Monthly Archives: March 2019

6 03, 2019

TITLE Boxing Club Embarks On Multi-City Tour To Showcase Signature Workouts And New Digital App

2019-03-06T15:46:54-05:00March 6th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

 

From KC to LA to NYC, people of every body type, age and fitness level are invited to experience TITLE’s distinct, high-energy events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — TITLE Boxing Club, the nation’s premier boxing studio, will kick off the 2019 TITLE Tour on Thursday, March 7, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. Subsequent events will follow in Los Angeles and New York City later this spring, hitting other major markets in early summer.

“We’re thrilled to hit the road and give more men and women the opportunity to be part of our strong, all-inclusive boxing community,” says President Susan Boresow. “Like our workouts, the TITLE Tour events will be energetic, engaging and welcoming to all bodies, abilities and ages.”

Building on Momentum
With nearly 200 clubs across the globe, and another 150+ in development, TITLE Boxing Club is viewed as an authority in the boxing realm, having taken one of the world’s oldest sports and made it modern. In January 2019, TITLE launched its exclusive digital product: TITLE Boxing Club On Demand. The streaming platform makes TITLE’s transformative, full-body workouts and world-class trainers accessible outside the club, allowing clients to join boxing-inspired classes anywhere at any time.

“The powerhouse combination of having nearly 200 franchise locations and the launch of our new TITLE Boxing Club On Demand app created the momentum and excitement we needed to take our brand and high-energy workouts on a national tour,” Boresow says. “We’re excited to partner with like-minded businesses and social influencers who are also blazing new trails in the healthy living space.”

More than Just Boxing: Multi-faceted Events that Fuel the Mind, Body and Spirit
Co-hosted by some of the fitness world’s top social media influencers, the TITLE Tour will feature a vibrant, party-like setting that focuses on cultivating a healthy mind and body. Guests will be treated to:

  • A signature TITLE Boxing Club workout: Attendees will experience 45 minutes of TITLE’s unmatched, high-intensity fitness regimen, led by master trainer Marques Jackson.
  • A mental pep talk: Our motivational keynote speaker Brooke Budke, Vice President of Marketing at TITLE Boxing Club, will mentally prepare you to fight life’s challenges.
  • A braid bar: Our beauty experts will ensure you’re “ready to rumble” in style. You’ll look the part of confident boxer with bold braids.
  • A live DJ: You’ll be in the mood to burn some calories with music that gets your heart pumping.
  • Smoothie Shop: Following your workout, refuel with a fresh, protein-enhanced smoothie of your choice.
  • One-on-one training: Guests will be invited to try a free three-minute round of mitt work with one of our top trainers.
  • An Instagram-worthy selfie station: You’ll have the perfect backdrop to snap a photo and share the fun with your followers.
  • A swag bag: You won’t leave empty-handed! Guests will receive a special gift bag that includes a three-day pass to TITLE Boxing Club and a seven-day pass for TITLE Boxing Club On Demand.
  • Inspiration to keep fighting: Following each event, influencer co-hosts will invite guests to participate in a four-week fitness challenge through the TITLE Boxing Club On Demand app. Your fitness journey will continue long after you leave the event!

All TITLE Tour events are open to the public, but guests are required to RSVP to ensure proper accommodations. For more information on each event, please visit: https://get.titleboxingclubondemand.com/title-tour/.

About TITLE Boxing Club®

TITLE Boxing Club, a Franworth company, is the nation’s leading boxing-inspired fitness club, committed to giving people of all ages, bodies, weights and abilities the most empowering workout of their lives. Founded in 2008, TITLE Boxing Club took one of the world’s oldest sports and made it modern and accessible to all. Today, the Kansas City-based company boasts 180+ locations across the globe, 150+ locations in development and a virtual fitness application that allows members to access on-the-go classes anytime, anywhere. In addition to being featured on and in FOX News, Bloomberg, Shape Magazine, Women’s Health and The Wall Street Journal, TITLE Boxing Club was ranked the No. 1 Fastest- growing Franchise by Inc. Magazine in 2015. To learn more about TITLE Boxing Club’s franchise opportunity, visit titleboxingclub.com/own-a-franchise. Read more about the brand at titleboxingclub.com

6 03, 2019

The Barre Code Launches On-Demand, powered by SweatWorking

2019-03-06T15:32:15-05:00March 6th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , |

CHICAGO — The Barre Code, a national boutique fitness franchise headquartered in Chicago, IL, has partnered with Chicago-based SweatWorking to extend its offerings to include “The Barre Code On-Demand.” With this digital program, The Barre Code is further adapting to its clients’ busy lifestyles, so they can truly “live by The Barre Code.”

Co-founders Ariana Chernin and Jillian Lorenz introduced The Barre Code to Chicago in 2010. The fitness duo has continued to provide a best-in-class fitness program and an empowering community nationwide with over 50 studios.

“We understand that our clients are real women with busy lives, and a studio-only program may not work for them all the time, so we’ve incorporated a digital program into our memberships as a way to truly adapt and evolve with our clients’ lifestyles,” says Dana Farber, Vice President of Brand Strategy for The Barre Code.

Seeing an opportunity for growth, The Barre Code partnered with SweatWorking, whose app-based program enhances their fitness partners’ workouts, bringing the experience to life outside of the studio. In addition to 70+ cardio, strength, and restorative workouts, The Barre Code On-Demand also features app-exclusive challenges, nutritional & wellness content, playlists, and more.

“We’re excited to create an even more connected fitness experience for The Barre Code,” says Justin Cohen, co-founder and President of SweatWorking. “Members who have fallen in love with this amazing brand will now have even more access on demand.”

The Barre Code On-Demand is sold at all studio locations or sold online for non-studio members.

ABOUT THE BARRE CODE

The Barre Code goes beyond the barre to offer cardio, strength training, and restorative classes with an emphasis on positivity and empowerment. Clients of all fitness levels and abilities will leave feeling stronger than ever with a wide variety of class styles, body-positive motivation, and custom-curated playlists. Find a Barre Code studio near you: www.thebarrecode.com.

ABOUT SWEATWORKING

SweatWorking is a turnkey digital fitness platform that enables gyms to share workouts members love through streaming video and audio content on its iOS and Android app. SweatWorking empowers its partners to generate additional revenue and enhance their brand via their proprietary digital content on custom branded channels. Get a glimpse of the platform here. SweatWorking is the sister company of aSweatLife, a recognized online fitness media company.

4 03, 2019

Strategizing Validation

2019-03-12T11:40:50-04:00March 4th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Man on Phone

Strategizing Validation

Get the inside scoop from other franchisees before you make your final decision

by Diana Capirano
Certified Franchise Consultant

My clients hear me say it all the time, “Validation is where the rubber meets the road!” The validation process—when you talk to other franchisees about their real-life experiences inside the franchise—is an important part of the franchise buying process. In fact, the opinions of other franchisees can make or break your decision. This is where you hear how it really is from other franchisees—and when you can determine if similar experiences will work for you. The FTC limits how much the franchisor has to reveal, so you can talk to current owners about any omissions. Inside information from current owners is vital. So how do you make the most of it? Here, we give you five steps to help you make the most of the process.

Step 1-Identify your Targets
Make sure you talk to both top performers and low performers—at least two of each. This gives you a good sampling. Ask about franchise support, training, and the future vision of the franchise.

Include startups, those businesses that have launched within 18 months. This will help you validate start-up costs and track to break even. You’ll even be able to ballpark initial training costs, as it’s still fresh in start-up minds. Also, talk to people at the end of a franchise agreement. Will they renew? What differences have they observed, and how adaptable has the franchisor been to changes in the competitive landscape.
Talk to those closest to you in terms of location and those with similar demographic profiles. It can give a good indication of your target market and may become more relevant in businesses driven by local economies.

Step 2-Develop your Tool
Create a list of questions and include those that the franchisor was not “permitted” to answer. Use a list supplied by your consultant as a guide and add your own questions. Ask clarifying questions as part of a free-flowing conversation, not just a simple Q and A. You want detail. Organize your questions by category, such as financial performance, marketing, support, onboarding, and so on.

Step 3-Build Rapport
Learn about the franchisee and share your background to frame your questions. The higher objective is determining if this is a good fit for everyone. Take a few minutes at the beginning to encourage open-ended, engaged, and candid dialogue. Make it conversational. Focus on the difference between objective and subjective answers. Ask anything and don’t be shy—franchisees went through this same process and know the value. If anything was deemed a negative, ask these questions: Is the franchisor aware? What is the plan to address this? Remember: You are being evaluated as well.

Step 4-Take Notes
Hopefully you will be inundated with great feedback, but document who said what in case you want to circle back for further clarification.

As you organize your information, ask yourself what was most meaningful? Did anything surprise you? What were common themes, both positive and negative. A few other questions to ask yourself:

  • Can I see myself working with these owners? Will they be a support to me?
  • What made others successful or unsuccessful? Will the same apply to me?
  • Overall, do I feel better and encouraged? Or, do I feel leery and concerned?

Step 5-Share Findings
Share your feedback with your consultant and franchisor. Do they seem surprised by anything you’ve uncovered? A great franchisor should not be surprised about anything coming out of validation, but he should be willing to explain or clarify points if necessary.

Jessica Melendez

Diana Capirano, CFC, has an expansive career which includes corporate and franchise sales and development, marketing and operations, merger and acquisitions, structuring and  negotiations as well as business ownership. As a highly-respected consultant and mentor, Diana espouses a profound commitment to help prospective business owners and investors understand and navigate the process of deciding on a franchise business. Contact Diana at 941-999-0095, email diana@focusfranchise.com, or visit http://www.focusfranchise.com.

4 03, 2019

How do you know if you’re ready to own a franchise?

2019-03-04T21:50:40-05:00March 4th, 2019|

28913241 - young woman choosing from a restaurant menu

You’ve been thinking about taking the leap into owning your own franchise for awhile now. But how do you know if you’re really ready? Below are a few signs.

You want your freedom

There can be no denying that the “freedom” factor is a major reason why people are attracted to franchises. Maybe you’re sick of not being able to chart your own career path. Or you need the flexibility to combine work and family time. Either way, a franchise can definitely free you to do the things in life you want to!

You want more money

You’re the kind of person willing to work harder for more money. But maybe that sort of opportunity isn’t available in your present job. The revenue from franchises, on the other hand, accounts for over one-third of all U.S. retail sales. Why not grab a piece of that for yourself?

You want a sense of purpose

So many salaried jobs today can be soul-draining. You long for something that allows you to pursue your dreams, do something meaningful or maybe make a difference in the lives of others. Whatever your sense of purpose, a franchise might just allow you to achieve it!

FREE SUBSCRIPTION BUTTON (1)

4 03, 2019

Massage Heights Announces the Rollout of Dynamic Cupping Therapy In Retreats Nationwide

2019-03-04T19:05:31-05:00March 4th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

New Therapeutic Service Available for Only $20 through April 30

SAN ANTONIO — Massage Heights, a leader of professional, affordable and convenient therapeutic massage and facial services, announced today that it is now offering dynamic cupping therapy in all Retreats nationwide. To celebrate, Massage Heights will offer dynamic cupping therapy to its Members and Guests as an add-on to any massage session for just $20, now through April 30. Following the promotional period, dynamic cupping therapy will be available to Massage Heights Members for $25 and Non-members for $50.

Cupping is an ancient alternative medicine practice in which special cups are placed directly on the skin to create suction, providing a variety of benefits for the body. Massage Heights’ dynamic cupping therapy uses silicone cups as part of traditional massage movements, allowing for better circulation and easier muscle movement. The pulling actions used during the session help to promote a deep relaxation throughout the entire body, which encourages healing and the body’s regeneration process, enhances circulation, increases range of motion and flexibility, and reduces inflammation.

“Since our inception 15 years ago, our mission has remained the same — to build a family-centric wellness brand dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of those we serve,” said Shane Evans, co-founder and president of Massage Heights. “We’re so excited to bring this new service to our Members and Guests. Our dynamic cupping therapy is a safe and pain-free treatment performed by our licensed massage therapists who have been trained and certified in the service, and has countless proven benefits that perfectly complement our current offerings, including our therapeutic massage services and full line of naturally-derived products.”

Massage Heights’ line of all natural, proprietary aromatherapy blends make perfect gifts and allow members and guests to extend their Massage Heights experience to the comfort of their own home. The Heights at Home line includes body milks, body butters, body washes, bath salts, linen sprays, sports balm, and body scrubs — all of which contain no artificial fragrances, colors, parabens, chemical additives, or synthetic fillers, and all ingredients are derived from plants. Massage Heights locations also offer a variety of products from Dermalogica®, TheraPearl®, Archipelago, and Comphy Linens.

For more information about Massage Heights and dynamic cupping therapy, or to find your nearest Retreat, please visit http://www.massageheights.com.

About Massage Heights

Massage Heights is a family-owned, membership-based therapeutic services franchise company that provides Members and Guests convenient, professional, affordable resort-quality massage and facial services that help people achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle, in an upscale Retreat environment. Regular massage and skin therapy services help people look and feel their best from the inside out by aiding in the reduction of stress, pain management and increased relaxation, all resulting in the ability to tackle daily life with a higher level of vitality and positivity, truly elevating the everyday.

2 03, 2019

Step out of your comfort zone

2019-03-12T11:45:37-04:00March 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

stairway to the sky

Step out of your comfort zone

by Jessica Melendez
Certified Franchise Consultant

I have often compared a franchise consultant to a psychologist because both professionals observe, interpret, and record the client’s objectives and desired outcomes. While working as a franchise consultant, I have come across clients who say what they want and what they don’t want. But then as I start to uncover their true objectives and desired outcomes, what they originally told me doesn’t match up.

For instance: A couple of years ago, I worked with a client who planned to invest in a franchise while he kept his corporate job. He wanted nothing to do with restaurants or a brand-new franchise. Along the way, he also told me that St. Louis was changing and he felt it was ready for something innovative. He wanted to be at the forefront of an industry or product in his market. He also wanted to buy multiples to make an impact and build an empire. As we continued our conversation, he said he had a passion for health and fitness.

At the time, FranServe added the new brand Rush Bowls. Rush Bowls is a concept that targets the on-the-go health-food industry in a unique way. Rush Bowls restaurants serve flash-frozen, thickly liquefied fruit that is topped with other healthy ingredients—a meal replacement in a bowl. Because Rush Bowls was an emerging brand, it had only two franchisees at the time. St. Louis was wide open for development, and the company’s concept was the innovative product my client sought in an industry he was passionate about.

Despite my client telling me he didn’t want to be in the restaurant business or be a part of a new franchise, Rush Bowls had everything else: the ability to build an empire while keeping his job and a concept currently missing from his market. When I presented this option to him, I issued a disclaimer outlining the two negatives, the things he specifically said he didn’t want, but I also suggested he keep an open mind about this brand. Lo and behold, what he thought he didn’t want was the very thing he ended up with. The pros to this brand ultimately ended up prevailing over the things he perceived as undesirable.

This client is the perfect example of why you need to look beyond your comfort zone. He was receptive enough to step outside the box and look at something that would have never occurred to him. By doing that, he ended up with exactly what he wanted. He is the proud owner of three Rush Bowls in St. Louis and may develop a total of seven to 10.

Sometimes an open mind and a willingness to leave your comfort zone can pay big dividends.

Jessica MelendezA 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.

2 03, 2019

An add-on franchise can boost the profits of an existing business

2019-06-02T13:46:32-04:00March 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Man Fixing Roof

An add-on franchise can boost the profits of an existing business

By Jason Power

Many people have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and have started businesses rather than buying into a franchise. Many of those same people later realize they’re missing out on a huge opportunity to reach additional customers through the addition of extra products or services. This is where franchising can lend a hand through an add-on franchise.

So what is an add-on franchise and how does it work?

Many businesses are seasonal or offer services that can be easily complemented with related services. In these cases, a business owner can take the existing business model and add extra products or services offered by a franchise system.

Some examples of this model include:

  • Lawn maintenance companies that add tree-trimming services.
  • Convenience stores that add gasoline or fast-food options.
  • Roofing companies that add fire, smoke, water, and mold-remediation services.

These are just a few of the business models that can leverage their existing customer bases by selling additional products or services. By adding the complementary franchise, these business owners can enhance their existing companies by leveraging the buying power of the franchise, its brand recognition, and the support system offered by the franchisor.

What about the pros and cons of adding a franchise to an existing business?

With every business, pros and cons must be considered. The obvious benefit to this add-on model is the new profit center derived from the addition of complementary services along with the reduced workload of creating the new product or service offering from scratch. Although the profit potential is great, the business owner must also consider the costs associated with buying into the franchise model, the restrictions that will be imposed by the franchisor, and the long-term commitment that comes with buying a franchise.

What are the legal considerations?

As with most franchise agreements, the business owner will be expected to sign personal guaranty, non-competition, and confidentiality agreements. These agreements should be reviewed carefully to prevent undue hardship for the business owner’s existing business model. If the business owner leaves the franchise, by mutual agreement or otherwise, the business owner must ensure from the beginning that he or she can continue operating the existing business without interruption.

The franchise add-on model can be a great way to add profit to an existing business by leveraging existing space and current customers. By knowing how the franchise add-on model works, understanding the pros and cons, and speaking with an attorney who focuses on helping franchisees, business owners are equipped to take their businesses to the next level.

Jason Power 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 country. Power also represents emerging and established franchisors. Contact Power at jason@franchise.law or by calling 980-202-5679. Visit www.barberpowerlaw.com.

1 03, 2019

BrightStar Reinforces Home Care Technology Leadership With New Board Member Pam Parisian

2019-03-01T16:14:27-05:00March 1st, 2019|Tags: , , , |

AT&T Chief Information Officer adds role as Board Member at BrightStar Care

CHICAGO — BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc., announced today the appointment of Pam Parisian as a Board Member.  Ms. Parisian is retiring from AT&T as President of Technology Development.

Ms. Parisian’s appointment expands the Board to four directors.  Other board members include David B. Barr, Chairman of PMTD Restaurants, Sidney J. Feltenstein, Operating Partner at Sentinel Capital Partners, and Boris Groysberg, the Richard P. Chapman Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School.  BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc., is the parent company of BrightStar Care, a premier home care company, as well as BrightStar Technology Group and BrightStar Senior Living.

“Pam is one of the world’s top information technology professionals, and we are honored to count her as an advisor to BrightStar,” said Shelly Sun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc.  “We are confident she will add great value to our Board of Directors and that BrightStar’s franchisees, clients, caregivers and families will benefit from her insights, judgment and expertise.”

“BrightStar is a leader in home care technology, having created a proprietary platform, ABS, that manages day-to-day care delivery as well as back office operations,” stated James Kearns, Chief Technology Officer at BrightStar Technology Group.  “With Pam joining our Board, we’ll enhance our current capabilities and innovate for the rapidly-developing future of home health care.”

In addition to serving as Chief Information Officer at AT&T, Ms. Parisian has been instrumental in major product launches including the first iPhone launch in 2007 and leading the technology integration for the historic Fortune 100 mergers, including DirecTV, AT&T Wireless, and Cingular Wireless.  Ms. Parisian was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2015, won the Dallas CIO of the Year Orbie Award – Super Global in 2017 and has been recognized numerous times on CIO Magazine’s CIO 100 List.

“Joining the Board at BrightStar gives me the opportunity to help Shelly and her team do what they do so well, improve people’s lives,” said Ms. Parisian.  “My family also struggles with home health care needs and I’m passionate about using technology to improve the home health care experience.”

About BrightStar Care

Based in Chicago, BrightStar Care is a national private duty home care and medical staffing franchise with more than 330 locations which provide medical and non-medical services to clients within their homes, as well as supplemental care staff to corporate clients. BrightStar Care franchise locations across the country employ over 2,500 registered nurses who play a unique role in overseeing the care for each individual client. In addition, BrightStar Care is the only national home care franchise to receive The Joint Commission’s Enterprise Champion for Quality award every year since the award’s inception.  The company’s agencies have earned more ‘Best of Home Care’ Awards than any other brand.  In 2018, the company ranked No. 75 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list and was included for the fourth consecutive year on Forbes Magazine’s list of top franchise opportunities. For more information on BrightStar Care please visit www.brightstarcare.com; to find out more about BrightStar Care Franchising, visit www.franchise.brightstarcare.com.

SOURCE BrightStar Care