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Monthly Archives: March 2019

18 03, 2019

Don’t just run your franchise; LEAD it

2019-03-18T18:46:01-04:00March 18th, 2019|

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In order to have a successful franchise, you must alter your mindset from that of an ordinary employee. Like it or not, you’re the leader now, and your every action must reflect that. Here are a few inspirational quotations on leadership to illustrate this concept.

“You manage THINGS; you lead PEOPLE” — Admiral Grace Murray Hopper

As a regular business manager, you were probably concerned with things like stocking, staffing and profit. As a franchise owner, you have to be concerned about all those things – AND inspiring the people who work for you as well. That’s because everything you say and do reflects on the franchise brand. It’s not about the “things” anymore; it’s about the brand that encompasses many different types of employees and customers.

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality” — Warren Bennis

If you’ve ever managed a business, you know that a certain amount of what you do goes on faith. You have to trust that that the vision you hold for your enterprise can, in fact, be realized. However, franchising makes this much easier. It’s a relatively simple matter to turn your vision into reality when other franchise branches have proven their success in doing it.

If you’re looking for more inspiration regarding franchises, talk to your franchisor. They’re sure to be full of all sorts of ways to get you fired up about your new venture!

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14 03, 2019

How this Small-Town Dillon, MT Franchise Reinvented its Offerings to Take on Panera

2019-03-14T18:39:31-04:00March 14th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Great Harvest Bread’s Brand Evolution Addresses Consumer Demand and Resolves Pain Points for Multi-Unit Franchise Owners

DILLON, Mont. — Great Harvest Bread Co., known for serving the finest quality specialty bread is a rising direct threat to Panera and other cafe and sandwich competitors as the 43-year-old brand is now serving more than just its signature handmade loaves and growing rapidly in size.

Great Harvest franchisees and brand leaders grew tired of being subtle about the distinctive differentiators that make them a slice above the rest. The company took what they already did better – baking bread from the freshest ingredients, including fresh-milled Montana wheat – and reinvented its menu, business model and morphed into the newest bakery cafe franchise to be reckoned with.

Notable Growth

Bakery cafes are the key element in Great Harvest’s new hub and spoke model, which allows multi-unit owners to go more places with a smaller footprint while reaping the full benefits of both a central bakery cafe and multiple cafe-only locations. The bakery cafe acts as the hub, supplying fresh bread throughout the day to the spokes, or cafe-only locations, in surrounding communities.

In the two short years since Great Harvest debuted this model, the new hub and spoke locations have grown to make up nearly 22 percent of the franchise system. Franchise owners are recognizing the profitability of growing strategically through hub and spoke locations, and the proof is in the numbers:

  • Great Harvest opened eight new locations in 2018
  • In 2018, the number of signed stores grew by 17 percent
  • In 2018 and Q1 of 2019, Great Harvest signed 33 new format stores – 9 bakery cafes and 24 new cafes
  • Hub and spoke agreements were signed in eight new markets in 2018, including six bakery cafes and 13 new cafes
  • Nine new cafes signed to existing markets

“Great Harvest is no longer what it used to be. We are reinvented and franchisees new and old have seen the the impact it has had on their business,” said Eric Keshin, president of Great Harvest Bread Co. “No one else has the strength, consistency and high bread-baking standard to do what we’re doing and stand tall against the giant. By pairing who we are with our hub and spoke expansion strategy we saw incredible growth in 2018.”

While generations have grown up on the freshly-baked, artisan specialty bread served at Great Harvest, there has been a perpetual presence of specialty diets, which sparked a movement among the leadership team to offer more than delicious, daily-made bread. The franchise found that by adding approximately 35 seats, public bathrooms and an expanded menu including grain bowls, salads, hot/cold sandwiches, soups, fountain drinks, an espresso machine, desserts and more to bakery cafe locations that sales jumped and the variety offered something for everyone.

The Hub-and-Spoke Model

Great Harvest’s hub and spoke model enables entrepreneurs to become successful multi-unit business owners by offering the option of expanding their number of units with additional cafe-only businesses around a centrally-located full bakery cafe. This allows franchisees to go into high-traffic areas with as little as 1,500 square feet, opening cafe doors in downtowns where competitors cannot because of the large amount of space they require. The hub and spoke model provides an incomparable investment opportunity that allows someone to own five Great Harvest Bread Company locations for the price of a single Panera and cover more territory.

“With our carefully crafted hub and spoke business model, we ensure our franchisees will be able to efficiently out-bake and out-localize the competition with our signature, made-from-scratch-daily products,” said Great Harvest Bread Chairman and CEO Mike Ferretti. “It’s cost effective for multi-unit owners looking to overcome Panera’s restrictions by opening smaller-sized spokes in high-traffic areas, all while achieving better quality control as you’re your own supply chain.”

There are more than 190 independently owned Great Harvest locations across the U.S. However, many fans and loyalists often mistake the franchise for a ‘mom and pop’ due to its freedom franchise model, which allows each owner to choose their own pricing, décor, menu items and more. Customers have come to expect local flavors and ingredients from each Great Harvest they visit, proving the franchise is anything but cookie cutter.

Multi-unit owners especially appreciate the freedom franchise because unlike other franchises, with Great Harvest they can tweak their local offerings, set their own pricing in order to be competitive in their local market and have control over advertising support. Owners are put in the driver’s seat while simultaneously being able to tap into the benefits of a proven system and a network of franchisees for additional support.

About Great Harvest Bread Company

Great Harvest Bread has spent the past 40 years perfecting the combination of ingredients to make the freshest and authentic breads and pastries, as well as the newer sandwiches, grain bowls and soups, growing to nearly 200 locations, all of which continue to mill their own Golden Triangle wheat every morning from scratch. Providing local communities with authentic breads and pastries made fresh daily, the brand is now growing through franchising with a new bakery-cafe model ideal for multi-unit ownership. Open during three parts of the day—breakfast, lunch and dinner— the menu has grown beyond a wide variety of soft, delicious breads to include soups, sandwiches and grain bowls. To learn about franchising opportunities with Great Harvest Bread Company, go to https://www.greatharvest.com/franchise.

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13 03, 2019

Expedia® CruiseShipCenters® Rides Growth Wave in 2019

2019-03-13T19:00:23-04:00March 13th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Cruise Industry Leader Celebrates 2018 Milestones; Looks to Build on Innovation and Growth in 2019

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The top cruise travel agency franchise in North America, Expedia CruiseShipCenters, announced a milestone-heavy year for the growing brand. In 2018, the brick and mortar travel agency awarded its 100th franchise in the U.S., signed its first multi-unit deal, and exhibited 17 percent year-over-year growth. Riding this wave of momentum in 2019, the company expects another high performing year with 35 new franchise locations projected to open.

Adding to the several notable growth achievements over the past year, Expedia CruiseShipCenters awarded 26 new franchises and achieved over $790 million in gross bookings in 2018. The brand also received industry recognition, winning Carnival Cruise Line’s Retail Partner of the Year Award, Holland America Line’s Franchise Agency Network Award, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Canadian Retail Partner of the Year, among several others. Most notable, Expedia CruiseShipCenters was ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Franchise 500 ranking. The prestigious ranking is a testament to the brand’s ability to grow its footprint across North America while continuing to provide unparalleled franchisee support and customer service.

“2018 was a strong year for the brand, as we achieved some new milestones, won a series of supplier awards, and continued to build on the success from last year,” said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “We hope to keep this momentum going in 2019, and with our continued focus on agent recruitment and retention, and our plan to incorporate technology and data to drive our consumer outreach, I believe this will be another incredible year for us.”

In 2019, Expedia CruiseShipCenters has eyes set on key markets throughout the U.S. for development including Florida, Texas and California, Georgia, Illinois, and Washington.

With the cruise travel industry expected to continue its rise throughout 2019, Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ growth is in part driven by this continued demand. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, more than 30M passengers are expected to cruise in 2019 – a 34percent increase from five years prior. Additionally, 24 new ocean, river and specialty ships are scheduled to debut this year, with more than 125 new ships coming online between now and 2027.

For more information about franchise opportunities with Expedia CruiseShipCenters visit www.expediafranchise.com.

About Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Expedia CruiseShipCenters provides exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of over 270 points of sale. As part of the Expedia Group family of brands, the company’s more than 6,000 Vacation Consultants facilitate the booking of a wide range of vacation products including cruises, flights, hotels, vacation packages, tours, excursions and more. The company has been navigating spectacular vacation experiences for customers across North America for 30 years. For more information on Expedia CruiseShipCenters, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

Expedia and CruiseShipCenters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

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13 03, 2019

Local Entrepreneurs Open Always Best Care of Mesa

2019-03-13T14:10:19-04:00March 13th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Leading Senior Care Franchise Offers Award-Winning Senior Care Services to Mesa and Surrounding Areas

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today that it has opened its newest franchise in Mesa, Arizona. Always Best Care Senior Services of Mesa marks the company’s third location in the state of Arizona. Owned and operated by first-time franchisees John and Ganeen Harstick and their son Trevor Keeling, Always Best Care Senior Services of Mesa will provide a senior care solution in a state that is among the country’s most popular for retirees.

“John, Ganeen and Trevor are ambitious, passionate and eager to hit the ground running in their local community,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “We’re truly elated to welcome them as the newest additions to our Always Best Care family and are confident that they will utilize their strong expertise in business management to provide the highest level of quality care to the growing senior population in Mesa. We look forward to supporting their efforts as they dive into the market and form meaningful relationships with the healthcare professionals, along with families in need, for years to come.”

As long-time residents of Mesa, the entrepreneurial family brings decades of combined professional experience in various skillsets and departments, including human resources, leadership development and management and healthcare industries. Prior to joining Always Best Care, Ganeen served as the Executive Director of Higher Education STO, a non profit dedicated to helping at need students attend a school of their choice that addresses their unique physical, emotional and educational needs. John brings 36 years of experience in the human resources field, where he worked in various industries including, healthcare, financial services and manufacturing. Trevor is a practicing Registered Respiratory Therapist and Vascular Access Specialist.

“My family and I have always been passionate about helping others in need and we wanted to do our part. Opening a senior care agency in a state ranked as the #2 place for seniors to retire felt like a natural fit,” said Ganeen. “The rising senior population, coupled with the latest trend of aging in place, will position our business as a much needed resource for families and loved ones in need of reliable services. We strive to provide the absolute best care by working with the tools provided through the Always Best Care corporate team, along with the trusted caregivers and healthcare partners across Mesa and surrounding areas.”

Located at 7165 E University Dr. Suite 144, Always Best Care Senior Services of Mesa will provide senior care services to several communities including Mesa, Apache Junction, San Tan Valley, Las Sendas and surrounding areas. The agency will host a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on April 17.

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care, and is the only senior services franchise system that combines the three to create three separate revenue streams for its franchisees. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.

By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client’s particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care now being phased in throughout the country.

About Always Best Care

Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of illnesses and personal needs, and currently provides more than 4 million hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company’s clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas.

Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is the only absolutely free national telephone reassurance program of its kind anywhere in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-In-Touch.com.

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12 03, 2019

Row House to Debut in Canada, Marking First International Studio

2019-03-12T14:53:44-04:00March 12th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Boutique Rowing Concept Opens First Canadian Studio in Toronto This Summer

IRVINE, Calif. — Following its rapid development in the United States, Row House, a low-impact, high-energy indoor rowing concept, announced today its first international studio development in Canada. As the demand for unique, boutique fitness concepts grows in the country, the brand is well-positioned to succeed with its efficient and effective rowing workouts. The inaugural Canadian location is set to debut in Toronto, and is targeting an opening date in summer 2019.

Currently Row House has 16 locations open and 200 territories sold in the United States and is on track to have over 100 studios open by the end of 2019. The company’s extensive domestic growth and success have led Row House to seek out international markets for expansion.

“Demand for this groundbreaking concept is incredibly high right now, so in Canada, we expect to see a trajectory of growth similar to what has occurred in the United States,” said Ramon Castillon, President of Row House. “We’re confident that our neighbors to the north will fully embrace the camaraderie, inclusivity and total-body results that Row House offers.”

The Toronto studio will be owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Steven and Elena Gliosca. Steven has worked in IT for 20 years, developing startups in Eastern Canada, while Elena is the owner of a local portrait photography studio. They were immediately hooked on the Row House workout and strong sense of community after visiting one of the brand’s New York locations.

“We are excited to bring the indoor rowing revolution to Canada with our Toronto studio,” said Elena. “As our city’s busy fitness scene continues to shift toward boutique offerings, we know that the population is going to fall in love with this well-balanced, structured and efficient workout.”

Long recognized by the rowing community as one of the most effective forms of full-body exercise, Row House will provide Canadian citizens an alternative fitness regimen that focuses on the safety and longevity of their bodies. The modern studio welcomes members into an atmosphere centered on camaraderie and drive, where participants row in-sync on state-of-the-art Concept2 rowing machines. Used every day by Olympic athletes, cardiac rehab patients, individuals at home and every caliber of rower in-between, the Concept2 is the authentic choice for those looking to marry low-impact cardio and strength training into one workout.

Row House, backed by Xponential Fitness’ team with more than 25 years’ experience in fitness franchising, is actively seeking qualified and passionate franchise partners to capitalize on the emerging market success. Backed by a wealth of support, infrastructure and knowledge, the total investment fee to open a Row House is $231,600–$333,750. For more information on Row House and the franchising opportunity, visit www.therowhouse.com/franchise.

About Row House

Row House is a boutique indoor rowing concept offering a group fitness environment that brings the comradery and drive fostered by the sport of rowing. Founded in NYC in 2014, Row House offers a smart, effective, low-impact and high-energy fitness program meant to preserve the longevity of the body for all fitness levels. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Row House is backed by Xponential Fitness, a curator of popular boutique fitness brands. To learn more about Row House, visit www.therowhouse.com.

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11 03, 2019

Huntington Learning Center Announces Significant Expansion of Franchising Opportunities in the New York Metro Area

2019-03-12T19:45:17-04:00March 11th, 2019|Tags: , , , |

Strategic Plan Marks Largest Expansionary Period in 42-Year-Old Company’s History

ORADELL, N.J. — Huntington Learning Center, the leading tutoring and test prep provider with more than 300 locations across the country, announced today that it will begin rapid franchise growth in the New York Metropolitan area – the same region where the company first opened its doors in 1977. This period of significant expansion will present over 40 new franchising opportunities in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, in addition to 30-plus re-franchising opportunities for the existing company-owned centers in the area.

“This is a pivotal moment in Huntington’s history,” said Anne Huntington, Vice President of Business Development and Member of the Board of Directors. “We are excited for the opportunity to significantly expand our reach within this market and continue the mission that our co-founders, my parents, began 42 years ago, which is to give every student the best education possible. As the next generation of Huntington leadership, I am proud to carry the legacy they’ve built into the future.”

Huntington Learning Center is the #1 revenue-producing tutoring franchise in the United States, with revenues that are 53% higher on average than its closest competitor. Frequently awarded with accolades for its best-in-class results, Huntington was recognized this year as a Top 500 Franchise and a Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur, as a Top 50 Franchise by Franchise Business Review’s Franchisee Satisfaction Awards, and as a recipient of America’s Best Customer Service from Newsweek.

“We have worked hard to develop truly turnkey franchising opportunities for aspiring business owners since we first made the decision to franchise in 1985,” said Eileen Huntington, Co-Founder and CEO of Huntington Learning Center. “We’ve continued to iterate and perfect our operations over the years and believe that the time is now right for an expansion of this magnitude.”

Huntington franchisees not only have the opportunity to make an impact in their communities but are provided with comprehensive training and support to launch the business, including step-by-step guidance in terms of operations, marketing, finance management and the knowledge of an experienced and dedicated team. Huntington offers a best-in-class financing option, as well as a reduced franchise fee for active duty and US military veterans.

For information about Huntington Learning Center franchise opportunities, please visit www.HuntingtonFranchise.com or call 1-800-653-8400.

About Huntington Learning Center

Huntington Learning Center is the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com and for franchising opportunities www.HuntingtonFranchise.com.

Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPLYMbJ2jnY

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11 03, 2019

Venture X Selects essensys Technology to Accelerate Company Growth

2019-03-11T20:27:46-04:00March 11th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Shared Workspace Franchise Continues to Trailblaze through Relationship with Cutting Edge Workspace Technology Provider, essensys

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Venture X®, a global shared workspace franchise, announced today its relationship with coworking technology leader, essensys. The strategic alliance brings together Venture X’s leading workspace community for entrepreneurs and businesses and essensys’ enterprise-grade mission-critical software. The new collaboration will allow for Venture X franchisees to focus on the growth of their locations, while essensys technology takes care of managing customer relationships, maximizing occupancy, onboarding customers, automating revenue, running a more efficient operation and more.

This year, Venture X is forging ahead with an aggressive agenda for continued expansion to meet the demand for coworking communities. When deciding to launch or scale a workspace brand, one of the highest priorities and concerns is making sure there is an ease of connectivity for users. Brand President, Jason Anderson, applauds the relationship with essensys, which he says will allow franchisees and customers the assurance of working in a transformational workspace without worrying about software or IT glitches.

“Our mission is to create a flexible, modern, and innovative work environment that allows professionals and entrepreneurs to work with ease and peace of mind. With essensys as a vendor partner, we will continue to prove that Venture X is the most comprehensive and technologically forward company in our industry,” says Anderson.

Venture X’s decision to team up with essensys will help deliver an exceptional comprehensive tenant experience that will allow franchisees to focus on running their business, while essensys takes care of all the information technology needs.

“essensys is thrilled to welcome the Venture X global workspace franchise to our community of tech-driven flexible workspaces,” says Iain Miln, Business Development Manager at essensys. “We share a vision to deliver a first-rate member experience to workspace occupiers while enabling ambitious, multi-site operators such as Venture X to run an efficient and highly scalable operation powered by essensys technology.”

As Venture X continues to undergo tremendous expansion globally, it is the priority of the leadership and community that makes up Venture X to continue moving in a direction that helps people connect, inspire, and improve upon their businesses while they fulfill their lives.

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 essensys

essensys is powering the world’s largest community of tech-driven flexible workspaces. Established in London in 2006, essensys provide mission-critical software to the global flexible workspace industry. Our proprietary software and mobile-ready technology deliver a comprehensive end-to-end solution that helps ambitious, multi-site operators operate efficiently, deliver tech-driven workspace networks, and offer a frictionless occupier experience. Visit www.essensys.tech to learn more about essensys mission-critical software for flexible workspaces.

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11 03, 2019

Oasis Senior Advisors Partners with Author, Hilarity for Charity

2019-03-11T20:12:45-04:00March 11th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Bonita Springs-based franchisor helps provide caregiver support

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — A vast burden sits on the shoulders of caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. That’s why Oasis Senior Advisors is teaming up with Seth Rogen’s nonprofit Hilarity for Charity and healthcare author Jennifer L. FitzPatrick to launch a free virtual book club for dementia caregivers based on FitzPatrick’s book “Cruising Through Caregiving: Reducing the Stress of Caring for Your Loved One.”

Club participants will meet online for 15 weeks beginning May 15 to discuss topics addressed in the book, including how to pay for care and how to balance caregiving with a career.

“We’re thrilled to provide help for a growing segment of the population facing a tremendous challenge,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said. “As our population ages and dementia becomes more common, more caregivers require support for the stressful work they do every day.”

“Cruising Through Caregiving” is a down-to-earth yet authoritative guide to becoming a responsible, loving dementia caregiver without being overcome by guilt, exhaustion or worry. It calls upon advice and resources from FitzPatrick and 24 other professionals to help caregivers maintain their health, relationships, financial stability and more.

FitzPatrick is a gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University and a regular contributor to national media on dementia and caregiving issues. She’s also a certified speaking professional with a master’s in social work and broad firsthand experience as a caregiver.

Rogen and wife Lauren Miller Rogen founded Hilarity for Charity, which benefits families struggling to provide care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, funds Alzheimer’s prevention research, promotes brain health education and bolsters support groups. The Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian has helped raise more than $10 million through an annual Hilarity for Charity comedy show now streaming on Netflix.

“It’s exciting to see so many talented and influential people recognize the value of helping those with Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as their families,” Evankovich said. “We’re dedicated to providing no-cost help for seniors and families, and to sticking with them every step of the way.”

See how Oasis Senior Advisors helps navigate the maze of senior housing options at oasissenioradvisors.com. Sign up for the virtual book club at jenerationshealth.com/cruising-through-caregiving.

About Oasis Senior Advisors

Founded in 2014 by Tim Evankovich, Oasis Senior Advisors provides free, personalized help finding transitional housing solutions that best fit the needs of seniors and their families. This includes senior housing, hospital discharge, elder law, specialty care, and more. The company, based in Bonita Springs, Florida, operates a growing number of franchises across the U.S. Their personalized and caring approach to aid seniors and their families has helped many achieve satisfaction, comfort and peace of mind. Through client satisfaction and its strong partnerships with many top-rated senior living communities and services in the country, Oasis Senior Advisors is positioned for continued growth. Franchise opportunities are available nationwide. Visit oasissenioradvisors.com or call 888-455-5838 to learn more.

About Hilarity for Charity

Founded by Lauren and Seth Rogen in 2012, Hilarity for Charity’s mission is to raise awareness, inspire change, and accelerate progress in Alzheimer’s research, care, and support. By engaging younger generations through comedy and open dialogue, Hilarity for Charity aims to significantly improve outcomes for all families contending with Alzheimer’s disease. Our national grant program seeks to ease the burden on caregivers in need of financial support to keep parents and spouses in a familiar home setting. We’re also passionate about educating people under the age of 40 about the profound impact lifestyle changes can have on brain health.

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11 03, 2019

The Junkluggers of Austin Announced for Austin Gives Generous Business Awards

2019-03-11T20:17:35-04:00March 11th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Awards to be presented at annual event on April 12

AUSTIN, Texas — The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce announced The Junkluggers of Austin as a finalist for the Austin Gives Generous Business Awards which recognize organizations that demonstrate exemplary business philanthropy. One winning company from each of four categories will be honored at the annual awards luncheon scheduled for April 12, 2019 at the Hilton in Austin.

This year’s finalists represent all types and sizes of businesses. The finalists include the following categories: Charitable Champions (under 26 employees), Big Heart (27-100 employees), Bold Giver (100-400 employees), and Community Leaders (over 400 employees). The Junkluggers of Austin is a finalist in the Charitable Champion category.

The Generous Business Awards were created by Austin Gives to recognize and celebrate businesses in the Austin community who make giving back a part of their business model. Since its launch in 2011, the Austin Gives program has celebrated Austin as one of the most philanthropic regions in the nation and has quickly grown with over 500 companies in the network.

“We are thrilled and honored to be nominated as a finalist for the second year in a row,” said Laura Chavez, Chief Lugging Officer with The Junkluggers of Austin. “As a for purpose organization, we focus on donation, repurposing and upscaling unwanted items across Austin. Further, we appreciate contributing to the Austin Resource Recovery Vision 2040 Landfill Free Initiative.“

About Austin Gives

Austin Gives, a program of the Austin Chamber, is committed to recognizing and encouraging business philanthropy in Austin, Texas. Businesses of all sizes that commit to giving one or more percent of their pre- tax earnings toward financial contributions, donated products or services or volunteering are invited to be recognized as an Austin Gives Business. Tickets for the event and addition information can be found at https://members.austinchamber.com/events/austin-gives-generous-business-awards

About The Junkluggers of Austin

Led by Junkluggers’ first woman franchise owner Laura Chavez, the Austin, Texas franchise services all of Travis County to include Austin, Westlake, Lake Travis, SOCO, Rollingwood and surrounding cities. Laura is helping to redefine and modernize junk removal services. She has a keen focus on affiliating with the City of Austin on creating a landfill free city by 2040, and her team focuses on recycling, repurposing and donating items to needy organizations across the county.

About the Greater Austin Chamber

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin Region works. We serve as the voice of business for 2,800 organizations representing a combined workforce of about 330,000 employees throughout Central Texas.  Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous economy and effective advocacy for members. For more information, please visit AustinChamber.com.

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11 03, 2019

Q&A: Jessica Melendez on vetting franchisors

2019-03-12T10:55:11-04:00March 11th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Woman on Phone

Q & A

Jessica Melendez on vetting franchisors

What are some important questions for a candidate to ask a franchisor?

Working as a broker, I put together a template of questions for my candidates to use when talking to franchisors. During the discovery process, most of those questions are answered, and my clients can check them off their lists. However, I insist that they get clear, in-depth answers on the following questions.

Regarding Training

  • What does your training program look like? What ongoing training do you offer?
  • Do you provide a mentor? For how long?
  • Do you assist in training my team?

Regarding Territory

  • What is my protected territory and how is it defined?
  • How many franchises have been awarded in my state? Have they all opened? If they haven’t, why not?
  • What are your plans to develop my state and how will that impact my franchise?

Regarding Cost

  • Can you give me a break down of all of the expenses associated with getting started?
  • How much additional capital will I need after I launch my franchise?
  • What goods or services do I have to purchase directly from you, the franchisor, and can I competitively shop for a better deal?
  • Is there a national advertising/marketing fund that I must contribute to?

Regarding Potential Earnings

  • What can I expect to earn if I join your franchise system, and does your franchise disclose this amount in your written materials?
  • Do you provide a pro-forma?
  • What is your average profit margin?
  • What is your average sales per month?

Regarding Franchisee History

  • How many franchisees have you added in the past year? How many have you lost?
  • How many franchised units have failed and why?
  • How have previous franchisee/franchisor disputes been settled?

What are some red flags to look out for?

  • Corporate takeovers: Pay close attention to item 20 of the FDD, which will give you information on the number of franchises transferred, canceled, or terminated; as well as the number of franchises that have not been renewed by the franchisor or have been reacquired by the franchisor. Corporate takeovers or terminations are red flags—possibly indicating there are failures due to training and support or infrastructure.
  • Resales: Are resales being sold at their prime for big profit? Or, are they selling to unload their business due to losses or no growth?
  • Unhappy franchisees: Another red flag would be several unhappy franchisees during validation calls. If you’re making validation calls and discover several unhappy validators, talk to the franchisor and see how he responds. Are they weak owners, or is the franchisor failing them?

How should you prepare for a Discovery Day?

Going through the buying process in its entirety is the best way to prepare for Discovery Day. By the time it arrives, you should have made your validation calls, reviewed the FDD to completion, had calls with the franchisor, and reviewed all materials/webinars provided. Discovery Day should be the day you meet the executive staff and see how they operate firsthand. At this point, you want to see if the brand and culture are a fit for you.

Discovery Day is also a good time to ask final questions regarding the FDD or validations, discuss attorney review and offerings, finalize territory maps, and ask about next steps. Take care of the following before you arrive to make your trip more efficient:

  • Confirm travel arrangements.
  • Arrive a day early, as most Discovery Days start first thing in the morning.
  • Ask about dress code—some franchisors prefer business casual.
  • Ask for an agenda.
  • Ask if you need to bring anything with you, such as financial information.
  • Prepare a list of final questions.

Jessica Melendez

A trainer and mentor for FranServe, Inc., the world’s largest franchise consulting firm, and the CEO of WestStar Franchise Group, Jessica Melendez coaches and educates prospective franchise owners and helps them find businesses that align with their personal and professional ambitions. As a franchisor and president of Dryer Vent Squad, Melendez has first-hand experience in all aspects of franchising, which makes her an excellent resource for prospective franchisees. Contact Melendez at 915-202-8272, email Jessica@weststarfranchisegroup.com, or visit https://www.weststarfranchisegroup.com.

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