Monthly Archives: April 2019

8 04, 2019

Executive Care Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

2019-04-08T14:59:53-04:00April 8th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Leading home healthcare franchise marks 15 years in business

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Executive Care, one of the leading home healthcare franchises, has achieved a remarkable milestone, marking 15 years of operations. According to the Small Business Association, more than half of new businesses fail in the first year, with 30 percent fail within two years, 50 percent fail during the first five years and 66 percent failing within 10 years. 15 years of business is truly a feat of accomplishment.

“We are proud to be providing home healthcare services to our communities for over 15 years,” said Lenny Verkhoglaz, founder and CEO of Executive Care. “When we launched, we had a goal to not only meet the growing demand for home healthcare, but to revolutionize the service offerings in the industry. We are thrilled to say this goal has been accomplished and we look forward to propelling the brand to new heights in the coming years.”

Since launching in April 2004, Executive Home Care has grown to 22 locations across 10 states. The brand has been featured in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, among other award recognitions.

Looking ahead, the brand plans to open over 10 locations by the end of 2019, including entrances into the Boston, D.C. metro, Orlando, Denver and Las Vegas markets.

“Our mission has been to provide compassionate, quality home care services to our clients so that they can remain safe and independent in the comfort of their own home,” founder and CEO Lenny Verkhoglaz said. “The growth we’ve experienced over 15 years only motivates us to continue that mission into 2019 and beyond.”

Executive Care was founded by Verkhoglaz and his wife, Mila. After caring for an elderly neighbor, Lenny and Mila realized the incredible need for home healthcare services. Today, Executive Home Care offers both medical and non-medical services, including at-home care, personal care, companionship and more.

“The home health care industry is experiencing a ‘silver tsunami,’ wherein there are more than 10,000 people reaching the age of 65 than there are caregivers to provide them necessary services,” Verkhoglaz noted. “With such a high demand, Executive Care strives to continue working with other individuals who are passionate about this booming industry.”

Including a franchisee fee (for a territory with a population of 500,000 residents) of $44,900, the initial investment to own and operate an Executive Care office ranges between $99,650 and $169,900. The franchise fee for a second territory is reduced to $35,900 and $29,500 for a third territory.

For more information about Executive Home Care’s franchise opportunity, visit http://executivehomecarefranchise.com/.

About Executive Care

Founded in 2004 and based in Hackensack, NJ, Executive Care is a full-service home health care company serving seniors, disabled and recovering individuals. The company also provides staffing in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. Recently ranked #264 in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500®, Executive Care continues to expand its national footprint with 22 locations in 10 states. For more information, visit http://executivehomecare.com/.

4 04, 2019

Up-Scale Venture X Shared Workspace to Host Grand Opening in Orlando’s Downtown Business District

2019-04-04T18:54:57-04:00April 4th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

ORLANDO, Fla. — Venture X® the premium membership-based workspace and community for entrepreneurs and businesses, has announced that its newest facility at 100 E. Pine St. Suite 110, Orlando will hold a grand opening celebration tomorrow, April 4 at 4 p.m. The official grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce. This latest opening adds to the brand’s growing presence throughout the state, which includes its first location in Naples, as well as the Palm Beaches, and soon another location in South Miami-Dade County. Plans are to top 100 locations by the end of 2019.

Specializing in elevating the coworking experience across the U.S. and around the world, Venture X, a brand member of United Franchise Group, is responding to the needs of entrepreneurs requiring flexible office space solutions. Its new Orlando 21,000-square-foot facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and memberships will include virtual office, shared desk, dedicated desk, private office, conference room hours, and event space.

“We saw the promise of a great business opportunity and wanted to be a part of the Downtown Orlando community,” said Lindsay Hedrick, co-franchisee and community manager at the Orlando Venture X. “We believe Venture X will be a great fit for Orlando and provide a wonderful business model that supports business growth through networking and flexibility.”

The Central Business District is a best-in-class environment where the demands of a growing business market are met. “We are excited to be on the cutting edge of how today’s business workforce and entrepreneurs envision true flexible office space options,” said Jason R. Anderson, president of Venture X. “The Downtown Business District is a key component for a collaborative, community-driven focus for our Venture X members.”

The Venture X experience is about diverse membership options, each designed for creative professionals, freelancers, remote workers, startups, non-profits, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies that require upscale satellite offices.

Amenities include concierge-level member services, secure 24/7 access, high-speed business class internet, copiers and other conference technology.

For information, visit https://www.venturex.com/locations/florida/orlando-pine/. Social media channels include Instagram: vx_orlando100pine and Facebook Venture X (Orlando: 100 Pine).

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 2022. For more information about locations visit www.VentureX.com and for information about franchise opportunities visit www.venturexfranchise.com.

3 04, 2019

Re-Bath Appoints New Members to C-Suite and Makes High-Level Executive Moves

2019-04-03T16:51:19-04:00April 3rd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Donna Catalfio, Sharon Villegas and Dana Fossand Join as COO, CMO and V.P. of Corporate Stores

PHOENIX — Re-Bath, the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling company, has announced the promotion of Donna Catalfio to Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, hired Sharon Villegas as its new Chief Marketing Officer, and promoted Dana Fossand from Director of Sales to V.P. of Corporate Stores. The three women are taking on these roles at a pivotal growth point for the brand as it expands to 100 units and beyond.

As a licensed attorney with over 15 years of experience in private practice, Catalfio joined Re-Bath in February 2017 as Chief Administrative Officer. She was responsible for managing HR, training and legal. Towards the end of 2018, she was promoted to Chief Operations Officer and General Counsel. Today, she oversees and manages franchise operations, excluding marketing, and handles all legal matters.

For more than 20 years, Villegas has built an impressive resume of brand development and rejuvenation, lead generation and consumer retention. Before Re-Bath, Villegas established the Scottsdale-based marketing agency Peppertree Marketing; over the next 15 years she spearheaded B2B and B2C marketing initiatives, both traditional and online, for numerous international, national, regional and local companies. Prior to Peppertree Marketing, Villegas served as Senior Vice President of LBC Advertising, where she helped increase the agency’s client base and revenues in the home industry.

Additionally, Fossand brings over 20 years of sales and training experience to the table, stemming from her own franchise background. Now, she will serve as the V.P. of Corporate Stores for Re-Bath to provide owners and employees with sales training insights and tools. Fossand has significant experience in building customer and franchisee value. Known for her ability to grow and increase organizations’ annual sales, Fossand is a strategic leader who will assist with realigning Re-Bath’s business operations while enhancing business growth efforts in order to unleash disciplined innovation and encourage long-term stability. Finally, she will continue to hire, train, mentor and coach teams at the corporate level.

“Re-Bath is at a pivotal point of growth. We’re building our team of best-in-class leaders to elevate our brand and experience for our customers,” said Re-Bath CEO Brad Hiller. “Donna, Sharon and Dana all have the know-how mindset and track record with remodeling and franchise brands. With these women’s prior experiences, it’s clear that they consistently meet and exceed their goals. That’s the kind of focus and determination we need in order to expand our footprint and help franchisees grow advantageously.”

With Re-Bath’s new leadership team in place, the brand will officially be launching its second corporate-owned location this year. Now with 100 locations in 34 states, Re-Bath is gearing up for national expansion through strategic partnerships with passionate entrepreneurs in target markets across the United States. The new corporate-owned location will serve as an aid for the brand to gain a better understanding of the systems, procedures and operations that currently exist in the system and allow for the necessary changes to ensure every franchisee is set up for success. Re-Bath remains committed to giving every customer an unmatched experience and believes this begins with the support given to every local operator.

Re-Bath has grown into a trusted and respected brand known for providing expert, affordable, and effortless bathroom remodeling solutions that transform homeowners’ bathrooms in days, not weeks. Whether seeking a tub or shower area update, better accessibility and safety in your bathroom or a complete bathroom remodel, Re-Bath takes the headache out of bathroom remodeling. The company’s exclusive remodel process removes old materials and fixtures and replaces them with beautiful new options in a wide variety of colors.

To learn more about Re-Bath and your bathroom remodeling needs, visit https://www.rebath.com/.

About Re-Bath

Re-Bath is the nation’s largest complete bathroom remodeling franchise located in more than 100 cities across the country. The parent company’s first entry in the bathroom remodeling industry occurred in 1978 and focused on the hospitality sector. In 1991, Re-Bath launched its first franchise location to focus on the residential market. The company offers complete bathroom remodels, tub and shower updates, plus aging and accessibility solutions. From simple bathtub replacements to complete bathroom redesigns, Re-Bath makes bathroom remodeling effortless, convenient and affordable, all with professional, friendly and factory-trained installers. Re-Bath is a one-stop service that covers the entire process – from design to done – in three easy steps: consultation, removal, and installation. Re-Bath assembles its own exclusive line of products at its headquarters located in Phoenix, Ariz., and offers best-in-class products from national brands for its customers. For more information please visit www.rebath.com or www.rebathfranchise.com for more details on the franchise opportunity.

3 04, 2019

Mosquito Squad Reveals Top 10 Cities And States Affected By Mosquitoes And Ticks

2019-04-03T05:12:42-04:00April 3rd, 2019|Tags: , , , |

RICHMOND, Va. Spring has finally arrived and with it, warmer temperatures and frequent rain showers. While many enjoy the sunshine, the rise in humidity and increase in standing water also welcome an influx of mosquitoes and ticks. To shed some light on areas with a higher concentration, national pest control leader Mosquito Squad has released a list of the top 10 mosquito cities and top 10 tick states.

“Mosquitoes and ticks are more than an annoyance, as they can carry dangerous diseases that could affect the well-being of friends and family,” said Amy Lawhorne, Chief Operating Officer of Mosquito Squad. “While the cities and states in this list represent the areas of highest concentration, mosquitoes and ticks seek refuge all over the country. Getting a mosquito or tick treatment is an effective way to rid your home of these dangers and is highly recommended as the season continues on.”

Determined by the number of services provided in 2018, as well as sales from Mosquito Squad’s tick control tube partner Thermacell, the lists show that New York, Massachusetts and Virginia were among the states that have a high concentration of both mosquitoes and ticks.

       Top 10 Mosquito Cities

       Top 10 Tick States

·         Boston, MA
·         New York, NY
·         Washington, D.C.
·         Chicago, IL
·         Twin Cities, MN
·         Richmond, VA
·         Philadelphia, PA
·         St. Joseph, MI
·         St. Louis, MO
·         Charlotte, NC

·         New York
·         Massachusetts
·         Pennsylvania
·         New Hampshire
·         New Jersey
·         Connecticut
·         Maine
·         Maryland
·         Virginia
·         Minnesota

Each year, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, although other tracking methods suggest that approximately 300,000 people may get Lyme disease each year, with 96 percent of reported cases concentrated in 15 states including New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Connecticut. The possibility of contracting Lyme disease coupled with the continued threat of West Nile virus make mosquito and tick protection a priority for many homeowners. These insects breed in moist environments and with the Climate Prediction Center forecasting warmer-than-average temperatures and above-normal precipitation levels for parts of the country, the number of mosquitoes and ticks is likely to grow.

“It’s important to remember that flooded areas create the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said Lawhorne. “To keep them at bay, tip over anything that can hold water, toss lawn or tree debris and remove any tarps from the yard. Taking care of your yard and eliminating mosquito and tick habitats will allow you and your family to enjoy the spring and summer seasons without worry.”

Founded in 2005 and proud sponsor of Malaria No More, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces so that homeowners can enjoy their yards, and outdoor living and dining spaces. Since Mosquito Squad’s partnership with Malaria No More, a nonprofit global health organization with the goal of ending malaria deaths in Africa, they have raised more than $400,000 to help fuel the fight against malaria.

More information on Mosquito Squad is available at www.mosquitosquad.com. Follow Mosquito Squad on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

ABOUT MOSQUITO SQUAD

With over 240 franchise locations nationwide, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces, allowing Americans to enjoy their yards, outdoor living spaces, special events and green spaces. For more information, visit http://www.MosquitoSquad.com and http://mosquitosquadfranchise.com/.

3 04, 2019

Special Legal Considerations for Home Services Franchisees

2019-04-03T15:39:03-04:00April 3rd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Special Legal Considerations for Home Services Franchisees

By Jonathan Barber

If you plan to operate a home-services franchise, you’ve got some “legal-ish” things to look into. Cleaning, decorating, landscaping, moving and storing, renovating, repairing, and restoration franchisees work in and on customers’ homes, which probably means that specific insurance policies and state licenses will be necessary.

Getting these requirements squared away—as well as hiring trustworthy employees—can take a lot of time and money, which could affect your choice of franchise. Following are some areas you should examine in detail from the very beginning of your decision-making process.

Licensing Requirements

Does your state require a license to perform the tasks involved with a particular franchise? For example, state laws for general contractors vary widely. In some states, anyone who performs work costing a certain amount or more is considered a general contractor and must be licensed to perform that work. If you aren’t licensed, you could face serious consequences, including fines.

The first step in navigating this issue is to ask the franchisor what licensing is required for this particular business. The second step is to look into your state’s licensing requirements. If reading statutes isn’t your thing, find a local attorney who can give you some guidance on whether you need to be licensed. If licensing is required, you should factor the cost of acquiring it and the time involved into your franchise decision. You won’t be making money while you’re waiting on a license.

Insurance Requirements

States also may require certain types and amounts of insurance. Your franchise disclosure document should outline the franchisor’s insurance requirements. The franchise agreement should explain the insurance requirements in further detail.

You should speak with an independent insurance broker in your state to find out whether your state requires additional insurance — beyond what the franchisor specifies—for the type of business you’ll operate.

Employment Contracts

Today, most franchisors will not provide you with sample employment contracts because they try to avoid what’s called “joint-employer liability.” In other words, they don’t want to be considered an employer of your employees so they stay out of your hiring process as much as possible.

Make sure that your employment contracts are buttoned up because liability increases when your employees work at your customers’ homes. It’s best to follow the advice of a local attorney in getting your employment contracts in place.

You also should perform background checks on every employee. Obtain the employee’s written consent before performing a background check. Your customers and their property should be your No. 1 priority. One bad experience could really hurt your home-services franchise.

Choosing Your Franchise

The home-services market may seem to be so loaded with franchises that it’s difficult to select one. But great brands distinguish themselves from the competition by doing just one thing and doing it very well. So I suggest you consider a franchise that operates in a niche area with strong brand recognition and solid systems that are efficient and support you in every way. I’ve always said it’s better to be a Jack-of-one trade and master of it than to be a Jack-of-all-trades and master of none. (That’s why our firm handles only franchise law—no family law, real estate, estate planning, or criminal defense.) Doing one thing, and doing it well, is a terrific formula for success.

Jonathan BarberJonathan Barber exclusively practices franchise law as a partner at Barber Power Law Group, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has assisted hundreds of clients world-wide with their FDDs and franchise purchases. Barber also represents emerging and established franchisors. Contact Barber at 980-202-5679 or jonathan@franchise.law

3 04, 2019

Consider financing via your 401(k) even if your CPA advises against it

2019-04-03T15:37:10-04:00April 3rd, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Consider financing via your 401(k) even if your CPA advises against it

by Tim Seiber, CFE

Most CPAs will discourage you from tapping your 401(k) to start or grow your franchise business. They usually give this advice because they’re either unfamiliar with the Rollover as Business Start-Ups (ROBS) program or are uncomfortable with the tax structure of a C corporation.

Generally, the benefits that franchisees receive from utilizing the ROBS program far outweigh any concerns. Since the IRS created ROBS through the ERISA Act of 1974, the program has been a great way for thousands of entrepreneurs to open their businesses debt free. So before you let your CPA persuade you that it’s a poor option, you should understand the specifics behind their negative view.

Defining a C corporation
Under the federal tax code, business entities are categorized as either pass-through or non-pass-through business entities, with the main difference being that pass-through entities are not required to pay corporate taxes. These include sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S
corporations.

C corporations are non-pass-through entities that are completely separate taxpayers from their owners and are subject to corporate taxes. This is often where pushback from a franchisee’s CPA comes in. Because income earned by the C corporation is taxed at the corporate level and any distributions made to stockholders (i.e., wages) are taxed at the stockholder’s individual tax bracket, the potential for double taxation scares off tax advisers who are unfamiliar with the other benefits of the ROBS program.

But this should not be the only consideration when looking at ROBS as a funding option, because while double taxation might occur, the
C corporation structure offers advantages for small business owners versus pass-through entities.

Advantages of a C corporation
Although pass-through businesses are not subject to federal corporate income taxes, they can still face a substantial tax burden from federal, state, and local taxes.

Last year’s new tax reform significantly reduced the tax disadvantage of utilizing a C corporation structure. The corporate tax rate decreased to 21 percent, which is lower than the tax rate for pass-through income, and because most individual tax brackets also decreased, distributions are taxed at a lower rate as well.

Operators of C corporations may also withdraw salaries from the corporation profits, which aren’t taxed at the corporate level. If the company pays its employees enough to offset the entire net profit, then no corporate income tax is due, eliminating the double taxation
potential.

The benefits of a C corporation extend much further than a lower tax rate, however. Other advantages include:

  • The opportunity to shift income and retain earnings within the company for future growth.
  • No requirement to make the fiscal year coincide with the calendar year.
  • The ability to deduct 100 percent of medical premiums.
  • Eligibility to deduct charitable contributions as a business expense.

And the most significant advantage of all? A C corporation is the only business entity that supports ROBS, which is often the only viable funding solution for many start-up businesses.

Tim SeiberWant to learn more about financing options for your franchise? FranFund designs smart all-in-one funding plans that grow with your franchise and set you up for long-term success. We are here to help if you are considering leaving your current job to start a new venture or if you are looking to expand your existing operation. Get started today at bit.ly/franfund-fd or email Tim at taseiber@franfund.com.

3 04, 2019

Getting Real About Resales

2019-04-03T15:48:20-04:00April 3rd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Getting Real About Resales

by Diana Capirano
Certified Franchise Consultant

As a specialist in franchise resales, I’ll go on record saying that you’re as likely to find a flawless resale as hit a mega-lotto jackpot. But people continue to search for the diamond in the rough. “I’m looking for a business with a motivated seller, with low investment/high return, excellent cash flow (mid-six digits), and seller financing.” Sound familiar? Newsflash: EVERYONE is looking for the same thing. Lightheartedly I respond, “Wow! That sounds great. I’ll take 10!”

Many resales fall into the distressed category, something like buying a house with good bones but needing work and TLC. Premium resales may never even hit the open market because they sell internally (within the franchise system) or to personal/professional referral networks. Most great resales that hit the web portals come and go very quickly.

Some business seekers who concentrate only on existing entities can search web portals as a full-time job for years, logging countless hours, only to get beat out and then feel beat up. I’m not saying this to discourage you from looking for resales, but to caution you to be realistic and consider using a reputable resale consultant who can inventively search for them and then help navigate and vet the opportunities (Part 2 of this article in next month’s issue).

Three Major Considerations

  1. Investment level: First, determine a comfortable investment level, the necessary profitability, and a desirable industry. Please understand that you will probably not get high cash flow from a low investment. Also, be aware that businesses with great value potential could fail to qualify for Small Business Administration (SBA) or other traditional loans, so have a backup plan for financing if you can’t pay cash. Additional sources of income, such as a spouse’s paycheck, rental property, etc., may help you qualify for a loan.
  2. Owner benefit: If you’re looking to replace income immediately, what’s the target amount? Remember that you’ll have to fund the sale and need more time and capital injection so this “benefit” number will change.
  3. Desired industry: What are the requirements of the business model? Can you be an owner-operator if the franchisor mandates it? And don’t discount the fact that you should like what you’ll be doing. If it’s just a passive investment, you still need to get connected with growing the business.

Resale vs. Start-Up

A resale may be a good fit if you:

  • Like to improve things and consider yourself a fixer who thrives on challenges.
  • Are adept at problem-solving and at adapting when the unexpected happens.
  • Don’t make a practice of blaming others.
  • Want to buy low and sell high, assuming you’re putting in the sweat equity to grow it.
  • Don’t mind—in some cases—overpaying for the foundation, good will, your opportunity value, or the extra work needed to right the ship.
  • Have the financial bandwidth for an additional cash injection (operating capital) and don’t need to finance with a traditional loan such as one from the SBA.
  • Have the time and wherewithal to complete granular due diligence and go the long haul.

A start-up may be better if you:

  • Don’t want to inherit others’ problems or put in the time required to right the ship.
  • Enjoy developing things from scratch.
  • Need to fund with a loan.
  • Feel there is better opportunity in an open franchise area.
  • Have other sources of income or enough for living expenses while you ramp up.
  • Are not prepared to do a deep dive into due diligence before investing.

Both resale and start-up franchises require you to undertake thorough due diligence, investment of time and financial capital, and full-on commitment. Following the franchise training and systems will be necessary in both cases, but may be even more important in a resale because the previous owner might have strayed from the proven process.

Diana CapiranoDiana Capirano, CFC, has an expansive career that includes corporate and franchise sales and development, marketing and operations, mergers and acquisitions, structuring and negotiations, and 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 www.focusfranchise.com.

2 04, 2019

Why buy? Weigh everything in the franchise package

2019-04-03T15:52:51-04:00April 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Why buy? Weigh everything in the franchise package

by Geoff Batchelder

Should I purchase a franchise or go it alone with a business? This is a question every potential franchisee should think long and hard about—along with the franchises being considered—before deciding whether to buy.

Most of the potential franchise buyers I speak with think the answer is name recognition. While that’s something to be aware of, it’s not the most important benefit that a franchise can provide. Systems, training, support, and market development will often have a much bigger impact on your potential success than name recognition.

First, let’s talk about systems. Look for operational efficiencies that can speed your time to market, saving you money along the way and starting the flow of revenue in a time frame that you could not attain all by yourself. This benefit alone can offset the franchise fee.

Is there a “project launch” road map of steps to follow from the day you sign the franchise agreement to the day you hang out the open-for-business sign? This can be a huge benefit in helping you avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes.

Are there vendor arrangements in place? Often, the pricing received through a franchise offers a discount you could not get on your own.For instance, The Flying Locksmiths and WaveMAX Laundry have major purchasing discounts in place and pass the entire discounts through to the franchisee. Having these arrangements in place, rather than needing to line up your own suppliers, can be a huge time savings
even without a discount. How about service offerings that will benefit your customers? A call center to handle inbound calls and scheduling is a huge benefit for your customers and something you can’t provide on your own.

As for training, make sure you understand the topics to be covered. Assess the training. Once it’s completed, are you confident that you’ll possess the knowledge you need to be successful or on your way to success? Do different subject-matter experts deliver various parts of the training? Do you receive both classroom and on-the-job training?

Support may be even more important than training. Be sure to ask existing franchisees about support. After training ends, are the franchisees left on their own, or is there a steady stream of ongoing support and mentoring? Granted, different business models will require varied levels of support, so it’s not always an apples-to-apples comparison, but make sure the franchisees feel that they’re provided with all the support they need to continue growing their businesses and that any problems are dealt with on a timely basis.

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Finally, consider market development. How will you grow your business and beat the competition in your area? National advertising programs are not always the answer, and for many businesses, they don’t make sense. The business may be built on local networking and relationship-building. Maybe market development is accomplished through local advertising that’s targeted to specific demographics. Does the franchisor have any metrics in place to show what works? How do the existing franchisees feel about the market development programs?

If the franchise you are evaluating doesn’t have these benefits in place, you may want to check into alternatives.

GeoffBatchelderGeoff Batchelder has been a franchise consultant and franchise development expert for the last 10 years after spending 25 years focusing on business development in the high-tech industry. Contact him at 1-877-222-3722 or geoff@compassfranchisegroup.com, or visit www.compassfranchisegroup.com.

2 04, 2019

Pet Supplies Plus Celebrates National Pet ID Week with Discounted Microchipping

2019-04-02T22:08:44-04:00April 2nd, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Partners with VIP Petcare to Lower Microchipping Services to $7 in Effort to Help Reunite Families with Lost Pets

LIVONIA, Mich. — In an effort to help prevent lost pets and also help them find their way back home, Pet Supplies Plus – the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States – is pleased to announce it will be celebrating National Pet ID Week (April 14 – 20) by offering discounted microchipping services and name identification tags. During the promotion, pet owners can receive the microchipping service for $7, a fraction of the typical cost, in addition to 50% off ID tags for their pets with a purchase of a pet collar.

During this time, participating Pet Supplies Plus stores nationwide will partner with VIP Petcare to offer microchipping vouchers to customers with any in-store purchase of $30 or more. Neighbors can receive their voucher for discounted microchipping April 14-20, while supplies last, at their nearest Pet Supplies Plus store. To find the nearest Pet Supplies Plus store, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com/Store. To find locations with microchipping services, look for locations with VIP Petcare clinics.

Each voucher is for the special discounted rate and is valid through June 3, 2019. Normally, microchipping services at Pet Supplies Plus retail for $19, an already reduced rate compared to traditional microchipping services that range anywhere from $25$75.

With the American Humane Association stating about 10 million pets go missing or are stolen each year, it’s critical for pet owners to understand their best defense against this is microchipping. To help ensure pet owners are well-informed about the process, Pet Supplies Plus has included some essential reasons why the procedure is beneficial:

  • Implanting a microchip is a simple procedure that doesn’t hurt pets. In fact, vets say it’s like getting a vaccine which is a standard wellness procedure.
  • Once it’s implanted, it stays in place, works their entire lifetime and doesn’t expire.
  • Microchips are rice-sized chips that are scannable and contain a pet’s unique number. Think of it as their own social security number.
  • The chip can be scanned by a shelter or vet, and the number is used to find the pet’s owner.
  • It is not a GPS device and does not contain any personal information.

“Our neighbors and their pets are like family whether they’re in our stores or around our communities, so we feel strongly about investing in their well-being,” said Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus. “It’s truly unfortunate when we hear of situation where a pet is lost so we’re working to increase the chances of pets reuniting with their families in such an event. It’s absolutely necessary that our neighbors have affordable access to microchipping and pet ID tag services, and hope that our partnership with VIP Petcare boosts microchipping rates nationwide.”

Now with more than 450 locations in 33 states across the country, Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods, a variety of Made in the USA pet consumables, such as wet and dry food, treats, rawhide and chews. Set in welcoming neighborhood environments, Pet Supplies Plus team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store. Many locations also feature a full offering of grooming services tailored to meet every pet’s needs, including washes, haircuts, body brushing, flea treatment and nail, skin, ear and oral care. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

About Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 450 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural foods, hard goods and pet services. Headquartered in Livonia, MI., Pet Supplies Plus is ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength, growth rate and system size. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

1 04, 2019

What is the entrepreneur mindset?

2019-04-01T21:20:28-04:00April 1st, 2019|

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One of the biggest differences between employees and entrepreneurs isn’t the amount of money they make, their business hours or their working conditions. Although it’s true those can all vary, the most significant difference is something you can’t see: their mindset.

Ownership of problems

Employees often don’t take ownership of problems, i.e., don’t see themselves as responsible for the end result. Often, they’re in a certain place in an organization and are only responsible for the end result of that segment. But entrepreneurs know that, at the end of the day, they’re accountable for every result in their organization.

Goal-orientation

Similarly to ownership of problems, entrepreneurs have a goal-orientation. Employees, on the other hand, often have a process orientation. They put in only enough effort as is necessary to get the job done – not necessarily enough to get the job done well.

Taking risks

Employees are often risk-averse, and for good reason. To an employee, taking risks does not necessarily bring rewards. In fact, the opposite is often true. Taking risks may endanger the status quo, and depending on the company atmosphere, could get the former fired. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, empower themselves to take risks and know that sometimes, failure is just another cost of doing business.

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