Monthly Archives: June 2019

30 06, 2019

July 2019: Home-Based Franchising

2019-07-02T12:21:03-04:00June 30th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , |

ON THE COVER

When Less is More

Phillip Howe finds the sweet spot for his Renew Crew franchise

by Jill Abrahamsen

As a Renew Crew fanchisee, Philip Howe enjoys more time with his wife, Kelli, and their sons, 10-year-old Cannon and 8-year-old Hunter.

Renew Crew™ franchisee Phillip Howe knows that bigger doesn’t always mean better. At one time, he owned a booming portrait studio. He loved the work but put in more hours than he wanted, especially on the weekends. Howe’s wife, Kelli, also had a demanding job, and the combination just wasn’t family-friendly. “Something had to give. One of us needed a more flexible schedule,” Howe says.

Between the changes in the photography industry and his lack of work-life balance, Howe looked at franchising as a next career step. “I knew I could run a business, and I liked the support system that comes with franchises. So all I needed to do was find a good fit,” he says.

Howe wanted a flexible schedule but not a huge staff. “There’s a ton of headaches that come with managing a lot of employees,” he says. So in 2002, Howe invested in Renew Crew and became the second franchisee in the system. The outdoor surface cleaning company rejuvenates decks, fences, patios, siding, and walkways at homes and businesses.

Renew Crew Truck

Phillip poses with his father and partner, Wayne Howe.

Originally branded under a different name, the franchise was renamed Renew Crew in 2012 when Outdoor Living Brands purchased it. “With the acquisition came more streamlined procedures, an investment in technology, and better marketing and support,” Howe says. “I couldn’t have been happier.”

Howe grew his Olathe, Kansas, business to four vans and eight to 10 employees, which he considers the perfect size. He could have easily continued scaling up, but explains that “it’s a lot easier to find 10 great guys than 40 great guys. You could actually make more money with a smaller crew. There are fewer problems and it’s easier to manage. Sometimes less is actually more.”

He has no regrets. “I haven’t worked for anyone since 1996 and never will again. With Renew Crew, I have the perfect work-life balance. Now I can spend more time with my family. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”

For more information, visit www.renewcrewfranchise.com.

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ON THE COVER

When Less is More

Phillip Howe finds the sweet spot for his Renew Crew franchise

by Jill Abrahamsen

As a Renew Crew fanchisee, Philip Howe enjoys more time with his wife, Kelli, and their sons, 10-year-old Cannon and 8-year-old Hunter.

Renew Crew™ franchisee Phillip Howe knows that bigger doesn’t always mean better. At one time, he owned a booming portrait studio. He loved the work but put in more hours than he wanted, especially on the weekends. Howe’s wife, Kelli, also had a demanding job, and the combination just wasn’t family-friendly. “Something had to give. One of us needed a more flexible schedule,” Howe says.

Between the changes in the photography industry and his lack of work-life balance, Howe looked at franchising as a next career step. “I knew I could run a business, and I liked the support system that comes with franchises. So all I needed to do was find a good fit,” he says.

Howe wanted a flexible schedule but not a huge staff. “There’s a ton of headaches that come with managing a lot of employees,” he says. So in 2002, Howe invested in Renew Crew and became the second franchisee in the system. The outdoor surface cleaning company rejuvenates decks, fences, patios, siding, and walkways at homes and businesses.

Originally branded under a different name, the franchise was renamed Renew Crew in 2012 when Outdoor Living Brands purchased it. “With the acquisition came more streamlined procedures, an investment in technology, and better marketing and support,” Howe says. “I couldn’t have been happier.”

Renew Crew Truck

Phillip poses with his father and partner, Wayne Howe.

Howe grew his Olathe, Kansas, business to four vans and eight to 10 employees, which he considers the perfect size. He could have easily continued scaling up, but explains that “it’s a lot easier to find 10 great guys than 40 great guys. You could actually make more money with a smaller crew. There are fewer problems and it’s easier to manage. Sometimes less is actually more.”

He has no regrets. “I haven’t worked for anyone since 1996 and never will again. With Renew Crew, I have the perfect work-life balance. Now I can spend more time with my family. Isn’t that what it’s all about?”

For more information, visit www.renewcrewfranchise.com.

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30 06, 2019

July 2019: Featured Entrepreneur

2019-07-02T12:21:54-04:00June 30th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Featured Entrepreneur

by Rochelle Miller

Tim Smeltz
NextGen Great Sealcoating

Grueling. That’s how Tim Smeltz characterizes the 29 years he spent trekking into Manhattan from his New Jersey home to work as a chef. “The restaurant business is really tough. You have many bosses, the markup is small, and the failure rate is extraordinarily high,” he says.

Smeltz escaped the pressures of the food industry and his killer commute by creating a successful business from the comforts of his suburban house—his driveway, to be exact.

Recognizing a need
As a homeowner, Smeltz noticed that his driveway lacked curb appeal because the dark asphalt was cracking and faded, even turning white in spots. He wanted to fix it but was surprised to learn that only one business in his area offered seal-coating, a relatively inexpensive solution that prevents water from seeping through the asphalt. “They didn’t even return my calls,” he says.

That’s when he began researching how to do the job himself.

Smeltz established NextGen Great Sealcoating in 2005 and has been growing the business ever since. Five years after launching, he partnered to develop an environmentally-friendly formula that contains no cancer-causing ingredients, an advantage his product has over most on the market.

In 2018, NextGen Great Sealcoating began franchising across five states spanning the Mid-Atlantic region. Recurring revenue is a huge attraction for investors. “We recommend having [sealcoating] done every two to four years,” Smeltz says. “And we continue to expand our customer base through referrals,” he adds.

Other advantages for franchisees include a central call center that routes customers to the franchisee in their area by ZIP Code and gives price quotes. “We offer huge territories compared to most franchises. We start at two counties and go from there,” Smeltz says.

Finding solutions
As an outdoor business, winter months could mean downtime for NextGen franchisees. But Smeltz has found an innovative solution: He offers his own customers a seasonal service to design and install Christmas decorations to keep revenue flowing, and franchisees can do something on the side if they wish.

“In owning my own business, I have the freedom to make all of the decisions, knowing that I really only have one boss— my customer. For the right people, it’s the best way, which is why we’re looking for like-minded individuals to join us in our franchise.”

For more information, call NextGen Great Sealcoating at 888-201-6109, or visit the company website at www.greatsealcoating.com.

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Featured Entrepreneur

by Rochelle Miller

Tim Smeltz
NextGen Great Sealcoating

Grueling. That’s how Tim Smeltz characterizes the 29 years he spent trekking into Manhattan from his New Jersey home to work as a chef. “The restaurant business is really tough. You have many bosses, the markup is small, and the failure rate is extraordinarily high,” he says.

Smeltz escaped the pressures of the food industry and his killer commute by creating a successful business from the comforts of his suburban house—his driveway, to be exact.

Recognizing a need
As a homeowner, Smeltz noticed that his driveway lacked curb appeal because the dark asphalt was cracking and faded, even turning white in spots. He wanted to fix it but was surprised to learn that only one business in his area offered seal-coating, a relatively inexpensive solution that prevents water from seeping through the asphalt. “They didn’t even return my calls,” he says.

That’s when he began researching how to do the job himself.

Smeltz established NextGen Great Sealcoating in 2005 and has been growing the business ever since. Five years after launching, he partnered to develop an environmentally-friendly formula that contains no cancer-causing ingredients, an advantage his product has over most on the market.

In 2018, NextGen Great Sealcoating began franchising across five states spanning the Mid-Atlantic region. Recurring revenue is a huge attraction for investors. “We recommend having [sealcoating] done every two to four years,” Smeltz says. “And we continue to expand our customer base through referrals,” he adds.

Other advantages for franchisees include a central call center that routes customers to the franchisee in their area by ZIP Code and gives price quotes. “We offer huge territories compared to most franchises. We start at two counties and go from there,” Smeltz says.

Finding solutions
As an outdoor business, winter months could mean downtime for NextGen franchisees. But Smeltz has found an innovative solution: He offers his own customers a seasonal service to design and install Christmas decorations to keep revenue flowing, and franchisees can do something on the side if they wish.

“In owning my own business, I have the freedom to make all of the decisions, knowing that I really only have one boss— my customer. For the right people, it’s the best way, which is why we’re looking for like-minded individuals to join us in our franchise.”

For more information, call NextGen Great Sealcoating at 888-201-6109, or visit the company website at www.greatsealcoating.com.

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30 06, 2019

July 2019: Franchisee of the Month

2019-07-02T12:23:12-04:00June 30th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , , |

Franchisee of The Month

by Jill Abrahamsen

Toni Wren, Challenge Island
Central Long Island, New York

As a child, Toni Wren didn’t know what she wanted to do when she grew up. “I never had a real passion for anything. I just wasn’t one of those kids,” she says. She stumbled onto her first career, in finance, by accident and later discovered her ultimate passion, working with children.

Wren chose political science as a college major even though she wasn’t sure where it might lead. But her side job as a bank teller was what shaped her path. “By the time I graduated, I was a branch manager,” she says. This experience eventually led to a lucrative career in finance at top corporations, including a project manager role at Goldman Sachs.

The recession of 2008 came at a great time for Wren. Her company downsized and offered severance packages, and she jumped at one. “It was a no-brainer. Commuting every day was taking a toll. I needed a more flexible schedule to raise my family,” she says.

KID STUFF
After looking at different kinds of businesses, Wren decided that she wanted to work with children. “At one of my son’s baseball games, a parent asked me if I was available to run her kid’s party. It seemed like an odd request at first, but then she explained. She always saw me playing with kids at events. I was good at it. That’s when I realized my passion,” she says.

Raising her children on Long Island, New York, Wren knew that any type of kids-based business would do well in her area. “The parents here like to keep their children engaged in enriching activities.”

LOOK NO FURTHER
Wren investigated many children’s franchise brands, but when she came across Challenge Island®, she knew it was the right fit. “It was exactly what I wanted to do. I could own and grow a business, be hands-on, creative, and make a difference.” Wren was attracted to the flexible, home-based model and the fact that she could put her personal touch on the business. “You don’t get that with most franchises,” she says.

After her initial call with founder Sharon Estroff, Wren didn’t look further. “I could hear the passion in Estroff’s voice. She had me at hello,” Wren jokes. She opened for business in 2017.

The after-school enrichment program, which teaches science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), is designed to help kids develop skills such as collaboration, compromise, resilience, and critical thinking. The hundreds of themed lessons target specific age groups. “Kids have so much fun with us, they don’t even realize they are learning,” Wren says.

Wren has customized the business to suit her lifestyle. “At first, I wanted to do everything myself: teach the classes, shop for supplies, and so on. But as we grew, I added staff.” She also added offerings for more revenue streams including camps, field trips, and adult classes. Because of the low overhead, it’s easy for Wren to use the business to raise money for charities. “The possibilities are endless with Challenge Island. I can make a living, do what I love, and make a difference, all on my own terms.”

For more information, visit www.challenge-island.com.

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Franchisee of The Month

by Jill Abrahamsen

Toni Wren, Challenge Island
Central Long Island, New York

As a child, Toni Wren didn’t know what she wanted to do when she grew up. “I never had a real passion for anything. I just wasn’t one of those kids,” she says. She stumbled onto her first career, in finance, by accident and later discovered her ultimate passion, working with children.

Wren chose political science as a college major even though she wasn’t sure where it might lead. But her side job as a bank teller was what shaped her path. “By the time I graduated, I was a branch manager,” she says. This experience eventually led to a lucrative career in finance at top corporations, including a project manager role at Goldman Sachs.

The recession of 2008 came at a great time for Wren. Her company downsized and offered severance packages, and she jumped at one. “It was a no-brainer. Commuting every day was taking a toll. I needed a more flexible schedule to raise my family,” she says.

KID STUFF
After looking at different kinds of businesses, Wren decided that she wanted to work with children. “At one of my son’s baseball games, a parent asked me if I was available to run her kid’s party. It seemed like an odd request at first, but then she explained. She always saw me playing with kids at events. I was good at it. That’s when I realized my passion,” she says.

Raising her children on Long Island, New York, Wren knew that any type of kids-based business would do well in her area. “The parents here like to keep their children engaged in enriching activities.”

LOOK NO FURTHER
Wren investigated many children’s franchise brands, but when she came across Challenge Island®, she knew it was the right fit. “It was exactly what I wanted to do. I could own and grow a business, be hands-on, creative, and make a difference.” Wren was attracted to the flexible, home-based model and the fact that she could put her personal touch on the business. “You don’t get that with most franchises,” she says.

After her initial call with founder Sharon Estroff, Wren didn’t look further. “I could hear the passion in Estroff’s voice. She had me at hello,” Wren jokes. She opened for business in 2017.

The after-school enrichment program, which teaches science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), is designed to help kids develop skills such as collaboration, compromise, resilience, and critical thinking. The hundreds of themed lessons target specific age groups. “Kids have so much fun with us, they don’t even realize they are learning,” Wren says.

Wren has customized the business to suit her lifestyle. “At first, I wanted to do everything myself: teach the classes, shop for supplies, and so on. But as we grew, I added staff.” She also added offerings for more revenue streams including camps, field trips, and adult classes. Because of the low overhead, it’s easy for Wren to use the business to raise money for charities. “The possibilities are endless with Challenge Island. I can make a living, do what I love, and make a difference, all on my own terms.”

For more information, visit www.challenge-island.com.

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28 06, 2019

Consumers Save Big with Last Minute Alaska Cruises

2019-06-28T21:32:54-04:00June 28th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

With More Ships Than Ever, Customers can Save Big on Last Minute Sailings to The Last Frontier

BELLEVUE, Wash. — There has never been a better time than now to discover Alaska! With the Alaska season now underway, more passengers than ever are looking to see the icy fjords up close while taking advantage of significant savings for booking a last-minute cruise.

The top cruise travel agency franchise in North America, Expedia CruiseShipCenters, continues to see high demand for Alaska in the Pacific Northwest with the deployment of two brand new ships – Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy – which are offering 7-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle, for prices as low as $599 per person. The Norwegian Joy features the thrilling two-level race track, a virtual world of wonder at the Galaxy Pavilion, new concierge level accommodations, and stunning views from the observation lounges – perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to relax while taking in The Last Frontier.

Alaska continues to grow in popularity, but this season is like none other with the largest deployment of cruise ships yet,” said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “With this many cruise ships, our customers really win – they get to choose the widest selection of ships yet and get to enjoy significant savings as cruise lines look to fill their unsold staterooms. We see this as a fantastic opportunity for our Franchisees to help their customers check off Alaska from their bucket list, along with introduce new people to cruising for the first time!”

At Expedia CruiseShipCenters, customers can choose from numerous vacation possibilities over land, sea and air, including customized trips, coach and rail tours and insurance – all at Expedia prices. Each franchise location offers personal vacation consultations in person, through email or over the phone, so customers have the freedom to book when, where, and how they choose. As part of the Expedia Group family of brands, customers get to enjoy the best of two worlds: competitive pricing on a wide range of travel products and expert, personalized advice from a real person connected to a locally owned business.

For more information about booking vacations and exploring Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ Alaska cruise offerings, please visit www.cruiseshipcenters.com.

About Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Expedia CruiseShipCenters provides exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of over 291 retail travel agency franchises. As part of the Expedia Group family of brands, the company’s more than 6,650 Vacation Consultants facilitate the booking of a wide range of vacation products including cruises, flights, hotels, vacation packages, tours, excursions and more. The company has been navigating spectacular vacation experiences for customers across North America for 30 years. For more information on Expedia CruiseShipCenters, visit www.expediafranchise.com.

Expedia and CruiseShipCenters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2019 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50 and CST # 20893-43

28 06, 2019

New Additions Wes Sattler and Elisa Keller Bring New Level of Franchise Expertise to the USA Insulation Team

2019-06-28T21:27:26-04:00June 28th, 2019|Tags: , , |

CLEVELAND — USA Insulation is pleased to welcome both Wes Sattler and Elisa Keller to the leadership team.

Sattler, the new Director of Franchise Development, started his franchise development career in 2005, after seeing an opportune job advertisement. “The idea of working with would-be entrepreneurs resonated with me, and it’s been a passion ever since,” Sattler says.

Sattler’s passion has powered his franchise development career, including positions as the Director of Franchise Development at HealthSource Chiropractic Progressive Rehab and Wellness, and Vice President of Franchise Development at Strategic Franchising Systems.

“My favorite part of franchise development is living vicariously through our new franchisees,” Sattler says. “I’m excited to experience it with a brand that has such a unique, proprietary product that sets our franchisees apart in the market.”

Keller joins USA Insulation as the Director of Marketing. Keller is providing world-class marketing support to franchisees and positioning USA Insulation for its next stage of growth.

“I’ve always respected franchisees and I enjoy helping them grow,”  Keller says. “I’m looking forward to using my experience to help put scalable tools and systems in place to set USA Insulation up for future growth.”

Keller’s franchise experience includes roles as the Franchise Development Brand Manager at ServiceMaster and the Regional Director of Marketing for Century 21 Real Estate.

USA Insulation Franchise Corporation is already a strong, emerging franchise,” Keller says. “I’m looking forward to working on a team with a great corporate culture that embodies its core values of ‘We Care, We Get It Done, We Get It Done Right, We Do The Right Thing, We Grow Together.'”

With more than 20 franchise locations operating nationwide, USA Insulation is excited to usher in a new level of franchise owner support and jumpstart franchise growth. Our strategic expansion will allow us to better service the 77 million under-insulated homes across the United States.

“Both Wes and Elisa have a passion for growth and innovation that perfectly align with USA Insulation’s franchise strategy,” says USA Insulation President Patrick Pitrone. “We’re thrilled to have such talented and experienced professionals join our leadership team.”

About USA Insulation

With over 90,000 homes insulated to date, USA Insulation has become one of the premier residential retrofit insulation companies in America. For more than 35 years, USA Insulation has been helping customers save on utility bills with its proprietary USA Premium Foam® Insulation, along with other whole-home insulation solutions. As a franchise model, USA Insulation has wide open territories for expansion across the country. Fastest-growing market opportunities include Minneapolis, Harrisburg and Kansas City, with additional opportunities throughout the West Coast, Midwest, Southern states and Northeast corridor.

27 06, 2019

Dryer Vent Wizard Awards Top Franchisees

2019-06-27T23:45:31-04:00June 27th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Leading Dryer Vent Maintenance and Repair Franchise Honors Noteworthy Achievements

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — Dryer Vent Wizard, North America’s leading dryer maintenance and repair franchise, honored outstanding achievement across its franchise system. The company recognized four franchisees for their contributions to the continued success and growth of the company.

  • Jeff and Lori Knudtzon, owners of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northern Nevada, took home the Franchise of the Year Award. This award acknowledges the franchise business with top sales who fully participates in the network and also makes consistent contributions over the long term. Jeff and Lori truly exemplify Dryer Vent Wizard’s ideals.
  • Kirk Williams, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Pittsburgh, was awarded with the Rookie of the Year Award. This award is granted to those who excel in performance, sales, customer service, workmanship and marketing during their first year of operation.
  • John Ryley and Jamie Krohmer, owners of Dryer Vent Wizard of Suffolk County, were recognized with the System Builder Award. They received this award because they have gone above and beyond to contribute to the Dryer Vent Wizard System.
  • Katie Allen, wife of Dryer Vent Wizard of Middle Tennessee owner, Jeff Allen, was recognized with the Shining Star Award. This is awarded to a franchisee or employee that is an inspiration to everyone in the Dryer Vent Wizard network. Katie donated a kidney to a friend and is now helping other people who wish to do the same.

“We are so grateful to all of our franchisees for their consistent ability to go above and beyond as well as provide our customers with exceptional service every time,” said Jason Kapica, President of Dryer Vent Wizard. “We believe each of our franchisees is noteworthy, so choosing whom to award is no easy task. These four recipients have done an outstanding job at producing great work and getting involved both in our company and in the community.”

With nearly 100 locations throughout the U.S., Dryer Vent Wizard owners and their employees are committed to protecting the homes and families in their communities as the only international franchise company specializing in dryer vent maintenance and repair of residential and commercial clients. Dryer Vent Wizard technicians arrive at homes equipped with state-of-the-art dryer vent cleaning tools to complete all dryer vent services and get the appliance up to code.

To further the company’s goal of reducing dryer fires across North America, Dryer Vent Wizard is a member of the National Fire Protection Association. The company is also a partner of the Children’s Burn Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing medical and psychological care for child burn survivors.

About Dryer Vent Wizard

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., Dryer Vent Wizard is a North American franchise that specializes in dryer vent repair, replacement, alteration, cleaning and maintenance for both residential and commercial clients. The company was founded in 2004 and currently operates 95 locations across the U.S. and Canada, serving over 9,000 communities. Dryer Vent Wizard is a home-based, owner operated franchise opportunity that provides the right candidate the ability to start small and scale the business up to their ideal size. Their in-depth training provides the franchisees with the necessary education and skills to work with customers, provide outstanding service and grow their business investment. For more information about becoming a franchisee with Dryer Vent Wizard, visit DVWFranchise.com.

27 06, 2019

Keyrenter Annapolis Property Management Assists Military Families and Landlords in Anne Arundel County Maryland

2019-06-27T23:35:31-04:00June 27th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — It’s peak moving season in Anne Arundel County and Keyrenter Property Management Annapolis is assisting military families and landlords with the process. There is a large population of enlisted people in the area and many of them are renting single family homes from do-it-yourself landlords. It’s important that they all understand the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and how it impacts their lease agreements. Otherwise they could lose thousands of dollars.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides protection for individuals called to active duty in the military. Failure to follow SCRA or other Fair Housing Guidelines is a costly mistake that do-it-yourself (DIY) landlords and tenants don’t want to make. “Having systems in place to ensure compliance is the best way to avoid potential issues,” said Mark Miller of Keyrenter Annapolis. “Knowing how to reduce vacancy rates will increase the return on your real estate investment.”

Mark was a novice do-it-yourself landlord for years after purchasing his first rental property at age 23.  He learned the basics of property management the hard way.  After retiring from his 24-year career at the Montgomery County Police Department, he teamed up with Keyrenter, a national franchisor specializing in single family home management. After acquiring his real estate license and honing his skills, he opened Keyrenter Annapolis Property Management. His strong leadership and management abilities combined with a natural propensity toward service made his career change the perfect fit.

“People love the idea of owning rental property until tenant issues or maintenance emergencies arise,” said Mark. Many do-it-yourself landlords find the job stressful and mistakenly think it’s too expensive to hire a professional property manager. In actuality, studies show that it actually increases your bottom line. It’s the little things that make a difference:

  • Enhanced tenant screening
  • Syndicated advertising
  • Move-in and move-out inspections with pictures
  • Consistent proactive maintenance processes

When Mark isn’t taking care of his clients, you might find him volunteering as a youth sports coach for rugby. He’s also an instructor and practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s Mark’s mission in life to be of service to others.

For a complimentary quote and comprehensive rental analysis, call Mark at 410-834-5555 or visit Keyrenter Annapolis Property Management.

For franchise information contact Keyrenter.com/franchise/.

Keyrenter’s full range of services include:

  • Assist Owners and Investors with Leasing Services
  • Assist Owners and Investors with Buying and Selling Properties
  • Rental Market Analysis
  • Rental Licensing, DCRA Inspections, RAD registration
  • Syndicated Advertising
  • Enhanced Tenant Screening
  • Video Inspections
  • Payment Processing for Mortgages, Property Taxes, Property Insurance, HOA fees
  • Maintenance Management
  • 24-hour Emergency Maintenance Hotline
  • Quick and Accurate Reconciled Owner Statements
  • Online Rental Payment Processing via ACH
  • Convenient Online Owner Portal
26 06, 2019

Always Best Care Announces New Owners Of Greater South Jersey Territory

2019-06-26T00:03:17-04:00June 26th, 2019|Tags: , , , , , |

Local Entrepreneurs Now Providing Award-Winning Senior Care Services to Atlantic, Gloucester, Burlington and Camden Counties

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today that Mandy and Sanjay Mandloi are the new owners of the Greater South Jersey franchise. Always Best Care of Greater South Jersey has been serving Atlantic, Gloucester, Burlington and Camden Counties since 2011. The agency is one of seven Always Best Care agencies across New Jersey and provides senior care services to several communities including Marlton, Berlin, Vineland, Medford, Moorestown, Waterford Works and surrounding areas.

“The South Jersey community has been an ideal market for Always Best Care and it’s been an honor to provide senior care services to the local community for many years,” said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. “With the growing demand for quality care, we’re thrilled to have found passionate entrepreneurs who are committed to providing their clients with solutions to better the lives of those who need assistance. We’re excited to have Mandy and Sanjay on board and look forward to watching them grow our South Jersey territory for years to come.”

Prior to joining Always Best Care, Mandy led a career in the healthcare industry and served as a physical therapist, rehab manager and clinical specialist. Mandy brings more than two decades of experience in senior care, with more than 10 years specializing in home care. Sanjay previously worked in business and information technology, where he sharpened skills critical to leading a small business such as creating business processes and networking in the local community.

“My mother is in need of senior care and Sanjay and I recently went through the process of researching and identifying local options,” said Mandy. “After finding Always Best Care and learning more about the resources that they provide to their franchisees, we felt compelled to invest and look forward to helping our fellow community members find the quality care they need. We are excited for this new endeavor and will capitalize on our existing connections throughout South Jersey to help expand our reach and build our business.”

Always Best Care is one of the nation’s leading providers of non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care, and is the only senior services franchise system that combines the three to create three separate revenue streams for its franchisees.

The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States and Canada.

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

For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Greater South Jersey, or for a free evaluation, please call (856) 574-4308, email infosouthjersey@abc-seniors.com and visit http://alwaysbestcare-sj.com.

About Always Best Care

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

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

21 06, 2019

Pet Supplies Plus Signs 22 Franchise Agreements in Early 2019, Will Result in 46 New Stores

2019-06-21T13:32:48-04:00June 21st, 2019|Tags: , , , |

America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store on Track with 2019 Growth Due to ‘Minus the hassle’ Commitment

LIVONIA, Mich. — Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet retailer known for its ‘Minus the hassle,’ brick-and-mortar customer experience, welcomed 46 new franchise store deals in the first half of 2019.

Twenty-two new agreements represent the 46 locations and Pet Supplies Plus has attracted franchisees from varying backgrounds: former corporate positions, military veterans, entrepreneurs, and even an independent pet store owner who is converting to become a Pet Supplies Plus owner. To further validate the strength of the brand, four franchise brokers, who are most familiar with quality franchise opportunities, have signed on to open their own Pet Supplies Plus stores.

The newly signed stores will be developed across Texas, Florida, California, Michigan, Kentucky and New Hampshire.

Pet Supplies Plus is attracting franchisees from all walks of life because they see that the convenience model and neighbor-centric company culture is validated through the brands strength in 460 locations. With a passion for pets and a fun environment, people want to own and operate a Pet Supplies Plus because it’s a career that doesn’t feel like work. Franchisees join Pet Supplies Plus to gain best in class corporate support, benefit from the impressive AUV average and be a part of the pet industry that reportedly has year over year growth even during periods of economic decline, according to The American Pet Products Association.

“We consistently add 30 stores a year, in part because franchise candidates know our tagline, ‘Minus the hassle,’ also refers to our franchise opportunity,” said Pet Supplies Plus Chief Executive Officer Chris Rowland. “We ‘minus the hassle’ out of business ownership and handle the back-office duties like merchandising, marketing, supply chain, promotions, pricing and managing social media allowing our franchisees to focus on what they love to do – engaging with neighbors (a term Pet Supplies Plus uses for customers) and building strong store teams.”

Steve Murphy currently owns Pet N’ More in Palm Harbor, Fla., and is the second independent business owner to convert his successful pet store into a Pet Supplies Plus. Knowing the ins and outs of the pet retail world, including its challenges with competitive pricing and the pressures of e-commerce, he and his wife Raffaela realized how the extensive support provided by the established franchise would take their business to the next level. The Murphys follow Bill and Sharon Hannon, who converted their 10-year old independent pet store into a Pet Supplies Plus in Pen Argyl, Pa. in 2017, and increased year-over-year sales by 23 percent. 

As a franchise broker and one of Pet Supplies Plus’s newest franchisees, Michelle Lambert knows a thing or two when it comes to franchise opportunities; on a daily basis she researches countless franchise concepts and recognizes strong franchise opportunities. Michelle is especially excited to be a part of the Pet Supplies Plus pack because it allows her to be an even greater advocate for causes in which she is actively involved, like Leader Dogs for the Blind.

“The franchise broker community has shown interest and made personal investments in our brand, and that speaks volumes to the credibility of the Pet Supplies Plus franchise offer, corporate support provided and systems we’ve set in place to ensure success in the pet retail industry,” said Rowland.

Additionally, six existing franchisees signed franchise agreements further investing in the trusted brand. These six current franchise agreements account for 22 of the new store deals, with one franchise group committed to adding 15 more locations.

Earlier this year, Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 1 in the pet store category on Entrepreneur magazine’s prestigious Franchise 500® list for the fifth straight year and No. 46 overall. With 460 stores open in 33 states, PSP is on track to surpass its goal of adding at least 50 stores by year end. 

Those interested in learning more about Pet Supplies Plus can speak with the franchise development team to start the process. To find success as a pet store owner, please call 734.793.6656 or visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.

ABOUT PET SUPPLIES PLUS

Pet Supplies Plus is focused on making it easier to get better products for your pet. With over 460 locations in 33 states, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods and services. Headquartered in Livonia, Mich., PSP ranked No. 46 in Entrepreneur magazine’s 40th Annual Franchise 500® list as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size.

For more information about Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunities, visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.

19 06, 2019

PJ’s Coffee Awards Military Veteran with Franchise Business

2019-06-19T13:54:42-04:00June 19th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |

Marine Corps Veteran and Former Monroe Police Officer Wins Franchise; Set to Open PJ’s Coffee in Ruston, Louisiana

RUSTON, La. — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, a New Orleans-based coffeehouse that demonstrates better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffee-making matter, has awarded Marine Corps Veteran, Bobby Mounts, as the winner of its annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway.  

After the announcement of the free franchise license giveaway on Veterans Day in 2018, PJ’s Coffee received numerous applications from veterans around the United States. From those nominations, PJ’s Coffee chose the top applicants to go through a comprehensive interview process before selecting Mounts as the winner. The new PJ’s Coffee location is slated to open in Ruston, LA., in early 2020. Last year was the first PJ’s Coffee franchise license giveaway that was awarded to Marine Corps Veteran Jeff Hateley. He opened his location in Rock Hill, SC., and has seen incredible success in the community with a seamless transition from military life to entrepreneurship.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bobby to the franchise system as the second winner of the franchise license giveaway – Bobby truly has every characteristic we look for in a franchisee,” said Ryan Stansbury, PJ’s Coffee Vice President of Franchise Development. “His military experience and time spent as a police officer display his incredible dedication to serving our nation and his community. He is passionate, hardworking and has a work ethic that can’t be matched. We are excited to see him thrive in Louisiana.”

Mounts served in the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2008 as an infantry rifleman and eventually became a Sergeant. During his service, he was deployed in Iraq in 2004. After serving, Mounts was a police officer for the Monroe Police Department for nine years and has been working for the West Monroe Police Department for the last four years. Now, at the ripe age of 39, Mounts is looking for his next adventure in pursuit of entrepreneurship and came across the PJ’s Coffee franchise license giveaway and saw the it as the perfect opportunity to engage with the brand.

“I have always wanted to pursue entrepreneurship and I couldn’t be more thrilled and humbled to do so through PJ’s Coffee,” said Mounts. “I am incredibly fortunate to have been awarded this opportunity and I am committed to paying it forward to other men and women who serve our communities and country. Policeman, fireman, and military personnel are all truly inspiring individuals who devote their lives to serving others and I look forward to welcoming them in my doors. This community has been my home for nearly two decades and I’m excited to bring the PJ’s Coffee to the neighborhood.”

PJ’s Coffee serves a wide variety of iced, frozen, hot, cold brew, and nitro-infused coffees using only the top one percent of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries. The brand’s famous iced coffees are brewed daily using a special cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the beans, while producing a coffee that is two thirds less acidic – a process pioneered by PJ’s Coffee founder, Phyllis Jordan.

To become a part of the ever-growing $100 Billion a year global industry, a prospective franchisee can expect a total investment range between $188,275$387,000 for non-traditional franchise units, and $198,275$578,000 for traditional units. The operating model and menu is adaptable to any environment with different options including kiosks and free-standing locations with a drive-thru, ranging from a few hundred square feet up to 2000 square feet. PJ’s Coffee offers a proven franchise structure with strategic corporate support.

The PJ’s Coffee brand is passionate about giving back to the veteran community in any way it can. The company is an International Franchise Association VetFran member, proudly offering qualified veterans a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee.

For more information about PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunities, and to request your free franchise information booklet, please visit http://www.pjsfranchise.com.

About PJ’s Coffee

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry. The coffeehouse was acquired by Ballard Brands in 2008 which was spearheaded by brothers Paul, Scott and Steve Ballard. The New Orleans-based coffeehouse demonstrates that better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffee-making matter. The brand serves a wide variety of hot, iced and frozen coffee beverages using only the top one percent of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries. The company recently celebrated its 40th year as an established brand and continues to remain an authentic coffeehouse with a New Orleans spirit. PJ’s Coffee has more than 100 locations open and operating nationally and internationally.