Yearly Archives: 2018

2 08, 2018

Interim HealthCare Inc. Launches Formal Patient-Centered ‘Dementia Program’

2018-08-02T13:12:05-04:00August 2nd, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

SUNRISE, FL – PRWEB 

The prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is rapidly growing in the United States. Currently, approximately 40 percent of people over the age of 70 have been diagnosed with some type of dementia or related disease and over the next few decades this number is expected to increase a staggering 50 percent.

In direct response to this, Interim HealthCare Inc. has launched a formal ‘Dementia Program’ devoted to providing the necessary educational materials and tools to caregivers across its network of national locations. Utilizing a science-backed approach to dementia care, specialized training is being offered to better understand how a patient’s brain is changing at each stage of disease progression.

“Our caregivers are the foundation of providing the highest quality of home healthcare. We believe it is critical that they have a full understanding of how this disease progresses to customize appropriate care plans,” said Larry Kraska, Interim HealthCare Inc. CEO and President. “We place a high value on providing educational opportunities to ensure our caregivers have the most comprehensive training and development programs. Given the rising senior population and expected increase in those with this diagnosis, launching this program is our way to equip our healthcare professionals with deeper insight into the cognitive changes that occur in a person living with dementia.”

Interim HealthCare Inc.’s program is based on the methodology of Teepa Snow, an international leader in the Positive Approach® to Care (PAC™) for those living with dementia. Interim HealthCare Inc.’s Senior Manager, Program Development and Implementation, Catherine M. Tedder, has obtained her certification in the Teepa Snow PAC philosophy. The training being provided is curriculum-based and centers around the Teepa Snow GEMS® Brain Change model. Various education modules offered to the Interim network focus on how to keep their patients safe, comfortable and meaningfully engaged using this proven methodology.

“This program is specifically designed to help everyone that is affected by dementia and related diseases, including clinicians, caregivers, sales staff, office staff and volunteers,” said Tedder. “We are committed to making sure everyone, across all our franchise locations, has the confidence to effectively navigate the complex care needed for our patients, as well as their families.”

To learn more about Interim HealthCare’s Dementia Program: https://www.interimhealthcare.com/services/specialized-home-care/patient-centered-dementia-care/.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit http://www.interimhealthcare.com.

Contact: Lesly Cardec
Interim HealthCare
+1 954-858-2735

2 08, 2018

Holy Guacamole! Chipotle Avocado Day Promotion Smashes Records

2018-08-02T13:08:31-04:00August 2nd, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) experienced its highest recorded digital sales day in company history thanks to its National Avocado Day promotion. Demand for the free guacamole offer drove digital sales up nearly 60 percent, leading to Chipotle’s biggest summer sales day ever.

“We were blown away by the excitement around our free guacamole offer,” said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer at Chipotle. “Demand was so high, our app and online store were flooded with orders, resulting in our biggest summer sales day to date. Breaking this record also broke the internet, so we want to make sure everyone can take advantage of our offer by joining us today for more free guac.”

In addition to being Chipotle’s biggest summer sales day and record breaking for internet sales, it also generated more, new app downloads than on any other single day. And, almost 700,000 avocados were used to meet customer demand, which is almost 200,000 more than an average day.

As a thank you to fans, Chipotle is extending yesterday’s promotion and offering free guacamole today with the purchase of any entrée, while supplies last. The offer is valid on online and app purchases only, has a limit of one per customer, and may not be combined with other coupons, promotions or special offers. Additional terms may apply; void where prohibited.

About Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without added colors, flavors or other additives. Chipotle had more than 2,450 restaurants as of June 30, 2018 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants. With more than 70,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. Steve Ells, founder and executive chairman, first opened Chipotle starting with a single restaurant in Denver, Colorado in 1993. For more information or to place an order online, visit www.chipotle.com.

2 08, 2018

Hyatt And Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Announce Strategic Loyalty Alliance

2018-08-02T13:05:55-04:00August 2nd, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

CHICAGO, IL

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) today announced plans to bring World of Hyatt members opportunities to enjoy loyalty benefits in many more places. The launch is targeted for the end of the year.

Hyatt, a leading hospitality company with more than 700 hotels worldwide, and SLH, a collection of more than 500 independently owned luxury hotels around the world, are working together to offer World of Hyatt members the opportunity to earn and redeem points during stays at participating SLH hotels when they book through Hyatt channels.

“This is another example of how Hyatt continues to listen to the wants and needs of World of Hyatt members and take meaningful action,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt. “SLH’s high-end collection of boutique hotel experiences means our members will soon be able to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in more places, including many new locations in Europe and Asia.”

“We are constantly looking for ways to add value for our many independently spirited hotels. This coming alliance with World of Hyatt does just that,” said Filip Boyen, chief executive officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™. “Our work together will allow World of Hyatt members to enjoy loyalty benefits across a wider choice of small independent luxury hotels. For SLH, our hotels are our brand, and we look forward to expected increased occupancy with significant exposure to the World of Hyatt program’s more than 10 million members.”

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

Hyatt House

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city center sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalized service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Guests can join SLH’s loyalty program, INVITED, to receive Small Luxuries from their very first visit. Reservations for any SLH hotel can be made online at www.slh.com or via the iPhone app, by contacting a travel agent or calling a Small Luxury Hotels of the World reservations office; o view a listing by country: https://www.slh.com/contact-us/.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 14 premier brands. As of June 30, 2018, the Company’s portfolio included more than 750 properties in more than 55 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Hyatt Residence Club® and exhale® brand names. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Media Contacts:Laura Alix (EMEA)
SLH  +44 207 802 3443

Dana O’Malley (AMER)
SLH   212 338 4809

Juliana Tan (APAC)
SLH   +65 6632 7283   pr@slh.com

Stephanie Lerdall
Hyatt  +1 312 780 5399   stephanie.lerdall@hyatt.com

SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Corporation

2 08, 2018

Baskin-Robbins Helps Guests Nationwide Beat the Summer Heat with Free Sampling of its Refreshing Freeze on August 5

2018-08-02T13:01:48-04:00August 2nd, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

CANTON, MA – PRNewswire

Baskin-Robbins wants to help guests stay cool during one of the hottest months of the year by offering them a free sample of its new Monster Energy® or NOS Energy® and Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet Freeze, or Sprite® and Rainbow Sherbet Freeze or a Coke® and Vanilla Ice Cream Freeze on August 5 from 3-7 p.m. at participating Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide. Freezes are refreshing beverages that can be made with a guest’s choice of a bottle or canned beverage and any hard scoop ice cream flavor, allowing them to customize their own unique Freeze.

“At Baskin-Robbins, we’re always looking to provide our guests with new and unique ways to experience our frozen treats,” said Carol Austin, Vice President of Marketing for Baskin-Robbins. “Our Freeze sampling event gives our guests an opportunity to sample our new Monster Energy or NOS and Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet Freeze which will provide them with a boost of energy as they try to stay cool in the summer heat.”

The new Monster Energy or NOS Energy and Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet Freeze will be available beginning today through August 31.

In addition, the brand will feature Caramel Cream Puff as its August Flavor of the Month. This new flavor is inspired by a traditional French dessert called a “Croquembouche” and features pastry cream-flavored mousse ice cream and salted caramel ice cream with burnt sugar crystals, pastry pieces and a burnt caramel swirl.

Finally, to wrap up August, guests are invited to participate at Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide to enjoy all regular scoops for $1.50 as part of the brand’s “Celebrate 31” promotion on Friday, August 31*.

*Offer valid on August 31st. Participation may vary. Scoop offer good on every size scoop. All listed flavors are optional amongst Baskin-Robbins’ stores. Waffle cones and toppings are extra. Cannot be combined with other offers. Plus applicable tax.

Celebrate 31 offers may vary per market.

*The Celebrate 31 offer in Houston, Texas will be $7.99 on two pre-packed quarts of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

*The Celebrate 31 offer in Fresno, California will be 31% off pre-packed quarts of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

*The Celebrate 31 offer in San Jose, California and Detroit, Michigan will be 31% off any scoop.

About Baskin Robbins

Named a top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine’s 38th annual Franchise 500® ranking in 2017, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium hard scoop ice cream, a full range of beverages, and a delicious lineup of desserts including custom ice cream cakes, the Polar Pizza® Ice Cream Treat and take-home ice cream quarts and pints, providing quality and value to consumers at 8,000 retail shops in 54 countries worldwide. Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,300 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit https://www.baskinrobbins.com/.

Contact: Heather McIntyre
Dunkin’ Brands
781-737-3780

heather.mcintyre@dunkinbrands.com

31 07, 2018

Gigi’s Cupcakes Founder to Make Special Appearance at Grand Opening Event for Gigi’s Cupcakes in Logan, Utah

2018-07-31T15:43:58-04:00July 31st, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

LOGAN, UT – A special guest appearance by Gigi Butler, founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes, will highlight the grand opening celebration for the new Gigi’s Cupcakes at 975 N Main St Suite 120 in Logan, Utah. The Logan location is the first in Utah, with Gigi’s Cupcakes now open in 24 states.

There will be a ribbon cutting on Friday, August 3rd at 11:00AM with the local chamber of commerce. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, August 4th, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Gigi will make a special appearance in-store, giving customers a chance to meet the culinary creator behind the popular brand, along with live radio shows from the store with 92.9 KBLQ and 94.5 KVFX.

Starting Monday, July 30th, customers can enter to win prizes including KitchenAid mixers, Gigi’s gift cards, and more. Prize winners will be announced Monday, August 6th.

Gigi’s awarded a multi-unit franchise agreement to enter Utah to Logan owner Matt Weston. Prior to bringing Gigi’s to Utah, Weston worked in his family business operating and managing hotels. Looking for a new opportunity that could involve his wife Launa and their seven children, he decided to utilize his background in hospitality and love of baking to open a Gigi’s in his home state.

“We are thrilled to serve the community here in Logan,” said Weston. “We are excited to bring Gigi’s sweet treats to Logan, and hopefully the rest of Utah soon, as we continue to expand west.”

Best known for its signature “Gigi’s swirl,” the bakery offers a variety of gourmet desserts, including 300 rotating cupcake flavors with sugar free and gluten free options, mini cupcakes, custom cakes, cheesecakes and stuffed cookies.

More information on Gigi’s Cupcakes is available at www.gigiscupcakesusa.com.

About Gigi’s Cupcakes

Founded in 2008 by Gina “Gigi” Butler as a local boutique bakery in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Gigi’s Cupcakes has grown into America’s favorite cupcake franchise with nearly 100 locations nationwide. Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a wide variety of high-quality, freshly baked goods, including cupcakes, cakes, pies, cookies and more all made from recipes created by Gigi, whose American Dream story has inspired people across the country. More information on Gigi’s Cupcakes is available at www.gigiscupcakesusa.com.

Media Contact:   Ashley Mungiguerra
BizCom Associates
214-641-4870
ashley@bizcompr.com

30 07, 2018

ServiceMaster Appoints New Leader of Information Technology

2018-07-30T17:12:23-04:00July 30th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

MEMPHIS, TN – BUSINESS WIRE

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV), a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services, today announced it has promoted Robert Doty to senior vice president and chief information officer. Doty has served as interim CIO for ServiceMaster since March 2018, leading the IT spin strategy for American Home Shield, while continuing to provide leadership for other ServiceMaster businesses including Terminix and the Franchise Services Group.

“IT is a crucial differentiator for ServiceMaster, especially in today’s digital world”

“IT is a crucial differentiator for ServiceMaster, especially in today’s digital world,” said Nik Varty, ServiceMaster chief executive officer. “Robert is an accomplished leader who has shown a commitment to delivering on our operational and digital transformation efforts.”

Most recently Doty served as vice president of IT, leading enterprise infrastructure and security, and American Home Shield IT operations. He joined ServiceMaster in 2014 and held various IT leadership roles at the company, driving innovation and modernization processes across all IT systems.

Previously, Doty held leadership positions with Nissan North America where he oversaw infrastructure operations for contact centers and financial transaction applications, and large-scale systems implementations. Prior to this, he was a consultant with Oracle. Doty earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of North Texas, and has a master’s degree in business administration.

About ServiceMaster

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. is a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services, operating through an extensive service network of more than 8,000 company-owned locations and franchise and license agreements. The company’s portfolio of well-recognized brands includes American Home Shield (home service plans), AmeriSpec (home inspections), Furniture Medic (cabinet and furniture repair), Merry Maids (residential cleaning), ServiceMaster Clean (janitorial), ServiceMaster Restore (disaster restoration) and Terminix (termite and pest control). The company is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. Go to servicemaster.com for more information or follow the company at twitter.com/ServiceMaster or facebook.com/ServiceMaster.

Contacts:    Brian Turcotte
ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.
Investor Relations
901-597-3282
Brian.Turcotte@servicemaster.com

James Robinson
Media Relation
901-597-7521
James.Robinson@servicemaster.com

30 07, 2018

Domino’s® to Hold “Domino’s Hotspots® Pie and Fly” Sweepstakes

2018-07-30T12:20:44-04:00July 30th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

ANN ARBOR, MI – PRNewswire

Want to win a trip to Las Vegas or Honolulu? Beginning today, Piece of the Pie Rewards® members can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to any Domino’s Hotspot in the country as part of Domino’s Hotspots Pie and Fly Sweepstakes.

Piece of the Pie Rewards members are automatically entered for a chance to win when they place a delivery order to a Domino’s Hotspot. Domino’s, (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales, will randomly select one winner each week from now until Sept. 9, 2018, awarding a total of six grand prizes. Each grand prize will include round-trip airfare for the winner and one guest to any city with a Domino’s Hotspot in the U.S. – places such as New York City, Orlando or Chicago – as well as hotel accommodations for two nights.

“We value our loyal customers and are always looking for new ways to do something special for them,” said Mark Messing, Domino’s director of loyalty. “What better way to reward members than with a free trip to the Domino’s Hotspot of their choice?”

Domino’s Hotspots are locations that don’t have traditional addresses – places like parks, sports fields and beaches – where customers can receive delivery orders. More than 200,000 Domino’s Hotspots are now active nationwide.

Customers who aren’t enrolled in Domino’s Piece of the Pie Rewards program may do so at dominos.com/rewards. To locate the nearest Domino’s Hotspot, visit dominos.com/hotspots.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to Piece of the Pie Rewards Members who are legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends 9/9/18. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, free method of entry, and prize descriptions, visit dominos.com/rewards. Void where prohibited. If you make a qualifying purchase, but would like to opt-out of this Sweepstakes, send an email to rewards@dominos.com with Domino’s Hotspots® Pie and Fly Sweepstakes in the subject line.

About Domino’s Pizza®

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world’s top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of over 15,100 stores in over 85 markets. Domino’s had global retail sales of over $12.2 billion in 2017, with more than $5.9 billion in the U.S. and more than $6.3 billion internationally. In the second quarter of 2018, Domino’s had global retail sales of nearly $3.1 billion, with nearly $1.5 billion in the U.S. and nearly $1.6 billion internationally. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for over 97% of Domino’s stores as of the second quarter of 2018. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Domino’s achieve more than half of all global retail sales in 2017 from digital channels, primarily online ordering and mobile applications. In the U.S., Domino’s generates over 60% of sales via digital channels and has produced several innovative ordering platforms, including Google Home, Facebook Messenger, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, Twitter and text message using a pizza emoji. In late 2017, Domino’s began an industry-first test of self-driving vehicle delivery with Ford Motor Company – and in April 2018, launched Domino’s HotSpots™, featuring over 200,000 non-traditional delivery locations including parks, beaches, local landmarks and other unique gathering spots.

Order – dominos.com
AnyWare Ordering – anyware.dominos.com
Company Info – biz.dominos.com
Twitter – twitter.com/dominos
Facebook – facebook.com/dominos
Instagram – instagram.com/dominos
YouTube – youtube.com/dominos

Media Contact: Jenny Fouracre
734-930-3620 (Office)
jenny.fouracre@dominos.com

Please visit our Investor Relations website at biz.dominos.com to view news, announcements, earnings releases and conference webcasts.

30 07, 2018

Papa John’s Announces Olivia F. Kirtley Appointed Board Chair

2018-07-30T12:18:02-04:00July 30th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

LOUISVILLE, KY – BUSINESS WIRE

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced that Lead Independent Director Olivia F. Kirtley has been appointed Chair of the company’s Board of Directors by a unanimous vote of the Board. In addition, the company stated that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board has been conducting a search for additional independent directors and intends to engage with Papa John’s shareholders as part of this process.

Ms. Kirtley stated, “The independent directors of the Papa John’s Board are committed to serving the best interests of the company, our shareholders and other stakeholders. The establishment of the Board’s independent Special Committee and the ongoing cultural audit and investigation are among numerous steps underway to ensure that equity, inclusion, diversity and respect are upheld throughout the organization.”

“Many stakeholders, including team members, franchisees and shareholders, have expressed their support for the actions we are taking. We appreciate this support and value the feedback we have received. The independent members of the Board and leadership will continue to engage with shareholders and other stakeholders to hear their perspectives and ideas, including on Board composition, so that these views can be considered in our work to move forward.”

Ms. Kirtley, a certified public accountant, is a business consultant on strategic and corporate governance issues. Ms. Kirtley has served as the Board’s Lead Independent Director since 2017. She is a former chief financial officer and former senior manager at a predecessor to the accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP. She is the immediate past President and Board Chairman of the International Federation of Accountants. She has also served as Chairman of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Chairman of the AICPA Board of Examiners.

About Papa John’s

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company. In 2018, consumers rated Papa John’s No. 1 in product and service quality among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). For 17 of the past 19 years, consumers have rated Papa John’sNo. 1 in customer satisfaction among national pizza chains in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit Papa John’s at www.papajohns.com.

Contacts:    Joe Smith
Papa John’s International, Inc.
Investor Relations
502-261-4593
Chief Financial Officer

Peter Collins
Media Relations
502-261-4233
Senior Director, Public Relations

27 07, 2018

Protect yourself: Form an Entity

2019-06-02T13:49:27-04:00July 27th, 2018|Tags: , , , , |

Signing Legal Documents

Protect Yourself: Form an Entity

By Jonathan Barber

If you’re buying into a franchise, you’re probably about to make one of the biggest investments of your life. You’re likely spending hundreds of thousands of dollars and taking a great leap of faith. Maybe you’re taking out a small business loan or rolling over your retirement funds.

Maybe you’re using your parents’ hard-earned money that you just inherited. Regardless of how much skin you’ve got in the game, you’re heavily invested in this new venture and there is a ton of risk involved. Forming an entity is one way to protect your personal assets and limit your risk.

Limit Your Liability

When John Smith signs a contract in his own name, John Smith is personally liable if things go south in that deal. However, if John Smith forms Smith Holdings, LLC, and signs a contract as Smith Holdings, LLC, he is generally not liable for the obligations of that contract. The limited liability company that John Smith formed is responsible for performing the terms within that contract. This scenario applies directly to franchising. Before you sign your franchise agreement, you could form a business entity such as a corporation or a limited liability company. Then, if you sign that franchise agreement on behalf of your entity, you have greatly limited your personal exposure.

Most franchise agreements require that the franchisee sign a personal guaranty. This isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s an industry standard. A personal guaranty will make you liable even if you sign the franchise agreement on behalf of an entity. Almost all franchisors require this, because they need to ensure their franchisees are all-in with the franchise. If a franchise doesn’t require franchisees to sign a personal guaranty, those franchisees could essentially walk away halfway through their terms with no consequences.

With an entity in place, however, you’re still largely protected. For instance, if a man slips and falls in your store, he most likely won’t be able to take your house and the clothes off your back if you have an entity in place. He could sue your entity for negligence, but as long as you didn’t do anything malicious, he will likely only be able to get to the entity’s assets. Likewise, if your entity enters into contracts with vendors or employees, those parties would really only have claims against your entity—not you individually. The “limited liability” aspect of corporations and LLCs literally limits the liability of an entity’s owner. Some states are different though, and you should consult with a business attorney within your state for further guidance.

By purchasing a franchise, you are putting your business and personal assets on the line, and it’s impossible to completely eliminate your risk. However, you can balance that level of risk against the potential reward your franchise offers. You can also limit your personal risk for non-franchise issues like personal injury and negligence by forming an entity—and the low cost of doing so is worth the personal protection.

Jonathan Barber exclusively practices franchise law as a partner at Barber Power Law Group in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has assisted hundreds of franchisees with their FDDs and buying into franchises all over the world. Barber also represents emerging and established franchisors.

27 07, 2018

Funding Your Dream

2019-03-12T11:54:19-04:00July 27th, 2018|Tags: , , , , |

Business Owner

Funding Your Dream

by Dallas Kerley

Entrepreneurs are dreamers, innovators, and go-getters. They are driven enough to start their own businesses. Many, however, lack the funding needed to open the doors. Or, do they?

There are plenty of ways to fund a franchise. Yes, you can borrow from the bank or find investors; of course, that means you’ll be starting your business in debt. But what if you had a pile of cash that allowed you to start your franchise cash-rich and debt-free? If you have money in a qualified retirement plan, you are cash-rich and can fund your franchise with a process known as Rollovers for Business Start-up (ROBS).

How does ROBS funding work?

A Rollovers for Business Start-up plan lets you use existing qualified retirement account funds, such as a 401(k), 403(b) IRA, or other qualified retirement vehicle, to fund your franchise tax-deferred and penalty-free. Because of the way a ROBS is structured, you can still contribute funds to a tax-advantaged retirement account as your business grows, enabling you to continue to plan for your retirement.

How do I get started?

Using retirement funds for your start-up involves four key steps:

Step 1: Establish a Corporation. In order to be eligible for a ROBS arrangement, you must form a new corporation.

Step 2: Create a New Retirement Plan. The corporation will sponsor a new retirement plan that has provisions allowing investments in the parent corporation stock.

Step 3: Transfer Retirement Funds. Once the plan is established, your existing retirement funds will be rolled over to the new plan. Because the funds are rolling from one qualified plan to another, no taxes are due and there are no withdrawal penalties.

Step 4: Launch the New Business. Once stock is purchased in the new corporation, you now have the cash to invest in your new franchise.

The Advantages

Tax Benefits. Under the ROBS plan, you maintain tax-deferred status and do not face any early withdrawal penalties.

Flexibility. The funds can be used for many different purposes. The money can be used as a cash injection for an SBA loan (Small Business Administration), to pay franchise fees, build or renovate a site, or buy equipment. You can even use the funds to pay yourself a salary. If you don’t need the money, don’t spend it—you aren’t required to use all the funds you’ve transferred.

Ease and Speed. In some cases, you can get access to your funds in as little as 10 days.

Funding isn’t dependent on your credit. Unlike other borrowing options, a ROBS doesn’t impact your personal credit. If you borrow any money for your business, your personal credit may suffer. Plus, if you have issues with your credit, you can still use the ROBS for your franchise.

Peace of Mind. Using your retirement plans means you are not incurring additional personal debt. And you’re spared the headache of negotiating with lenders for funding.

Need help figuring out how to best fund your franchise? Benetrends helps entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality. The ROBS program, known as the Rainmaker Plan®, provides guidance and support, so you can focus on your business. To learn more, visit www.benetrends.com.

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