mom needed. With limited vision, diabetes, dementia and frequent falls, she could not be left alone. We heard about Options and they came to meet my mom and us. It was an instant connection. They were angels that came to us in one of the darkest times of our lives. These girls took excellent care of my mom. They became family, sisters and daughters to my mom.

They brought her to picnics, parties and holidays. Bridgette and her team were great to work with. And the girls she sent were so loving and caring. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say enough about this agency. They will always be very special to this family.â&#x20AC;? Another franchise in Atlanta, GA is owned and operated by Phillip Evans. Phillip was introduced to Options by an FCC franchise consultant. He is a mechanical engineer with no prior knowledge of the senior care industry. Phillip had a background in manufacturing and project management. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to exit corporate America and embark on a road towards financial independence. He liked the concept of senior care because of its growth potential and the fact that it is recession proof, a lucrative business and a way to contribute to the community while improving the lives of others. Options for Senior America provided the answers to his quest. With his business acumen, Phillip bought an existing territory that guaranteed him incoming cash from the day he opened the franchise. Phillip is a visionary operations leader and a collaborative problem solver. His background in process improvement, project management, and negotiation skills was applied to his franchise to operate and manage care for his clients. His consistency in meeting his commitments with integrity served as a big asset in his

new role as owner of a senior care franchise. From the first month of his operation, Phillip was determined to grow his franchise and that he did. He has a calm demeanor and acute listening skills that prove to be very useful and needed in the field of senior care. His success in his franchise is partly a result of his character and personality and partly because of his determination and drive.

Both Bridgette and Phillip have become an integral part of the Options franchise system and the Options family of franchise owners. They have offered their help and generously shared areas of their expertise with other Options franchise owners. www.optionscorp.com

PHILLIP LIKED THE CONCEPT OF SENIOR CARE BECAUSE OF ITS GROWTH POTENTIAL AND THE FACT THAT IT IS RECESSION PROOF, A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS AND A WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY WHILE IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Yves M. Mombeleur

A Pioneer On Social Enterprise at CDFI

Yves M. Mombeleur

currently serves as the Chief Fund Officer for Clearinghouse CDFI and Managing Director of FVLCRUM Partners LLC where he is responsible for off-balance sheet investments dedicated to minority wealth creation through private equity, venture capital, debt, and other financial instruments. Mr. Mombeleur is an executive with over twenty-five years of industry leadership, expertise, and management. He is a pioneer on social enterprise and has consistently challenged all businesses to actively work towards a more equitable economy centered on inclusion of all people. His areas of expertise include diversity and inclusion initiatives, community engagement, training, sustainable business growth, banking, regulatory and compliance measures. Previoiusly he served as Community Outreach Officer, Director of Community Development, CRA and CDFI Executive Director, and National Program Manager for Community Revitalization Program helping banks

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actualize commitments as socially responsible organizations while serving as subject matter expert in community engagement. During his tenure, Mr. Mombeleur created the robust donation program that eventually donated over 3,000 homes to nonprofits across the US while also selling thousands more in attempt to create and sustain affordable housing inventory. Mr. Mombeleur also led the foreclosure intervention efforts by helping pilot the Homeownership Centers that

Asian Inc., honored by the Florida Housing Coalition, National Association of Black Real Estate Brokers Women’s Council, National Asian American Coalition, Leadership Award in New Jersey, and the Georgia State Legislature cited him as a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness. Mr. Mombeleur is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a B.A. He also has graduate degrees from The Lake Forest Graduate School of

Leadership. Previously, he served on the Opportunity Finance Network Equity Board, Los Angeles Mayor’s Council on Women and STEM Initiative, Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board and Consumer Credit Counseling of Dallas Board. He also coaches Little League Baseball and Boys & Girls Youth Soccer. Social equity is not a fad and it simply makes good business sense to employ a workforce that reflects our very diverse country but for the dollars and cents folk, it provides competitive

SOCIAL EQUITY IS NOT A FAD AND IT SIMPLY MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE TO EMPLOY A WORKFORCE THAT REFLECTS OUR VERY DIVERSE COUNTRY BUT FOR THE DOLLARS AND CENTS FOLK, IT PROVIDES COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ADVANTAGE.

provided relief to struggling homeowners during our last housing crisis. Mr. Mombeleur has been a Director for a national Fund that focused on affordable housing and economic stabilization through job creation. His Fund provided capital to nonprofits and small businesses nationwide. The Fund also acquired, rehabbed, and sold formerly distressed properties in 28 states. Mr. Mombeleur has been named person of the year by

Management in Chicago (MBA with a specialization in Finance) and Jurisprudence Degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Mr. Mombeleur currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for Instituto de Avance Latino, Board Member of the Girl Scout of San Gorgonio Council, the Safety Center (Sacramento), Latino Coalition, Advisory Board of Bushnell University (Eugene, OR) and Special Advisor to the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic

business advantage. Lending to historically disenfranchised businesses must be part of the corporate strategy which will ensure (bottom line) no missed opportunities. We are not a homogeneous group of folk but an analysis of loans from lenders all-across the board may lead one to this false conclusion. There are real opportunities to engage (make money) AND to do the right thing. Easy as 1,2, 3.

Now, let’s make it happen.

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www.dieselbarbershop.com

Diesel Barbershop is the modern-day version of the vintage corner barbershop and appeals to what today’s customers want in a haircut experience: Awesome barbershop with a real man-cave feel!

Why Should You Become a Diesel B arbershop Fran chisee? ü Allows you to maintain your full-time employment if you want to

ü Local Area Representative helps support

Services offered include haircuts, shaves, beard trims, hot towel, shoulder & scalp massages, waxing and product sales

Franchisees

ü As an owner, you manage the managers & the financials. A CEO role.

ü ü ü ü

Technology Proof & Recession Resistant Extremely high repeat clientele Single and multiple shops are available Corporate helps find sites, manage Letter of Intent, Lease Negotiations and aids in Construction Management

ü Requires approx. 1,250 sq. feet of retail space ü Average Total single shop investment is approximately $350,000 - $400,000

ü Solid income potential (via Item 19 in FDD) ü Strong average ticket per customer

Diesel Fills a Much Needed Niche

ü The haircare industry has an annual revenue of $26 billion ü The barbershop industry has an annual revenue approaching $2 billion ü Barbershops are the fastest growing segment of the haircare industry ü With 81% of current salons failing to implement barbershop-focused marketing, this leaves a wide gap waiting to be filled

*Diesel Barbershop, LLC does not make or endorse, nor does it allow any representative or other individual to make or endorse, any oral, written, visual, or other claim or representation that states or suggests any level or range of actual or potential sales, costs, income, expenses, profits, cash flow, or otherwise with respect to a Diesel Barbershop franchise other than those contained in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Zoup! Spotlights Three Successful Franchise Owners during Black History Month To celebrate Black History Month, Zoup! would like to highlight not one, but three exceptional franchise owners that have shown commitment, perseverance, and heart during an extremely difficult year. The common thread is a passion for their business, their teams and serving their communities. Zoup! could not be any prouder to share their stories. Earl Harris

ZOUP! FRANCHISE OWNER Bloomf ield, MI

Eric & Dia Ames

MULTI-UNIT ZOUP! FRANCHISE OWNERS Delaware Eric and Dia Ames both left careers in financial services to open their first Zoup! restaurant in Wilmington, DE in 2013 and their second location in Newark in 2016. In the true sense of a family business, husband, wife and both sons work together to manage the two busy restaurants. The Ames family live Zoup!’s core values, especially “Passion for the Brand.” This passion brought them worldwide TikTok

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fame with a viral “12 Days of Christmas” video in 2020. Dia’s TikTok account grew from 20 followers to 13,000 and earned 1 million likes in one week. The hashtags #zoupeatery and #zoupdelaware have gained over 50 million views, boosting Zoup's brand awareness to previously untapped markets. The Ames family’s embrace of the Zoupsim “Have Fun, Be Proud” was rewarded with a new market of zealous fans helping to spread the word about Zoup! WATCH THE AMES TIKTOK: https://vm.tiktok.com/ ZMJv5DT6C/

FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM

Earl Harris opened his Zoup! restaurant in Bloomfield, MI, it was also the first newly redesigned and rebranded Zoup! Eatery, on January 20, 2020. Coincidentally his dream of opening a restaurant came to fruition on Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Earl’s love of cooking and hosting made his transition from management at a national cable company to restauranteur an easy one. The expanded

menu offerings, prime real estate, and Harris’s vast network of friends, family, and business contacts helped the new restaurant open with strong sales and an active fan base. What he did not expect was the pandemic that hit the entire country two months after he opened his doors. Earl and his team were quick to respond by launching and adhering to strict a cleanliness protocol, retrofitting the restaurant with transparent safety dividers, offering new curbside pick-up service, and executing direct and thirdparty deliveries quickly and accurately. The growing catering business also shifted gears to offer menu items focused on individually packaged boxed lunches and “on-thego” buffet options. The shift in operations was an easy redirect for the agile, passionate team that Earl had cultivated and trained during the weeks leading up to his restaurant’s open. The Zoup! Bloomfield team continues to work hard and eagerly look forward to welcoming guests back into the restaurant for the dine-in service they love. CHECK OUT THE NEW ZOUP! MODEL (HARRIS’S RESTAURANT) ON THE FRANCHISE HOMEPAGE: www.zoupfranchise.com

Tonisha & Vincent Bryant

FRANCHISE OWNERS Southf ield, MI Tonisha and Vincent Bryant opened their Zoup! restaurant in Southfield in 2017, nearly 20 years after the opening of the original Zoup! Fresh Soup Company only 5 miles away. Being familiar with the Zoup! brand, residents and workers were thrilled to have another location to serve the growing population. Tonisha claims that her years being a registered nurse and mother helped her transition into the role of restaurant owner. All three roles demand compassion, understanding and a good ear for listening. Bryant strives to be a role model as a business owner, not

only for her children, but for her community. She takes great pride in owning a business and serving quality food that her family can be proud of. That commitment to the Bryant family business has helped keep them afloat during an unprecedented year, where “work from home” orders emptied the business park surrounding their restaurant. The local neighborhood residents continue to frequent their Zoup! and show Tonisha’s team just how grateful they are to have their local go-to for “comfort in a bowl.” HEAR MORE ABOUT TONISHA AND VINCENT’S BACKSTORY HERE: www.zoupfranchise.com/ franchisees/tonisha-bryant/

EARL AND HIS TEAM WERE QUICK TO RESPOND (TO THE PANDEMIC) BY LAUNCHING AND ADHERING TO STRICT A CLEANLINESS PROTOCOL...AND EXECUTING DIRECT AND THIRD-PARTY DELIVERIES QUICKLY AND ACCURATELY. WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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JOIN THE LEADER IN LARGE-FORMAT PRINTING Why SpeedPro? B2B model All-inclusive startup package Unlimited scalability High gross profit margin Non-retail hours Few employees needed Fast-paced, creative business KickStart Program Initial and ongoing training as your business grows Best in class support in a growing and exciting industry

Pathways to Ownership New Studio Start-ups: SpeedPro has available territories all over the U.S. and Canada, underscoring the opportunity to open and build your large-format printing business wherever you reside. Resales: SpeedPro Resales are a great fit for anyone interested in buying an established business.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPEEDPRO FRANCHISING, CONTACT: 888.598.5065 live@speedprofranchising.com SpeedProFranchising.com SPEEDPRO.COM 2020 SpeedPro â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All Rights Reserved. This ad does not constitute an offer. Financial Performance Representations (FPRs) are made based on our Franchise Disclosure Document. Your results may vary.

www.thedonutexperiment.com

Why You Should Become a Donut Experiment Franchisee • Retail Specialty Donut/Coffees • Strong Catering Model • Semi-Absentee - Allows Zee to maintain full-time employment if wanted • Owners Role- Manage the managers & the financials. A CEO type role as the owner. • Excellent Income Possible • Corporate finds sites, manages Letter of Intent, Lease Negotiations and handles Construction Management • Requires 1,200 square ft. retail space • $275K - $300K Total Investment • Excellent income potential (via Item 19) • Single, Multi-Shop & Area Representative (Master) Licenses Available • Great Hours! 7:00 - 1:00 • No Experience necessary • Few Employees • Fun, Simple to Manage Restaurant

Investment Details • Average Single Shop investment is approximately $275K - $300K • Net Worth required is $500,000 • Liquid Capital required is $100,000

Contact us today to find out how you too could own your own The Donut Experiment Franchise! TheDonutExperimentInfo@r7fdc.com

*TDE Franchising, LLC does not make or endorse, nor does it allow any representative or other individual to make or endorse, any oral, written, visual, or other claim or representation that states or suggests any level or range of actual or potential sales, costs, income, expenses, profits, cash flow, or otherwise with respect to The Donut Experiment franchise other than those contained in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Q&A

Q & A with ecomaids Franchise Partner

Maisha Cox Can you tell us a bit about the business and what lead you to ecomaids? Maisha: ecomaids is part of the Happinest Brands of home services and ecomaids is an entirely green and eco-friendly residential and light commercial cleaning business. We are safe for your family, your pets, and our environment. What is your background? Maisha: I have a background in product management in the Hospitality industry. I am an engineer with my MBA. I enjoyed problem solving and making my customers happy. One of my biggest accomplishments was developing a new way to build a product and earned a patent. How did you find your way to business ownership? Maisha: I have spent my career in corporate environments and when the opportunity through a downsize due to the pandemic presented itself, I decided it was time to look at f ranchising. I have always wanted to own my own business and it felt like the right time to take the leap. I wanted to build something for myself and my familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

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What was it about ecomaids that stood out to you? Maisha:ecomaids resonated with me because it leveraged my strengths in customer service and customer relationship building. ecomaids provides the backend support to help me build my business through systems, the sales center, demand creation through digital marketing efforts and the technology to manage the day to day. I recognized that while I had strengths, there were areas I lacked and ecomaids could fill in those areas for me.

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What are you most excited about as an ecomaids franchise partner? Maisha:I am enjoying developing and inspiring my ecotech teams. I want to build a business that values our employees. Together we are and will continue to make a positive impact on our community. We will continue to build long and meaningful relationships while making a profit together!

Your Home Thoughtfully Clean The Green Clean Customers Need At ecomaids, we help franchisees tap into the vast supply of consumers who want eco-friendly solutions for their home cleaning needs. Our safe, natural cleaning products, and our thorough 64-point checklist, help us shine brighter than anyone else in the industry.

Why Our Franchisees Love Our Spotless Opportunity

In House Financing

In House Marketing

Proud to offer $10,000 Discounts to Military Veterans, First Responders and ethnic minorities

Recurring Revenue

Available to qualified candidates

Corporate call center to close sales

Repeat customer business model

High-Demand for Green Business

Better for Planet Earth

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a Happinest Company

People want safe, natural products

Keep chemicals out of the environment

Franchise experts with 50 years of experience

To get more info on this eco opportunity, contact: 855-424-8683 or franchiseinformation@ecomaids.com

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Two Pandemic-Proof Businesses Wrapped Up In One

hy own sought after, in demand business when you can own two at the same time – and for the same price? This is what makes Accelerated Waste Solutions, the rising star of the valet trash and junk removal industries, such a compelling investment opportunity. By offering both valet trash and junk removal services,

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“WE’RE IN BUSINESS TO HELP ENTREPRENEURS TAKE WHAT WE’VE CREATED AND THRIVE AS BUSINESS OWNERS.” — Fred Tomlin, CEO and Co-Founder of AWS our franchise owners are able to own two complementary businesses that are built on recurring revenue and longterm, sticky contracts with property managers who need our services. Already serving more than 10,000 apartment complexes throughout 20 states, AWS

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makes it easy for property managers to hire us. Valet trash is a popular amenity for apartment tenants, and modern apartment complexes are being built for this service in mind. It makes sense. Valet trash services help keep complexes safer, cleaner, and provides

a necessary convenience for the tenants. Property owners don’t have to pay for the services either, they simply pass on the expense to the tenants and benefit from the additional revenue stream. And by providing junk removal, AWS takes the entire trash problem out of the property managers’ hands. They only have to work with one company for both trash pickup and the removal of the trash from their property. “Now is the best time to invest in an AWS franchise,” says Fred Tomlin, CEO and co-founder of AWS. “The services that we provide are a win-win-win: for us, the renters, and property management companies. Property managers get to offer a service that residents have come to expect, while growing their net operating income at the same time. Over the last decade in business, we’ve proven that this is a great business to be in. It’s simple to run, quick to scale, and the recurring revenue streams means that it has the potential for longterm growth. We cannot

wait for entrepreneurs to join our franchise family as we become the premier valet trash services franchise in the nation.” AWS VALET TRASH AND JUNK HAULING FRANCHISE IS AFFORDABLE TO OWN Owning two businesses doesn’t mean that it’s more expensive to invest. On the contrary, AWS believes that more entrepreneurs should go into business for themselves, and this

commitment is reflected in our low costs of ownership. The total cost to f ranchise with Accelerated Waste Solutions ranges f rom $134,054 to $273,700. This cost includes both the Doorstep Details and Junk Shot businesses, and covers the entire cost of equipment, use of our proprietary technology, patented apps, f ranchise support and more. AWS offers generous territories of up to 250,000 people or 7,000 apartment complexes

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don’t have to. This business changed our lives for the better, and now we can’t wait to help more entrepreneurs change their lives, too. We’re excited to rapidly grow across the United States as we become the premier brand for valet trash and junk removal going forward!”

to ensure that you have the population necessary to own a thriving valet trash and junk hauling business. “We’re in business to help entrepreneurs take what we’ve created and thrive as business owners,” Tomlin says. “We’ve done the work in

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terms of proving this model, creating the systems and processes, and investing in the support inf rastructure – and now our f ranchise owners will get to take what we’ve made and build a brighter future for themselves. We’ve made the mistakes so you

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READY TO OPEN AN ACCELERATED WASTE SOLUTIONS FRANCHISE? To begin a conversation, simply fill out an application on this website or click here to download our free Franchise Information Report. We can’t wait to learn more about you! acceleratedwastefranchise.com Fred Tomlin Jr. (C.E.O.) & Sherrod Hunter (Pres.), are the African-American co-founders of the USA's Only Junk Removal App, JUNK SHOT! This minority led franchise business, is a National Leader in niche waste & recycling.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Fetch! of the West After earning both an Undergraduate

and Graduate Degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Natasha, a Los Angeles native, spent thirteen years working in Law Enforcement, as a Juvenile Probation Officer. Ennis, a Las Vegas native, who is also a University of Las Vegas graduate, worked in Law Enforcement for ten years before entering the Sales industry which subsequently led to a successful career in Wealth Management. After starting a family, the couple had many conversations about opening a business, possibly a franchise, but did not put forth the effort to make it happen, as it seemed impossible. However, as the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughters, Lennox and Lauryn, grew older, freedom and flexibility became a priority and it was decided that it was time to take a leap. This decision was reinforced by the onset of Covid-19 which brought with it an added layer of stress as Natashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job became increasingly difficult and unpredictable. After sitting down and having a serious discussion about opening a business, Ennis and Natasha began working with a Franchise Consultant who would guide them through the process of finding a franchise

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that would best fit their family and lifestyle. The process was intensive and required a lot of work, however it was worth it. After many phone calls and virtual meetings with different franchise owners and franchisees, it was decided that Fetch! Pet Care, a provider of pet care services, is where the family would land. Working with a spouse can be a blessing and a challenge,

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and through this journey, what the couple already knew (they are opposites) was solidified but they quickly learned that this would work in their favor. Rather than focus on the potential pitfalls of this type of business relationship, they focused on the advantages and now have a better understanding of themselves and how their different personality will lead to great success.

Take the lead

on your career and run with our pack Fetch! Pet Care® is America’s largest and most trusted professional dog walking and pet sitting franchise. We offer an affordable, ﬂexible and turnkey solution designed to enable you to become successfully self employed. We streamline all operations for you and provide you with marketing, technology and operational support needed to grow your business in the booming $70 billion pet industry. We invite you to learn more about being part of our growing family! Low Cost

Fast Start Up

Booming Industry

https://petfranchisingopportunities.com | franchise@fetchpetcare.com WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021 209

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Jonathan Clark Care Patrol Franchise Owner in Durham & Chapel Hill, NC I am a Care Patrol franchise owner in

Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I am honored and privileged to be the beneficiary of the African-Americans that have paid the ultimate price to make this possible for me. I am the product of my grandparents and greatgrandparents who were sharecroppers in the state of Georgia. They could only dream of becoming African-American business owners, which makes Black History Month even more significant for me. There is not a day that goes by that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of them in my pursuit to

MY GRANDFATHER

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help others find a safe place to transition to. Truthfully, it was beyond a stretch to imagine myself being the owner of a successful business. As a proud graduate of Texas Southern University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas, I spent many years in the corporate world fine tuning my sales, customer service, and marketing skills, which prepared me for the world that I work in today. After leaving Corporate America, every career opportunity that I focused on led me to the geriatric business. As the owner of a Care Patrol Franchise, I am part of the less than five percent of African-Americans who own Senior Placement agencies. It is rewarding to know that I have been able to help families that look like me, who had no idea where to start when looking for a community to place their loved one. In a profession that lacks minority representation, it is important for Af ricanAmerican families to know that there is someone with expertise in Senior Care Placement, who understands their struggles with finding a safe place to transition their loved ones for care.

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"IT IS REWARDING TO KNOW THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP FAMILIES THAT LOOK LIKE ME, WHO HAD NO IDEA WHERE TO START WHEN LOOKING FOR A COMMUNITY TO PLACE THEIR LOVED ONE."

"IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH, I WILL CONTINUE TO THINK OF MY GRANDPARENTS AND GREAT-GRANDPARENTS IN MY PURSUIT TO GROW MY BUSINESS AND TO CONTINUE TO HELP THOSE WHOSE LOVED ONES NEED PLACEMENT." I had a personal experience with Senior Placement when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease in 2000. My grandmother had eight kids, and caring for her by family committee was not a viable care plan. Unfortunately, we did not know that agencies like Care Patrol existed, so our only resource for placement help was the social worker at the hospital. Had there been someone like myself available at that time, it would have made the placement process less intimidating and less difficult for our family. In closing, in recognition of Black History Month, I will continue to think of my grandparents and greatgrandparents in my pursuit to grow my business and to continue to help those whose loved ones need placement. Happy Black History Month from Care Patrol of Durham and Chapel Hill, NC. ABOUT JONATHAN CLARK Jonathan considers himself fortunate to serve seniors and their families as they navigate the oftentimes challenging process of finding the best possible senior living community. https://www.carepatrol.com/advisors/ jonathan-clark/

WLLIE & JESSIE CLARK

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TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Too Young To Retire

Couple And Their Son Bring The Top Mobile Flooring Franchise To Dallas, Texas Area

ired of traveling. Corporate buyout. Empty nesters. Too young to retire. Take all four ingredients, mix together and you have the perfect recipe for a new career and new direction in life as a franchise owner. That's exactly what Mike and Daphne Williams cooked up as newly minted franchisees with Floor Coverings International, visiting customers' homes in a Mobile Flooring Showroom stocked with thousands of flooring samples from top manufacturers. The Plano, Texas couple's Floor Coverings International North Park/ Dallas franchise serves clients throughout Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, Lake Highlands and White Rock. Mike Williams, 55, spent 30 years in medical device sales and management and most recently was regional sales director for a global medical device manufacturer. Having tired of a rigorous travel schedule, Williams took advantage of a buyout opportunity. Daphne Williams was a stay-atÂhome mom to the couple's now grown sons and always had a passion for home improvement projects. Mike's

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buyout package included the services of a franchise consultant and that's when the couple discovered Floor Coverings International. "We were too young to retire and after 30 years in the corporate world, I was ready to tap into my entrepreneurial drive and be my own boss;' said Mike. The couple's youngest son, Miller, will also be assisting in the new family business while remotely attending college. In Floor Coverings International, the Williams' found a company that has tripled in size since 2005 by putting a laser focus on consumer buying habits and expressed desires, its impressive operating model, growth ability, marketing, advertising and merchandising. Floor Coverings International further separates itself from the competition through its customer experience, made up of several simple and integrated steps that exceed customers' expectations. "People are doing more home projects now and consumer spending is shifting from vacations to home improvement, so I believe the market is very strong;' Mike Williams said.

ABOUT FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL Floor Coverings International is the #7 Mobile Flooring Franchise in North America. Utilizing a unique in-home experience, the mobile showroom comes directly to the customer's door with more than 3,000 flooring choices. Floor Coverings International has 7 50plus locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with plenty of opportunity for continued ex-

pansion in 2020. For franchise information, please visit www. flooring-franchise.com and to find your closest location, www floorcoveringsinternational.com.

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grow a healthy business Saladworks is the original create-your-own, fast-casual salad franchise. Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

grow a healthyequipment-light business and easy Simple – Our concept is asset-light, Saladworks is the original create-your-own, to operate. No fryers and salad no hood means less expensive fast-casual franchise. buildout costs for Healthy you.– USDA Just chop, sliceadults and dice to serve the reports that American are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a tastiest create-your-own salads is turn-key. healthier lifestyle. That’s whyaround. nearly half of all Saladworks Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key. Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and healthy concepts like ours. We have market, venue, format cluttered with create-your-own burger,the sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for Saladworks is the original create-your-own, concepts like ours. We have the venue, format and footprint you healthy want. Saladworks ismarket, available. fast-casual salad franchise.

grow a healthy business

and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

saladworksfranchising.com

fransales@saladworks.com

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

Healthy – USDA reports that American adults are choosing healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables to support a healthier lifestyle. That’s why nearly half of all Millennial and Gen Z consumers buy 3+ entrée salads per week away from home. Saladworks is on-trend.

$1,227,858 median net sales for top quartile*

saladworksfranchising.com

Simple – Our concept is asset-light, equipment-light and easy to operate. No fryers and no hood means less expensive fransales@saladworks.com buildout costs for you. Just chop, slice and dice to serve the tastiest create-your-own salads around. Saladworks is turn-key.

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

t sales for top quartile*

Accessible – The fast-casual landscape is overbuilt and cluttered with create-your-own burger, sandwich, pizza, Mexican and smoothie concepts. Landlords are looking for healthy concepts like ours. We have the market, venue, format and footprint you want. Saladworks is available.

$1,227,858 median

saladworksfranchising.com

fransales@saladworks.com

* Details located at Item 19 inside Saladworks Franchise Disclosure Document.

$1,227,858 median net sales for top quartile*

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Douglas J. Bystry

Providing Financial Services to Low-Income Communities for over 30 years

oug Bystry, in his professional career, has successfully raised and deployed over $2 billion for low-income and distressed communities. Much of this capital has been deployed through Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which he founded in 1996 and continues its leadership as its President and CEO. Clearinghouse CDFI is one of the largest and fastest growing CDFI’s in the nation with over $600 million in total assets. It is a Benefit (B-Corp.) that embraces the concept that “community development lending can and should be profitable”. This philosophy has helped attract over 75 bank and corporate investors providing both debt and equity. Clearinghouse recently expanded its lending area from four western states to a national lending footprint with a strong emphasis on Indian Country. Clearinghouse CDFI has several “firsts” that are noteworthy. They were the

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first non-depository CDFI in the nation to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank. They were awarded both New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) and CDFI Fund Bond Guaranty proceeds in their inaugural rounds. Clearinghouse CDFI was also the first mission-based CDFI to obtain a credit rating through Standard & Poors, maintaining a “AA- stable” credit rating through 2020. Mr. Bystry is regarded as a leader in the community/ economic development and minority wealth strategies. He is frequently asked to speak at industry conferences and seminars. He is an expert in NMTCs and Native American community revitalization efforts. He has funded over $100 million in projects benefiting Indian Country and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Native American Natural Foods, makers of the Tanka bar. Mr. Bystry previously served as a City Council member and Housing Commissioner in the County of Orange, Ca. He chairs the California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Advisory Board, working to increase insurance industry community investments in that state. Mr. Bystry serves on several other local non-profit boards

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DOUG BYSTRY HAS FUNDED OVER $100 MILLION IN PROJECTS BENEFITING INDIAN COUNTRY AND CURRENTLY SERVES ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN NATURAL FOODS, MAKERS OF THE TANKA BAR. promoting affordable housing and economic development. He is a UCLA graduate, married with two sons.

TITANS OF FRANCHISING

Aaron Hardy Jr.

U.S. Army Veteran Continues Resilience When Business Opens as Pandemic Surges

fter 24 years in the U.S. Army, Aaron Hardy Jr., U.S. Army Veteran, and proud father of two currently serving our country, decided to trade in his Army Green for the CertaPro Painters® Gold and in early 2020 become the owner of CertaPro Painters® of Denton, TX. Aaron’s decision to join the 370-franchisee unit system was rooted in the desire to spend more time with his family and deliver a muchneeded service to Denton and its surrounding areas. The Army taught Aaron discipline and how not to accept or settle for mediocrity — all values that customers see when they hire Hardy and his team for residential and commercial painting services. Hardy says he chose the CertaPro Painters® franchise because its culture, transparency, history, and reputation aligned with his goal to spend more time with his family while joining a corporate family at the same time. Culture is extremely important when it comes to choosing the right franchise to join and CertaPro Painters® has proven to provide

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a culture that many individuals, especially those with strong family values, look for and highly respect when choosing next steps in their career. Hardy started this business during the beginning months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the hardships that many industries faced during this year of unprecedented times, Hardy persevered and showed the resilience and tenacity he learned in the United States Army. “I believe that my time in the Army has taught me discipline and how to face different challenges that may arise and the ability to remain calm under pressure,” said Hardy. He followed the CertaPro Painters® business model and built a strong customer base, providing painting services to homeowners who shifted monies from vacation destinations to investing in home improvement projects. Opening a franchise isn’t always easy, however, the CertaPro Painters® Corporate team provides its new franchise owners with a multitude of training and resources aimed to help them

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build successful businesses from the beginning months and throughout their tenure as franchise owners. They provide franchisees with a variety of online courses and curriculum, digital and integrated marketing strategies to help generate business leads, comprehensive training sessions, and support consultation meetings to assist owners and help them create their own success stories in a $56B industry. When asked, what advice he would give others who are looking to start their own business and join a franchise system like CertaPro Painters® Hardy remarked, “I suggest that anyone wanting to own his or her own business, should do the necessary research. Take the time and ensure sure that you and the franchise are a fit. Make sure it represents what you stand for and that you align with the organizational culture.” As Hardy has built his local CertaPro Painters® over the last year and has focused on leading a professionally managed business, he has taken pride in the personal touches he and his staff have added to their services because they understand customers have other options to choose from. He ensures

nothing is taken for granted when a customer chooses CertaPro Painters®. Hardy has loved the relationships he builds with his customers. He enjoys seeing the satisfaction on their faces after their project is complete. He has enjoyed transforming spaces with fresh new paint for both families and business owners. With the CertaPro Painters® Certainty Service System®, Hardy and his team focus on providing customers with an extraordinary painting experience. From start to finish, individuals can depend on the CertaPro Painters® of Denton, TX team to deliver on the commitment of care, conduct, quality, value, and certainty – the key elements to a highly-professional painting experience. MORE ABOUT AARON HARDY JR. After 24 years in the U.S. Army, Aaron Hardy Jr., U.S. Army Veteran, and proud father of two currently serving our country, decided to trade in his Army Green for the CertaPro Painters® Gold and in early 2020 become the owner of CertaPro Painters® of Denton, TX.

“I SUGGEST THAT ANYONE WANTING TO OWN HIS OR HER OWN BUSINESS, SHOULD DO THE NECESSARY RESEARCH... MAKE SURE IT REPRESENTS WHAT YOU STAND FOR AND THAT YOU ALIGN WITH THE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE.” — Aaron Hardy Jr. WWW.FRANCHISEJOURNAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2021

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CREATE YOUR OWN SUCCESS STORY WITH CERTAPRO PAINTERS® Build your own business with the largest residential and commercial painting franchise in North America. By becoming a CertaPro Painters® franchise owner and leading a professionally managed business you’ll: • Join a brand that has proven system-wide growth. In 2019, the average gross sales for a CertaPro Painters® business was $1,544,808.* • Get support every step of the way with field and online training, technology and resources that position you for a successful start.

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800-693-5859 OwnACertaPro.com *These are average Gross Sales for US CertaPro Painters® franchisees who were in operation for the full 12 months of 2019. All figures are based upon information provided to CertaPro® by US franchisees, who operated a CertaPro Painters® business for the full 12 months of the respective year, including those that are certified to perform commercial services. Some franchisees own more than one territory. The financial performance of a CertaPro Painters® business will vary depending upon a variety of factors. Please see item 19 of our FDD for complete details. Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.

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