May 2019 | Page 5 of 5 | Franchise Dictionary Magazine

2 05, 2019

Mr. Handyman Rolls Out Third Annual “My ‘Pet’ Peeves” Photo Contest

Tatyana Stemkovski2019-05-02T17:16:01-04:00May 2nd, 2019|Tags: Mr. Handyman, Neighborly, Property Maintenance, Repair and Improvement Company, service-oriented franchise system|

Nation’s Leading Property Maintenance, Repair and Improvement Company Celebrates National Pet Month with Photos of Rule-Breaking Pets, Damage Repair Tips

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Are you stuck cleaning the aftermath of your pet’s antics time and time again? The nation’s leading property maintenance, repair and improvement franchise, Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, shows pet owners they are not alone by celebrating National Pet Month this May with the third annual “My ‘Pet’ Peeves” photo contest.

To enter the “My ‘Pet’ Peeves” photo contest, visit: https://apps.facebook.com/mrhandyman/my-pet-peeves-2019 and submit a photo of your own pet mayhem. Ideas include a pet’s yard damage, annihilated shoes, in-home destruction, getting into the snack drawer, or just their cute face by Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, reptiles, bunnies, turtles, and more are welcome. Mr. Handyman will reward five random winners with a $250 PetSmart gift card to show that even though they can really get on our nerves, they are still loved!

“Pet companions are a great part of life, but sometimes that joy can be overridden by the effects they have on our homes,” said Mr. Handyman President J.B. Sassano. “Our professional Mr. Handyman technicians understand the importance of pets in so many peoples’ lives and have helped homeowners nationwide install pet doors, repair floors and replace trim and screens to help make pet ownership that much easier. We’re thrilled to bring back this photo contest for the third time during National Pet Month to allow pet owners everywhere to share photos and be entertained by each other’s pets’ crazy antics.”

Additionally, Mr. Handyman offers the following tips to assist pet owners with common pet problems:

Repair Chewed Drywall: To fix drywall that may have been gnawed at by a puppy or anxious dog, scrape loose debris from holes or dents and cover with fast-drying spackle. Let dry for at least 24 hours and conceal repairs with a bit of touch-up paint. While small bite holes are easy to camouflage, years of covering damage can eventually lead to uneven drywall.
Protect the Floors: Pets can damage hardwood floors simply by walking on it. Protect hardwood by maintaining claw length and keeping area rugs around the house for pets to lie on. Fix minor scratches with floor cleaner and protective finish. Clean the scratch with a damp cloth, scrub the cleaner over the scratch, and repeat with a clean cloth to rinse away hardwood cleaner.
Safeguard Wood: Wood is often a target for pets who chew or scratch. The easiest protection plan is to add plastic sheeting or PVC tubing around table and chair legs to prevent claw and bite marks. Save doors by adding clear, plastic sheeting.

To learn more about the “My ‘Pet’ Peeves” photo contest or to find other helpful tips from Mr. Handyman, visit www.mrhandyman.com/blog. You can review this year’s contest rules at: https://www.mrhandyman.com/pet-peeve-photo-contest/

About Mr. Handyman®

Mr. Handyman®, a Neighborly company, is North America’s leading commercial and residential property maintenance, repair and improvement company. With over 200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Handyman is recognized as one of the fastest growing service-oriented franchise systems and handyman service. Acquired by Neighborly® in 2015, Mr. Handyman is part of a community of home service experts, leveraging Neighborly’s nearly 3,500 professional home service experts across 14 brands in the U.S. and Canada with a unique direct service function that provides consumers assistance with nearly all aspects of their home care needs. Neighborly brands include: Aire Serv®, Five Star Painting®, Glass Doctor®, Portland Glass®, Molly Maid®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Handyman®, Mr. Rooter®, Protect Painters®, Rainbow International®, Window Genie®, Mosquito Joe® and The Grounds Guys®. Additional information about Neighborly can be found at www.GetNeighborly.com.

2 05, 2019

Building Relationships

Audra2019-05-03T15:28:02-04:00May 2nd, 2019|Tags: business relationships, community networking, Dryer Vent Squad, franchise industry, local marketing, referral partners|

Building Relationships

Marketing your business at a local level

by Jessica Melendez
Certified Franchise Consultant

Relationships are the heart and soul of a business and crucial to its survival. In your community, you’ll have business relationships with customers, referral partners, employees, vendors, networking communities, financial institutions, cleaning crews, and more. The list can go on and on based on who comes in contact with your business in any way. These are two-way relationships with each party desiring to help each other achieve the highest level of success. No matter how big or small their role is, all of these relationships take part in building your empire, and these relationships need to be fed.

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As an example, let’s examine how Dryer Vent Squad franchisees use relationship-building in their local marketing.

First it’s worth noting that I own Dryer Vent Squad along with entrepreneur Leo Goldberger. Our partnership began with a relationship we formed while working together in the franchise industry.

A pro at social media, Goldberger uses it to strengthen the Dryer Vent Squad brand. Social media is a great way to tell a brand’s story, form bonds, loyalty, and a network within your community. Followers tend to feel connected with you, and gain an inside look into your business. Our franchisees use social media to advertise, run promotions and post pictures of jobs, their crew and community events they attend.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
A big part of our business-to-business (B2B) success has been in building relationships with referral partners such as hotel associations, apartment associations, property managers, appliance repair companies, and dryer retailers. All of these partners can refer business our way and, in turn, we can refer business to them or sponsor their events. These types of relationships are not one-sided—there’s give-and take and we work together to support each other.

EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY
Dryer Vent Squad franchisees partner with local fire departments to raise awareness about fire safety. Dryer fires are the leading cause of household fires and education on the dangers of clogged dryer vents is vital for saving lives and property. In this case, the relationship works because both parties have a vested interest in the safety of the community and its residents.

Relationships empower you to aggressively try new things that will help you and your business evolve and learn continuously. Take care of them and keep your eye out for opportunities to build new ones.

Jessica Melendez

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

2 05, 2019

It’s a Process

Audra2019-05-03T15:35:08-04:00May 2nd, 2019|Tags: following a winning formula, franchise system, franchising, investing in a franchise|

It’s a Process

Franchising is about following a winning formula

by Don Clayton
Certified Franchise Consultant

I recently had a conversation with a young woman interested in owning a franchise. She was excited, friendly, joyful, and asked great questions. But once I began explaining the next steps in franchising, the conversation took a turn.

She quickly informed me that she didn’t operate that way and we’d do things her way. To her, the process is just like buying a car. The salesman needs to bow to her requests. That makes sense, right? It does when you’re buying a car, but not when you’re investing in a franchise.

After I explained that there are standard operating procedures to follow, she responded by standing her ground. Needless to say, she’s now looking for her next W-2 job.

A business in a box
Investors do not buy a franchise the same way they purchase a car or any other product. Franchises are awarded, not sold. The woman in my example is a nonconforming individual, and this type of person goes against everything in franchising. A franchise is a business in a box. For the most part, all of the kinks, errors, trials, and models have been hashed out and neatly packaged together. If someone wants to reinvent years of trial and error, that person should do so, but not through the franchise system.

The people best-suited to own franchises are open-minded life learners who are adaptable and follow instructions. Highly successful franchisees let the system work while incorporating their unique personalities into the business to make it their own.

The benefits of franchising
Franchisees enjoy the rewards of countless hours (sometimes years) of blood, sweat, tears, trial, error, money, and other sacrifices that someone else endured in order to make this opportunity available. Investing in a franchise allows one to jump right in, learn, follow protocol, make money, and have fun.

Don Clayton has spent more than 15 years helping others achieve their dream of business ownership. Starting as a franchise consultant for FranServe in 2001, he quickly became a top producer. His passion for the business led Don to the position of VP of Talent Acquisition, where he is committed to recruiting successful candidates. Contact Don at don@franserve.com or 919-777-0178.

2 05, 2019

What to look for in a food franchise

Audra2019-05-03T15:40:38-04:00May 2nd, 2019|Tags: buisness model, food franchise, food products source, franchisor training and support, marketing and advertising strategies, potential restaurant location|

What to look for in a food franchise

by Geoff Batchelder
Certified Franchise Consultant

The food sector makes up about a third of all franchises – A HUGE percentage for a single sector! So it’s no wonder that when many people think of franchising, they think of food. In fact, my own introduction to the franchise world came about as I was looking at pizza franchises.

Like most people, I had no idea that franchises were available in so many other business sectors. The idea of owning a
restaurant sounds glamorous, maybe because of the TV image of the restaurant owner greeting dignitaries as they enter the
establishment and then sharing an after-dinner drink with them while receiving lavish praise. That sounds great but is pretty far from reality. The food industry has lower margins than most industries, depends on tight management of food spoilage and inventory loss, relies heavily on minimum-wage employees, requires more in terms of capital investment, and is just plain hard work.

So why would anyone want to enter this business? Simple: Every person on the planet needs to eat multiple times a
day. That is one seriously large potential customer base. If you’ve considered the downsides and still want to own a restaurant, here are some things to look for when evaluating franchises.

THE FOOD
Do you like the food? Would you be excited about serving it?

THE BRAND
Is the branding professional? Are there multiple marketing and advertising strategies in place?

THE SOURCE
Where are the food products sourced? Is there a commissary model where you buy from the franchisor? Do they use one of the large distribution companies? Can you source any products locally?

PROCESSES
Does the franchisor have well-developed processes? The operations manual should cover everything you need to know from the time you unlock the door in the morning until you turn off the lights at night. There should be a detailed food preparation manual and also a food handling/safety manual.

SITE LOCATION
How are potential sites identified? Has the franchisor developed demographic models to understand where their customers are? Do they assist you with finding and evaluating potential sites? Do they help with lease negotiation?

CONSTRUCTION
What about construction? There should be a detailed construction manual and maybe even contractors in place that have previously done store build-outs for other franchisees. You can waste a lot of time and money if you’re left on your own to secure a site and get the store built.

TRAINING
What training and ongoing support are available? The food sector typically requires longer training and more support than other franchise sectors. Will you receive on-site training and support? Will you get assistance in hiring your staff? What are the plans to deal with changing trends and customer tastes? This is a sector that will also see more changes in terms of what customers want.

GeoffBatchelder Geoff 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.

1 05, 2019

Molly Maid® is Maid for Moms this Mother’s Day

Tatyana Stemkovski2019-05-01T16:05:44-04:00May 1st, 2019|Tags: gift of time, Molly Maid, nation's leading residential cleaning franchise, Neighborly, residential cleaning|

Molly Maid, LLC, Nation’s Leading Residential Cleaning Company Offers Chance to Win $250 Gift Card

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — This Mother’s Day, Molly Maid, a Neighborly company and the nation’s leading residential cleaning franchise, is giving hard-working moms the gift they truly deserve – the gift of time. For five years and counting, the franchise is offering the chance to win Molly Maid gift certificates. The “Maid for Moms” sweepstakes will award winners with gift certificates that can be used to give mom some time off as someone else cleans her home.

Molly Maid is awarding one grand prize winner with a Roomba and a $250 Molly Maid gift certificate to be used on their moms this Mother’s Day. Three runners up winners will each receive a $250 Molly Maid gift certificate. To learn more about the “Maid for Moms” sweepstakes, visit www.facebook.com/MollyMaid. Participants can enter the contest at https://contest.app.do/mother-s-day-giveaway-2518937. Entries are now being accepted through Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

“Mother’s Day is a time to give back to all of the moms out there who spend their days working for others,” said Molly Maid President Mary Kay Liston. “At Molly Maid, we want moms to be able to enjoy a clean home without sacrificing time to do what she loves. We are excited for this year’s “Maid for Moms” sweepstakes and the opportunity to surprise moms with the gift of time and a clean home.

To provide mom with the some time off and a spotless home any time of the year, Molly Maid gift certificates are available for purchase at www.mollymaid.com/gift-certificates/. Visit the Molly Maid website to review this year’s contest rules.

About Molly Maid®

Molly Maid LLC, a Neighborly® company, is a residential cleaning franchisor whose independently owned and operated franchisees clean more than 1.7 million U.S. homes annually. Franchising since 1984, there are more than 480 independently owned and operated Molly Maid® units operating in the United States. Acquired by Neighborly® in 2015, Molly Maid is part of a community of home service experts, leveraging Neighborly’s nearly 3,500 professional home service experts across 14 brands in the U.S. and Canada with a unique direct service function that provides consumers assistance with nearly all aspects of their home care needs. Neighborly brands include: Aire Serv®, Five Star Painting®, Glass Doctor®, Portland Glass®, Molly Maid®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Handyman®, Mr. Rooter®, Protect Painters®, Rainbow International®, Window Genie®, Mosquito Joe® and The Grounds Guys®. Additional information about Neighborly can be found at www.GetNeighborly.com. For more information about Molly Maid, visit www.mollymaid.com and to learn about franchising opportunities with Molly Maid, visit https://franchise.mollymaid.com.

1 05, 2019

Mosquito Squad Kicks Off Annual Campaign To Educate Consumers About Mosquito Protection

Tatyana Stemkovski2019-05-01T15:50:59-04:00May 1st, 2019|Tags: eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces, Lyme disease, Malaria No More, Mosquito Squad|

Company accepting entries for #ProtectMySquad contest through June 28

RICHMOND, Va. — Mosquito Squad, the largest and most trusted mosquito and tick control franchise in North America, announced today the launch of its Protect Your Squad campaign to raise awareness about the importance of mosquito protection and help consumers stay informed on best practices to keep their families and pets safe. This year, the brand is once again running its #ProtectMySquad contest where participants will have a chance to win a seasonal mosquito control package and a Big Green Egg grill.

“Recent reports indicate that tick and mosquito-borne diseases have tripled since 2004 and with a higher risk of contracting Lyme, West Nile, Zika and other pest-borne illnesses, it’s so important to take mosquito control seriously,” said Amy Lawhorne, chief operating officer of Mosquito Squad. “For the third year in a row, we’re using our Protect Your Squad campaign as a platform to engage with consumers and ensure they’re equipped to protect themselves and others throughout mosquito season. As a trusted source, it’s up to us to share our expert practices and insights so consumers remain educated and aware.”

In an effort to further spread the message about the importance of mosquito protection, Mosquito Squad has also launched its #ProtectMySquad contest. To enter, participants must post a photo or video of a squad they want to protect to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or the contest landing page using the hashtag #ProtectMySquad, tagging Mosquito Squad on the respective platform and sharing their zip code.

The contest is open for entries beginning today, May 1, through June 28. Mosquito Squad will select one winner at random mid-way through the contest and announce them on social media on Memorial Day, May 27. Once entries close, a second winner will be selected and announced on July 4. The first winner will receive a full season mosquito protection package of the original Mosquito Squad Protective Barrier Treatment and the second will receive a Big Green Egg, the coveted kamado-style ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker perfect for summer entertaining.

“We look forward to seeing everyone’s entries as we help them protect their squads throughout the season,” added Lawhorne.

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.

For additional #ProtectMySquad contest details, full terms and conditions and to keep up with entries, visit protectmysquad.com.

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 approximately 250 franchise locations in the United States along with international operations in Kenya and Indonesia, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes and ticks from outdoor living spaces, allowing consumers to enjoy their yards, outdoor living spaces, special events and green spaces. For more information, visit http://www.MosquitoSquad.com, http://MosquitoSquadFranchise.com and https://www.theauthoritybrands.com/.

About Authority Brands

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands, LLC is the parent company of seven leading home service franchisors, America’s Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, Mister Sparky electric, Mosquito Squad, and One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 1675 locations operated by 920 franchise owners in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Kenya and Indonesia. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchisee growth through providing strong marketing, technology and operational support.

1 05, 2019

Assisted Living Locators Marks Older American Month with Senior Care Advisors’ Volunteerism

Tatyana Stemkovski2019-05-01T15:20:10-04:00May 1st, 2019|Tags: assisted living communities, Assisted Living Locators, franchisee sales training, in-home care, independent retirement options, memory care, senior care placement|

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, recognizing our growing population of older Americans and their contributions to our communities.

Assisted Living Locators, a leading senior care placement firm, will mark the event by celebrating its senior care advisors’ volunteerism in communities nationwide. In honor of this year’s Older American Month’s theme, “Connect, Create and Contribute,” the company is sharing inspiring ways their advisors support older adults.

Connecting with A Single Rose

Shannon Avazian, an Assisted Living Locators Santa Clarita senior care advisor, has a special place in her heart for each senior she meets, knowing they need extra care and compassion. Shannon brought a single rose to her very first senior she helped find long term care and it brought tears to both her and the senior’s eyes. She still continues this special service today as her way to give back to seniors in her community.

Creating Art to Raise Awareness

A long-time committee member for the Alzheimer’s Association Art Canvas Drive, Assisted Living Locators Omaha senior care advisor Nikki Wullf reaches out to her local care partners to donate canvases painted by their residents with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Nikki collects the art canvases from dozens of communities for the Dementia Care Conference silent auction, raising funds and promoting awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in her community.

Contributing in Small Ways Can Make A Big Difference

BJ Bounds, an Assisted Living Locators Southeast Dallas senior care advisor, started her own volunteer organization in 2004 to teach adults and children how to prepare for disasters and now helps local first responders assist older adults in times of disasters. Her volunteer group also provides and installs window air conditioning units to seniors in need. BJ provides an annual safety/ID theft class to senior citizens and teaches classes on how to pay for senior living.

For five years, Assisted Living Locators North Georgia senior care advisor Greg Santini has worked with his church’s homebound ministry. Once a month, he visits a group of seniors that can’t make it to Sunday mass. Greg brings them communion, listens to their stories, or sometimes just lets them tell him how bad they feel. Recently, he became involved with Meals on Wheels, a volunteer program that delivers food to seniors that have no transportation to buy groceries. Greg enjoys working in his community to support his seniors in any way he can.

“Assisted Living Locators has an outstanding community culture,” said Angela Olea, Assisted Living Locators CEO RN. “Our senior care advisors go ‘above and beyond’ to serve seniors and their families. Their compassion and problem-solving skills are the biggest asset of our company. We’re dedicated to providing no cost help to seniors and their families to find the right care options.”

About Assisted Living Locators

Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Assisted Living Locators offers a no cost, nationwide senior placement service for in-home care, independent retirement options, assisted living communities and memory care. A top performing franchise organization, Assisted Living Locators is ranked in Entrepreneur’s 2019 Franchise 500®, Franchise Business Review’s 2019 Top Franchises Report and Franchise Dictionary’s Top 100 Game Changer Franchises. To learn more, visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com.

1 05, 2019

May 2019: Franchisee of the Month

Audra2019-05-02T16:50:21-04:00May 1st, 2019|Tags: BrightStar Care, in-home health care, investment in franchise, meaningful career, more time with family, quality care|

Helping yourself by helping others

by Jill Abrahamsen

After 18 years on the road in sales and business development, George Sanchez was ready to spend more time with his family and enjoy a more meaningful career. So Sanchez sold his business and invested in an existing BrightStar Care® franchise, which provides in-home health care in Austin, Texas. “I looked at hundreds of options in all different areas, but BrightStar Care made the most sense,” he says. “There is a never-ending demand for this service, and you can truly make a difference.”

After caring for elderly parents, Sanchez had firsthand knowledge of what quality care looks like. “I understand the value of the service we provide. I know what it means when a caregiver doesn’t show up or isn’t a good fit. We strive to give our customers the very best service. I’ll only hire people whom I would send to care for my own family.”

With more than 200 employees, Sanchez has tripled the business since he bought it in 2013. “The first few years weren’t easy. I had to invest to grow, but it was well worth it. We have a great team and a thriving business now.”

The best part for Sanchez is giving back, both directly and indirectly. Besides the gratification of helping clients every day, he and his staff are very involved in the community and raise money for charitable organizations.

Sanchez loves getting to know his patients and their families. He recently paid tribute to client Dr. John McKetta, a chemical engineering legend and professor at the University of Texas. Drawing on his artistic talents, Sanchez sculpted and presented a bronze bust to McKetta on his 103rd birthday, just a few months before his death. “It was a great way to pay tribute to a man who has given so much to the world,” he says.

BrightStar Care Austin received the Best of the Best Home Healthcare Award from Austin’s American-Statesman e-paper.

The Austin BrightStar Care gang has fun raising money for local charities.

Sanchez’s passion has been a driving force in the success of his business. In 2018 his location was honored with the Best of the Best Home Healthcare Award by Austin’s American-Statesman electronic newspaper. “Owning this business has been great on so many levels,” he says.

For more information, call (877) 689-6898 or visit www.franchise.brightstarcare.com.

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Helping yourself by helping others

by Jill Abrahamsen

After 18 years on the road in sales and business development, George Sanchez was ready to spend more time with his family and enjoy a more meaningful career. So Sanchez sold his business and invested in an existing BrightStar Care® franchise, which provides in-home health care in Austin, Texas. “I looked at hundreds of options in all different areas, but BrightStar Care made the most sense,” he says. “There is a never-ending demand for this service, and you can truly make a difference.”

After caring for elderly parents, Sanchez had firsthand knowledge of what quality care looks like. “I understand the value of the service we provide. I know what it means when a caregiver doesn’t show up or isn’t a good fit. We strive to give our customers the very best service. I’ll only hire people whom I would send to care for my own family.”

With more than 200 employees, Sanchez has tripled the business since he bought it in 2013. “The first few years weren’t easy. I had to invest to grow, but it was well worth it. We have a great team and a thriving business now.”

The best part for Sanchez is giving back, both directly and indirectly. Besides the gratification of helping clients every day, he and his staff are very involved in the community and raise money for charitable organizations.

Sanchez loves getting to know his patients and their families. He recently paid tribute to client Dr. John McKetta, a chemical engineering legend and professor at the University of Texas. Drawing on his artistic talents, Sanchez sculpted and presented a bronze bust to McKetta on his 103rd birthday, just a few months before his death. “It was a great way to pay tribute to a man who has given so much to the world,” he says.

BrightStar Care Austin received the Best of the Best Home Healthcare Award from Austin’s American-Statesman e-paper.

The Austin BrightStar Care gang has fun raising money for local charities.

Sanchez’s passion has been a driving force in the success of his business. In 2018 his location was honored with the Best of the Best Home Healthcare Award by Austin’s American-Statesman electronic newspaper. “Owning this business has been great on so many levels,” he says.

For more information, call (877) 689-6898 or visit www.franchise.brightstarcare.com.

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1 05, 2019

May 2019: Featured Entrepreneur

Audra2019-05-02T16:59:53-04:00May 1st, 2019|Tags: active entertainment center, child services, Funtopia, healthy lifestyles, kids activities|

When the goal is fun, everyone wins

by Jill Abrahamsen

Yassen Nikolov loves his work. As General Manager of Funtopia, North America, he feels good about helping children lead active and healthy lives. An active entertainment center, Funtopia gets kids moving and off their devices. “There’s nothing better than seeing happy kids running around and having fun,” Nikolov says.

In his home country of Bulgaria, rock climbing is a huge sport. In fact, Nikolov started his journey into the business as part of The Walltopia Group, the largest producer of climbing walls in the world. The company offers wildly creative, custom-made rock walls that run the gamut from traditional rope and bouldering walls to military walls and speed walls. The company also produces themed, kid-centric “fun walls,” which were the inspiration for Funtopia.

Making fun a priority
Nikolov and his partners recognized the need for an active entertainment center where kids could get exercise in a fun and safe way. Funtopia was launched in Bulgaria in 2012 and Nikolov became General Manager of North America in 2015. Using the climbing walls as a foundation, they included several mini-concepts to the mix, including rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields. “Offering variety keeps it interesting,” Nikolov says. Visitors experience imaginative scenarios such as riding dinosaurs, jumping off skyscrapers, or climbing beanstalks. “At Funtopia, kids get to use their muscles and their imaginations,” he adds.

Funtopia’s dedication to healthy lifestyles doesn’t stop at rope courses. For example, there’s no junk food at the snack bar. “We offer only healthy options like baked chicken, fruit smoothies, and juices made without sugar,” Nikolov says.

Funtopia active entertainment center gets kids moving and off their devices. Instead of just focusing on one activity, the company offers several mini-concepts, including rockwall climbing, rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields.

Funtopia franchises are spreading around the globe, including locations in Australia, Israel, and Pakistan. Since 2016, franchise opportunities have been offered in the U.S. and Canada. Franchisees enjoy a feel-good business in a growing market, ongoing support, and training. “This is a great opportunity for an investor, but it has to be the right fit,” says Nikolov. “We like to see some passion for the business. Most importantly, we want franchisees who follow the system and like our culture.”

For more information, visit www.funtopiaworld.com.

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When the goal is fun, everyone wins

by Jill Abrahamsen

Yassen Nikolov loves his work. As General Manager of Funtopia, North America, he feels good about helping children lead active and healthy lives. An active entertainment center, Funtopia gets kids moving and off their devices. “There’s nothing better than seeing happy kids running around and having fun,” Nikolov says.

In his home country of Bulgaria, rock climbing is a huge sport. In fact, Nikolov started his journey into the business as part of The Walltopia Group, the largest producer of climbing walls in the world. The company offers wildly creative, custom-made rock walls that run the gamut from traditional rope and bouldering walls to military walls and speed walls. The company also produces themed, kid-centric “fun walls,” which were the inspiration for Funtopia.

Making fun a priority
Nikolov and his partners recognized the need for an active entertainment center where kids could get exercise in a fun and safe way. Funtopia was launched in Bulgaria in 2012 and Nikolov became General Manager of North America in 2015. Using the climbing walls as a foundation, they included several mini-concepts to the mix, including rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields. “Offering variety keeps it interesting,” Nikolov says. Visitors experience imaginative scenarios such as riding dinosaurs, jumping off skyscrapers, or climbing beanstalks. “At Funtopia, kids get to use their muscles and their imaginations,” he adds.

Funtopia’s dedication to healthy lifestyles doesn’t stop at rope courses. For example, there’s no junk food at the snack bar. “We offer only healthy options like baked chicken, fruit smoothies, and juices made without sugar,” Nikolov says.

Funtopia active entertainment center gets kids moving and off their devices. Instead of just focusing on one activity, the company offers several mini-concepts, including rockwall climbing, rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields.

Funtopia franchises are spreading around the globe, including locations in Australia, Israel, and Pakistan. Since 2016, franchise opportunities have been offered in the U.S. and Canada. Franchisees enjoy a feel-good business in a growing market, ongoing support, and training. “This is a great opportunity for an investor, but it has to be the right fit,” says Nikolov. “We like to see some passion for the business. Most importantly, we want franchisees who follow the system and like our culture.”

For more information, visit www.funtopiaworld.com.

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Monthly Archives: May 2019

About Mr. Handyman®

Building Relationships

Marketing your business at a local level

It’s a Process

Franchising is about following a winning formula

What to look for in a food franchise

About Molly Maid®

About Mosquito Squad

About Authority Brands

About Assisted Living Locators

Helping yourself by helping others

BrightStar Care Austin received the Best of the Best Home Healthcare Award from Austin’s American-Statesman e-paper.

The Austin BrightStar Care gang has fun raising money for local charities.

Helping yourself by helping others

BrightStar Care Austin received the Best of the Best Home Healthcare Award from Austin’s American-Statesman e-paper.

The Austin BrightStar Care gang has fun raising money for local charities.

When the goal is fun, everyone wins

Funtopia active entertainment center gets kids moving and off their devices. Instead of just focusing on one activity, the company offers several mini-concepts, including rockwall climbing, rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields.

When the goal is fun, everyone wins

Funtopia active entertainment center gets kids moving and off their devices. Instead of just focusing on one activity, the company offers several mini-concepts, including rockwall climbing, rope courses, zip lines, ninja courses, artificial caving, and trampoline fields.