Monthly Archives: January 2018

DENVER— -BUSINESS WIRE

Not all heroes wear capes. But as it turns out, this one sometimes does. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) recognized today one of its biggest fans, a Tiffin, Ohio man named Bruce Wayne who has spent the past 426 days enjoying at least one entrée per day from his local Chipotle.

Chipotle commemorated the milestone by presenting Wayne with a custom-made Chipotle superhero cape and cufflinks – a nod to his love of both Batman and burritos. Chipotle will also reinvest his dollars spent over the course of his journey in a monetary donation to a nonprofit of his choice.

Wayne began the self-started challenge on Oct. 30, 2016 after learning of Chipotle’s plans to open a brand-new location in Tiffin. He conducted research about Chipotle and learned about a fellow fan who had ultimately consumed Chipotle for 425 days and maintained his fitness goals. Wayne then set out to become the new record holder.

“Day after day we’re committed to serving our customers the most delicious, real ingredients we can find and it’s great to see a customer like Bruce is as committed to us as we are to him,” said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “While this might not be everybody’s New Year’s Resolution for 2018, it certainly shows that our menu of real and fresh ingredients offers something for everyone – even superheroes.”

After having consumed his record-breaking order, Wayne says he has no immediate plans to stop. His entire journey is documented on his personal Instagram account, including daily photos of his order and accompanying receipt: www.instagram.com/mrwaynethebat/.

AdvantaClean  America’s fastest-growing Light Environmental Services™ franchise system, announces the promotion of Chris Stefanco as Vice-President of Operations, effective December 18, 2017. In his new role, Stefanco will now be responsible for supervising the company’s Franchise Business Coaches, while working directly with AdvantaClean franchise business owners to implement new product development, new service lines, and promotion. He will also be forward focused on changes in industry standards for the benefit of franchise owner growth.

“I am honored to accept my new position as AdvantaClean’s vice-president of operations, “said Stefanco. “As a past successful small business owner myself, and having personally met and trained current franchise owners in my previous training role, I know they are expecting me to continue to find innovative opportunities to help them be even more successful, and to expand their business, while streamlining the process. I accept that challenge, and at the same time pledge to work to enlarge the AdvantaClean brand nationwide as the leader in indoor air quality and moisture control experience.”

Stefanco joined AdvantaClean in 1999, serving in several key positions, most recently as Director of Technical Operations and Training since 2006. In that role, he was responsible for oversight, as well as all hands on, and classroom training for new franchisees.

Stefanco has also served as Senior Project Manager of AdvantaClean’s affiliate, Loss Construction, and Recovery, managing large scale commercial, industrial, and government projects across the U.S.

He holds water and fire certifications through IICRC and is NADACA trained. Stefanco is also a Certified CMA and CMR for mold, has OSHA certifications, and is an OSHA construction outreach trainer.

AdvantaClean CEO and Founder, Jeff Dudan, recognizes Stefanco’s already positive impact on the company, and what he envisions for the future.

“For almost two decades, Chris has worked tirelessly to build AdvantaClean from a small local service business, to a national leading franchise brand. Chris is held in the highest regard by AdvantaClean Nation, and it is my honor and privilege to recognize Chris for his effort, dedication, and to provide him the platform to continue making a difference in the lives of our teammates, franchise partners, and customers across the country.”

Matt Phillips, President of AdvantaClean, identifies the reasons for Stefanco’s success, and what he brings to his new role.

“Chris has vast industry experience and proven excellence in his prior roles within the company that make him a great fit as AdvantaClean continues to grow. Chris has the respect of the entire AdvantaClean Nation and lives our core values and our commitment to building and sustaining relationships that embody community, accountability, respect, excellence and service.”

Stefanco, a native of New Jersey, lives in York, SC. with his wife, Diane, and two sons, Chris and Dillon.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Jan. 2, 2018 – PRNewswire

The Little Gym International, a children’s enrichment and development franchise with over 300 locations around the globe, announces that Alex Bingham will be named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2018. He will succeed current President and CEO, Ruk Adams. In his new role, Bingham will continue to grow The Little Gym‘s legacy as the world’s premiere gym for movement-based learning and imaginative play that helps build the confidence and skills needed at each stage of childhood. He plans to enhance company operations and further deliver on the brand promise of providing the Springboard to Life’s Adventures for the families it serves, franchisees and employees.

Since joining The Little Gym in 2001, Bingham has held several roles within the company, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Some of his former responsibilities and positions include running a corporate location as a Gym Director, working with franchise owners in both their pre-opening and ongoing operations as a Business Consultant, and managing franchisee support as a VP of Franchise Services. Before joining the corporate team, Bingham was an instructor at The Little Gym of Scottsdale during his college breaks in 1996-1997, and was previously a student at The Little Gym‘s original location from age two to five.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have shared in The Little Gym‘s growth, evolution and opportunities over the years. The experience has been nothing short of amazing, from playing an integral role of rebuilding the company in its early years, to seeing us grow into a worldwide brand that impacts the lives of families across the globe,” said Ruk Adams, exiting President and CEO of The Little Gym International. “I have complete confidence that my successor, Alex Bingham, will continue to lead The Little Gym to great success in his new role as President and CEO.”

“The Little Gym has been a part of my life since the age of two when I was a student, continuing into my young adulthood when I worked as a part-time instructor during college and, finally, turning into a fulfilling career that allows me to make a difference in children’s lives at each of our locations,” said Alex Bingham, President and CEO of The Little Gym International. “It’s a privilege to have my life come full circle as I assume my new role as CEO, and build upon The Little Gym‘s reputation in the early childhood development space that Ruk helped to diligently establish.”

Ruk Adams retires having served as The Little Gym President and CEO since 2013. For more than 23 years, Adams has held a variety leadership positions, having first joined the corporate team in 1994 as Executive Vice President of Franchise Development, a position he held through 1997. After leaving the company to head sales for Citadel Broadcasting in Salt Lake City from 1997 to 2002, Adams rejoined The Little Gym in a role as Senior Vice Present of Development and Franchise Services. Prior to working at the corporate headquarters, Adams and his wife, Ann, owned and ran one of the original locations of The Little Gym from 1993 to 1995 in Salt Lake City.

For more information on The Little Gym, please visit www.thelittlegym.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) 

H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) opened its 10,000 offices nationwide today to serve taxpayers during the upcoming filing season. H&R Block has an office located within five miles of 95 percent of Americans. Whether they need help filing their 2017 return, W-4 planning for 2018, dealing with IRS-mandated refund delays or more, H&R Block can serve them when and how they want.

“We help taxpayers get their taxes won, starting with getting them their maximum refund,” said Karen Orosco, senior vice president of U.S. retail for H&R Block. “We don’t stop there to get your taxes won, though. We will serve you when you want, where you want and how you want, including through our new virtual method that allows you to never step foot in an office but still get your taxes won with our expert tax professionals.”

Millions can file for free at H&R Block offices

H&R Block’s free Federal 1040EZ offer will allow approximately 23 million taxpayers to file a Federal 1040EZ for free for a limited time at participating offices.

“Our free Federal 1040EZ offer gives taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns and guarantees they get their maximum refund – all for free,” Orosco said.

“Filing a simple tax return may not be as easy as many taxpayers believe, especially if they are new filers, experienced a life change in 2017, face IRS refund delays or are concerned about how tax reform legislation will affect them in 2018, including the impact to their paychecks starting as early as February,” Orosco said. “Having assistance from a qualified tax professional provides taxpayers confidence that they aren’t leaving any money on the table and that they are prepared for the future.”

Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer whose filing status is single or married filing jointly, who does not pay mortgage interest, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.

To learn more about filing a Free Federal 1040EZ and all other offers like H&R Block Tax Pro Go, find a nearby location or make an appointment, visit www.hrblock.com or call 1-800-HRBLOCK.