January 2019 | Page 3 of 3 | Franchise Dictionary Magazine

14 01, 2019

Venture X Plans Continued Aggressive Expansion During 2019

Alesia Visconti2019-01-14T18:56:11-05:00January 14th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, business services, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

New President, Additional Resources Announced

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Venture X^®, a member of the United Franchise Group (UFG), and a premium membership-based workspace community for entrepreneurs and businesses, enters 2019 with an aggressive agenda for continued expansion to meet the expected demand. In doing so, the brand is enhancing its leadership team with the appointment of a new Brand President, Jason Anderson, and with Tom Weber shifting to Executive VP of Operations, a role that plays to his strengths in real estate and finance.

Anderson has held various leadership roles within UFG over the years, most recently serving as President of Accurate Franchising, another UFG brand. Previously, he served as UFG’s Director of Franchise Development and Chief Technology Officer. Before joining UFG, he founded Premier Property Marketing Group in Dallas where he was named to the coveted Forbes Magazine “30 Under 30” list.

“The growth of the Venture X brand has been tremendous, and we are committed to moving more resources to support expansion,” said Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group. “Venture X has quickly become a top tier player in the shared workspace environment because we meet the needs of more seasoned professionals and established brands.”

As we start 2019, Venture X has a dominant presence in Texas, developing upscale coworking office spaces in Las Colinas Village, Harlingen, Brownsville, Dallas (Alpha Road), Plano (Legacy West), and Richardson and is also expanding its successful San Antonio location to meet the area’s demand. In addition, two new offices were opened in Florida at CityPlace in West Palm Beach, and City Centre in Palm Beach Gardens. Venturing west, a new facility recently opened in Denver, CO. The first franchised Venture X location in Mississauga, Canada has reached capacity and plans are underway to build another location nearby.

“Venture X is unlike any of the other shared workspace concepts out there,” said Anderson. “The upscale, premium environment provides a workplace for professionals who want to project an image of success to their clients. We consistently focus on quality, and our value-added offerings are the cornerstone of the membership experience.”

During the first quarter of 2019, eight Venture X locations will open in six states. These include: Campbell Center-Dallas, TX; Orlando and Doral (including an expansion of the West Palm Beach offices) in Florida; Farmington, UT; Richmond, VA; Marlborough, MA; and Indianapolis, IN. During the remainder of the year, plans call for three more new shared office spaces to be built in Texas: Frisco-Stonebrook, Houston, and One McKinney-Dallas. Others include Ann Arbor, MI and Pleasanton, CA.

Members can use any of the Venture X locations and there will soon be more to choose from around the globe as deals are in negotiation not just throughout the United States, but also internationally, with options in London, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Panama, Dubai as well as other countries in the Middle East. The goal is to have 100 locations open by the end of 2019. Working together, Anderson and Weber plan to fast track market growth in these regions.

Additional details on workspace options and services are available at www.venturex.com/plans. For franchise ownership opportunity information, visit www.Venturexfranchise.com.

About Venture X

Venture X is a shared workspace and community that is a blend of boutique hotel and modern office styles with a high level of design that feels professional and welcoming. We are designing beautiful spaces and developing an environment and community that people love coming to work to every day. Venture X is part of a successful group of affiliated companies and brands under the United Franchise Group (UFG) and has been recognized by Inc. as one of the best co-working spaces in the United States. The brand anticipates having 100 locations operational by the end of 2019. For more information about locations, visit www.VentureX.com, and for information about franchise opportunities, visit www.venturexfranchise.com.

About UFG

Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimax, Jon Smith Subs, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, Venture X, and the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1,600 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

14 01, 2019

YogaSix Extends Its Reach Across Nation with Launch of Franchise Opportunity

Alesia Visconti2019-01-14T18:28:53-05:00January 14th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, owning a franchise, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

First-to-Market Yoga Franchise Aims to Re-Popularize Ancient Practice; Capitalize on Untapped Segment of Boutique Fitness Industry

IRVINE, Calif. — YogaSix, a modern fitness boutique offering a fresh perspective on one of the world’s oldest practices, announced today the next step in expanding its unmatched mind-body experience with the launch of its franchise opportunity. With seven open studios and another 50 units sold thus far, the brand is on pace to meet its goal of opening 300 locations across the U.S. over the next few years. Upcoming studio openings include Albuquerque, New Mexico which is slated to open in February 2019 and the brand’s corporate studio in Yorba Linda, California, set to open in March 2019.

Backed by powerhouse boutique fitness curator Xponential Fitness, YogaSix aims to debunk the stereotype that often surrounds the practice of yoga and deliver its life-enhancing benefits to all ages, shapes, sizes and genders. Utilizing modern language instead of Sanskrit and offering six core formats – Y6 101, Y6 Stretch, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, and Y6 Sculpt Flow – YogaSix’s classes are meant to encompass every fitness level, whether the focus is on deep stretching, stress relief, or breaking a sweat.

“Many people have come to see yoga as either exclusive, confusing or tiresome, but at YogaSix we are breathing new life into the practice,” said Lindsay Junk, President of the company. “Our mission at YogaSix is to change the way people think about and understand yoga, and give them a mind body-experience that is empowering, energizing and most importantly, fun.”

Developed in San Diego in 2012, YogaSix quickly gained popularity as it spread to New Mexico and the Midwest. With thousands of students visiting per week, YogaSix is already changing the way people experience yoga and will continue to do so as the first-to-market yoga franchise. Backed by two decades of fitness franchising experience and a corporate team that will provide significant support for site selection, build out, marketing, retail, sales and operations, as well as extensive training, YogaSix is primed for expansion. The brand is seeking qualified franchise partners with a passion for fitness and health and who exhibit strong leadership and business skills.

“As the boutique fitness industry continues to explode with vigorous, high-intensity workouts, YogaSix offers a unique business opportunity and the first of its kind in the franchising space,” adds Lindsay Junk. “YogaSix delivers a workout from which anyone can benefit, so we’re excited to spread our take on yoga across the nation.”

YogaSix offers franchise partners the opportunity to capitalize on a fresh brand in an emerging market with tremendous support, infrastructure and knowledge. The total investment to open a YogaSix franchise is $216,900 – $399,750. For more information on the YogaSix franchise opportunity, please visit www.yogasix.com.

About YogaSix

Founded in 2012 in San Diego, YogaSix is a boutique yoga brand that offers a broad range of heated and non-heated yoga classes, boot camp style fitness classes and meditation. Class formats include Y6 101, Y6 Stretch, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, and Y6 Sculpt Flow. Visit www.yogasix.com to learn more.

About Xponential Fitness:

Founded in 2017 by Anthony Geisler, Xponential Fitness is the curator of the best brands across every vertical in the boutique fitness space – including Pilates, indoor cycling, stretch, rowing, dance and yoga. Currently, Xponential Fitness’ portfolio of brands includes Club Pilates, the nation’s largest and fastest growing Pilates franchise; CycleBar, the first and only premium indoor cycling franchise; StretchLab, a concept offering one-on-one assisted stretching services and group stretch services; Row House, a high-energy, low-impact indoor rowing workout; AKT, a dance-based cardio workout combining toning, interval & circuit training developed by Celebrity Trainer Anna Kaiser; YogaSix, a modern boutique yoga brand; Pure Barre, a total body workout that uses the ballet barre to perform small, isometric movements. Visit www.xponential.com to learn more.

11 01, 2019

Le Macaron French Pastries Sets Eyes on New York

Alesia Visconti2019-01-11T15:57:54-05:00January 11th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, food franchise, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

Elegant French Patisserie Franchise Looks to Add 20 New Locations by 2023

NEW YORK — Le Macaron French Pastries, an elegant French patisserie that offers guests the finest, authentic French macarons and pastries, recently announced plans to introduce more than 20 locations in targeted communities throughout New York. The community-focused brand will ignite growth through strategic franchise partnerships and aims to open the new locations within the next five years.

Le Macaron French Pastries currently has more than 50 locations across the nation and is looking to ramp up growth through a selective strategy, focusing on a solid foundation of smart franchise partnerships and tactical site selection. Already finding success in the market is franchisee Frank Kelly whose Yonkers location has been in operation since April 2017.

“New York has proven to be the perfect market for Le Macaron French Pastries – the community has been incredibly supportive and the community appreciates the elevated flavors our pastries have to offer,” stated Kelly. “From the locals to the millions of visitors that flock to the city every year, we’ve developed a loyal-fan base with our authentic macarons that are unparalleled in the market. I look forward to watching Le Macaron French Pastries further expand its presence throughout New York.”

Founded by France natives and mother-daughter team Rosalie Guillem and Audrey Saba, Le Macaron French Pastries provides an authentic French experience for Americans nationwide. Upon entering, guests are greeted with brilliant colors and a modern interior complemented with traditional music playing throughout the café. Offering more than 20 flavors of macarons, as well as seasonal flavors, the menu extends to include pastries, gelato, coffee, cakes, éclairs, and more. Known for providing guests with a light dessert with lesser calories, the French patisserie has grown to over 50 locations through strategic franchise partnerships.

“New York draws many parallels to our native area of France, being rich in culture with a thriving economy,” stated Rosalie Guillem, CEO and co-founder of Le Macaron French Pastries. “As a prime state for expansion, especially with our versatile mobile cart franchise opportunity, we look forward to increasing our footprint through the Downtown Manhattan area, as well as Williamsburg and Staten Island, with franchise partners to help give all New York residents access to our little bites of heaven known as macarons.”

In larger metropolitan cities, like New York, Le Macaron French Pastries offers a new franchise opportunity which aims to lean into the growing quick-serve and snack brand trend of kiosks, mobile carts, and express locations. As consumers’ on-the-go lifestyle continues to accelerate, Le Macaron French Pastries seeks to capitalize on these captive audiences at malls, airports, sporting events, festivals and other gatherings.

Offering an attractive investment opportunity with limited competition, franchisees can expect an investment ranging from between $91,750 to $127,000 for a mobile cart and $146,000 to $375,500 for a traditional café. All of Le Macaron French Pastries products are made in the kitchen headquarters, eliminating the need for a full kitchen space. Interested parties should have a strong desire to own a business, as well as a passion for the dessert space and success.

For more information on the Le Macaron French Pastries franchise opportunity please visit http://lemacaronfranchise.com/.

About Le Macaron French Pastries

Founded in 2009 by Rosalie Guillem and her daughter Audrey, Le Macaron French Pastries is an elegant French patisserie that offers guests the finest, authentic French macarons and pastries. Headquartered in Sarasota, Fl., the brand began franchising in 2012 and has since grown to more than 50 locations across the U.S. Le Macaron French Pastries is ranked on Inc. 5,000 2016, as well as in the Top 100 Food and Beverage category by Entrepreneur and hold a No. 9 ranking in the baked goods category. For more information, visit http://lemacaron-us.com/.

11 01, 2019

FirstLight Home Care Named to Franchise Times Fast & Serious List

Alesia Visconti2019-01-11T15:39:41-05:00January 11th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, senior care franchise, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

Award-winning national home care franchise makes Franchise Times’ annual listing of the smartest growing brands for second straight year

CINCINNATI — FirstLight Home Care, a leading national provider of non-medical home care, has been named to the Franchise Times Fast & Serious list, an annual ranking of the smartest growing franchisors based on percentage sales growth, percentage unit growth, dollar sales growth, and numerical unit growth, among other factors.

Ranked on the list for the second consecutive year, FirstLight Home Care reported 20.1 percent sales growth in 2018. FirstLight serves seniors, adults with disabilities, new mothers, veterans, those recovering from surgery and other adults in need of assistance. Their caregivers help with many needs – from personal hygiene and household duties such as cooking, cleaning and running errands to mobility assistance and dementia care.

“Being named to this list for the second year in a row is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, from the staff at home office to our caregivers,” said Jeff Bevis, co-founder and CEO of FirstLight Home Care. “Our company has grown tremendously, but at the same time, we’re focusing on keeping that growth strategic and sustainable. We want people who are passionate about home care owning and working in our offices. That strategy pays off when you look at our employee retention rates, owner satisfaction and the reputation of our company.”

Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious is a ranking of franchises that have staying power in addition to rapid growth. The media outlet developed a proprietary 10-point formula to analyze successful franchise brands based on data sourced from the Franchise Times Top 200+ submissions, the publication’s annual ranking of the largest franchise systems based on revenue. Only companies with system-wide sales above $40 million were considered for this list.

In recent months, FirstLight Home Care has also made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing, privately held companies, the Franchise Times Top 200+ of the 500 largest franchise companies and Franchise Business Review’s Top 100 Franchises for Innovation and Top Franchises for Veterans lists.

For the complete Franchise Times Fast & Serious list, visit http://www.franchisetimes.com/January-2019/Blaze-Pizza-tops-this-years-Fast-Serious-list-our-annual-ranking-of-the-40-smartest-growing/Fast-Serious-21-30/.

For more information about FirstLight Home Care’s franchise opportunities, visit www.firstlightfranchise.com.

About FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care is a top rated non-medical home care provider with a network of offices that provides more than 100,000 hours per week in care for more than 4,800 clients in over 34 states. The company has created a new standard in home care by combining best practices with innovative approaches to make them an emerging market leader in a rapidly-growing industry. Their 4,700 caregivers provide companion and personal care services at private residences, assisted living and retirement communities, nursing homes, adult-family homes and group homes. Clients include seniors, new mothers, and individuals recovering from surgery, veterans, adults with disabilities and anyone 18 and over who might just need a little extra care or assistance. Visit www.firstlighthomecare.com to learn more.

10 01, 2019

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Ranked #1 Franchise Opportunity in Its Category in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 40th Annual Franchise 500

Alesia Visconti2019-01-10T18:12:39-05:00January 10th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, signs franchise, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Recognized for Its Strong Performance and Brand Power

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, has been ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® for the third consecutive year. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500® ranks FASTSIGNS as #95 — the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100 — for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“We’re honored to once again be recognized as the leader in our category for the third year in a row. This accomplishment is a testament to the strength of the brand, our franchisees, support team, and the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity,” says Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “FASTSIGNS achieved exceptional results in 2018, another record year for the company, including the signing of 52 franchise agreements as well as a Master Franchise Agreements to expand the brand to Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Gibraltar and a master franchise agreement for Chile. We’re positioned to continue our aggressive worldwide growth this year.”

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

“As we celebrate 40 years of producing the Franchise 500, it’s a good opportunity to step back and look at how much has changed since that first ranking in 1980,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “While the franchise business model has changed little, the strongest franchise brands are constantly evolving and innovating to keep up with changing trends and technology.”

In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of a special incentive for first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters which includes a 50-percent reduction on the franchise fee — a savings of $23,750. As part of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program, FASTSIGNS also offers veterans this special incentive. FASTSIGNS is proud to be the only franchisor in its segment to offer a development incentive specifically to first responders and veterans.

To view FASTSIGNS in the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2019 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands Jan. 15.

About FASTSIGNS^®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America and is the worldwide franchisor of almost 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS^® centers in nine countries including the U.S., Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Chile, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE^®).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.

9 01, 2019

Assisted Living Locators Named a 2019 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review

Alesia Visconti2019-01-09T16:49:06-05:00January 9th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, senior placement franchise, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

Independent Survey Shows Franchise Owners Are Highly Satisfied with Assisted Living Locator’s Performance

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Franchise Business Review released their “2019 Top Franchises Report” today and have named Assisted Living Locators a top franchise.

Assisted Living Locators offers a no cost placement service for seniors and their families providing expert advice on short-term and long-term care options including in-home care, assisted living, memory care and retirement apartments. It generates revenue from the referral fees paid by the communities.

In 2018, the company exceeded the 100 franchise mark. Assisted Living Locators broke into the triple digits after a decade of consecutive growth, after two years of unprecedented franchise recruitment. As the first senior placement and referral franchise business in the U.S., the company has pioneered its way to a national presence with 107 franchisees in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

Franchise Business Review, a national franchise market research firm, surveyed over 30,000 franchisees from 310 of today’s leading franchise brands to determine the best franchises of 2019 based 100 percent on franchisee satisfaction. Each survey participant was asked 33 benchmark questions about their franchisor that focused on areas such as leadership, training, and core values as well 16 more personal questions concerning their business lifestyle and overall enjoyment of running their franchise.

“There are thousands of different franchise opportunities available to prospective business owners today, with more popping up every day. It’s a great time to ‘be your own boss’ but it’s also important to do your homework to find the right fit,” says Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “Our independent research of franchisee satisfaction helps entrepreneurs discover the top franchise opportunities in every industry category – including fitness, travel, food, services, and retail. This year’s Franchisee Satisfaction Award winners truly are the best-of-the-best

“We are honored to be named a 2019 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review,” said Angela Olea, RN, CEO of Assisted Living Locators. “Assisted Living Locators’ business model of providing comprehensive training and support, as well as helping franchisees track and boost financial performance ensures that our owners are successful. We truly value the relationships we build with our franchisees and this award validates our commitment to franchisee satisfaction.”

About Assisted Living Locators

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Assisted Living Locators offers a no cost nationwide elder care referral and placement service for in-home companion care, independent retirement options, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. The company generates revenue from the referral fees paid by the facilities.

9 01, 2019

Backed by an Investment from Level 5 Capital Partners, Big Blue Swim School Prepares to Grow Through Franchising to 150 Units by 2020

Alesia Visconti2019-01-09T06:58:36-05:00January 9th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, child care franchise, education franchise, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine|

Big Blue Swim School’s consumer proposition, proprietary technology and real estate opportunity primes the brand to become the national swim school leader

CHICAGO — Not many franchisors can give credit to the start of their business to losing to Michael Phelps. A competitive swimmer at the University of Michigan, ranked fifth in the world in backstroke and fourth in the U.S., Chris DeJong trained under the same coach as Phelps. For the 2008 Olympics, DeJong finished behind Phelps and missed qualifying by just four-tenths of a second.

“To be perfectly honest, I’m pretty sure if I had made the team, I would have not left the sport with the hunger and desire necessary to start a business. I’m almost certain that personal disappointment fueled the next step in my career,” said DeJong, Big Blue Swim School President and CMO. “I was able to experience swimming at every level from age group swimming to international competitions. I left the sport somewhat disappointed with my competitive swimming career and had a unique perspective on everything that was wrong with swimming, especially at the entry point.”

DeJong soon moved to Chicago and partnered with John Lonergan, a Big Ten all-academic swimmer at the University of Iowa, to coach a local swim team in Evanston, teach lessons and run the aquatics program at North Shore Country Club in Glenview. The duo developed great contacts during this time, including Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts (now a member of the Big Blue Swim School board) and, through their combined swimming and teaching experience, created a curriculum focused on achieving fast results. DeJong and Lonergan opened their first standalone swim school concept in Wilmette in 2009, which grew from 600 to 2,200 families essentially overnight. They opened locations in Buffalo Grove (2015), Niles (2016), Hoffman Estates (2017), and will open a fifth location in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood in March 2019.

“From a consumer standpoint, Big Blue Swim School‘s four points of execution — explain, demonstrate, mimic, correct — allow our child engagement specialists to deliver an experience that actually helps kids learn how to swim,” said DeJong. “Our proprietary distance-based methodology ensures that we are measuring our students’ progress in the ways that actually matter and more quickly achieve better results. Parents are willing to invest in this because it’s a vital life skill, and they are able to rapidly see not only that their investment has paid off, but more importantly, that their children know how to keep themselves safe in and around water.”

Level 5 Capital Partners Sees Big Blue as the Next Big Brand

In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners, an investment company that grew from one Core Power Yoga studio to become the third largest national yoga studio operator in less than a decade, acquired a majority stake in Big Blue Swim School, and plans to grow the brand through franchising.

“The consumer proposition, lifetime value of each member and real estate opportunity were what drew us to Big Blue Swim School,” said Chris Kenny, Big Blue Swim School CEO and Managing Partner of Level 5 Capital Partners, adding that the $20 billion swimming lessons market*, the brand’s results-oriented curriculum and the real estate in high-traffic areas made available by Amazon and other online businesses were contributing factors.

Big Blue Swim School’s real estate footprint is generally between 10,000 to 12,000 square feet, with two 91-degree pools, which allows owners to map out class times by age group and make it easy for parents of multiple children to attend classes at the same time. Because teaching positions are filled by full-time child engagement specialists that receive benefits, Big Blue Swim School has less staff turnover, which saves the franchisee time and money and makes parents and children feel more comfortable.

Competitors in the swim school space typically connect new franchise owners to local real estate brokers who source Class C or Class D locations in warehouse areas, while Big Blue Swim School has a team of eight dealmakers canvassing the country to identify trade areas that fit the brand’s member profile.

“Competitors in the space are primarily focused on getting a good deal on rent, and are finding spaces in warehouse districts that are outside of the daily commute for parents. We are taking the opposite approach by using data on our current customers from Lesson Buddy, demographics, psychographics, traffic patterns and more, to narrow down the options to the top three sites to present to franchise owners,” said Kenny. “We are literally knocking on doors of properties that fit our profile, even if there’s a current tenant, to make sure we have the very best location. As an experience-based business that drives a lot of traffic to shopping centers, Big Blue Swim School is very attractive to landlords. The right real estate is pivotal to our success from a consumer standpoint, and our turnkey, hands-on approach to sourcing real estate and managing the process from lease negotiation through the construction makes it very easy for franchisees to open locations.”

The investment range for a Big Blue Swim School is $1,767,500 to $3,646,000. The brand is looking for franchise owners to develop in Florida, Texas, Southern California, Denver, Charlotte, Northern New Jersey, Georgia and Washington, D.C., the brand is set to add 50 locations in 2019 on the way to meeting its vision of 150 units by 2020.

Big Blue Swim School will support new franchise owners in a number of other ways, like lead generation through a corporate call center, and marketing through the required franchisee marketing fund, to help franchisees save money on labor and ensure that they are able to focus on running their day-to-day operations.

“Swim schools stack up financially against other top tier franchises but offer a much more rewarding opportunity, and have a longer lifetime customer value,” said Scott Thompson, Chief Development Officer at Big Blue and Level 5 Capital Partners. “We have a strong Item 19, but beyond that, we are attracting people who want to make a difference in their communities and be a part of life’s big moments for families. When you’re part of the community, helping children learn to swim and giving parents peace of mind, it gives you a real sense of pride. You’re not just investing in a business, you’re investing in a lifestyle and a community, and franchising gives us the opportunity to do that on a larger scale.”

A key brand differentiator that will help the team achieve the expected growth is the brand’s proprietary software developed by Chief Technology Officer Casey Morford. Lesson Buddy leverages membership, sales data and operational insights to make business recommendations, including when and where to have class times to maximize return, as well as monitoring the chemical makeup of the pool itself.

“Lesson Buddy is a tool that systematizes the operations for our franchise owners and gives the franchisor access to data across the entire system,” said Kenny. “If a location has an issue with its pool, the equipment functions with smart technology that’s connected to our software, so we are able to deploy facilities managers to the site to take care of any issues. Plus, the parents love being able to easily schedule lessons and will soon view their children’s progress on the app, which also relieves the franchisee of having to hire an employee to manage class scheduling for members.”

With a best-in-class product, strong brand leadership, a growth model and proprietary technology, the brand is set to add 50 locations in 2019 on the way to meeting its vision of 150 units by 2020.

“We are not treating this business like a normal franchise brand,” said Kenny. “With our network of interested multi-unit franchisees, the consumer value proposition and the business opportunity, we anticipate seeing immediate and long-term growth for Big Blue Swim School.”

ABOUT BIG BLUE SWIM SCHOOL

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmers Chris DeJong and John Lonergan. The first location opened in Wilmette, followed by Niles, Buffalo Grove and Hoffman Estates. In 2017, Level 5 Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in the brand, and is rolling out an aggressive strategy to grow through franchising to 150 locations by 2020. Big Blue Swim School’s real estate footprint, proprietary technology Lesson Buddy, coupled with its practice of employing full-time child engagement specialists that teach based on a proprietary distance-based swimming methodology sets Big Blue up for long-term success.

4 01, 2019

Planet Fitness to Open “Judgement Free” Club in Mount Pleasant

Alesia Visconti2019-01-04T20:34:03-05:00January 4th, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, small business opportunities, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine, small business owner|

New location to offer non-intimidating Judgement Free Zone®, extremely low prices, free fitness training included in all monthly memberships, and more

MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa. — Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, today announced it will open its first location in Mount Pleasant, at 123 Crossroads Rd in the fall of 2019.

The 10,000 square foot Mount Pleasant Planet Fitness will offer state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat screen televisions, HydroMassage loungers*, massage chairs*, tanning beds, a Total Body Enhancement booth*, and more.

“We’re excited to bring a Judgement Free experience to Mount Pleasant, where residents can break a sweat for just $10 a month,” said Sharon Lomasney, Franchise Partner of United PF Partners, a leading Planet Fitness Franchisee Group that currently operates 115 locations across ten states.

Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment, for only $10 a month. Membership includes a variety of other benefits, including free small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the PE @ PF® program. In addition, as a member appreciation gesture, Planet Fitness provides free pizza on the first Monday of every month, and free bagels on the second Tuesday of every month while supplies last, as a reminder that it’s okay to treat yourself.

“This new club will provide the Mount Pleasant community a comfortable environment with top-notch, brand-name cardio and strength equipment, where a lasting, active lifestyle can be built,” added David Lomasney, Franchise Partner of United PF Partners.

The PF Black Card® membership, which is $21.99 a month, includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to all 1,600+ Planet Fitness locations, as well as access to massage beds and chairs and tanning, among other benefits*.

*PF Black Card® amenities may vary by location but are included in Mount Pleasant.

About United PF Partners

United PF Partners is the largest Planet Fitness franchise group with over 115 clubs across Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. United PF has development rights to build new clubs across the Midwest, South, Mid-Atlantic, and Southwest regions.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2018, Planet Fitness had more than 12.2 million members and 1,646 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Mexico. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 95% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

2 01, 2019

Massage Envy And Cortiva Institute Forge National Partnership

Alesia Visconti2019-01-02T18:38:54-05:00January 2nd, 2019|Tags: advertise your franchise business, business opportunities magazine, business opportunity, franchise advertising, franchise internet marketing, franchise magazine, franchise marketing, franchise opportunities, franchising, low cost franchise, own your own business, small business opportunities magazine, small business opportunity magazine, small business owner|

Strengthens career pathways for students

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Massage Envy, the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skin care services, has entered into a partnership with Cortiva Institute, the country’s largest group of dedicated massage therapy and skin care schools, with 29 campuses in 12 states.

This partnership paves the way for broad collaboration between Massage Envy franchisees and their local Cortiva Institute campuses to both enrich the student experience and support strong employment outcomes. Creating opportunities for students to interview for positions in Massage Envy’s 1,150+ franchised locations in 49 states—including Stretch Service Provider positions after students have completed 300 hours of their program (where allowable by state law)–is just one way this partnership creates more employment opportunities for students before and after graduation.

“Our growth is fueled by talented, caring therapists and estheticians, and this national partnership gives Massage Envy franchised locations access to graduates who have received an outstanding education,” said Joe Magnacca, Massage Envy CEO. “We’re dedicated to helping professional service providers build rewarding, long-term careers in the industry, and we look forward to working with Cortiva Institute to provide students with more support to do just that.”

In addition, Cortiva Institute will promote Massage Envy’s commitment to self-care as part of their curriculum, introducing students to the importance of self-care early on. “For years, Cortiva has provided our students with the highest level of training and the best career opportunities, so partnering with Massage Envy franchisees who are collectively the industry’s largest employer makes perfect sense,” said Steve Salzinger, President of Cortiva Institute. “With an alumni network over 100,000 strong, Cortiva Institute prepares more Licensed Massage Therapists and Estheticians than any other school. Our commitment to excellence helps ensure that students are confident and ready to meet Massage Envy’s standards for quality and professionalism.”

In the coming year, Massage Envy franchised locations are expected to hire more than 3,500 professional massage therapists and estheticians.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians, with more than 35,000 dedicated wellness professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,150 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy.

About Cortiva Institute

Cortiva Institute is among the largest health and wellness schools in the country with a focus on graduating licensed massage therapy and skin care professionals for placement into the $3 trillion healthcare industry. Cortiva Institute is a subsidiary of Steiner Leisure – a portfolio company of L Catterton, one of the largest consumer-focused private equity firms in the world, with over $15 billion under management. For more information please visit http://www.cortiva.edu/ or follow us on Instagram at #CortivaInstitute.

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