Monthly Archives: April 2019

30 04, 2019

May 2019: Food Franchises

2019-05-02T17:06:31-04:00April 30th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

ON THE COVER

Game Plan

Lessons learned on the field help Super Bowl champ Gary Brackett lead his winning franchise

by Jill Abrahamsen

Stacked Pickle CEO Gary Brackett attributes his success as a franchisor to his time playing football. As a Super Bowl-winning linebacker for the Indiana Colts, Brackett used the same skills on the field that he needs today to run his successful business: leadership, hard work, and discipline, just to name a few. “As a team captain, I was chief defensive operator. Now I am chief executive officer,” says Brackett. “There are a lot of similarities. I run my business like I ran the defense. It’s all about teamwork.”

Knowing that professional football players have short careers, he always had a “plan B” and thought about his retirement early. “The idea of owning a sports bar always appealed to me,” Brackett says. While exploring his options, he came across the Stacked Pickle, a small sports bar chain in his area.

Brackett loved the community feel and vibe of the restaurant, and he invested as a silent partner while going back to school to earn his MBA. Brackett’s coursework inspired him to look into scaling the business. Eventually he took over the entire operation and prepared the Stacked Pickle for franchising.

“We got our processes and procedures down to a science before offering franchise opportunities in 2016,” Brackett says. “We made it as polished and brand-focused as possible.”

Stacked Pickle
Restaurant Interior
Restaurant Interior
Beer taps
Bar food

With a fun, family-friendly, casual feel, The Stacked Pickle is all about local sports, and the décor includes photos of high school teams and memorabilia from local professional sports teams. “It’s a great place to watch your favorite team or come after a local high school game,” Brackett says. “Our goal is to build a sense of community.”

Menu items include signature “stacked” burgers and wings, fun appetizers like nachos and pizza-stuffed breadsticks, plus healthier options like salads and wraps. “We have something for everyone,” Brackett says.

In designing the franchise, Brackett kept costs down for investors. “Instead of expensive build-outs, we give franchisees the option to retrofit existing locations,” he says.

Quote

He’s thrilled with the growth of the brand and looks to partner with investors who share his enthusiasm and work ethic. “While this is a simple business to run, it’s not always easy. We work together to make things run as efficiently as possible and deliver an exceptional customer experience. It’s the ultimate team sport,” he says.

For more information, call 317-677-6904 or visit www.buildthepickle.com.

Share this story

ON THE COVER

Game Plan

Lessons learned on the field help Super Bowl champ Gary Brackett lead his winning franchise

by Jill Abrahamsen

Stacked Pickle CEO Gary Brackett attributes his success as a franchisor to his time playing football. As a Super Bowl-winning linebacker for the Indiana Colts, Brackett used the same skills on the field that he needs today to run his successful business: leadership, hard work, and discipline, just to name a few. “As a team captain, I was chief defensive operator. Now I am chief executive officer,” says Brackett. “There are a lot of similarities. I run my business like I ran the defense. It’s all about teamwork.”

Knowing that professional football players have short careers, he always had a “plan B” and thought about his retirement early. “The idea of owning a sports bar always appealed to me,” Brackett says. While exploring his options, he came across the Stacked Pickle, a small sports bar chain in his area.

Brackett loved the community feel and vibe of the restaurant, and he invested as a silent partner while going back to school to earn his MBA. Brackett’s coursework inspired him to look into scaling the business. Eventually he took over the entire operation and prepared the Stacked Pickle for franchising.

“We got our processes and procedures down to a science before offering franchise opportunities in 2016,” Brackett says. “We made it as polished and brand-focused as possible.”

Stacked Pickle
Restaurant Interior
Restaurant Interior
Beer taps
Bar food

With a fun, family-friendly, casual feel, The Stacked Pickle is all about local sports, and the décor includes
photos of high school teams and memorabilia from local professional sports teams. “It’s a great place to watch your favorite team or come after a local high school game,” Brackett says. “Our goal is to build a sense of community.”

Menu items include signature “stacked” burgers and wings, fun appetizers like nachos and pizza-stuffed breadsticks, plus healthier options like salads and wraps. “We have something for everyone,” Brackett says.

In designing the franchise, Brackett kept costs down for investors. “Instead of expensive build-outs, we give franchisees the option to retrofit existing locations,” he says.

Quote

He’s thrilled with the growth of the brand and looks to partner with investors who share his enthusiasm and work ethic. “While this is a simple business to run, it’s not always easy. We work together to make things run as efficiently as possible and deliver an exceptional customer experience. It’s the ultimate team sport,” he says.

For more information, call 317-677-6904 or visit www.buildthepickle.com.

Share this story

29 04, 2019

FirstLight Home Care Honors Franchisees at Annual Conference in Kansas City

2019-04-29T18:25:03-04:00April 29th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Leading non-medical home care provider offers training, seminars and awards during three-day event

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — FirstLight Home Care, an award-winning provider of non-medical home care, hosted franchise owners and caregivers from across the country at its annual national conference this past weekend.

The conference, held at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, included educational seminars and workshops, specialized training and networking, and was capped off by an awards dinner honoring multiple franchisees at the historic Midland Theatre.

“We began FirstLight Home Care nearly a decade ago, and it’s been a wonderful journey,” said Jeff Bevis, co-founder and CEO of FirstLight Home Care. “Each year, the annual conference gives the FirstLight family an opportunity to come together as we celebrate the previous year’s accomplishments, continued growth and innovation. FirstLight is constantly finding new ways to better serve our clients and caregivers, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

The 2019 conference theme was “Fundamentals and All That Jazz,” which focused on getting back to the basics, including the fundamentals of business and the Culture of Care that is the foundation of FirstLight’s service to others.

Franchise owners also had the opportunity to participate in a two-day Ageless Grace training session. Ageless Grace is an innovative fitness program that offers exercise for the body while stimulating the mind. The class taught attendees the 21 tools for brain health and why they are so effective as well as prepared them to take Ageless Grace back to their own communities.

Keynote speakers included Teepa Snow, a world-renowned advocate and educator for those living dementia, and Greg Hawks, a corporate culture specialist whose focuses include ownership, leadership, accountability, trust and culture.

FirstLight Home Care recognized its top-performing franchise owners for growth, improvement and overall performance at the April 27 award dinner, including:

  • Caregiver of the Year: Cynthia English, Woodbridge, Virginia
  • Franchisee of the Year: Jeremy Fellows, Don Fellows and Jeff Lamborne, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Rookie of the Year: Paul Terpeluk, South Placer County, California
  • Top Single Office Leader: Perry Ciambella, East Buffalo, New York
  • Top Multi-Office Leader: Judy DeVincentis, Grand Junction, Colo., and Pueblo, Colorado
  • Client Satisfaction/Quality Assurance:
    • Don and Craig Randall, Charleston, South Carolina
    • Vincent McMahon, Westchester County, New York
    • Annette and Phil Smith, Chardon, Ohio

“This event is all about our franchise owners, and it has three main components,” Bevis said. “It’s about showing appreciation for our franchise owners, honoring our top performers and providing continuing education for everyone. It’s a three-day period that offers a wealth of knowledge from training, brainstorming, discussions and simple camaraderie.”

Since opening its first franchise location in 2010, FirstLight Home Care has experienced steady growth and is now serving more than 5,000 clients in 173 markets throughout the U.S.

For more information on FirstLight Home Care and franchise ownership opportunities, visit www.firstlightfranchise.com.

About FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery, adults with disabilities, veterans, busy families, and anyone 18 and older who needs personal or companion care services. FirstLight Home Care’s mission is to deliver exceptional, compassionate care provided by extraordinary people so that all those who are served may age with comfort, dignity and independence in the place they call home. FirstLight is also proud to champion the family caregivers who give countless hours of care to their loved ones every day by providing the resources and support needed to help them maintain balance in their own lives. Visit FirstLightHomeCare.com. Connect with FirstLight on Facebook and Twitter.

25 04, 2019

Senior Helpers® Commits to Helping Military Spouses Find Meaningful Careers in Caregiving

2019-04-25T14:43:19-04:00April 25th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Leading in-home Senior Care Company Joins National Military Spouse Employment Partnership

BALTIMORESenior Helpers®, the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior care services, today announced its participation in the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership. Through the national employment and career partnership program, Senior Helpers joins more than 390 partner employers across the country who are committed to helping connect military spouses with portable careers.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, there are more than six hundred thousand active duty military spouses and they face unique career challenges. Military spouses are typically employed at lower rates and earn less than their civilian counterparts. Moreover, military life comes with frequent moves, operational deployments and long hours away that impose significant stress on families. These conditions negatively impact employment opportunities for military spouses.

“Military spouses are unsung heroes,” said Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “We’re honored to work alongside organizations effecting positive change through economic empowerment initiatives that assist our nation’s military families. We aim to encourage all military spouses to consider a career in caregiving, because it’s not only rewarding and gratifying but also flexible. They have a home with Senior Helpers.”

Founded in 2002, Senior Helpers operates with a vision to be the leading home care company, serving military, their families and veterans. Its caregivers are fully trained and certified to offer the highest level of care possible based on the company’s Senior Gems® Alzheimer’s and dementia care program. As the gold standard for excellence in personalized in-home senior care, the program was developed in conjunction with nationally recognized dementia care expert Teepa Snow, Positive Approach, LLC. The company also offers a Parkinson’s Care Program, a specialized training program for their caregivers created in conjunction with leading experts from the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Centers of Excellence network.

For more information about how Senior Helpers is working to support military spouses in fulfilling their career goals, visit seniorhelpers.com. For more information on the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, please visit msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil.

About Senior Helpers®

Senior Helpers® is the premier provider of care for seniors, and offers services ranging from specialized care for those with diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to personal care to help individuals looking for a little assistance with daily activities. Founded in 2002 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers® has hundreds of franchised and owned businesses that have cared for tens of thousands of seniors.

Senior Helpers®  is the first national in-home senior care company to be certified as a Great Place to Work™, is included in Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise Ranking, is an approved partner in the Military Spouse Employment Partnership and is an active member of the Healthcare Leadership Council. Learn more by visiting http://www.seniorhelpers.com.

24 04, 2019

British Swim School CEO Hands Over The Reins to New Leadership

2019-04-24T18:22:43-04:00April 24th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Founder Rita Goldberg steps out of CEO role as new partnership is announced to drive brand’s future growth

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Rita Goldberg, founder and CEO of professional swim lesson franchise British Swim School announced that she has sold the business she started over 35 years ago. Multi-brand franchise company Buzz Franchise Brands out of Virginia Beach, VA will become the largest stakeholder in the new partnership.

Goldberg started British Swim School in the basement of her Manchester home in 1981. Ten years later she brought the business to the U.S. and in 2011 she began franchising the business. Since then the brand has grown to nearly 200 schools in 21 states and an international presence in Canada and Turkey.

“I’ve been in this business almost 40 years now, and I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished in the past eight years growing this into a business that provides almost 17,000 swim lessons for children each week. Through this work we are teaching vital water survival skills and combatting the many lives lost to drowning. For this to continue, and for British Swim School to leverage its growth opportunities, it was time to bring in some partners to support that growth,” says Rita.

One of those partners is long-time franchising professional Greg Longe, who will take the reigns as CEO of British Swim School. Most recently Longe was Chief Operating Officer for The Huntington Company, a multi-brand franchisor concept primarily focused on dry cleaning and textile restoration, with brands such as Martinizing and Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN). Previously he served as President of Roosters men’s grooming centers and Service Brands International, as well as founding various business concepts.

“I have worn a lot of hats in the franchising industry, and I am thrilled to leverage that experience to lead this reputable brand’s growth in the years to come. The mission of British Swim School is powerful, to save children’s lives by teaching water survival skills, and I am proud to be a part of that,” says Longe.

This is the first franchise acquisition for multi-brand franchisor Buzz Franchise Brands, led by CEO Kevin Wilson. Buzz Franchise Brands is parent company to pool cleaning and maintenance franchise Pool Scouts, currently operating in nine states, and residential cleaning brand Home Clean Heroes, which began franchising late last year. The company’s first brand was Mosquito Joe, which was sold to Neighborly out of Waco, Texas in August 2018.

“Our passion and expertise is in building young franchise brands, and we are thrilled to bring British Swim School into the Buzz Franchise Brands family,” says Wilson. “Historically we have built brands from the ground up, but Rita and her team have already built a strong base of operations with British Swim School. We are excited to support the continued growth for the brand.”

For more information on British Swim School visit https://britishswimschool.com, and for more on Buzz Franchise Brands visit https://buzzfranchisebrands.com.

About British Swim School

For over 37 years, British Swim School has been dedicated to teaching water survival skills to children as young as three months old. CEO Rita Goldberg founded British Swim School in 1981 and developed the unique and highly effective teaching methods that are a recognized trademark of the brand. Headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, British Swim School currently operates out of nearly 200 schools within 21 states and is developing an international presence with locations in Turkey and Canada. The organization holds around 17,000 lessons per week nationally and conducted over 600,000 swimming lessons in 2018. British Swim School was recently ranked #87 in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. For more information about British Swim School, visit https://britishswimschool.com.

About Buzz Franchise Brands

Founded in 2012 and based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Buzz Franchise Brands is a fast-growing multi-brand franchising organization that builds companies that get people talking. The organization’s first brand, Mosquito Joe, was sold to Neighborly in late 2018 after growing to almost 300 locations. Buzz Franchise Brands currently operates pool cleaning and maintenance company Pool Scouts and residential cleaning company Home Clean Heroes. The company has been named among the Inc 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies as well as Inc’s Best Workplaces list for three years in a row. For more information about Buzz Franchise Brands, visit https://www.buzzfranchisebrands.com/.

24 04, 2019

Great Harvest Bread Co. Continues to Expand with Hub & Spoke Model

2019-04-24T16:50:05-04:00April 24th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Leading Bakery Cafe Franchise Soon to Expand in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, New York and New Jersey

DILLON, Mont. — Great Harvest Bread Co., a bakery cafe franchise known for serving the finest quality specialty bread, announced today it has signed five franchise agreements with new and existing Great Harvest franchisees. These entrepreneurs will soon be opening and/or expanding in the following markets: Walt and Ellie Legits (Grand Junction, Colo.), Praveen and Prajna Munipalle (Northern Dallas), Nimesh and Natasha Patel (Long Island, N.Y.), Lacey and Brian Loveless (Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Okla.), and Michele Ellis (Red Bank and Asbury Park, N.J.)

Great Harvest’s unique franchise model allows entrepreneurs to choose between owning a single bakery cafe or a cost effective Hub & Spoke model, built for multi-unit owners. The hub and spoke model allows owners to cover more territory and serve as their own supply chain with a central bakery cafe supplying fresh bread throughout the day to the cafe-only locations, in surrounding communities.

“We’re continuing to see franchise owners seek out the hub and spoke model, as it is the most efficient way to out-bake and out-localize the competition in high-traffic areas with as little as 1,500 square feet,” said Great Harvest Bread Chairman and CEO Mike Ferretti. “Additionally, with new Great Harvest locations, each owner is able to make it their own with our freedom franchise, which lets franchisees choose their own design, décor, menu selection and even set their own pricing and localize their marketing efforts.”

Great Harvest knows that cookie cutter franchises are not what communities need. Each of these neighborhoods will soon have a hub or spoke with their own unique style and menu that matches the community’s vibe and desired taste. Great Harvest is an investment opportunity that lets the owner decide how turnkey they want the process to be and lets franchisees call their own shots.

Here is more information about each of the new and existing Great Harvest franchisees:

  • Walt and Ellie Legits (Grand Junction, Colo.) – After two years of owning an existing Great Harvest bakery in Grand Junction, they are now in the process of opening their first spoke to expand in the market. They always envisioned growing through the hub and spoke model, which is what initially drew them to the franchise.
  • Praveen and Prajna Munipalle (Northern Dallas) – This entrepreneurial couple has joined the Great Harvest franchise with plans to open one hub location and three spoke cafes over the next five years. As a family-owned business, they are looking to diversify and develop a business for their family’s future.
  • Nimesh and Natasha Patel (Long Island, N.Y.) – After experiencing Great Harvest for themselves, this husband and wife team fell in love with the product and knew they had to be the first to introduce it to the Long Island market. Over the next several years, they will be opening a bakery cafe hub and two spokes. The couple is diversifying their extensive business portfolio as they own several hotels in New York, Georgia and Florida.
  • Lacey and Brian Loveless (Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Okla.) – Looking to move back to Tulsa, the couple has purchased an existing Great Harvest location with plans to open a second spoke in a few years. Coming from the veterinary industry, the Loveless family wanted to utilize the benefits of a franchise system to guide them through their career transition.
  • Michele Ellis (Red Bank and Asbury Park, N.J.) – Using her background in consumer marketing and retail development, Ellis is looking forward to putting her own spin on her bakery cafe location over the next few years.

Dubbed “Bread Heaven” by fanatic customers since 1976, Great Harvest bakes bread from scratch with whole grains milled right on the premises. Along with the finest bread around, Great Harvest offers sandwiches, grain bowls, salads, pastries and more to serve up a tasty meal for anytime of the day.

To learn more about the Great Harvest hub and spoke model, check out the blog or download the franchise information packet.

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.

24 04, 2019

Blo Blow Dry Bar Achieves Growth and Success in the 1st Quarter of 2019

2019-04-24T16:52:00-04:00April 24th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Leading blow dry bar franchise opens nearly a dozen new locations and signs franchise agreements for additional expansion

TORONTO — Blo Blow Dry Bar, the original blow dry bar and the world’s largest blow dry bar franchise, announced today that its successful development efforts throughout the first quarter have accelerated the brand’s growth, opening 11 new locations and signing new franchise agreements that will further expand Blo’s presence nationwide. This surge in franchise development has fueled Blo Blow Dry Bar’s ongoing success, achieving 15 consecutive months of positive year-over-year same-store sales growth.

“We’re thrilled with the impressive strides we’ve made as a brand throughout the first quarter as we continue to expand Blo Blow Dry Bar throughout North America,” said Vanessa Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar. “Our commitment to consistently invest in our people and services has fueled the company’s ongoing growth and success, with both new and existing franchise partners helping to propel our development.”

Blo has grown its northern footprint with the addition of two new bars in Manhattan, as well as new openings in Northern Baltimore, West Orange and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and two new locations in the brand’s hometown of Toronto. Atlanta welcomed a new bar in East Cobb, which marked the third of six locations slated to open in the greater Atlanta area this year. Additionally, Blo opened new bars in Denver and Chicago and also introduced its “no cuts, no color” concept to Iowa with the state’s first location in the Quad Cities.

The company is further driving its franchise development with the signing of three franchise agreements that will bring new locations to several markets across the U.S. including Chicago, South Florida and the Philadelphia metro area.

“Blo brings an affordable luxury to the communities we’re in and with a demand for the services and experience we provide, we’re accelerating development in new and existing markets. We’re eager to build on this momentum to make our catwalk-quality blow outs accessible to women worldwide,” added Yakobson.

Recognized as the original blow dry bar, Blo Blow Dry Bar believes in creating an inclusive space where people of all ages, ethnicities and orientations can feel welcomed, represented and gorgeous. Combining a sophisticated design with a fun and lively environment, Blo creates a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests from start to finish. Expertly trained bloers are available for consultation seven days a week to meet the needs of all customers. Blo’s hair menu includes seven signature styles to choose from, ranging from a sleek ponytail to flirty and bouncy curls. Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers makeup services, with expert makeup artists on hand to make guests look and feel amazing for any occasion.

Blo Blow Dry Bar is currently seeking single- and multi- unit operators to join the brand’s rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities visit https://franchise.blomedry.com/.

About Blo Blow Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar is the original blow dry bar and the world’s largest blow dry bar franchise. The company transformed beauty norms and reinvented the salon industry when it launched the “no cuts, no color” concept: only blow outs. Since opening its first location in Canada in 2007, Blo has grown to over 130 locations across North America and continues to expand rapidly. With a mission to enhance the lives of those in the community through the power of flawless blow outs and beauty services, Blo Blow Dry Bar offers perfectly styled hair and exceptional customer experiences seven days a week. For more information visit www.blomedry.com.

24 04, 2019

Anago Cleaning Systems Announces Newest Master in Orange County, CA

2019-04-24T16:34:31-04:00April 24th, 2019|Tags: , , , |

Former IBM, Accenture Sales Leader Deepak Sinha is Latest Master Franchise Owner For Leading Commercial Cleaning Leader

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Anago Cleaning Systems (Anago), an industry-leading commercial cleaning franchise with over 40 Master Franchise locations and more than 1,500 Unit Franchises throughout the U.S. and internationally, announced its newest Master Franchise has opened in Orange County, CA. Former IBM and Accenture sales executive Deepak Sinha is the owner and operator of the Orange County master franchise.

“Deepak has the skills and experience necessary to not only grow this business but to operate it in the most efficient manner – no small feat for a very large territory,” said Adam Povlitz, President & CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems. “We’re excited to enter the Orange County market to offer Unit Franchise opportunities and service companies of all types and sizes there.”

Sinha, an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College in New Dehli, India and Indian Institute of Management, has been in the corporate world for 22 years, including stints in sales with IBM, Accenture and DuPont India. A 15-year resident of Orange County, Sinha has also invested in two other business, a preschool and a restaurant.

“It was time for me to do something on my own and Anago kept showing up as not only a top cleaning company, but a top franchise overall,” Sinha said, referring to Anago’s consistent rankings, including #52 in the most recent Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise ranking. “It’s a solid industry, it’s a scalable business and the model they have built at Anago gives me a great confidence in my success to grow this company.”

To explore Master franchise opportunities with Anago, contact Judy Walker, Senior Vice President of Marketing, at 800-213-5857 or judy@anagocleaning.com or visit http://www.AnagoMasters.com.

About Anago Cleaning Systems

Anago Cleaning Systems is a commercial cleaning franchise system supporting over 40 Master Franchises and over 1,500 Unit Franchisees in the U.S. and internationally. After years of refining procedures and creating duplicable systems created in his large commercial cleaning service, David Povlitz founded Anago in 1989 to help other entrepreneurs open their cleaning businesses. Today, its program sets the standard worldwide in commercial cleaning. Anago was ranked in the Top 100 and #2 best commercial cleaning franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for their 2018 Franchise 500® ranking. Additionally, Anago was ranked the #1 Janitorial Franchise by FranchiseRankings.com in 2018 and ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the best franchises in Franchisee satisfaction for 11 consecutive years. Inc. Magazine has also listed Anago as one of the top privately-held companies in the U.S. For further information, visit its website at http://www.AnagoMasters.com.

23 04, 2019

Oasis Senior Advisors Gain Tools, Knowledge at National Convention

2019-04-23T19:46:15-04:00April 23rd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Franchisees celebrate success, prepare for more

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Oasis Senior Advisors is dedicated to finding new ways to make navigating the maze of senior housing simpler and less stressful for seniors and their families. That’s why more than 70 franchisees from around the country gathered along with the corporate team for the Bonita Springs, Florida-based company’s annual convention, held April 4-6 at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel in St. Louis. Leading experts in senior living, caregiving, networking, team building and more shared insight, and top-performing franchisees received awards.

“This is a time for us to come together as a family and sharpen our focus,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said. “Our advisors regard the seniors and families who walk through our doors as an extension of our Oasis family, and that’s at the root of everything we’ve accomplished.”

Oasis Senior Advisors, founded in 2014, was placed on the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch list for its rapid development, economic contributions and potential for further expansion. The national franchisor offers free, community-based referral placement assistance for seniors with an emphasis on dedicated, personalized service.

Dementia caregiving expert Teepa Snow, financial consultant Paul Stappas, and networking gurus Greg and Debby Peters were the speakers at the convention, where advisors received training and education designed to empower their success.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony that saw North Milwaukee franchisee Lauren O’Desky come away with top honors as Franchisee of the Year. Frederick, Maryland, franchisee Kriste Kidd earned the nod for Rookie of the Year. A pair of franchisee couples — Alan and Lee Ann Hoffman of Naperville, Illinois, and Paul and Susan Doyle of Westchester County, New York, and Fairfield County, Connecticut — won the Spotlight Award for contributions that have enhanced the company. And Denver Metro franchisees Daphne Jean and Lisa Theard earned Rising Star of the Year honors for their location’s growth over the past year.

“These people are all amazing models of our vision to serve seniors and their families as trusted advisors they can count on through an important and challenging period of transition in their lives,” Evankovich said. “We choose our advisors carefully, because what matters most is the trust and connection they’re able to forge with the people we help every day.”

Oasis Senior Advisors connect seniors with the housing communities that fit them best. They weigh options, taking each factor of the family’s and individual’s needs into account, including level of care, independence and budget. They provide support every step of the way, from the initial inquiry to move-in day and beyond.

For more information about Oasis Senior Advisors, franchise opportunities, or to connect with an advisor, visit oasissenioradvisors.com.

About Oasis Senior Advisors

Founded in 2014 by Tim Evankovich, Oasis Senior Advisors guides families and seniors, at no cost to them, through the process of selecting a senior living community that best fits their needs. The company, based in Bonita Springs, Florida, currently operates 67 franchise locations in 26 states. Their personalized and caring approach to aid seniors and their families during a transitional time in their lives has helped many achieve satisfaction, comfort and peace of mind. Through client satisfaction and its strong partnerships with many of the top-rated senior living communities in the country, Oasis Senior Advisors is positioned for continued growth. Franchise opportunities are available throughout the country. Visit oasissenioradvisors.com or call 888-455-5838 to learn more.

22 04, 2019

Coffee Beanery Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

2019-04-22T15:38:45-04:00April 22nd, 2019|Tags: , , |

FLUSHING, Mich. — Coffee Beanery, the specialty coffee roaster based in Flushing, MI, is excited to announce the opening of its location on 4580 Miller Road in Flint, MI.

Previously located in the Genesee Valley Mall, the new location opened to the public last November. The café features comfortable seating, charging stations, a private meeting room and reclaimed wood pieces from local woodshop, 2nd Chance Woods in Durand.

The café offers decadent specialty drinks such as their signature Café Carmel® as well as other delicious choices including Black and White Frappalatte® and Iced Fudge Ripple®. Other offerings include a vast variety of estate and SWP decaf coffees and over 40 flavored coffees, such as Caramel Pecan Pie and their famous house coffee, Beanery Blend®. A lineup of original Panini sandwiches includes tasty choices like Grown up Grilled Cheese and Turkey Cucumber Club.

To celebrate the opening of this location, a three-day Grand Opening Celebration has been planned. On Thursday, April 25th, the first 100 guests will receive a Right Roast® coffee sampler. Free tall coffee and hand-crafted panini tastings will occur all day with a ribbon cutting beginning at noon. On April 26th, giveaways, games, and prizes will take place all day. On Saturday the 27th, 103.9 The FOX will be broadcasting live from 10am-12pm with Salute the Troops, proudly offering free tall coffee to all military and their family. This event is free and open to the public.

About Coffee Beanery

Coffee Beanery opened its first stores in the United States in 1976, before the American public knew the term “specialty coffee.” In the 40 years that have followed, Coffee Beanery continues to build its brand and franchise organization on the principles of time-tested and honored traditions and values. Exceptional coffee, a warm relaxing environment, and a corporate culture that embraces its franchisees with every opportunity to succeed exemplify these values. Today, Coffee Beanery has nearly 75 locations throughout the world with locations overseas and is recognized as an industry leader for its unique family business approach, corporate culture and commitment to quality.

WHERE:        Coffee Beanery – 4580 Miller Rd., Flint MI
WHEN:          Thursday, April 25, @ 12 p.m.; ribbon-cutting ceremony @ 12:00 p.m.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Celebrating with specials Thursday April 25-27th.

18 04, 2019

FASTSIGNS® Seeks Franchisees At ISA Sign Expo April 24-26

2019-04-18T15:14:16-04:00April 18th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

No. 1-Ranked Sign, Graphics and Visual Communications Franchisor Targets Independent Print & Sign Shop Owners for Co-Brand and Conversion Franchise Opportunities

CARROLLTON, Texas — FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced that it is seeking franchisees at the upcoming ISA International Sign Expo held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 24-26. The annual show is one of the largest gatherings of sign and graphics professionals, and FASTSIGNS is targeting co-brand and conversion prospects, where independent print and sign shop owners can expand their existing business or convert their business to FASTSIGNS.

“The ISA International Sign Expo draws more than 20,000 industry leaders annually, and each year we’re pleased to meet with business owners from across the nation to introduce them to the unique opportunity of converting or co-branding their existing business to a FASTSIGNS center,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International. “For industry entrepreneurs looking to grow their business, FASTSIGNS is committed to helpings our franchisees stay ahead of industry trends, and provides state-of-the-art technology, unmatched training materials, brand recognition, and operational support, among other resources that have proven to be vital to growing a profitable business. We’re looking forward to exhibiting at the event and welcome eager entrepreneurs to visit our booth while on-site.”

FASTSIGNS will exhibit at Booth #4153 on the trade show floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in Las Vegas. The brand is seeking entrepreneurs with an established business that are interested in diversifying their product lines and services to meet the growing demand for state-of-the-art signage and visual communications solutions. FASTSIGNS has helped countless owners of print shops, photography studios, camera stores, embroidery shops, and more, add a FASTSIGNS to their existing business or fully convert their store to a FASTSIGNS franchise. FASTSIGNS franchisees receive ongoing training and support to stay ahead of the competition and exceed the needs of their local business community. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

Franchisee Karrie Brock opened her own sign business 21 years ago, which she converted to FASTSIGNS in 2011. She now owns two FASTSIGNS locations in Toledo and Maumee, Ohio.

“FASTSIGNS really showed us where we could take our business to the next level,” Brock said. “Learning about the industry before everyone knows what’s coming is a huge advantage. And having that bigger vision from CEO Catherine Monson has been excellent for our team because it has driven us to do more and be more.”

FASTSIGNS is known in the industry for equipping its franchisees with tools vital to securing the ongoing success of each individual location. In 2018, FASTSIGNS announced the launch of its partnership with 1HUDDLE, a workforce-training platform that converts unique training content into science-backed, quick-burst training games that are proven to accelerate workforce productivity. Additionally, 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 $24,875.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 95 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2019 Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power. FASTSIGNS also ranked #2 on this year’s Franchise Gator Top 100 list, ranking the best franchises for 2019. FASTSIGNS also has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. In 2019, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) awarded FASTSIGNS International, Inc. the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the seventh consecutive year for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the United States, Canada, Chile, England, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). Locations are slated to open in two additional countries – Malta and Spain – in 2019.

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points.

FASTSIGNS centers provide architectural and interior decor graphics, fleet vehicle graphics, digital signs and digital signage content, event graphics, displays, banners, posters, ADA signage, safety and identification signs and much more, as well as handle everything from design to project management to installation.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is a recipient of many awards, including being ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past three years, and Best-in-Category in the business services sector on Franchise Business Review’s list of the top 200 franchises for multiple years.

Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com.

Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns, Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS.